Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360 was launched in November 2010. The motion-sensor device has prompted a surge in creativity as software developers use the technology for novel uses.
Kinect-inspired innovation —
Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360 was launched in November 2010. The motion-sensor device has prompted a surge in creativity as software developers use the technology for novel uses.
AFP/Getty Images
The UK's University of Southampton is developing a system which could help the<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXfUULQ9eg-w" target="_blank" target="_blank"> rehabilitation of stroke victims</a>. The team have used Kinect to create a series of exercises that can be completed at home with progress monitored online. "It widens our opportunities to make rehabilitation more accessible to people in their homes," says Cheryl Metcalf, lecturer in Biomechanics at Southampton.
Stroke rehabilitation —
The UK's University of Southampton is developing a system which could help the rehabilitation of stroke victims. The team have used Kinect to create a series of exercises that can be completed at home with progress monitored online. "It widens our opportunities to make rehabilitation more accessible to people in their homes," says Cheryl Metcalf, lecturer in Biomechanics at Southampton.
Courtesy of University of Southampton
Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington, is helping Carnegie Mellon University Ph.D. student Chris Harrison develop "OmniTouch" -- a device which turns almost anything into a touchscreen computer.
OmniTouch —
Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington, is helping Carnegie Mellon University Ph.D. student Chris Harrison develop "OmniTouch" -- a device which turns almost anything into a touchscreen computer.
Courtesy of Chris Harrison
The shoulder-mounted prototype projects data and graphics onto surfaces, which can then be manipulated by the user. Shrinking the sensor to the size of a matchbox, or fitting it inside a pendant or a watch presents "no significant barriers," says Harrison.
OmniTouch —
The shoulder-mounted prototype projects data and graphics onto surfaces, which can then be manipulated by the user. Shrinking the sensor to the size of a matchbox, or fitting it inside a pendant or a watch presents "no significant barriers," says Harrison.
Courtesy of Chris Harrison
Researchers at Disney are working on a new wearable technology which adds tactile sensations to objects and surfaces.
Disney Research: Revel —
Researchers at Disney are working on a new wearable technology which adds tactile sensations to objects and surfaces.
Courtesy of Hanna Fuhrmann/Disney Research
"Revel" (short for what Disney calls "Reverse Electrovibration") works by applying weak electrical signals to a user's body. When a user touches an object covered with an electrode and insulator, an electrostatic force is created, which modulates the friction between user and object. Different tactile sensations can be created by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the signal.
Disney Research: Revel —
"Revel" (short for what Disney calls "Reverse Electrovibration") works by applying weak electrical signals to a user's body. When a user touches an object covered with an electrode and insulator, an electrostatic force is created, which modulates the friction between user and object. Different tactile sensations can be created by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the signal.
Courtesy of Hanna Fuhrmann/Disney Research
Disney Research says REVEL could be used to add tactile textures to physical prints, e.g. illustrations in physical books, posters.
Disney Research: Revel —
Disney Research says REVEL could be used to add tactile textures to physical prints, e.g. illustrations in physical books, posters.
Courtesy of Disney Reseach
Created by New Zealand-based Assembly Ltd, the V Motion Project uses Kinect to map a performer's movements, which are turned into music. Different moves produced different sounds, rhythms and beats.
The V Motion Project —
Created by New Zealand-based Assembly Ltd, the V Motion Project uses Kinect to map a performer's movements, which are turned into music. Different moves produced different sounds, rhythms and beats.
Courtesy of Assembly Ltd
British satellite manufacturer SSTL and the UK's University of Surrey are developing a <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sstl.co.uk%2Fnews-and-events%3Fstory%3D2025" target="_blank" target="_blank">"novel in-orbit docking system"</a> using Kinect technology.
'STRaND 2': simplifying space docking —
British satellite manufacturer SSTL and the UK's University of Surrey are developing a "novel in-orbit docking system" using Kinect technology.
Courtesy of Shaun Kenyon / SSTL