MATLAB Support for the Kinect V2?

Question

Hi,

I'm currently working on a research project where I'm trying to create a digitizer for applications in structural dynamics using a Kinect for Windows V1. I'm doing this on MATLAB R2016a. However, due to the added resolution and better field of view, I thought it might be better to implement this using the Kinect for Windows V2 instead. When I looked for one, I read that the product has been discontinued and a combination of the Xbox One Kinect Sensor and the Kinect Adaptor for Windows is to be used instead.

So I suppose my question is two-pronged:

1. Is said combination effectively the same as the Kinect for Windows V2?
2. Is the combination supported by MATLAB R2016a? Their documentation states that the version supports Kinect V2, without any specifier.

This may seem like a stupid question, but I'd just like to be sure before I go ahead and buy it.

Thanks in advance!

Varun Udupa

Answer 1

1. Yes, Kinect for Windows v2 is the exact same sensor as the Xbox One sensor. The only difference that matters is compatibility. Xbox One sensor + Adaptor can work in both PC and Xbox, while the other one that's now discontinued can only work on PC.Functionally they are identical.

2. The combination has nothing to do with support for Kinect v2. v2 refers to the sensor hardware version. If it says it supports v2, then it supports both the Xbox One sensor + adaptor and the Kinect for Windows v2.

Generally this is a very bad naming convention and has created multiple misunderstandings and the lack of stickies on this Forum makes it worse.

PS: Kinect for Windows v2 has the adaptor built-in. It was meant as a "convenience" for PC users.

Answer 2

Great, thanks for the reply NPatch. Marked as an accepted answer. 

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Thanks,

Varun Udupa

School of Dynamic Systems

University of Cincinnati

Answer 3

Hi Varum Udupa

I will be in an MOOC next January about Robotics ( control a robotic arm) I am new in that , but I read we need to use Matlab on the course . My question is if is there any free version of Matlab and if you was able to connect Kinect v2 is easy or is a lot of plugins and thing like that?

Thanks

M rojas