What allows the Nintendo Wii controller to detect motion? What electronic component?

Question

What component is it that actually detects when its been moved forwards, backwards, sideways etc? Can you buy the component? It would be handy for my project.

Thanks

Answer 1

I think it was the axis

Answer 2

dan j is right.

You can basically use candles to replace the wii controller sensor like

this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brjn8_INK...

and make your own: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdxJt9UNq...

Answer 3

Yes the IR sensor is part of what you need 2 move forward, sideways etc but the IR sensor is really only to let the wii mote know where the TV is so it can point at the correct spot. What actually detects the motion are accelerometers, devices that can measure the force of gravity in a certain direction and that force and direction is then converted in to motions that you see on screen (there is a home brew app that shows this). These devices are available but generally they are used in shipping companies to make sure your package isn't getting thrown around.  

Answer 4

on the inside of the Wii Remote, there's a balance sensor. much like a those glass tubes that have a bubble inside for Levels (Carpentry Tool). and the IR sensor on the front of the Remote works with the sensor bar over the TV. and together they detect how far away you are, and where you're pointing. and that's pretty much how the whole thing works. now give me my 10, well earned, points! :-) jk

Answer 5

the wiimote is actually an infrared camera and the sensor bar emits two infrared lights. the remote uses the relationship between the lights and camera to sense where the remote is and what angle. it also has  accelerometers to sense where it is when it isn't facing the sensor bar