Microsoft has applied for a patent on the idea of ​​age verification to go through the Xbox Kinect. Using the sensor, the ratio between the different parts of the body determine the age that there can be derived.

Geekwire discovered a recently published patent application, that was submitted by Microsoft in March 2010. The application doesn’t mention Kinect by name, but the console maker describes the sensor as a motion capture system with a depth of field camera connected to a game console or personal computer (seems like a technical description of Kinect to me). The age of a person detected by Kinect could then be determined by the properties of the 3D model of the body that makes the system.

Not allowed

Microsoft wants to collect data as the width and length of the head, the length of the arm, the width of the shoulders and the length of the body, and compare them to each other. The relationship between the length or size of various body parts could determine the age of the person. This information can determine whether the person is allowed to proceed. In other words, Microsoft is planning to use the data to determine whether a child should play a particular game or some footage allowed to view.

Just in Time

The console maker also wants the display of images targeting adults stopped when a child walks into view. The console maker apparently expects that the data collected Kinect accurate enough to tell the difference between small and large adults, teenagers and people with long arms striking example of a remarkably large head.

Are you a parent, and do you welcome this feature, or are you worried about privacy for instance? We will remain skeptical until we see a solid implementation, but at least patents like these show the potential Microsoft sees in Kinect’s application.

Keep ‘m coming, MS!

Source: US Patents Via: GeekWire