With the open-source drivers for Microsoft’s new Kinect motion device only published a few days ago, it hasn’t taken long for hackers to start putting them to good use.
One innovative hacker has used them to re-create the gesture-type move control on photos, similar to that in the film Minority Report. Check out the video to see it in action after the jump.
Floemuc has posted his proof of concept on YouTube and used a hacked Kinect camera for multitouch-like interaction, with software on Ubuntu Linux and written using libfreenect by marcan42 and libTISCH by Floemuc.
Technical Details and Implementation
The Kinect camera, originally designed for gaming on the Xbox 360, has been repurposed to detect and interpret human gestures. By leveraging the open-source drivers, Floemuc was able to tap into the Kinect’s depth-sensing capabilities. The software stack includes libfreenect, which provides the necessary interface to communicate with the Kinect hardware, and libTISCH, a library designed for creating multitouch interfaces.
The combination of these tools allows for a highly responsive and intuitive gesture control system. Users can manipulate photos with simple hand movements, mimicking the futuristic technology seen in Minority Report. This setup demonstrates the potential for Kinect beyond gaming, opening up possibilities in fields such as interactive displays, virtual reality, and even remote surgery.
Future Applications and Potential
The implications of this technology are vast. In the realm of education, for instance, teachers could use gesture-based controls to interact with digital whiteboards, making lessons more engaging and interactive. In the medical field, surgeons could navigate through medical images without touching any surfaces, thereby maintaining sterility in the operating room.
Moreover, the entertainment industry could see a revolution in how users interact with media. Imagine controlling your smart TV, browsing through your photo gallery, or even playing games without the need for a physical remote. The possibilities are endless, and as more developers experiment with Kinect’s capabilities, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge.
This project by Floemuc is just the beginning. As the open-source community continues to explore and expand the capabilities of the Kinect, we can anticipate a wave of new and exciting applications. The gesture control demonstrated here is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of developers who see beyond the intended use of technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
For more information and to see the project in action, check out the video above and visit the Ubergizmo article.
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