A simple, low cost, amazing technology!

When the South West Regional Development Agency asked me to create something special for the 2007 Creative Economy Summit, that’s exactly what they did.

One heated brainstorming session later, the team and I had come up with ‘Magic Markers’ – a new kind of interface technology that is flexible enough to be used in many unique and interesting interactive applications.

The Magic Marker technology can be used to draw lines and shapes at any distance from a screen, using a specially built wireless pointing device. The wand-like device communicates with an optical sensor to translate your movements into actions on a computer.

The software can recognise multiple wands, which can be used to accurately trace lines in the air. The wand itself is lightweight and battery powered – making it simple for anybody to use.

I built the Magic Markers technology for the South West Creative Economy Summit, based on branding supplied for the event. The resulting interactive allowed conference participates to interact with the brand on a playful and emotional level.

Infra Red tracking

In just a few weeks I was able to hand craft several Magic Markers that comprised of test-tubes that had specially frosted ends. Each test tube was loaded with a battery and Infra Red lights. A camera that I modified to receive infra red light could then track the markers in all directions. Working in a similar way to the Playstation Move controller, but these were a lot simpler and faster to develop with.

If you have enjoyed this, why not check out these other interesting things?