Openkinect (libfreenect / freenect) on Ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot)

Finding a straight forward how-to for Oneiric and freenect was a bit troublesome, so I've documented the steps here

Install the packages needed to build libfreenect, and the base libraries needed to run

sudo apt-get install git-core cmake freeglut3-dev pkg-config build-essential libxmu-dev libxi-dev libusb-1.0-0-dev

Clone the Git Repository, build and install

git clone git://github.com/OpenKinect/libfreenect.git

cd libfreenect

mkdir build

cd build

cmake ..

make

sudo make install

sudo ldconfig /usr/local/lib64/

Launch the app

sudo glview

- push 'w' to move tilt up, push 's' to tilt down, push f to change the view.


Anomalies I've noticed:

• Despite attempting to implementing the directions on how to add users to the video group, glview still needed to be launched as root (sudo glview).
• Running freenect-demos prompts for an install of freenect-demos, yet after installing, it's not still not recognized as being installed.
• apt-get install freenect doesn't work
• freenect-glview command not found

Kinect Blog Boot-up

For almost a year I've been interested in playing with Kinect as alternative input device / enhancement for my Nettop / PVR / STB (personal video recorder / set top box).  Last year I asked for one for x-mas and actually got it.  Sadly I've been extremely busy all year and haven't had a chance to play with it.


However, my job at a biotech start-up evaporated due to funding issues, so I have a tiny bit more time (though job hunting seems to be an 8hr + a day experience).  More importantly, a electronic arts institute ( CEMMI ) I'm helping start is finally taking of and has appointed me as an interim director, so I feel I should at least have an awe inspiring home media set-up.

I will keep another blog related to the trials and tribulations of getting the media software installed and working properly, but the Kinect seemed like it needed it's own space.

My hardware:
Zotec Mag with an nVida Ion, 4GB ram, ethernet hardwired (the wireless sucks)
Microsoft kinetic
IOGear wireless keyboard with trackball
WMC compliant remote
External hard drive
USB Blu-Ray / DVD Player