German student’s thesis uses Wii Remote as virtual spray can
Mike Suszek | June 9, 2008
Martin Lihs at Bauhaus University in Weimar, Germany is using the Wii remote to do something, interesting, for his final-thesis work in Media Art and Design. Lihs, along with Frank Matuse, developed the first prototype of a Wii remote-turned spray paint can in 2007.
A rough translation of the development site WiiSpray explains the concept of the wiimote/spray can device, allowing you to “Imagine a virtual wall. Using your browser you select the background of your choice and start spraying with your digital spray can.”
Anyone interesting in graffiti tags can be excited about this project. The site urges users to “go for it! Everything is legal! Nothing will be destroyed or damaged.” Though a vast majority of the information on the project will remain unpublished until the final presentation, the foundation of the project is revealed (again, in a rough translation):
“The basic idea was to build a computer hardware interface which is similar to an existing analog tool. A new interface will force new experiences. Forget about keyboard and mouse: with WiiSpray we created a new human computing interface (HCI). The use of WiiSpray is similar to using a real spray can – without the color and the toxic smells…You don´t need to learn this device - just start spraying intuitively. The best part is, after finishing your grafitti you can upload it to our website and look at it at any time, from everywhere.”
WiiSpray utilizes Flash, a WiiFlashServer, and the technology provided by Nintendo in the Wii Remote.
Lihs plans on building a new spray can with additional functions and advanced software. Some of these added functions he hopes to include are different spray caps, colors, collaborative spraying options, and even the possibility of spraying online with a friend. Online spraying would connect artists together with, what else, video chat capabilities.
Seeing what he has accomplished now, there’s little reason to doubt these ideas. The only person that could top this is Johnny Lee himself. Here’s to hoping a developer picks up on this and collaborates with Lihs, and maybe we can see a Wii Ware application!
