General Questions
Where can I buy a PrimeSense Sensor?
You can purchase the PrimeSense Sensor directly from our website.
Where can I find and download the PrimeSense SDK?
PrimeSense Sensors use the OpenNI open source framework as well as PrimeSense NiTE, Natural Interaction 3D middleware. In addition, on the OpenNI.org website you can download and use a variety of 3rd party middleware and 3D modules.
How can I start working and communicating with the sensor?
You can start working immediately. Download the OpenNI SDK from www.OpenNI.org, connect the sensor to a PC and run one of the OpenNI samples. OpenNI has many source examples available that you can play with in order to explore the sensor’s capabilities.
How long does it take for the sensor to start up?
The sensor will start supplying a depth image one second after connection and identification.
Does the sensor need to be calibrated?
There is absolutely no need for any manual calibration by the user as the sensor self-calibrates during production.
Can the sensor operate in complete darkness?
Yes. The PrimeSense Sensor operates under all lighting conditions.
What is the difference between the PrimeSense Sensor and Microsoft Kinect?
The Kinect device uses PrimeSense technology, SoC and reference design and thus there are many similarities between the two — mostly in regards to the depth output. There are also several differences. The PrimeSense Sensor is much smaller and is USB powered. In addition, since the PrimeSense Sensor targets a variety of markets, it can be adopted and customized for specific needs. For example, sensor’s can be customized as non-RGB, no RGB and no-depth, as an embedded module, a module with a different Field-of-View, or any other parameter that addresses the needs of a specific market or customer. The PrimeSense Sensor is also compatible with a wide variety of platforms and operating systems —Windows, Android, Linux, MAC, ARM, etc.
What is the difference between a regular sensor and a short-range sensor?
Both sensors are built in much the same way; the only differences are in the optic calibration and FW versioning.
What is sensor’s optimal distance range?
The standard sensor (RD1.082) can capture depth images from 80cm to 350cm. The short-range sensor (RD1.09) can capture depth images from 38cm to 150cm. In both cases, the sensors can also capture depth at further distances, but these will be beyond the scope of the sensor’s guaranteed performance.
Will the sensor function the same way in the outdoors?
Different lighting conditions can affect the sensor’s depth acquisition abilities. In general, the PrimeSense Sensor is designed for indoor use and will work less optimally in direct sunlight.
Can the sensor see me while I am standing perfectly still?
Yes, the sensor is not motion based. A full depth map is provided for each frame. The depth maps are standalone and do not carry forward information from previous frames.
Is there any limitation to the number of objects/people that the sensor can see?
The output of the sensor is a depth map of the scenery. Just like with a regular camera, there are no requirements or limitations on the pictured scene.
Can the sensor see through clothes?
No, the PrimeSense Sensor is a very powerful product but does not have x-ray vision!
Is the sensor safe for the human eye?
Yes, the sensor is a Class 1 certified product. Moreover, the sensor includes HW & FW mechanisms that monitor the laser and shut it down in the event of the slightest fault.
Can I move the sensor while viewing?
Yes, the same way you can with a regular 2D webcam.
Why are there two cameras on the right side of the sensor?
One of cameras produces the topographic view (the depth maps), and the other produces the images (the image maps).
What is a projective view, or why am I getting bigger as I get closer to the sensor?
Just like your eyes, the sensor sees in a projective manner, meaning that objects which are closer to the sensor are represented by more pixels than objects that are further away. The sensor operates in the same way as your eyes do and differentiate between objects that are close to your eye vs. objects that are further away.
Why are nearby objects seen with more detail than far away objects?
The sensor’s view is projective, meaning closer objects are seen with greater detail than objects that are further away. Basically, the sensor operates the same way as our eyes. As such, an object that is one inch in size and close to the sensor can be seen better than the same object that is farther away from the sensor.
Can I open the Sensor to see what is inside?
Opening the Primesense Sensor is strictly forbidden and will be considered a material violation of the license agreement.
How fast is the sensor, i.e. how many pictures does it take per second?
The sensor can generate up to 30 or 60 frames per second (30 at VGA and 60 at QVGA resolutions).
What depth & RGB resolutions does the sensor support?
The sensor supports VGA, QVGA and QQVGA resolutions.
What is the sensor’s latency? Is there any frame loss?
The latency depends upon the depth resolution. For example, using an Intel Core2 E6600 2.4Ghz the latency measures at VGA 30FPS – 45ms, QVGA 30FPS – 43ms (latency measured on Intel Core2 E6600 2.4Ghz). The sensor has up to a 0.01% frame loss.
Why does the 3D view turn black when I approach the sensor?
This happens if we get closer than the sensor’s minimal defined distance.
Why can’t I see my back when I am moving the camera’s position/perspective?
The sensor utilizes line-of-sight technology, meaning that it only handles depth information for pixels that are in the sensor’s line-of-sight.
Can I connect multiple sensors to one PC?
Yes, you can. Although yielding multiple streams concurrently is often problematic due to bandwidth limits.
What temperature range is suitable for the sensor?
The sensor should not be operated outside of the specified temperature range. The sensor’s design specifications call for temperatures between 5 °C and 40 °C for optimal use. Higher or lower temperatures may alter the sensor’s performance, and in extreme deviations from the defined spec, the sensor may not work at all.
Does the sensor support audio recording?
Yes, the sensor contains two embedded microphones that can be used to record audio streams, which support UAC (USB Audio Class).
Troubleshooting
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