• Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Topic: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Some, if not all, Natural Point head trackers can be set-up to enable gamers to play keyboard compatible games using "Track Mapper".

Image of 'Track Mapper' screen


I've played Space Invaders and Uo Poko on MAME using just the head tracker in this way.


You'll need to install the software for "Track-IR 4.1" then install "Track Mapper".

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/06- … nuals.html - Track-IR software
http://kaf.tri6.net/trackmapper/ - Track Mapper software

You then start up the Track-IR software (don't have your original Smart-NAV software running), then Track Mapper. From here you assign what head position corresponds to what key. Thus you can map positions where you turn your head left, to the left cursor, right to the right cursor, and perhaps where you'd tilt your head up, to she SPACE BAR (for fire perhaps).


Barrie
www.OneSwitch.org.uk

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Hi

What hardware is required for this to work?

Thanks

Bert.

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

You'll need a Track-IR or SMART Nav head tracker. The Track-IR is the cheapest option, but has no facility to connect external switches. You can get around this by adding an extra switch interface.

http://www.naturalpoint.com/

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Could it somehow be bodged together to work on a console?

If I could use a combination of mouse, speech and head tracking for a console it would be great.

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Would it allow me to use a mouse along side the head tracker. I intend to aim and fire with the limited functionality in my right hand, then move my avatar with my head. Also using speech for other commands such as jump, crouch and reload.

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Sadly, I don't know how to get any existing head-tracker working on a games console. However, you can get PC mice and keyboard controllers working on consoles:

http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?products_id=5438&

And using a fantastic Ultimarc I-Pac adapter - you could use a tailor-made specialised controller to act as your keyboard: http://www.ultimarc.com/console.html


You can use a mouse and a head-tracker as two independent controllers with some PC games, but I recommend that you get in touch with www.naturalpoint.com as they would be in a better position to advise you.

Good luck, and please keep us in on your progress.

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Nice one cheers, I know so many people in my area who would benefit from this, aswell as myself.

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

My trackir arrived. Sadly I think I got the wrong thing, does anyone know how to set the trackir4 pro to move the mouse or does it not?

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

You'd be best off contacting Natural Point, Bert - however I don't think you've bought the wrong thing. My previous Track-IR moved the mouse as soon as I activated the software (it needs to be running in the back ground).

You'll know that the Track-IR is active by the LED's lighting up inside it. Try uninstalling then reinstalling the software if you still have no joy.

Downloads for Track-IR can be found here:

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/06- … nuals.html

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

What is the difference between the trackir and smartnav then? If they both emulate mice?

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

SmartNAV has the facility to connect switches, and has more advanced software with various dwell clicking icons and so on. Again, Natural Point would be better placed to explain this.

  • Registered: 2006-05-23
  • Posts: 48

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Sorry for my questions but can the mouse still be used if the track mapper is on?

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Off the top of my head, I don't think so, which I realise will likely cause you issues playing the games independently. As with so much, it could be better, but it's certainly better than nothing. I'll try to find out some more asap.

  • Registered: 2006-11-30
  • Posts: 7

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

Hi, The Track Mapper sounds great, so if I have the smartnav and track mapper can I play mame games I have two switchs I can use now if I can move left right up down that would be great.

  • Registered: 2006-02-03
  • Posts: 294

Re: Head Tracker - Track Mapper - head movements to key presses

MAME is so versatile, I've played games using a head-tracker and switches (set to act as key presses). If your switches can be set to key presses or joystick functions, you can play games.

It's not all easy though. MAME takes a fair bit of setting up, as does Track Mapper. The real down side is that you can't move the mouse when your head-tracker is set to trigger key presses, so you'll probably have to rely upon a helper to get you in and out of the game.

Once you're set up though, pretty much ANY coin-op game can be made head-tracker and switch compatible. I plan to get a decent guide up next year on my web-site.

Take a look at http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/4/games/MAME.htm for help on how to slow games down, and add cheats.

Please let us know how you get on, and which games you find easiest. Good luck!