Camera selection

The camera, apart from the projector, is a key element of the Motioncube based interactive installations. However, not every type of camera is suitable for creating a working interactive projections (floor, wall or table).

Types of cameras

Cameras that allow you to make a interactive floor with motion interaction:

• Depth sensors
• USB camera boards
• CCTV cameras

Cameras not recommended for interactive floors:

• Classic webcams are not suitable for working with an interactive floor due to the physical blockage (in the form of an optical filter) of infrared light observation. Such cameras see the image projected by the projector, so their use could lead to automatic triggering of interaction (detection of a change in the image from the projector).

Hardware requirements for interaction techniques

Below is a summary of requirements for cameras and additional accessories for preparing an interactive floor with Motioncube software with support for selected interaction techniques.

We present here only general requirements without detailed discussion. Details can be found on the indicated subpages of our documentation.

Motion interaction

You need a camera that can capture movement regardless of lighting conditions.

Working with depth cameras

• Orbbec Astra Pro Plus or Astra 2 depth camera is enough - no additional accessories required.

Working with 2D cameras

• If you use CCTV technology (using analog cameras as an example) you will need the following items:

  • CCTV camera with integrated illuminator,
  • USB grabber,
  • power adapter to power the camera,
  • signal-power cable, or two separate cables (one for video transmission and the other for power supply, if the cable from the power supply is too short),
  • filter blocking visible light,
  • mechanical dusk sensor blockade (if the camera does not have a manual night mode force),
  • additional connectors to connect the signal cable to the USB grabber.

  See guide how to put it all together (under development) and use with Motioncube software.

• For classic USB cameras the following are required:

  • USB board camera,
  • lens without IR light blocking filter,
  • mounted on the lens filter blocking visible light,
  • additional source of infrared light, the so-called IR illuminator.

IR Pen Control

You need a camera that can record the IR light source emitted by IR light pens.

• Use a 2D camera without additional IR lighting.
• Intel RealSense depth cameras are not supported by the Motioncube software for this type of interaction.

RC vehicle detection

You need a camera that meets the requirements for Motion-interaction.