Tux Racer - Kinect camera control through PC

The following videos demonstrate the use of the Kinect Primesense camera with a game called Tux Racer.  Using the FAAST programme it is possible to control the Penguin in the game with just body movements alone - all of which can be decided and programmed by the user.  The videos show the users leaning left and right to control the direction of the Penguin, but the controls could easily be transferred to arm movements, leg movements, turning the body etc etc.

The game and programme offer an easy demonstration as to how the game could lend itself to encouraging movement control within therapy.  This game, however, is quite fast paced and therefore not completely suitable for someone looking to develop their movement control.  It is possible to slow the Penguin down though (allowing more time to control the left/right direction) by setting control for the brake key to always be on - the programming will depend on which movement you choose for the brake, but if it was to be leaning backwards then to have the movement required to be '0' would mean that it was always braking.... its worth having a go!

Good luck.


Tux Racer with Kinect Support from Matt Rajca on Vimeo.

Space Invaders with Primesense Kinect camera

Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST)

The following link will explain how to setup a PC to work with the Kinect Primesense Camera and play games through motion.

Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST):

New blog 'arm' to Wiihabilitation

It might be strange bolt on a Kinect blog to a predominantly Wii based site, but fundamentally both are topics that promote the use of mainstream computer gaming within therapy.  The popularity of the Nintendo Wii within rehab is well publicised and documented but it has its limits.  The Kinect has the same potential as the Nintendo Wii but its later release means that its playing catch up.  It is likely that in time the Kinect, and the expanding software options that are being developed, will enable the Kinect to confidently compete with the Wii, if not over take it.

From now on it really depends upon which corporation - Microsoft or Nintendo - embraces the demands of those wanting to use the consoles for rehab and develops software that truly meets the needs of the patients and professionals at affordable prices.

Microsoft promotes itself as accepting new ideas for Kinect

Microsoft have released a promo video that clearer suggests their willingness to consider all varieties of applications for the Xbox Kinect hardware.  It has already been used by some within rehabilitation with the Kinect being able to accurately recognise movements created by the body.  Many of these have used the Kinect with a PC and 3d party software, written specifically for the desired purpose.
There is more information and Microsofts video here.