Embedded Files
Made by Will Roper, Luke Bailey, and Connor Marsh.
What It Does
Our invention allows the user to play a videogame by pressing pads on a backpack located at the head, shoulders, and waist, hence the name "Human game controller".
Check out this use case video for more info!
Proprioception.MOVWhy It's Useful (and who could use it)
This invention can be used to teach proprioception to children. By playing the game multiple times, the users will become more aware of the location of their head, shoulders, and waist in relation to the rest of their body.
This is designed for anyone who could benefit from training their proprioception and developing that mind-body connection. This could be children with developmental disabilities or adults with nervous system damage.
How It Works
A conductive pad made of foamcore and aluminum foil are the "triggers" that move the snake around in the game.Â
Each trigger is connected to the central Makey Makey board via alligator clips
User holds copper wire ground to complete circuit
When the circuit between the ground and foil bad is completed (via skin contact) it reads as a unique keystroke on the computer through the Makey Makey board
Parts of Controller
Up Direction Hat
Up Direction Hat
Tap hat>up arrow on keyboard to move the snake up
Right Shoulder Pad
Right Shoulder Pad
Tap right pad> right arrow and space bar on keyboard to move snake right, start game (for Snake)
Left Shoulder Pad
Left Shoulder Pad
Tap left pad> left arrow on keyboard to move the snake left
Waist Pad and Ground
Waist Pad and Ground
Tap waist pad> down arrow on keyboard to move the snake down
Hold copper wire ground> completes circuit
Materials We Used
Slip into pocket of backpack
Foil pads and Makey Makey board are connected to the backpack for ease of use
Connected to computer via USB cable
Alligator Clips
Alligator Clips
Used to connect Makey Makey Board to pads, hat, and ground
Foam Core
Foam Core
Used to form base for pads
Paper clamps
Paper clamps
Used to clamp pads to backpack straps
Tinfoil
Tinfoil
Wrapped around pads to make them electrically conductive
Backpack
Backpack
Holds pads and Makey Makey board
Pads clamped to straps
Makey Makey board in pocket
Duct Tape
Duct Tape
Used to keep the tinfoil hat together
Hat
Hat
Holds tinfoil for up direction
Future Possibilities
More options for body parts
Wearable triggers (without a backpack!)
Better-designed ground connection (less intrusive)
More durable materials
More complex game/specialized program
This project was developed as part of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering course ENGR 0716 The Art of Making: An Introduction to Hands-On System Design and Engineering.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse