This article explains how to set up an interactive floor using a 3D camera and a projector or an LED display.
If you want to create an interactive LED floor without a camera, please see this guide.
If you want to make a portable interactive floor, please see this article.
Chapter links
Equipment
You will need three devices to make an interactive floor.
- A computer that meets our requirements
- A suitable projector or LED floor
- A supported 3D camera - the best camera for most projects is the Orbbec Astra 2
You will also need:
- Mounting hardware (for your projector, camera, and computer)
- A wireless keyboard
- An HDMI cable (this is usually included when you buy a projector)
Optional accessories include:
- Light grey or white matte vinyl or Marley Floor
- Active, high speed / bandwidth UBS extension cable (for cameras installed more than 120cm from the computer)
We don't sell equipment because it's more affordable and better for the environment if you buy your physical hardware directly from a manufacturer or local supplier.
Click here for a full list of recommended equipment.
If you need help sourcing and installing your equipment, click here for a list of approved LUMOplay resellers.
Space requirements
The maximum size for a standard LUMOplay interactive floor is 450 cm x 281 cm (approximately 15’ x 9’).
For games requiring accuracy, the ideal floor size is 305 cm x 191 cm (approximately 10’ x 6’).
The minimum recommended size for an interactive floor is 183 cm x 114 cm (approximately 6 ‘ x 4’).
For installations larger than 450 cm x 281 cm (approximately 15’ x 9’) you will need to use multiple cameras (or Touch Controller Pro for LED installations).
If your display is not a standard 16:9 – 16:10 aspect ratio, you may also need to create custom content. See this article for more information about creating custom content for LUMOplay.
Ceiling height
Your ceiling should be at least 240 cm (8’) high.
Do you have a low ceiling? You may use the Orbbec Gemini 2 camera if you plan to install an interactive floor in an area with a lower ceiling, but it may not be possible to keep your equipment safely out of reach.
Choose a projector
To choose the best projector, you will need the following measurements:
- Distance from projector to projection surface.
- Desired width of the display area.
This article will help you find the best projector for your lighting conditions and project budget.
Camera placement
For most installations, we recommend using the Orbbec Astra 2 camera.
The Orbbec Astra 2 camera (recommended) should be installed at a distance equal to the width of the display + ≤ 15cm (approximately 6”).
The Orbbec Gemini 2 camera (not recommended) should be installed at a distance equal to half the width of the display + ≤ 15cm (approximately 6”).
Install the camera from the ceiling, above the exact center of the projection or LED display area, as shown here:
If this is not possible, you may install the camera on a wall, centered to the top of the projection area, as shown here:
Computer placement
Install your computer within 120 cm (4') of your camera.
We recommend using a small form factor mini PC or digital signage computer with a mounting plate so you can easily install the computer on the wall or ceiling.
If you use a laptop, you will need to place it on a shelf close to the camera.
If it is not possible to install the computer near the camera, you will need an approved USB extension cable.
If you need a longer HDMI cable to connect the computer to the projector, any high quality HDMI extension cable will work.
Projector placement
If your projector has no lens displacement and the light is projected straight out of the bulb (like a flashlight beam), install your projector directly above the center of your display area.
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No lens displacement - front view. |
No lens displacement - side view. |
If your projector has a lens displacement and the light is projected at an upwards angle, you can install it from the ceiling or on a wall, directly above and centered to the top of the display area.
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Lens displacement front view. |
Lens displacement side view. |
Cables
- USBc or USB 3+ from camera to computer
- HDMI from projector to computer
- Power cable from projector to outlet
- Power cable from computer to outlet
Step by step instructions
- Install your projector using a projector mount.
- Plug in the projector and turn it on so you can see the display area. Use the menu features to keystone it or adjust it until it is a rectangle (if necessary).
- If your projector is not perfectly centered to the image, or if you want to change where the top and bottom of the image are, use the projector menu to flip the image so that the bottom of the projected image is where you want it to be. The setting is usually called 'front ceiling mounted' or something similar.
- Install the camera using a camera mount. Position the camera as close to the center of your image as possible and point it down at the floor. Make sure it is the same orientation as your projected image. Make sure your camera is within the correct sensing range for the camera model.
- Connect the camera to your computer. If the cable does not reach you will need to use a high powered active extension cable. We've included a tested USB extension cable in the recommended equipment list - a charging extension cable will not work with a high data transfer device like a 3D camera.
- Connect the computer to the projector using an HDMI cable.
- Plug in the computer and turn it on.
- Install and launch LUMOplay and follow the calibration instructions.
- Play a game!
If you are using an LED floor instead of a projector, install the LED floor and start at step 4.
Questions? Contact us!