“Kinect for Xbox 360 is changing the game. Well, it’s changing how you play games. And how you watch TV. And movies. And listen to music. Because with Kinect, there are no controllers. Or remotes. There’s just you. And if you ask us, that’s all you need.”

Description of TechnologyMotion-sensing input device by MicrosoftKinect builds on software technology and on

range camera technologyRuns on a system that can interpret specific

gestures, making completely hands-free control of electronic devices possible

Uses an infrared projector and camera and a special microchip to track the movement of objects and individuals in three dimension

Description of TechnologyThe device features a

camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone

The sensing range of the depth sensor is adjustable, and the Kinect software is capable of automatically calibrating the sensor based on the player's physical environment

Kinect uses a motion sensor that tracks your entire body. So when you play, it’s not only about your hands and

wrists. It’s about all of you. Arms, legs, knees, waist, hips and so on.

As you play, Kinect creates a digital skeleton of you based on depth data. So when you move left

or right or jump around, the sensor will capture it and put you in the game.

Kinect ID remembers who you are by collecting physical data that’s stored in your profile. So when you want to play again, Kinect will know it’s you, making it easy to

jump in whenever you want.

Kinect uses four strategically placed microphones within the sensor to recognize and separate your

voice from the other noises in the room, so you can control movies and more with your voice.

Microsoft KinectHistory

Objectives: History of the technologyDevelopmentState of Kinect at its releaseCurrent state of Kinect

Kinect’s Tech HistoryThe technology behind Kinect was developed

in 2005 by Zeev Zalesky, Alexander Shpunt, Aviad Maizels and Javier Garcia

Kinect’s technology categorized under the field of optics

DevelopmentAnnounced June 1, 2009 under code name

“Project Natal”

Initial demonstration could recognize 4 people and 48 skeletal points per person

Official name Kinect announced June 13, 2010

Development (cont.)Official Kinect for Xbox 360 released on

November 4, 2010February 1, 2012: Kinect hardware and

software designed for PC, released.

State of Kinect at ReleaseFrom production to launch, Kinect cost

Microsoft $500 millionReceived average reviews from renowned

game reviewers like IGNCost and space required for use as main

problemsGames were developed that mostly tracked

hand and leg movementsGeared toward casual gamers, focused on

getting people active

Current State of KinectFun Labs: finger tracking, 3D painting,

scanning in yourself and real word objectsUse of similar technology in PCs

Microsoft Kinect:Uses

Objectives:Explain current usesExplain technology being developed to

expand the usesExplore 3rd Party Development

Current UsesGaming: full body movement, family funVoice commands and facial recognitionPC: Very limited and almost brand newItem scanning, more expensive versionDetects more intricate hand movements,

focused on education and robotics companies.

Future UsesExpanding functionality with computers

similar to MS Surface

Future Uses (cont.)Hands on educational demonstrations similar

to MS Surface but more cost-effectiveFocus on work that requires gloved hands

and simultaneous PC use to make work more efficient and streamlined

Military uses: One to One movement makes robotic soldiers a not so distant possibility

Medical field: Not just for use by collaborating doctors but also for patients.

3rd Party DevelopmentThe hardware is being improved; the real areas

that are being focused on by 3rd party developers are the software used in conjunction with Kinect

Benefits of Microsoft KinectNo controllers or remotes

Fitness (uses full body)Something for everyone! (all

ages) Voice Recognition

Medical: helps children with autism and patients who have

suffered strokes

Drawbacks of Microsoft KinectRequires Space

Relatively new: limited games

Family play: can’t support more than 2 people

Cost: $150 for the sensor and Xbox is $200

Discussion!!!With all of the potential future uses, is there

one particular area (i.e, Education, Military) that you see benefitting the most from Kinect?

Is there any way you see a bad effect for society with the use of Kinect?

Do you feel uncomfortable that when you use Kinect, your room is filled with invisible infrared dots?