MIT Develops a Dynamic Shape Display Using Kinect

Watch as physical objects are manipulated remotely using a Kinect sensor.

Hackers have come up with a wide variety of uses for Kinect outside of motion- and voice-controlled games, but the latest creation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Tangible Media Group might very well be among the coolest.

As demonstrated in the video below, Kinect is being used for inFORM, which is described as a dynamic shape display. In effect, Kinect can track objects (be it a person's hands and arms or the turning pages of a book) and render them physically on a display. The basic use for this in the video is remotely moving a physical ball around the display by gesturing in front of a Kinect sensor, but we also get to see shape menus used to control media and model 3D objects, among other things.

"We are currently exploring a number of application domains for the inFORM shape display," explains a page on MIT's website dedicated to the inFORM project. "One area we are working on is Geospatial data, such as maps, GIS, terrain models and architectural models. Urban planners and Architects can view 3D designs physically and better understand, share and discuss their designs. We are collaborating with the urban planners in the Changing Places group at MIT on this.

"In addition, inFORM would allow 3D Modelers and Designers to prototype their 3D designs physically without 3D printing (at a low resolution). Finally, cross sections through Volumetric Data such as medical imaging CT scans can be viewed in 3D physically and interacted with. We would like to explore medical or surgical simulations. We are also very intrigued by the possibilities of remotely manipulating objects on the table."

Xbox One and its improved Kinect sensor will be launching around much of the world next Friday, November 22. Microsoft recently provided details on exactly what kind ofdata it collects and how it's an improvement over the original Kinect.