Hi, just started the long journey that is learning how to use the xbox Kinect system: A cheap, effective 3d scanner and mo-cap system. I figured I'd share what I've figured out with you, and hope others can contribute.

Drivers:
All you need software-wise really is here: http://www.brekel.com/?page_id=160
You need the drivers, and the main program.

MotionBuilder:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/download/item?id=13581896&siteID=123112
Motion builder is also a great tool to be using in the motion capture feild, but I think it's pricy if you're not a student.
I used my student email and got a free copy, I'm sure most of you are able to do the same.
The Plugin for the kinect system in motionbuilder is in the link mentioned earlier.

I'm still really new with this program, I can get into live capture mode but can't for the life of me figure out how to attach characters to the bipeds.

Make sure the Brekel Kinect main application is running in the background while using mb, the device won't work otherwise.

3ds max & Kinect:
You can use all of the kinect's functions without MotionBuilder, just use the Brekel Kinect main application to record and export .BHV and .OBJ files (top right of the screen).

What I've found to be the most effective way to scan something in 3d is to use the OBJ file that Brekel made, then trace over it using either box modeling or plane modeling techniques. Much more accurate then using reference photos.

As for motion capture, If you've noticed that you're character has developed cerebral pulsy, Try either restarting the Brekel Kinect main application or resetting the calibration data (stand in psi pose while doing so). This has stabled the biped for me every time.

Questions? Comments? Additions?
Edited by yukonmuffin on Jan 29, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Edited by yukonmuffin on Jan 29, 2012 at 05:22 PM

lol
did you read this?
http://forum.halomaps.org/index.cfm%3Fpage=topic&topicID=40044

Not really, i was just pointing out something.
The OP is trying to help and inform us of something, there is no need to be that way.
Edited by Maniac1000 on Jan 31, 2012 at 09:55 PM

Funny lol, that's not even very old. I couldn't find it when I searched, though the search function on this site kind of sucks. Well, now we have two threads on this site :)


Download all the software I mentioned, take 10 minutes to try and figure it out (it's really simple) and if that doesn't work ask again. The brekel main program has a help menu explaining all it's functions in super simple English.