Touchscreen module is a software extension that allows for direct control over the application via easy-to-use interface. It was primarily designed to work with the Interactive Map simulation, but was later expanded for the additional modules as well. The latter are accessible from the touchscreen’s roll-up menu. The set of accessible parameters covers all important aspects of each module.
Changes made using the touchscreen are saved to a Settings file corresponding to the currently loaded module. If the module was switched however, the changes are lost.
Taking into account the intended simplicity of touchscreen control, this article will only serve as an overview of the feature. Detailed instructions can be found in next chapters.
All ‘Interactive Map’ options have been divided into five tabs you will find on the left side of the screen.
First tab is water settings. ‘DRAIN WATER’ button makes all water currently flowing in the terrain sink into the ground. The switch is used to enable or disable the waterflow. Disabling waterflow does not remove the water that’s already present.
This tab does not correspond to any Settings file and default values are loaded at each launch of the application
Next up is the colour options tab with numerous palettes to choose from. Tap on one of them to activate. Below there are two switches allowing to turn on and off the contour lines and enable or disable colour blending.
This setting is saved to settings_mode_0 file.
The ‘HEIGHT’ tab is used to alter the projected terrain level. Two bars on the screen correspond to ‘Terrain Top‘ and ‘Bottom Level‘. They dictate the height at which projection starts and stops. All changes are of course applied in real time, so it is very easy to understand the mechanism. This setting is saved to settings_mode_0 file.
A similar interface appears after choosing ‘Paradise Island’ from the roll-up menu. In such case, changes are saved to settings_mode_2 file.
Freeze button stops the projection and removes water. It was introduced for educational purposes, to easily show how a given terrain will look on a 2D surface. All other settings are still accessible while freeze is on. Freeze parameter isn’t saved to Settings file.
Overlay image settings tab allows you to apply a transparent .png image on top of the simulated map. The touchscreen module comes with a bunch of our own images to choose from, including country contours, flags and kid’s all-favourite road networks. You can also upload your own ones to KinectSandbox\KinectSandbox_Data\ StreamingAssets\OverlayImages. This setting is saved to settings_mode_0 file.
Last one is the ‘EXPORT’ tab. (only with the .FBX Export module activated) Push the button to save a surface scan to a .fbx file. This naturally doesn’t stop the simulation. Default location for saved files is an external USB drive. It can be changed in the GlobalSettings file.
The roll-up menu from the bottom of the screen lets you choose from available modules. The application starts immediately after pressing one button.
The screen for AR-Ball Game is very simple and serves as a PLAY/RELOAD switch. Tap the triangle in the centre to let the ball loose. After this the sensor will not read any terrain changes, unless you tap the now-turned-rectangle sign in the centre and reload the game.
Starting screen for Discovery module shows three categories to choose from: Letters, Numbers and Archeology. From here you can open choice menus or go straight to the game by clicking ‘RANDOM’.
Both Letters and Numbers can be played randomly or by choice. Archeology objects are always random to add some of that mystery vibe.
After choosing a level or random selection you will be asked to level the terrain in the sandpit. The aim of this is to avoid showing the object immediately and spoiling the fun. Your progress will be shown on the bar, as well as inside the sandpit.
When done, the screen will change spontaneously and digging can begin. Your progress will be shown on a circle diagram, as well as in the sandpit.
