Hacked Nintendo DS Controls DSLR Cameras
A visual effects studio modified a Nintendo DS to control Canon DSLR cameras.
While filming Night at the Museum 2, HDRLabs came up with the idea to modify a Nintendo DS so that it could control Canon DSLR cameras. The project is currently helmed by Steve Chapman, the studios' newest collaborator who previously worked on Iron Man, Indiana Jones 4, 2012, and many other films. Called Open Camera Control, the project uses the DS and firmware to bypass the cameras' standard 3-shot method.
This idea sparked while playing Mario Kart DS. "Amidst the banana-slinging mayhem it came to us that this simple and reasonably inexpensive game device fit the bill perfectly," the company explains. "Plus it was designed to withstand being abused by kids, so it is nearly indestructible. We had two steps ahead of us: write the software, and figure out a method to interface with the camera."
HDRLabs added that it also built versions of the Nintendo DS controller that could manipulate multiple cameras simultaneously. This link shows how the hardware aspect was modified, using a WarioWare: Twisted Game Boy Advance cartridge to house a special circuit board. HDRLabs also offers wiring diagrams and code used in the Arduino developer environment
The company said the system was successfully used in the production of visual effects for Twilight 2, 2012, Sucker Punch, and Paul. To learn more about creating a DS camera controller, head here.
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It is amazing what kind of McGyver stuff film studios can pull off but I wonder how Nintendo feels about all this?
Good, 'cause it's free advertising, even if it is hacked stuff. Maybe they'll take a hint and make their SDK more open.
Geez, if portables would make truly open SDKs and development platforms, they would go really, really far.
Who cares how Nintendo feels? It is a fair use adaption of intellectual property, Nintendo has no say in the matter.
That's like saying Smuckers, the current patent holder for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, can sue me when I made a pb&j with fried bananas.
This is rather interesting to see; I'll admit that before I read the website, I thought that perhaps the process of using it would be more complicated than worth the effort for all but a handful of professionals, though I see that it looks simpler than I'd thought.
It is amazing what kind of McGyver stuff film studios can pull off but I wonder how Nintendo feels about all this?
Doesn't really matter what Nintendo thinks; if they know better, they'll milk this for publicity. If they don't, they'll either keep quiet about it, or make an empty claim.
Due to the First-Sale doctrine, as the DS is a physical product protected by patent law, a purchaser may dispose of the device in any means they see fit. Of course, it CAN void their warranty, but aside from that, Nintendo cannot actually tell anyone what they physically are and aren't allowed to do with their DS.
The only thing HDR Labs can't do here is actually SELL these items, since THAT would violate Nintendo's patent. However, they may freely give out instructions for modifying them. (much like, say, people giving out plans for converting hybrid cars to plug-in hybrids)
It is a fair use adaption of intellectual property,
Actually, "fair use" only applies to use of copyrighted works; in the case of patented inventions, an owner of a device, as I mentioned above, may with it as they like. The Fair Use Doctrine has been recognized consistently by the US Supreme Court for over 100 years now.
Ok, please, Tom's, please make a little article about Japan's different uses of a single DS
Cheers!
Is that what the "DS" stood for?
I think this might be a new record for Kevin. Longest lapse between breakthrough and news article? I first heard about this at least 1.5 years ago, and the project started in '07-ish.
Well yeah, I guess there was that one about the revolutionary low-priced 3-D scanner that didn't actually scan in 3-D at all, just take turntable photos for a 360˚view of a product, as had been available for… well, ever really.
A new silver medal, then, to the existing gold medal holder.