Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Kinect for Windows sensor

Kinect has changed the way people play games and experience entertainment. Now, Kinect for Windows offers the potential to transform how people interact with computers and Windows-embedded devices in multiple industries, including education, healthcare, retail, transportation, and beyond.

The Kinect for Windows sensor and software development kit (SDK) open up the limitless possibilities offered by Kinect technology. Together, they offer a superior development platform for Windows and a high quality end-user experience

The Kinect for Windows sensor is easy to use. All you need is a sensor, PC, and Kinect for Windows application.

To use a Kinect for Windows sensor you will need a PC with the following:
  • Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 or Windows 8 Developer Preview (desktop applications only).
  • 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) processor
  • Dual-core 2.66-GHz or faster processor
  • Dedicated USB 2.0 bus
  • 2 GB RAM

Before plugging the Kinect for Windows sensor into your PC, you may need to first install the Kinect for Windows-enabled application. Consult with the developer of the application. To install the sensor:
Plug the cable from the Kinect for Window sensor into the dongle (small black connector), and then plug the USB portion of the power cord that says “Kinect” on the top it into other end of the dongle.
Plug, the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet, and then plug the USB connector into your PC.
The drivers will load automatically. Verify the Kinect for Windows sensor is streaming skeletal, color image, depth image, and audio data. There should be a solid green LED on the front of the Microsoft Kinect for Windows sensor.

The Microsoft Kinect for Windows sensor will appear in Device Manager under "Microsoft Kinect" as Microsoft Kinect Audio Array Control, Microsoft Kinect Camera, and Microsoft Kinect Security Control. The Microsoft Kinect for Windows sensor's microphone array will appear in the Device Manager under “Sound, video and game controllers” as Microsoft Kinect USB Audio.