PlaySDK: Quick Start Installation
Follow the simple instructions below, and you'll be up and running with the PlaySDK in a matter of minutes!
Ready to play? Go!
Step 1: Download and install Panda3D and PlaySDK
Step 2: Run the PlayMotion Calibrate Utility to optimize your camera input
Step 3: Explore the included Sample Applications and
Step 4: Create your own experiences!
Need a bit more detail? We thought so... here ya go!
Step 1: Download and install Panda3D and PlaySDK
a. Go to the download page and click the links.
b. Once both installers have finished downloading:
c. first install Panda3D,
d. then install the PlaySDK.
e. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Congratulations! You are now mere minutes away from creating your own PlayMotion experience!
Step 2: Run the PlayMotion Calibrate Utility:
a. Launch the Calibrate Utility by going to the Start Menu, finding the PlayMotion folder, and selecting "Calibrate." After the launch screen, you should see your camera's video signal appear on screen. If you instead see a mouse-controllable cartoon figure, your webcam is not connected properly; read the Troubleshooting Guide for suggestions.
b. Set up the geometric calibration between your screen and your physical environment by selecting corners (keys 1 thru 4) and moving them (with the arrow keys). In other words, chose which region of the camera image you want your program to pay attention to, and perform any geometric warping necessary to conform it to a rectilinear area (distortion is caused when the camera is not completely perpendicular to the backplane; proper calibration can correct this).
c. Switch to Segmentation Mode by hitting the "D" key.
d. IMPORTANT: move your body OUTSIDE of the camera view for this step. Snap a reference background plate by carefully reaching your hands to the keyboard and hitting Ctrl-[Space]. You may now physically re-enter the image; if done properly, you should see some on-screen abstraction of your silhouette; if not, repeat this step until you do.
e. Optimize the signal; start by hitting TAB to bring up the on screen menu. Navigate between parameters with the up and down arrow keys; adjust Threshold and Noise Reduction (Median Filter, Neighborhood Size) values with the left and right arrow keys. Experiment with these values until you achieve optimal segmentation clarity, also known as the ability of the computer program to differentiate between foreground (active participants) and background (static environment). If your image continues to fluctuate radically, your camera may have automatic settings that need to be disabled; please see our Practical Considerations for Webcams guide.
f. Save your settings by hitting "S."
g. Exit the Calibrate Utility by hitting "ESC".
h. Full instructions for Calibrating your system can be found here. What you just completed was the ultralight / superfast method. :)
Step 3: Run the included Sample Application "8ball":
a. open a command prompt.
b. navigate to the install directory, for example:
-- > C:\playmotion\PlaySDK\demos\
c. call on python to run the demo, by typing ppython followed by the filename of the demo you wish to run, for example:
-- > ppython 8ball.py
d. If all is well, you should be interacting with your computer using your body!
e. If you experience difficulty, please read both the Troubleshooting Guide and if you're using a webcam, our Practical Considerations for Webcams.
Congratulations!
You're now ready to develop your own experiences with the PlaySDK!
Step 4: Create your own experiences!
Run the other Sample Applications from command prompt; get a feel for how computer vision interactions work. Read the Handbook :) Tweak your calibration as needed to optimize your input. Open the sample source files (we suggest making a convenient backup first!). Modify the code. Add some new 3D models. Read our Tips for Python Development. Learn about the Fundamentals of Experience Design. Build your own dream application.