Structured Light Sensor (SLS) cameras are a popular tool used by ghost hunters and paranormal investigators to detect spirits. The technology was originally designed for the Xbox 360 Kinect, but has since been modified to detect human-shaped paranormal entities that are invisible to the naked eye. The camera works by projecting an invisible infrared laser grid made up of over one million dots, and then calculating the distance between these dots to build a 3D model of its surroundings. This model is displayed in real-time on a screen, with human figures and potential spirits highlighted as stick figures. While the technology is widely used, some critics argue that it is prone to false-positive readings and is not intended for use in paranormal investigations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Show a 3D model of the environment |
Working | Send out thousands of infrared beams, time how long each beam takes to come back, and use this information to build a 3D map of the environment |
Use | Detect spirits and ghosts |
Ghost forms | Displayed as stick figures that often dance around or stand on top of people's heads |
Work in | Full light and absolute darkness |
Portability | Fully portable |
Components | Microsoft Xbox Kinect camera and sensor, tablet computer running the Windows operating system |
Camera working | Infrared light projector with a monochrome CMOS sensor that shows everything as dots arranged in 3D formation |
Camera software | "Sees" people by recognizing joints and movements |
Video recording | Directly to the camera or an SD card up to 64GB |
Inventor | Renowned engineer Bill Chapel |
What You'll Learn
How do SLS cameras work?
SLS stands for Structured Light Sensor. The camera works by projecting an invisible infrared laser grid over a wide field of view. This grid is made up of over one million tiny dots. The camera's sensor calculates the distance between these dots to build a three-dimensional model of its view. This 3D model doesn't rely on visible light and colours, instead, it "sees" a physical representation of the space and objects around it. This means that if something moves within its field of view, the camera will recognise this as a change in the distance between the dots.
The SLS camera software has the ability to recognise and highlight human figures in the images it captures. It does this by detecting limbs and movement. The camera displays everything it sees in real time on a screen, usually a connected tablet, and any figures it detects are highlighted by a bright green stickman. This is why the device is sometimes called an SLS Stickman Camera.
The Kinect SLS Cameras send out thousands of IR beams, which bounce off objects and walls and back to the camera. The camera times how long each beam takes to come back and uses this information to build a 3D map of the room and all the objects inside it. This allows the camera to build a real-time 3D model showing depth and detail. As it uses infrared light, it can function in pitch black.
The software can recognise people from their shape, limbs and joints. It can recognise movement, combine it, and display it live on screen. While the software has no built-in recording features, you can install screen recording software to record it.
The SLS camera was originally designed for gaming. It was designed to spot a human body and track them in great detail. However, gamers found that the device sometimes "saw" figures that weren't there. Ghost hunters saw this as an opportunity to see something invisible to the naked eye.
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Can SLS cameras see more than one ghost?
SLS cameras, or Structured Light Sensors, are commonly used tools for ghost hunters. They are designed to detect human shapes and skeletal movement and can be used to track spirits. The cameras output hundreds of infrared beams, which build a 3D model of the area and everything inside. This 3D model allows the camera to detect movement and changes in its field of view.
There is no limit to how many figures an SLS camera can detect and capture at any one time. It can detect multiple anomalies simultaneously and has been used by ghost hunters to capture three or four entities at once.
However, it is important to note that SLS cameras are not foolproof and can produce false positives. The software is designed to detect human forms and movement, and it is not guaranteed that everything it picks up is supernatural or paranormal.
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Are SLS cameras portable?
SLS cameras are available in portable, battery-powered versions. These are generally preferred over the mains-powered models, which are limiting in the field. The portable SLS cameras are lightweight and can be used with one hand. They are also designed to work in the daytime and at night, and in both lit and pitch-black environments.
The Kinect SLS Cameras are based on technology built for another purpose. The main component is a Microsoft Kinect, a piece of hardware that adds motion control to the Xbox 360 and later Xbox One. The Kinect sensor is modified to run off a battery pack and is adapted to connect to a tablet, usually one running Windows 10 with the Kinect SLS software installed.
The SLS Cam Gold by SpiritShack is considered the best SLS camera. It is portable, battery-operated, and easy to handle. It combines an EMF meter, video camera, Ovilus (for spirit communication), and ghost cam in one. With a battery life of over 10 hours, it can be attached to an LED light and fixed on a tripod. Its price ranges from under £290 to around £530, depending on the features.
Other popular SLS cameras include the mains-powered Xbox 360 Kinect kit (excluding a tablet) for under £100, and the V1 and V2 SLS Stick Man Cameras, which use a Kinect sensor to pick up stick figures. The V1 stick man camera kit with tablet costs around £290, while the more advanced V2 stick man package costs around £380.
In addition to the camera, ghost hunters will also need a tablet, rechargeable batteries, lenses, tripods and mounts, and USB cables.
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How much does an SLS camera cost?
The cost of an SLS camera varies depending on the model and its features. Basic SLS cameras can cost as little as $45.90, while more advanced models with additional features can range from $104.99 to $692.96.
For example, the V2 SLS Stickman Camera, which uses a Kinect sensor to detect stick figures, is priced at around $104.99. On the other hand, the SLS Cam Gold, a portable and battery-operated device with a wide range of features, is priced between $290 and $530.
Some sellers also offer kits that include the camera and various accessories, such as tablets, batteries, lenses, and software. These kits can range from $262.51 to $692.96, depending on the specific components included.
It is worth noting that the price of an SLS camera can vary depending on the seller and the demand for the product. Additionally, some models may be harder to find as they are no longer in production, such as the first-generation Kinect sensors that were compatible with the Xbox 360.
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How do you make a Kinect SLS camera?
To make a Kinect SLS camera, you will need the following components:
- An Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor
- A USB power cable
- A 12v battery pack
The process of assembling the camera is relatively straightforward. First, remove the mains plug from the USB power cable and wire it to the 12v battery pack. This modification will allow you to power the camera with a battery pack, making it portable. Then, connect the modified power cable to the Kinect sensor, and you will have a portable Kinect SLS camera.
It is important to note that the Kinect sensor is no longer in production, so you may need to source a used or refurbished unit. Additionally, you will need to install the appropriate Kinect software on a Windows device, such as a tablet, laptop, or computer, to view and interact with the camera's output. The software required is Kinect Studio v1.8 for the Xbox 360 Kinect sensor and Kinect Studio v2.0 for the Xbox One Kinect sensor.
The Kinect SLS camera works by emitting thousands of invisible infrared light beams into the environment. These beams bounce off objects and are detected by the camera's sensors. By measuring the time it takes for each beam to return, the camera can build a detailed 3D map of its surroundings, including objects, people, and potential paranormal entities. This real-time 3D mapping technology is what makes the Kinect SLS camera appealing to paranormal investigators, as it can potentially detect human-shaped figures that are invisible to the naked eye.
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Frequently asked questions
SLS stands for Structured Light Sensor. It is a camera that projects an invisible infrared laser grid over a wide field of view. The camera's sensors calculate the distance between the infrared dots to build a 3-dimensional model of its visible field.
The camera emits thousands of infrared light beams into the environment. When these beams come into contact with objects, they bounce back to the camera. The camera then measures the time it takes for each beam to return and uses this data to build a 3D map of its surroundings.
While SLS cameras are popular with ghost hunters, there is no scientific proof that they can detect spirits or ghosts. The technology was originally designed for the Xbox Kinect sensor to track human movement for gaming purposes.