Microsoft patent could use Kinect for Xbox age checks
updated 08:40 pm EDT, Mon October 3, 2011
App estimates viewers' ages & controls viewing
Microsoft has submitted to the USPTO a patent claim that uses the Kinect camera for an Xbox 360 to estimate an individual's age. Using this information, the Xbox can then implement appropriate parental controls based on who's in the room viewing. Microsoft claims that using the technology, any on-screen content can be replaced instantly with more by age appropriate content when a person in a lower age group enters the Kinect's field of view.
The technology uses a 3D camera, such as the one built into the Kinect, to digitally measure the relative size of a head, a ratio of arm length to body height, a ratio of body height to head height, and/or a ratio of head width to shoulder width of any individual within the range of view of the camera. The metrics can then be used to estimate an individual's age, and display content matched to a viewer's age.
Patents aren't necessarily indicators of product plans. They do indicate that Microsoft has at least researched the possibility and, in this case, has developed a concept that could be implemented relatively quickly. [via GeekWire]
