Three-dimensional scans by Kinect

Three-dimensional scans by Kinect

Microsoft Kinect sensor, can control the player Xbox 360 games with her body movements, is used by hobbyists and researchers since launch in November 2010 for numerous other applications. But all that looks like children's toys, when dealing with the research project compares KinectFusion, which is currently being developed at Microsoft Research in Great Britain. With the software running on top Kinect users should be possible to generate high-quality 3-D models in real time, Technology Review reported in its online edition. And that's not all: an integrated physics engine allows then to manipulate scanned objects realistically.

The technique can detect objects, persons or entire rooms in three dimensions - and at an unbeatable price. The possibilities seem to be limitless: from real life avatar of objects that can be imported into virtual environments and games, anything is possible.

"KinectFusion is a platform that will allow us, the way computers look like the world to rethink," said Shahram Izadi project. "We have already proposed first applications, but expect that users will develop new ideas." 3-D scanner existed for some time while on the market, but none is as easy to use as KinectFusion. Moreover, even home versions costing at least $ 3,000. Izadis colleague Steve Hodges calculates that it could lead to a democratization of technology.

Nor are the exact details of how KinectFusion actually works, although not disclosed. Initial demonstrations] provided in the scene but for enthusiasm. More accurate will explain Microsoft Research in October at the UIST Symposium in Santa Barbara and at the ISMAR 2011 in Basel - both conferences are announced Paper.