Okay, so I’m not much of a programmer. Far from it, in fact. Sure, I know the most basic of basics with Java, but the only programming languages I’m moderately comfortable with are of the web variety. Despite that inadequacy, though, I’ve recently decided that I’d like to look into the basics of creating programs for the Wiimote.
I feel like it has a ton of promise as a versatile alternate input system for the mobility impaired, but the only ones who seem to be tapping that promise at the moment are attempting to cash it in for everything it’s worth. Case in point: someone is selling a control "package" that supposedly will allow disabled individuals to control their computers via head tracking for roughly $300. What does this package actually include, though? A baseball cap with a velcro strap on the brim to attach your own Wiimote (that’s right, you need to provide your own…), a small applet that presumably uses freely available libraries to translate Wiimote motion to cursor control, and a little "dwell to click" program. Sorry, but I need to call shenanigans on the ridiculousness of that.
So, I figure this would be a good longish-term project. If I can develop some small programs that translate various bits of Wiimote functionality into specialized input — something like controlling the cursor’s y-axis with the camera for improving access to FPSs — that would be something that a lot of people would be able to take advantage of. Without taking advantage of them.
I’m not exactly sure where to start, or when I will for that matter, but I’m going to try to keep a detailed account of my progress here. Stay tuned.