MAKE: Blog: Knock-based commands for your Linux laptop

Knock-based commands for your Linux laptop

T42P
The new Macbook's aren't the only laptops you can knock, slap and bump to perform commands - "For the first time, you can hit your computer and get a meaningful response! Using Linux and the Hard Drive Active Protection System (HDAPS) kernel drivers, you can access the embedded accelerometers on Lenovo (formerly IBM) ThinkPads, then process the accelerometer data to read specific sequences of "knocking" events -- literally rapping on the laptop case with your knuckles -- and run commands based on those knocks. Double tap to lock the screen, and knock in your secret code to unlock. Tap the display lid once to move your mp3 player to the next track. The possibilities are endless." [via] - Link.

Posted by Phillip Torrone | Jul 30, 2006 01:55 PM
Computers, DIY Projects | Permalink | Comments (2)

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Oh dear god... I'm picturing Linux geeks playing at being "The Fonz". Why did you do this to us, Make?

Posted by: wolfger on July 30, 2006 at 3:35 PM

I can see it now. Morse code tap-entry! Assuming it's at least a dual-axis accelerometer, tap X-axis to get dots and Y-axis to get dashes (or vice versa) for a dual-paddle config...

Posted by: aplumb on July 31, 2006 at 7:28 PM

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