Students bring Pong and lasers together at last

When it comes to DIY projects, there are few surer ways to impress than crafting a unique interpretation of Pong -- something that's been attempted many, many times in the past. Now, a group of students at Cornell University have devised what may just be the most impressive bit of Pong hackery to date, unveiling their so-called "Wall of Pong" for the world to see (and be jealous of). At the center of the system is a moveable laser projection platform that throws the necessary dot onto any flat surface, which the two players can then bat around using actual paddles. From the looks of it, the speed of the ball is somewhat limited by how fast the motorized projector is able to move (check it out in action by hitting the read link below), although it still seems to be capable of providing a satisfying ehough game. Best of all, the entire cost of the project was under fifty bucks, although it sadly looks to be beyond the reach of all but the most seasoned DIY-ers.

[Via SlashGear]

[Sander de Regt @ May 12th 2007 5:42AM]

I don't know if you guys have covered this version yet?

http://www.ronniedelcarmen.com/blog1/2007/05/video-ping-pong-for-masses.html

I think it will work with a webcam, although I haven't tried it myself yet.

[Allan M @ May 12th 2007 5:59AM]

May 12, 2007
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

I'm am really impressed with the ingenuity these two young men have demonstrated. I particularly like their application of simple mechanical and optical principles to a problem that, after some consideration, is not as simple as it may first appear.

[magic @ May 12th 2007 8:59AM]

they already have that at sharper image. its called laser tennis, its been out for years.

[engadget.5.ihatesignups @ May 12th 2007 11:00AM]

Personally I think their original project (linked from the laser pong pages) is even cooler.

[Andy @ May 12th 2007 2:42PM]

Haha, i would love to play that!

[Espinoza @ May 12th 2007 5:24PM]

Perfect for left-handed vs. right-handed, otherwise kind of awkward for one of the players.

[Allan M @ May 12th 2007 5:53PM]

May 12, 2007
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

It's just a habit I've hung onto from writing letters the old fashioned way.
It has worked to my advantage however, when a colleague from years ago saw my first name and knew I was living in Canada and took the chance that I was the person she thought I was. We have since enjoyed many exchanged messages via email.


Allan

[bhavin @ May 12th 2007 8:29PM]

I'm Bhavin - one of the students that helped make the system and would like to note that the ball is intentionally running at about 25% of its maximum speed in order to easily demo it to our professor.

[Ferny @ May 13th 2007 12:18AM]

needs tactile feedback..
the "paddle should shock them every time they loose.

[Whicuz @ May 16th 2007 1:39PM]

I know the kid on the right! Damn. Why do I have to be a CS Major?