Current release

First release of Magic-Sand (updated with GPL licence).

Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP (currently doesn't work on Microsoft Surface):
You need to download

• the Visual C++ run-time components ,
• the Free USB Driver tool: Zadig and
• the Magic Sand software it-self : magic-sand-win32-v1.0.zip

Mac OS X 10.8+ (currently doesn't work on Sierra):
Just download the Magic Sand software magic-sand-osx-v1.0.zip

Quick start

Download and unzip the files wherever you want.

Mac OSX

Plug your kinect & projector and run "Magic Sand.app" (mac)

Windows

1. Update your video drivers.
2. Install the Visual C++ run-time components (in particular the x86 component even if you run on a 64bits Windows).
3. Install the kinect drivers with the Free USB Driver tool Zadig:
   Select your Xbox Camera, Xbox Audio and Xbox Motor in the drop down and then select the libusb-win32( v1.2.6.0) driver from the driver menu (click on the up/down arrows) and click install.
   You need to do this operation three times: once for the camera, once for motor and once for the audio.
   See the freenect github and ofxKinect github for more informations.
   If there is a problem with the detection of the kinect, you can install the Kinect V1 (SDK 1.0) and run again Zadig.
4. Then plug your kinect & projector and run "Magic Sand.exe" (win).

Use

The first time you run the software it will start a self-calibration process (you will be asked to flatten the sand and put a flat cover over the sandbox).

Tips for a nice self-calibration:

• The kinect sensor needs to be able to detect the closed wall surrounding the sandbox. Be careful about the location of your kinect (not too close to the sandbox). You can use the "advanced feature" in the software to see the field of view of the kinect and make sure the kinect is pointed at the box properly and can see all 4 sides.
• Turn off the light in the room for the calibration, depending on the lighting, it may take several tries to get it to complete the calibration sometimes.
• Make sure you have a perfectly flat cover for the second part of the calibration. If its not flat, it may not calibrate properly. Also, make sure the cover has a matte surface otherwise the kinect may have problem to detect the depth.
• Also, please make sure the settings of the projector looks fine for a good image (sharp image, right angle, etc...)

The software is ready to be used. Here are some details on the UI:

The ColorMap files can be find in the Magic Sand folder in "data/colorMaps/".