I first learned of head tracking from this thread about Boom Blox. From there, I found this youtube video about how it works. If you have no clue what I'm talking about, watch that video. I'll wait...
I know what you're thinking. "How the frack can the balance board do anything like that. To you, I tell you to stand up. Really. Stand normally. The balance board can track you center of balance thanks to the 4 pressure sensors in each corner. A standard stance has both heels and both balls of the feet (the toe area) each carrying your weight about evenly. Now lean to your right...
Your left heel just lifted off the floor, and more of your weight was put on your right foot, correct? Yes, I am. Along with that, your center of balance also moved directly to the right in the process, too. The same happens when leaning left. Now recenter your balance and crouch.
Most likely, you're balanced on your toes, right? Right. Your center of balance is also moved forward, and the balance board would also recognize that there is no weight on the back of the board, meaning you're crouching, rather than leaning forward. Now lean forward...
Your center of balance is moved forward, but not as much, and your heels still carry some of your weight, differentiating it from a crouch. With these simple movement patterns, you can simulate head tracking with hardware that may become more standard in homes over time, and without creating new hardware (IR light glasses). The only problem is that it does limit the degree which you can move through, which, while feeling more limited than true head tracking, may be easier to work with on the programming side.
This feels like a perfect solution for first person shooters. Can I copyright Center of Balance Tracking? Damn, I just put a really good on the internet so that it can be stolen...
Any ideas/people who have programming knowledge who can make this happen?
Recommended Shops
Balance board capable of "head tracking" equal?
Linear Mode
