Category Archives: Technology
Xbox 360 Kinect Reviews on the Gameplay
Listed here is a special Xbox 360 Kinect reviews about the gameplay. Is it truly exactly what the hoopla says? Is it truly that fun??? Well, I took the device out for a trial by playing the Dance Central 2 game, and listed here are my testing results:
1.) Amazing detection of multi-players
I did a trial run with my friend James. What we did was a number of tests to determine how good the Kinect detected multiple players. Our very first test was that the two of us joining into the game simultaneously. Amazingly the instant both of us waved our hands, the Kinect sensor remarkably detected our silouettes! There was not delay at all.
As for the second test, I joined the game first, and we tested to determine the response of the system when James joined in half way thru my gaming session. Also remarkably the device managed to quickly detect James as a secondary player, and quickly the device included the next player into the game!
2.) Body motion capture was extremely precise
I was playing the Dance Central 2 game to try this portion out. My test with this would be to decide if it really realises whether I was grooving in line with what they were instructing me on-screen, and whether or not it really notices if I was doing anything out of sync.
Im no real professional dancer, so I selected the easy mode to do this. The first dance move would be to do a fist pump. I chose this dance for the test, as it was not too difficult, so it made it simpler for me to monitor the final results. So here’s what happened:
As the character on-screen was carrying out a fist pump, I was following along as well. Not surprisingly it was giving me high scores for dancing correctly. Now, the next matter I did was to slowly to start fist pumping out of sync with the character on-screen. And quickly the character began to highlight in red on its arms, suggesting that my fist pumping was not within sync!!! This was quite remarkable the way it detected only my arms out of sync.
The next test was to completely stop fist pumping, and to immediately do random motions. And what you know, I was getting boos from the game, because I had been dancing so terribly from the character! Which indicates it immediately knew that I was dancing completely off.
Once that settled, I immediately jumped back into the beat and started dancing properly again
and i’m happy to report the Kinect really saw my correction motions again, and started scoring me high again in the game.
So my conclusion from this test
the Kinect truly is good at detecting every single motion I made!
To sum up after testing a couple of hours on the Kinect I really did find that it lived truly to the hoopla that it promises to be. It really detected my body movements and translated it to a very fluid movement accurately portrayed by my avatar character on screen. I must say that this is a great investment to buy the Xbox 360 Kinect gaming system, because you will not see any other gaming system quite like it! That’s it, my quick gameplay Xbox 360 Kinect Reviews.
Air Cylinders and Pneumatic Systems: Making Things Work
Have been affected by pneumatics today? What a silly question. Of course you have! You just didnt know it. In fact, pneumatics have much more of an impact on your life than you might think. First, what are they?
The term “pneumatics is typically used to refer to a branch of technology used almost exclusively in the industrial sector to control machinery. While there are a number of ways to control various types of machinery, one of the most effective, efficient, and most popular methods is through pneumatics.
Pneumatic systems make use of canisters of compressed air or specialized gasses to then exert a force on a wide array of pistons and machine parts. These pistons and components then provide the necessary movement required by the machine to accomplish its given task.
While the possibilities are vast when it comes to operating any type of system, Pneumatic systems are one of the simplest methods which in turn makes them one of the most prevalent as well.
Pneumatic systems are comprised of a few major parts. First, theres the compressor. The compressor is a pump that compresses air, raises it to a higher pressure, and then delivers it into the actual pneumatic system. This process can also be used to generate a force that pulls (a vacuum) instead of a force that pushes.
Next, there is the check valve and the directional valve. A check valve is a one-way valve that is used to grant the pressurized air access to the pneumatic system while at the same time preventing backflow. The directional valve actively controls the direction of the airflow to its correct source.
You might ask, “What happens if too much air is permitted into the system?” For that there is the accumulator, which stores compressed air to prevent potentially dangerous surges in pressure while also ensuring efficient operation.
Finally, theres the actuator. Pneumatic actuators convert the stored compressed air into actual mechanical motion. Typical pneumatic actuators are comprised of a piston, a cylinder, and a configuration of valves and ports. In pneumatic systems, the motion created by the actuator is usually rotary or linear.
Pneumatics make quite a few things possible. While you might not realize it, they actually have a profound impact on our every day lives. For example, pneumatic systems are frequently used in
- Air brakes on busses and trucks
- Air compressors
- Pneumatic air guns
- Pneumatic mail systems
- Pneumatic motors
- Jackhammers
- Nail guns
- Pressure regulators
- Vacuum pumps
- And much more
So as you can see, from mass production and manufacturing to the jackhammers that fix your roads and the busses that drive on them pneumatics have a pronounced impact in a number of ways.
Caring For Your Action Camera
Modern HD action cameras are designed to withstand some of the most extreme environments on earth, from dirt and dust to snow and water. However, despite their capabilities action cameras are not invincible and will require a degree of manual care and consideration in order to maximise their lifespan.
The vast majority of camera care comes down to simple common sense, from things as basic as dont take it under water without a case on to keep it clean. Much of the following advice may sound obvious, but it should not be overlooked.
Protect your camera from the elements
An action cameras job is to capture footage in situations that a standard video camera would not cope with. Be it tearing though the Sahara at 100mph, snowboarding in a blizzard or cycling through three feet of mud, there will be an action camera up to the job. However, such hostile environments bring with them a number of harmful elements.
Water – too much exposure to water can be extremely harmful to certain cameras, but apply the appropriate casing and water and video can become a match made in heaven. From watersports themselves, to cycling in heavy rain, its essential to apply a waterproof case to your camera. GoPro HD users may wish to use the GoPro HD Waterproof Housing and Drift owners could use the Drift Waterproof Case. So if you are planning on getting wet, be sure to invest in a suitable means of water protection for your action camera.
Shock – action by name and action by nature, action cameras would not be action cameras if they werent subject to a degree of physical strain. While a camera mounted in the relative safety of a car will not require protection, an action camera mounted on the handlebars of a MotoX bike will be subject to regular batterings. To protect an action camera from severe impact, invest in purpose built protective casing designed to take the punishment of off-road racing. GoPro users should look no further than the GoPro Race Case.
Dirt and dust – many extreme sports, such as mountain biking will carry a degree of exposure to dirt or dust which can cause damage to a cameras lens. If partaking in a particularly dirty sport, apply the same principles as above by using a protective case where necessary.
Keep it clean
When you have finished using your action camera take time to clean it, paying particular attention to the casing and the lens. First, carefully remove any shards of rock or sand that could scratch the lens. Then using a damp lens cloth remove any other dirt from the area. To clean the casing, carefully work a damp cloth across the body until all grime is removed.
Even if your camera isnt caked in mud, it still pays to wash it with clean water as salt water or dust sitting on the camera can cause damage over time. Also be sure to regularly clean any casing or holdalls that could contain dirt, dust or rocks.
Use a suitable mount
Be sure to use a mount that has been designed for the task at hand. For example, if going surfing, be sure to invest in a specific surf mount that will keep your camera fixed securely to your board. If you dont then you may find your camera at the bottom of the ocean. Likewise, if attaching a camera to the bars of a Superbike, use a mount that will withstand wind impact at high speeds.
Also, be sure to invest in mounts that are designed for your brand of action camera. For example, if using GoPro HD, use purpose built GoPro mounts rather than that of another brand.
Modern action cameras, such as the GoPro HD, Drift HD or Bullet HD are all designed to withstand the strains associated with action sports, but it doesnt hurt to apply an extra level of protection. Take good care of your action camera and you could still be using it in many, many years to come.