Microsoft’s key was the PrimeSense 3D sensor, which essentially created what Microsoft considers to be the revolution of the product. The sensor has 3 impressive features: it tracks your body with full depth mapping, responds to voice commands, and has a standard video camera. The optical system is pretty basic for the most part. A class 1 laser is projected into the room and the sensor is able to detect movement based on what’s reflected back to it. The projector and sensor work together to create a depth map – the video camera is held at a specific distance away from the 3D part of the optical system. Kinect then blends together the depth map and camera image for a dynamic greenscreen effect...
Today, it's a game. Tomorrow... it's your soul. (more)