Interactive Whiteboard using IR pen with a RealSense camera?

[RTher1]

Hi there

Could anyone tell me if there is an existing project using a generic IR pen to create an interactive whiteboard using a RealSense camera?

I have seen a http://www.instructables.com/id/Wiimote-Whiteboard-IR-Pen/ simple example made with a Wiimote (which acts as the camera) and a home-made IR pen.

If no project exists, could anyone offer advice as to whether it's possible and which RealSense models would be best to achieve this?

Thanks!

[MartyG · Accepted solution]

I'm guessing that your plan is to use the RealSense camera as an IR detector, and have the camera generate an input response when it detects the IR light source on the end of the pen?

It sounds feasible. Any RealSense camera can detect IR. The greater challenge to address is likely to one of detection range. For instance, the maximum detection range will probably be 4 m or less with older RealSense camera models such as R200 and ZR300. So if you were using the IR wand at distance then the RealSense camera would not be able to track the IR light.

If you were going to be standing in the middle or rear of a room, with the display surface at the front of the room, then the new D435 camera may be the best choice. It has double the operating range of previous RealSense cameras thanks to its new D4 Vision Processor chip and is well suited to tracking objects in motion.

You may be interested in the test video below of a 400 Series camera being used to scan a street from the viewpoint of a moving car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BIxXn0DIK0&t=968s# t=26m30s Intel presents RealSense™ at the IDTechEx Show!: From 3D Printing to Drones - YouTube

[RTher1]

Thank you so much for your quick and excellent response MartyG - I really appreciate it.

Yes, you are right about the intended purpose. I'm pleased to hear that the new model is likely the right one to do the job.

Unfortunately I've had no luck with being able to order any model in my country (South Africa), and the support team has not been able to find a solution.

I guess I will need to get someone in Europe to buy me one and send it out here!

Thanks again,

Toni

[MartyG]

Unfortunately South Africa is not currently on the list of countries that Intel will directly ship the new 400 Series cameras to. Another option for you may be to inquire to a local Intel Authorized Distributor company, who can order Intel products and components. In South Africa, the distributors are:

Rectron

http://www.rectron.co.za/ Rectron offers Software, Networking, Hardware, Data Centre solutions.

Logicom

http://www.logicom.ae/EN/Pages/Home.aspx Home

There is currently a shortage of 400 Series cameras due to high demand though, so it may be a while before Intel Authorized Distributors can get stock. It may indeed be faster to get someone you know in Europe to buy and ship one to you. Even if they pre-ordered one now though on the Intel Click online store, it would not be delivered until around March.

[RTher1]

Thanks for the advice and those links - much appreciated MartyG !