The Interactive Map module is the default application of the KinectSandbox software. It uses a depth sensor to read the relief of the sand and projects a virtual topographic map onto it. It also adds a water simulation to make it even more appealing.
Interaction
Change the shape of the terrain: build hills and mountain passes, dig holes and valleys. The colors will change to represent the relief at any given moment. Looking from above, you will see a topographical map that reacts instantly to what you create. Wave your hand over the sand (about 30 cm or 1 ft) to cause precipitation. Follow the water’s path to the lowest areas. Create pools, overflow them, play and learn.
Buttons
Single: press the button to remove water from the map; you must wait 10 seconds before you can make it rain again. Press and hold for 5 seconds to activate/deactivate the rain; this will be indicated by an icon on the sand.
Two buttons: press the right (blue) button to remove water from the map; you will have to wait 10 seconds before you can make it rain again. Press the left (green) button to activate/deactivate precipitation; this is indicated by an icon on the sand.
Numeric Keypad
Press the 0-6 keys to change the preset. This will change the color scheme of the map as well as the water texture. By pressing ‘+‘ you can export the 3D scan of the sand surface and save it to an external drive (USB port).
Touchscreen
The on-screen GUI contains four categories of settings: Water, Color, Height and Image. In each of them you’ll find different parameters to tweak or choose from. Don’t hesitate to use them, as any change can be easily undone.
Settings overview:
- Flood/Drain (Water tab) – We have introduced an option to simulate a flood, where the water flows over the entire terrain and stays at a predefined level. The effect can be reversed with the Drain function – with a single click, all the water sinks to the ground.
- Precipitation amount (Water tab) – The size of the water drops can be adjusted to better fit the size of the sandpit or the desired effect.
- Drain rate (Water tab) – You can adjust the drain rate to allow the process to occur by itself at a given pace.
- Water type selection (Water tab) – You can choose from 6 different types of liquid with different colors and varying degrees of transparency.
- Color schemes (Colors tab) – In addition to the standard color scheme (known as the hypsometric scale), you can choose from over 20 different palettes, ranging from the most realistic to the most abstract.
- Isolines/color blending (Colors tab) – These two functions work best together. Turn isolines off and color blend on for a more natural look.
- Height adjustment (Height tab) – Slide the two bars to change the projected levels of the terrain.
- Freeze (Height tab) – This feature allows you to stop the simulation and make changes to the sand without it being projected. It can be used for explanatory purposes or to get a more drastic change effect.
- Overlay image (Image tab) – A see-through image can be projected over the simulation. Choose from a variety of included images or add your own.
Finally, the last tab of the menu allows you to export the 3D scan of the sand surface and save it to an external drive (USB port).