Multi-Player Virtual Ping-Pong Game

In this paper we show how a motion capture system and feedback mechanism can be integrated into a virtual ping- pong game to create a multi-player platform. To trace the motion of each player, optical markers are attached to different places on each player´s paddle. For tactile feedback, we designed a controller for a DC (Direct Current) motor, which is also attached to the paddle. This controller communicates with the game server through wireless Bluetooth technology. When the game server detects a collision between the paddle and ball, the controller receives the message from the game server and then triggers one of the respective paddle´s DC motors to vibrate depending on the position of the impact on the paddle. During an exhibition many people positively responded to the game.