Sigma R&D shows Kinect sign language and Jedi savvy to win gesture challenge

[wraggster]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/07/sigma-07-25-12-01.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/sigma-Kinect-lightsaber-sign-language/)Sigma R&D has won first prize in a gesture challenge to show just how much more talent -- like sign language translation (http://www.engadget.com/tag/sign+language) and light saber fun -- can be unlocked in a Kinect (http://www.engadget.com/tag/kinect). Normally the Microsoft device can only scope body and full mitt movements, but the research company was able to track individual fingers with a Kinect or similar sensor, plus its custom software, allowing a user's hand to become a more finely tuned controller. To prove it, the company introduced a virtual lightsaber (http://www.engadget.com/tag/lightsaber/) to a subject, tracking his swordsmanship perfectly and using his thumb extension to turn it on and off. The system even detected when a passing gesture was made, seamlessly making a virtual transfer of the weapon. The same tech was also used to read sign language, displaying the intended letters on the screen for a quick translation. The SDK is due in the fall, when we can't wait to finally get our hands on a Jedi weapon that isn't dangerous (http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/32-inch-lasersabre-lights-from-wicked-lasers/) or plasticky (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/official-star-wars-light-saber-and-blaster-accessories-for-licen/). To believe it for yourself, see the videos after the break.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/sigma-Kinect-lightsaber-sign-language/