Begigorri is a device that transforms any screen connected to a computer into an interactive screen controlled by a stylus.
The project was born from the desire of wanting to improve upon the new infrared tracking functionalities of the Nintendo RVL-003 controller discovered by US researcher Johnny Chung Lee. The goal was to modify this device and transform it to create a low-cost alternative to the current interactive display systems and to democratize their use in the classrooms.
Begigorri was developed up to prototype level during the years 2009 and 2010.
Connected wirelessly to a computer via Bluetooth, Begigorri transforms any regular display feed from that computer into an interactive display. That means that with an infrared stylus the user can interact with the computer through its display, no matter if its a monitor, a TV screen or a projector.
The original RVL-003 hardware was upgraded with a radio unit so that it could be turned on and off from the distance through an extra dongle that the user would connect to the computer. The power supply of the device was modified too; powering Begigorri via USB instead of traditional batteries made it more convenient for continuous use. A laser add-on was also created to facilitate the installation on the go.
The name Begigorri: ‘Red eye’ in Basque references the infrared camera tracking technology on it. The first prototype consisted of a tube with a power cable on one side and an infrared camera on the other. The external casing was created using plumbing plastic pieces as a tribute to Nintendo’s emblematic plumber brothers Mario and Luigi.
The project received an economic incentive for startups in Oñati, Gipuzkoa and in April 2010 was awarded a diploma under the code name MMOT in “Actúa UPM” program for the creation of technology-based companies in Madrid. Nevertheless, the lack of investment to keep on with it and the limitations presented in the use of the non-proprietary technology were determinant to leave the project in hibernation.
