Description
Orb works on a simple system that consists of accelerometers and gyroscopes forming what is known as a Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This IMU is able to detect slight movements in 6 degrees of freedom. This enables the gamer to easily manipulate the 3D environment using a flick of the wrist. This, combined with some intelligent programming linked below, would allow us to translate the IMU data into movement commands for the cursor and also key presses for the keyboard using an arduino micro. This can allow us to game without a surface and have a more interactive gaming experience.
Details
I wanted to make a 3D mouse that I could freely use in an interactive manner to play games such as Team Fortress 2 and Minecraft. I did not want to be limited by my mouse which is strictly confined to my desk and wanted to have a immersive experience while gaming. I am definitely loving the direction this project is taking so far. Until now, I have completed the base code for the arduino micro and designed and 3D printed an enclosure for it. A picture of my electronics in the prototype enclosure is above. However, the accelerometer position sensing is still very buggy and I hope to fix it by implementing some other algorithms like Kalman Filtering and Gravity compensation.
Build instructions
Before I begin, I would like to say that these instructions are for the cardboard box version of the Orb seen in the details part of the post as I have documented that part more that the parts with the 3D printed case. However, it shouldn't be too difficult to adapt them for the 3D printed case. Now grab your breadboard and let's get started!
This is all you need. Let's jump right in.
First, you need to wire up the arduino to the GY-521 using the I2C on the Arduino. On the arduino micro, that would be pins 2 and 3 for SDA and SCL respectively. Then connect up the Vcc and the ground to 5V and ground on the Arduino. I did all the connections using jumpers with one end stripped and inserted into the breadboard.
Next, make two holes on the cardboard box for the Micro-switches and glue the micro-switches into the holes using hot glue. After that,make sure that the microswitches are wired to the right digital pins as mentioned in the code.
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