Hands-FreeGamingFun:HandcraftedBalanceBoardsandDigitalFloorSensors
For Royal Caribbean International, we developed an exciting and technically innovative game. On a custom-made LED balance board, the player controls the main character of the game, Sasu, by shifting their weight left or right, jumping up and down, or shaking, through their mission in the deep sea. For another ongoing project, we developed a digital grid with special sensors that can be integrated into the floor. By tracking the player's feet, players can control a friendly creature in a classic jump 'n' run manner.
Development and Construction of the Balance Board
Our goal was to keep Royal Caribbean's ship guests physically active, which is why their body forms the central interaction and control element. To achieve this, we had to face several challenges: changing light conditions, size and weight differences, a plug-and-play system that is vibration-proof and must run 24/7 on board. Therefore, we decided not to use an optical system like Kinect, but to build a balance board with its own tracking system based on the user's balance.
Special weight sensors supporting up to 120 kg measure changes in balance, and an additional LED layer on top, covered with 1.5 cm thick plexiglass, protects the entire system from moisture or dust. With an area of 85x85 cm, the board is accessible and usable for wheelchair users due to its size and sensitive mechanics. To keep the installation completely barrier-free, a separate controller with oversized input options was also integrated. To monitor the sensor values and send them to our Unity application, we developed Demodern brand boards and a modular system that allows easy replacement of sensors or other components.
Sensor Mechanics for the Floor
We are always working to develop creative solutions that solve novel problems, among other things. Hands-free gaming is an important factor in today's entertainment industry—and will remain so. With this in mind, and to offer even more gaming variety, we further developed the board and created a second model that is controlled on a digital 3x3 grid via pressure sensors instead of balance/weight. The 33x33 cm area can be easily scaled, and the digital grid can be easily multiplied depending on the desired hardware and software configuration.
The sensors can be easily and seamlessly integrated into the flooring—be it laminate or carpet—of any room and provide real-time feedback on the user's foot position. The accuracy and sensitivity of the tracking by the pressure sensors connected to the digital network are not disturbed under the protective floor layer, allowing practically unlimited installation possibilities.
If you are interested in a specific solution or a plug-and-play setup of our balance board or the digital floor grid for your next gaming experience—get in touch!