DEVELOP’s Nathaniel Makar manipulates the HIVE using gestures and voice commands via the Microsoft Kinect.
Authors: Nathan Walker, Jasmine Walker, William Taylor, Matei Bivolaru.
Other Acknowledgements: James Farmer, Jeremiah Dunn, Shawn Martin.
Abstract: The Highly-portable Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE) uses stereographic shutter glasses to create a 3D environment to display various models or complex information. The design allows for easy disassembly and transportation to bring its visualizations wherever they are needed. The primary focus of the HIVE team during the Fall 2011 term was to perform several upgrades to the HIVE system. This included switching the HIVE from the antiquated Windows XP Operating System to the current Microsoft OS, Windows 7. The purpose of this switch was to allow for a more immersive user experience through the use of motion controls via the Microsoft Kinect and its Windows 7-specific Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK grants access to the raw data streams of the Kinect and allows us to develop HIVE-specific gesture controls for a more natural user interface. This Natural User Interface (NUI) reduces the HIVE control learning curve to create a more user-friendly experience. By improving interaction with the HIVE, the visuals it displays will be more controllable and accessible to the general population, aiding the HIVE’s role as an information dispersal tool.
Video transcript available here.
DEVELOP’s HIVE on the Leading Edge of Natural User Interfacing
