Kinect is a motion sensing input device by Microsoft that allows for completely hands-free control of devices like Xbox, TVs and computers. It uses an infrared sensor and camera to track movement in 3D without any controllers. While initially focused on gaming, Kinect has potential applications in education, healthcare, and other industries due to its ability to recognize gestures and voice commands. However, its uses are still limited due to its relatively new technology and higher costs compared to traditional input devices.

1. “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.”

2. Description of Technology
 Motion-sensing input device by Microsoft
 Kinect builds on software technology and on range
camera technology
 Runs 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

4. Description of Technology
 The 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. History

10. Objectives:
 History of the technology
 Development
 State of Kinect at its release
 Current state of Kinect

11. Kinect’s Tech History
 The 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

12. Development
 Announced 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

13. Development (cont.)
 Official Kinect for Xbox 360 released on November
4, 2010
 February 1, 2012: Kinect hardware and software
designed for PC, released.

14. State of Kinect at Release
 From production to launch, Kinect cost Microsoft $500
million
 Received average reviews from renowned game
reviewers like IGN
 Cost and space required for use as main problems
 Games were developed that mostly tracked hand and
leg movements
 Geared toward casual gamers, focused on getting
people active

15. Current State of Kinect
 Fun Labs: finger tracking, 3D painting, scanning in
yourself and real word objects
 Use of similar technology in PCs

16. Uses

17. Objectives:
 Explain current uses
 Explain technology being developed to expand the
uses
 Explore 3rd Party Development

18. Current Uses
 Gaming: full body movement, family fun
 Voice commands and facial recognition
 PC: Very limited and almost brand new
 Item scanning, more expensive version
 Detects more intricate hand movements, focused on
education and robotics companies.

19. Future Uses
 Expanding functionality with computers similar to MS
Surface

20. Future Uses (cont.)
 Hands on educational demonstrations similar to MS
Surface but more cost-effective
 Focus 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.

21. 3rd Party Development
The hardware is being improved; the real areas that are
being focused on by 3rd party developers are the
software used in conjunction with Kinect

22. No 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

23. Drawbacks of Microsoft Kinect
Requires Space
Relatively new: limited games
Family play: can’t support more
than 2 people
Cost: $150 for the sensor and
Xbox is $200

24. 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?