Unboxing and Installing the Occipital Structure Sensor with NVIDIA Jetson TK1

Unboxing and Installing the Occipital Structure Sensor with NVIDIA Jetson TK1

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the Structure Sensor
3. Features and Specifications
4. Connecting to the Jetson tk1
5. Installing and Setting Up the Sensor
6. testing the Sensor's App
7. Tips for Professional Demonstrations
8. Comparison to Kinect Sensor
9. Conclusion
10. Resources

📦 Unboxing the Structure Sensor

Today, we have the exciting opportunity to unbox the Structure Sensor! This incredible device allows us to capture the world in 3D. While it's designed for the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad 4th generation, we're going to hook it up to a Jetson tk1 and see what it can do. Let's dive into the box and discover what's inside.

As we open the box, we find a set of instructions, which is always helpful for getting started. There's also a tiny little screwdriver and a cable. Ah, this cable is a lightning connector for the iPad - the essential component for connecting the sensor. We can set aside the wall warts for now; they're not what we're here for. And oh, look at these really tiny screws! They must be used to attach the sensor to the iPad. Finally, we have the star of the show - the Structure Sensor itself. It's a class one laser product designed by Occipital and assembled in China. Let's remove the protective film and take a closer look.

The Structure Sensor boasts IR emitters and a receiver, ensuring accurate depth sensing. Now, let's get an idea of its size. In comparison to the Jetson board, it's slightly smaller in width. But the real difference is when we compare it to the Kinect sensor. The original Xbox 360 Kinect sensor is significantly larger than the Structure Sensor, making it a more compact and portable option for capturing depth data.

🔍 Features and Specifications

The Structure Sensor is specifically designed as a depth camera. Unlike the Kinect sensor, it doesn't have an RGB camera or the ability to tilt up and down. However, it does feature a laser projector and an IR sensor. This combination allows it to accurately capture depth information. Additionally, the Structure Sensor comes equipped with IR microphones for capturing audio.

To start using the Structure Sensor, we need to connect it to the Jetson tk1. Fortunately, we have acquired a Structure Sensor Hacker cable, which combines a USB end with the necessary connector for the sensor. With the cable securely connected, we're ready to move on to the installation process.

💻 Connecting to the Jetson tk1

To install the Structure Sensor, we'll need some standard installation tools. Additionally, it's always a good idea to have a couple of fire extinguishers nearby, just in case. Although we might need to charge the battery, let's try plugging the power supply straight into the hub and see what happens. We'll connect the USB plug to the Jetson board and power it on. A glowing power light indicates a successful connection.

However, we may encounter an issue similar to the Kinect sensor, where the USB connection needs to be reestablished after booting up the system. With a quick reconnection, we can ensure the sensor is ready to go.

🖥️ Installing and Setting Up the Sensor

With the Structure Sensor successfully connected to the Jetson tk1, it's time to test its capabilities. Placing the sensor on top of the monitor, we compile and run the open-source software specifically designed for it - the Structure SDK.

Running a simple reader, we witness the camera translating our HAND movements into different depth values. This real-time feedback demonstrates the sensor's ability to capture and interpret depth information accurately. Additionally, we can run an interactive demo, providing a graphical representation of the sensor's capabilities.

During demonstrations, it's crucial to maintain a professional and engaging atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the Muppets, we've learned that using garish colors and non-continuous motion can detract from the experience. Instead, the focus should be on smooth and fluid movements, ensuring a level of professionalism that resonates with the audience.

📊 Comparison to Kinect Sensor

When comparing the Structure Sensor to the Kinect sensor, several notable differences arise. While the Kinect sensor comes equipped with an RGB camera, an IR projector, and an IR sensor, the Structure Sensor focuses solely on depth sensing. This specialization allows for a smaller size and increased portability, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go 3D scanning and depth capture.

✅ Conclusion

In conclusion, the Structure Sensor provides an impressive solution for capturing 3D depth information. With its compact size and accurate depth sensing capabilities, it offers a portable alternative to the larger Kinect sensor. Whether used for professional demonstrations, creative projects, or research purposes, the Structure Sensor is a versatile tool that unlocks a world of possibilities in 3D scanning.

Resources

• Structure Sensor Official Website
• Jetson tk1 Official Website
• Occipital Official Website