Microsoft Corp's Kinect could Help the Blind Do Yoga - USFinancePost

Microsoft Corp’s Kinect gaming accessory could make it possible for the blind and the visually impaired to do yoga classes. That is because researchers from the University of Washington have already developed a program that would use the motion-sensing technology of Kinect to possibly read users’ movements and provide spoken feedback for correction of poses.

In a statement, Kyle Rector, the project leader said she hopes this technology would help the blind and the low-vision people to finally gain basic understanding of yoga within a cozy setting. She disclosed that Kinect was chosen because the technology is open source and it is widely accessible on the market.

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However, Kinect could also have limitations and setbacks in terms of tracking physical movements of users. The new software would have Kinect use geometry to effectively read angles of users’ body position. It would also use verbal messages so that users could perform necessary adjustments.

Eye-Free Yoga through Kinect

The new program is initially dubbed as ‘Eyes-Free Yoga.’ It would offer auditory feedback instantly for up to six familiar yoga poses. Those may include warrior positions. Rector, who has been practicing yoga for some time now, said she had worked with various yoga instructors so she could set criteria to reach proper alignment in every pose.

As one of the developers of the software, she tested and modified every aspect. Thus, the resulting program is more robust and is more useful for individuals who are not able to see things clearly. Rector is confident the new device would be helpful through making sure it feels comfortable and right to have it.

Testing the program

In the testing sessions, most of the participants said they have not yet done yoga before. The rest of them had tried yoga classes a few times in the past, while some have been taking yoga classes regularly. Interestingly, 13 out of the 16 individuals with visual impairments have expressed their willingness to recommend the Kinect software to their friends or family members. Once the program is launched, its developers intend it to become readily available for downloading.

This may not be the initial time that Kinect was used to possibly give assistance to the blind. Kinect had also been used for the advancement of health education in other communities. It lets surgeons to view and manipulate medical images through voice control and gesture.