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One of the capabilities listed in the patent for the Kinect was that the peripheral would be able to understand American Sign Language. However, some things have apparently changed since the patent was filed because, according to Kotaku, this feature won’t be supported by the Kinect when it is released this fall.  Not only will the Kinect not be able to understand American Sign Language at launch, but the peripheral apparently will not be able to do so in the future either. This is because it isn’t the simple matter of just patching the software but the lower resolution of the included cameras that is to blame. When originally patented, the Kinect was going to make use of higher resolution cameras, which were later scrapped for cheaper ones in order to keep the cost of producing the peripheral lower. These lower quality cameras are incapable of distinguishing individual fingers, making it impossible for the Kinect to interpret signing. |