Depth Sensors Comparison

Starting from version 1.8.0.81, iPi Recorder supports ASUS Xtion and ASUS Xtion Live devices (and also PRO modifications for developers). They are similar to Microsoft Kinect sensor and can be used in the same way. But there are certain differences that you can take into account before making decision on which device to choose for use with iPi Motion Capture.

MS Kinect for Xbox or Windows

ASUS Xtion

ASUS Xtion Live

Kinect vs Xtion

Both Microsoft Kinect and ASUS Xtion sensors are based on the same PrimeSense infra-red technology. So all basic characteristics critical for full-body motion capture are generally the same. But there are certain differences that you can take into account:

Device	Pros	Cons
Kinect	High quality of device drivers Stable work with various hardware models	Bigger size (12" x 3" x 2.5" against 7" x 2" x 1.5") Higher weight (3.0 lb agains 0.5 lb) Require ACDC power supply Only 30 fps frame rate
Xtion	More compact ( 7" x 2" x 1.5" against 12" x 3" x 2.5") Lighter weight (0.5 lb agains 3.0 lb) Does not require power supply except USB Allow 60 fps frame rate (at 320 x 240 resolution only)	Less popular device Lower drivers quality Does not work with some USB controllers

Xtion Live vs Xtion

• ASUS Xtion Live is recommendable because it includes RGB sensor. RGB image is currently not used for tracking, but it helps to operate the system
• Note: ASUS Xtion and ASUS Xtion Live are also available in PRO modification (for developers). But the hardware is the same for regular and PRO versions, the only difference is in the software supplied with the device, that you will not need for use with iPi Motion Capture system

Kinect for Xbox vs Kinect for Windows

• If you plan to use Kinect not only with iPi Motion Capture, but also to have fun with Xbox games, then you definitely need Kinect for Xbox
• But if iPi Motion Capture is all you need Kinect for, then Kinect for Windows has a couple of advantages over Kinect for Xbox
  • It is officially allowed to use with Windows, so we may hope that drivers quality and support will be better
  • It has capability to track at low distance (from 40 cm). This is not useful for full-body motion capture, but may be helpful other applications