Q: Modular Interface with an iPad; could it potentially be a controller for flight sims?

[mudpuppy]

First off, my preference would be for this to also be compatible with Android.  The designer's site is listed below:

http://florianborn.com/projects/modulares_interface/

 

A tech write-up on this "haptic feedback" system explains the concept so much better than I:

 

Created by Florian Born, Modulares Interface B.A. is a physical interface for iPad comprised of knobs, buttons and sliders to provide precision and haptic feedback when operating a digital interface.

These controllers expand the usage of a touch device with a haptic feedback while adjusting parameters. By using magnets, the different controllers can easily be arranged onto the iPad. A modular interface appears, which uses a given device just like the iPad. The system is comprised of three different parts – the physical controllers (button, slider and knob), made out of conductive aluminium to pass on the electrical discharge of the human skin. Second, a frame, made out of aluminium and plastic, in which the iPad is inserted. The edge of the frame has embedded magnets, making it possible to position the controller precisely. Finally, the software, running as an app on the iPad which organizes the control elements and sends the parameters to the corresponding software, which is controlled by the modular interface.

 

After I got over the "Oh, how cool...." reaction, I wondered if this could somehow be a multi-function controller for flight (or racing) sims?  Except for considerations of cost, I thought these may be some pertinent questions and issues to determine if it could have that use:  

 

The software running on the tablet would have to be recognized as a game controller by the PC....somehow.  I know that Il2 BoS doesn't support Device2Link(name?) like the old Il2 did, but something similar to that maybe/possibly/could allow a networked tablet to be recognized as a game controller.  Thoughts???

 

With the ability to modify the types of controls (sliders, buttons, rotary), is it possible to define multiple controller profiles and what may be involved in mapping different configurations for different applications?  Meaning that, if this is possible, could you have different profiles for single engine and multi-engine craft or a fighter profile and then another one for a two engine level bomber?  You could open a saved profile and place the controllers in their assigned locations but would this mean the sim software would have to be able to recognize this profile as a new controller with specific functions mapped?  Makes me think of a product out for several years now with buttons you pace in ares you select on a touchscreen but I can't recall the name. 

 

Also the controls are rather small and the ease of 'attachment' to the frame/tablet seems like they could also be easily displaced.

 

It may really only be useful as a midi controller, at least i think that's what it is being used as in the example of an audio interface.  Like I said the 'cool' factor is quite high on this little toy...but could there also be be an "A-Ha!" moment if it could be a new controller for sims?

Plus, I thought some other might find this as neat as I did.

Derek

 

[Jaegermeister]

  

The software running on the tablet would have to be recognized as a game controller by the PC....somehow.  I know that Il2 BoS doesn't support Device2Link(name?) like the old Il2 did, but something similar to that maybe/possibly/could allow a networked tablet to be recognized as a game controller.  Thoughts???

 

With the ability to modify the types of controls (sliders, buttons, rotary), is it possible to define multiple controller profiles and what may be involved in mapping different configurations for different applications?  Meaning that, if this is possible, could you have different profiles for single engine and multi-engine craft or a fighter profile and then another one for a two engine level bomber?  You could open a saved profile and place the controllers in their assigned locations but would this mean the sim software would have to be able to recognize this profile as a new controller with specific functions mapped?  Makes me think of a product out for several years now with buttons you pace in ares you select on a touchscreen but I can't recall the name.....

Derek

You can use the iPad as a controller. Look for the Touch Pilot 1 app. I have been using it for about 6 months. It interfaces with the computer via wifi after downloading server software to your computer and running the background program. It acts as a 2nd joystick with axes, rotaries and buttons.

[39bn_pavig]

Touchpilot is good but not customisable. You want touchOSC so you can design your own interfaces and then a MIDI to HID solution. I looked into it but it was so much fussing about that I figured a HOTAS was worth buying instead.

 

The other option is an arduino with joystick firmware. That'll give you 8 axes and 20 buttons even on a cheap board, and if you're going to build hardware it may as well be as simple as possible. $10 buck arduino and some pots/switches that plugs into USB without drivers vs fussy hardware to expensive ipad to touchosc to midi to hid driver. Less fancy, but cheaper and probably more reliable.