Kinect adapts to persons in wheelchairs

By changing the Microsoft Kinect sensor, the researchers allowed persons in wheelchairs to interact with games movements.

On the occasion of the CHI (Computer Human Interaction) conference, scientists have adapted the Microsoft Kinect to allow persons in wheelchairs to play in motion. "By using the kinect Traditionally, people in wheelchairs remain in a fixed location with limited movement in their hands and arms," says Kathrin Greling, PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada). Changes to the Kinect means that the system takes into account the position and movement of the wheelchair.

The researcher points out that these works are not only for children but also for adults who want to use the games as an exercise movement. Some patients undergoing long-term treatment can also be entertained by playing. At the conference, one of the students was demonstrated by rotating the chair left to right to control a race car on the screen. Kathrin Greling states that "all movements of the chair has been made to work with the games available on the market." She added "We believe that there may also have specific gestures wheelchair to take in the games."