Using a Mobile Phone as a Wii-like Controller for Playing Games on a Large Public Display

This research explores the potential of utilizing mobile phones equipped with 3D motion sensors as intuitive, wireless game controllers for large public displays. The primary thesis posits that mobile devices, which are already ubiquitous, can replicate the innovative, motion-based interaction models popularized by the Nintendo Wii to foster social gaming experiences in urban environments. By leveraging onboard accelerometers and Bluetooth connectivity, the study demonstrates that mobile handsets can serve as effective input devices for multiplayer games, thereby bridging the gap between personal mobile technology and public interactive displays.

The study introduces the Poppet framework, a system designed to facilitate communication between mobile clients and external game servers. The implementation utilized Nokia 5500 handsets, which feature 3D accelerometers capable of detecting rotational orientation and translational acceleration. Technical methodology involved using the Symbian Sensor API to capture motion data, which was then transmitted via a Bluetooth socket connection to a PC-based game server running a custom driving game, TiltRacer, developed in the Microsoft XNA framework.

Empirical data was gathered during a public trial at the 2007 Forum Nokia Technical Days in Budapest, Hungary. Observations of 30 to 35 participants indicated that the interface was highly intuitive, allowing users to engage with the game immediately without formal instruction. Feedback highlighted that the system successfully promoted social interaction and immersion, as players focused on the large screen rather than the phone controller. The findings conclude that while mobile phones do not replace dedicated consoles, they offer a viable, accessible platform for innovative, motion-controlled gaming in public spaces, effectively hybridizing virtual and physical environments for the mass market.