Editing Intro to Kinect Development

I, dmolnar, will teach you how to build applications with the Kinect for Windows SDK. We will use C# and the Visual Studio Express free download. I am not an expert, but I have used the Kinect SDK for several projects recently. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about libfreenect or other Linux libraries. If you do and you want to help me teach, please let me know!

The class will walk through the sample code in the Kinect SDK, using the free (as in beer) Visual Studio Express download. We would start with basic skeleton tracking, then move on to the SDK's gesture library and voice commands. You can find docs & downloads here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/develop/downloads-docs.aspx

If time permits we will explore the "Kinect Fusion" 3D scanning library. I'm told that the results from these scans can go into a 3D printer but I don't know anything about that. I am looking for someone who does know 3D printing to help!

== Should I RSVP? ==

Yes. Please use this Eventbrite page:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-kinect-for-windows-development-noisebridge-tickets-12425048655

Please buy a "ticket" for $0 to let me know how many people to expect. 

== When is the class? ==
I will be teaching the class on '''Sunday, August 10 at 5:00 PM.''' I expect the class will last for up to three hours.

I will be doing a "dry run" of the class on '''Saturday, August 9 at 7:30 PM.''' This will be me just working through the material as a practice for the real thing. 

You are welcome to come to either or both. If you can only make one, come on Sunday. 

== Where is the class being taught? ==
'''The class will be taught at [[Noisebridge]].''' The address is:

[[Getting_Here|2169 Mission St.<br>
3rd Floor<br>
San Francisco, CA 94110]]

The gate to the space should be open while the class is in session. If not, [[Getting In|you can read up on getting into the space by clicking here]].

The class is in the '''Church''' classroom. This classroom seats roughly 25 people and has a projector.

== Should I bring a computer? Should I pre-install anything? ==
It would be ideal if you could bring a laptop with Wi-Fi. Noisebridge doesn't have too many public computers to use. If you do not have a computer to bring, [https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/noisebridge-discuss you might want to email the Noisebridge-discuss list asking if anyone has one to borrow], or you can take notes by watching what I do on my projected display.

You will want to download and pre-install the "Kinect SDK v2 Preview", which is here
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/develop/downloads-docs.aspx 

You will also want to download and pre-install the "Kinect SDK v1.8", which lets you work with the "V1" sensor. 
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=323588

Finally, if you do not have Visual Studio, you should download the free (as in beer) Visual Studio Express, link is here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/develop/downloads-docs.aspx 


== What does my computer need to run the Kinect SDK? ==

I will have a limited number of "Kinect v1" sensors. To use these sensors, your computer must be running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 

I will have a limited number of "Kinect v2" sensors. To use these sensors, your computer must have USB 3.0 with a "Renesas chipset." You must also be running Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. You must also have a GPU that is "DirectX 11" compatible. If you have questions about whether your computer will work, email dmolnar ``at" dmolnar.com . 

If time permits, we will go over 3D scanning with Kinect. This code benefits greatly from a desktop class GPU, like an NVidia GTX 650. It will still work in "CPU only" mode, but it will be really slow. So if you have a desktop or gaming laptop with an awesome GPU, please bring it!

There are Linux drivers for the Kinect v1 sensors. I don't know anything about them, unfortunately. If you do and you can teach people how to use them, please let me know! 

== Should I bring a Kinect sensor? ==

If you can bring one or more, please do. I will provide a limited number of sensors (roughly 3 or 4), a mix of "v1" and "v2" during the class. I would like everyone to have a sensor to work with, but I can't provide one for everyone.

The best sensors to bring are those explicitly marked as "Kinect for Windows", either "v1" sensors or "v2" sensors. This is because the SDK we will use is tested together with those sensors. 

Next best are "Kinect for Xbox 360" sensors. These have "Xbox 360" printed on the front in shiny letters. While these are not explicitly supported, they have been reported to "just work" with an appropriate USB adaptor. The behavior of these sensors in the "near field" distance of 10cm - 50cm, however, is not nearly as good as the "Kinect for Windows" sensor. 

Unfortunately, I don't know how to make the Kinect which ships with the Xbox One work with a PC and the SDK. I won't be able to support them for this class.


== What do I need to know? ==
This class is taught in English and C#. While you don't need to be an expert in C# it will help if you know at least one other computer language.

== How much does this class cost? ==
This class is free, as are all classes taught at Noisebridge. You do not need to register or RSVP - just show up!

If, however, you feel the class was beneficial, we'd really appreciate a [Donate or Pay Dues|donation to Noisebridge] to fund our ongoing renovation and lasting presence in the city.

== Why are you teaching this class? ==

I have used the Kinect for Windows SDK recently, so I am interested in showing it to others. I want to be part of the [[Class-A-Thon]]. I am excited for Noisebridge's [[Reboot]].

== How can I keep informed about the class? ==
If anything changes, you can check this page for any updates. Please also see the Eventbrite page at 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-kinect-for-windows-development-noisebridge-tickets-12425048655

== How can I get more information? ==
[[User:dmolnar|Please contact me. My information is available by clicking here.]] You can visit my website with a link to my email address.