Kinect requirements and equipment list

It is important to know that there is a difference between the Xbox 360 Kinect, which works with the gaming console and the Kinect for Microsoft which has a higher specification.

Software developed for rehabilitation using the Kinect requires the Kinect for Microsoft currently which can be viewed and purchased following the link below (UK only).

It is anticipated that within the not too distant future a similar sensor to the Xbox 1 will be compatible with the therapy games due to its progressive technology in motion control.  Its not currently available commercially at present and is likely to be as expensive, if not more, than the current Kinect for Microsoft.   Its is believed that both sensor bars will continue to be compatible with the rehab software.

Its useful to have a mount for the sensor bar or bracket similar to the following products:
 

The Microsoft for Windows is a USB device (with its own power supply) and therefore requires a free USB port.  Minimal PC requirements will differ slightly with each piece of software, so it’s important to confirm these details on an individual basis.

Generally the minimum requirements can be assumed as:

Operating System: Windows 7
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo 2.4 Ghz or better
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® 7600 GT or ATI™ Radeon™ X800 XT or better, Intel HD Graphics 4000 or better

Sound Card: Compatible with DirectX 9

Hard Drive Space: (varies) – possible 2 GB space available
Sensor Hardware: Kinect for Windows
Internet: Internet Connection often required

Several options for rehab software are beginning to be released for purchase and general use.  Please visit the following links for more information about each software.  Reviews maybe available on the blog on the wiihabilitation website.

VirtualRehab – http://www.virtualrehab.info/

 MIRA Rehab – http://www.mirarehab.com/

SeeMe Rehab – http://www.virtual-reality-rehabilitation.com/

 Jintronix – http://www.jintronix.com/

  Doctor Kinect – http://doctorkinetic.nl/en/

 KineLabs – http://myweb.polyu.edu.hk/~kinelabs/

  NeuMimic – http://www.neumimic.com/

  Reflexion Health – http://reflexionhealth.com/

 Rehabtics – http://www.rehabtics.com/

  5Plus Therapy – http://www.5plustherapy.com/

 Physical Tech – ADIBAS posture – http://www.physicaltech.com/?lang=en

According to the instructions manual of the Xbox Kinect the recommended room size for a single player is between 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m).  This same space can be assumed for the Kinect for Microsoft as the field of view is comparable.  To accommodate patients needs more space is advisable allowing for support from the therapist during game play or for the use of standing aid as required.

Using the Kinect in a large room introduces its own considerations.  If other people are also using the same space the Kinect may detect their motion.  The software is becoming more intelligent in only recognising the closest body/motion, but experience has it that the camera and software still have the potential to become confused.

It is essential that the game activity is displayed on a large screen or projector.  This makes it easier for the patients to see the activity and therefore be less distracting.  Smaller screens, from experience, cause patients to focus more on whats happening on the screen and therefore less on their physical control.
 

Knowing how to use the equipment and software is easily overlooked with unfamiliarity causing longer than necessary set up times and potential frustration if things don’t go as planned.

For information on support and training available for setting up or for ongoing use of gaming technology within rehab please click the following button.