Ask Sarit: How do you fine tune range-of-motion settings while playing on a big screen?

“I work at a school for kids with motor difficulties where Timocco is connected to a large screen and I can’t seem to get the range of motion settings just right for each child.  Can you help?”

First, it’s important to understand that the camera and it’s positioning play a key role in tailoring Timocco to the child’s abilities.

When a child plays in front of a big screen, there’s a natural tendency to move back so that they can see the whole screen. With a big screen set-up, the camera is usually positioned on top of the screen which creates an even bigger distance between the child and the camera.

The child’s distance from the camera affects the range of motion required to play a game -the farther away a child is, the greater the range of motion they will need to use to play that game. It’s important to be attentive because we don’t want to create a situation where the movements that the child has to preform are impossible for them, for example a child that has limitations in movement.

Too much distance can also cause problems with the motion tracking and the gaming balls won’t appear on the screen.

 

The optimal way to set up Timocco with a big screen is as follows:

1. Place the camera you received with your Timocco kit at the bottom of the large screen, on a table or on the computer itself so that the camera is at the height of the child’s hands.
2. If the child stands far away from the screen, place the camera closer to the child (about 3-5 feet away from the child). This way the child can stand far from the screen but still close enough to the camera.
3. Use the camera as a dynamic help tool. Open the viewer window by pressing on the camera icon. You can use the long camera cable to place it in the correct place. Try to have the child in the silhouette in the viewer. You can move the camera nearer and farther away from the child to adjust the range of motion so that it fits the child’s needs and abilities.