Interactive multi touch, multi projector flexible learning space

You may have read my article written in November 2011 entitled "Building an interactive multi touch surface on the cheap using a Wiimote" in which I discussed the technical build details on how to design your own multi touch surface.



Build Requirements

With the technical design out of the way the next step is determining how I could successfully integrate a multi touch surface into a school environment. After playing with some ideas on how to implement it successfully in a school environment we came up with the following requirements.

• Create an interactive learning space with 2 projectors, one traditional wall facing projector and one interactive table projector.
• It has to be easy and work consistently. In my experience if the system doesn't' "just work" then users aren't interested in attempting to use it.
• The room should remain a flexible space.

With these requirements in mind I decided it would be best to roof mount the projectors and Wiimote, this would ensure the tables could be moved if required. This also means I need to run a power source to the Wiimote with a switch to turn the power on and off.

I am going to utilize the WiiSync autoit script I previously wrote to enable users to easily connect the Wiimote via bluetooth to the computer. If you need the WiiSync script or any other technical details please see this blog post.



The Build

During the 2011 Christmas school holidays I put aside a few days for the installation, I had the power points installed by Electricians and the remainder of the installation was done in house.

We decided to reuse a decommissioned projector, previously ceiling mounted in another room, this projector will be used for table projection. Additionally we purchased a new projector, roof mount and speakers to power the wall projector.

You can click on any of the below images to enlarge them.

 The Wiimote power cable, both projector VGA cables and the audio cable are terminated here.

The wall plates installed, the on/off switch for the Wiimote is visible on top.

The Wiimote being wired with power.

The Wiimote and table projector ceiling termination. 

Ceiling mounted wall projector.

 Final installation of table projector and Wiimote.

Speaker installation.

Other installation information:

• A 4-way video splitter is used for video output to the monitor, wall projector and table projector.
• The pens we purchased are the IR Sabre, available for purchase online.
• An inexpensive bluetooth adapter is connected to the computer.
• A 5v power adapter and switch are used to power the Wiimote.

Build costs:

• Wall projector and mount - $1500
• Table projector - free (reused old decommissioned projector)
• Table projector mount - $150
• Wiimote - $50
• Wiimote power adapter - $30
• Switches and electronics - $20
• Wall conduit - $50
• Infrared pens - $36
• Bluetooth adapter - $6
• 4-way VGA splitter - $99 
• Speakers - $200
• Misc parts - $20

Total build cost:  $2161

Considering I was going to replace the wall facing projector in this space regardless, this total cost of the projector is very reasonable. Similar products available commercial such as the SMART table cost $7000+.



The room in action

Finally after hours of testing, planning and 2 days of installation the multi touch, multi projector system is complete. Click the You tube video below for a walk through.

This system has only just gone live in our environment but I am very happy with the implementation. I will report back in a few months time with a progress report on how the users are finding the system. After all if it doesn't get used or doesn't work consistently then it doesn't matter how cool great I think it is.