About the original Leap Motion Controller

The Leap Motion Controller is a small USB device that plugs into your computer. Using LED lights and camera sensors, the Leap Motion Controller scans an area of roughly 8-cubic feet (2x2x2) above the device. It tracks both hands and all 10 fingers as they move through the open space between you and your computer, the special software detects your hands and fingers and translates the data into information for your computer. The Leap Motion Controller can now be used with PCVR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive by using the Gemini V5 hand tracking software running on a Windows PC.

The Leap Motion Controller creates a three-dimensional interaction space of about 8 cubic feet above the device and a close range around an inch above the controller. Through a combination of hardware and software, it senses hands and fingers, as well as tools. This allows you to interact with your computer using precise motions without any visible delay. More information can be found on our blog post here.

The minimum system requirements for Desktop use are: Windows® 10, 64-bit Intel® Core™ i3 processor 5th Gen (must support AVX instructions) 2 GB RAM USB 2.0 port VR headsets may come with their own system requirements.

Operating temperature: 32º - 113º F(0º to 45ºC) Storage temperature: 14º to 122º F (-10º to 50º C) Relative Humidity: 5% to 85% (non-condensing) Operating Altitude: 0 to 10,000 feet (0 to 3048 meters) Operating your Leap Motion Controller in bright sunlight, or where bright light sources or reflective sources are above the device, will impact performance. In order to improve performance, move to a less bright or reflective environment. For best performance, maintain a clear field of view between your Leap Motion Controller and your hands and fingers. Loose sleeves, large or loose jewelry, and non-transparent objects or materials that are near the device, or between the device and your hands, may impact performance. In addition, avoid wearing dark gloves, or using dark or transparent instruments to use the controller.

The Leap Motion Controller will work on both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 but will only utilize USB 2.0 data speed.

The performance specifications are as follows: FOV: 150x120 degrees Range: variable (arm’s length, roughly 80 cm) Weight: 32 grams Cameras: 2x 640x240 infrared Framerate: 120 fps

There is only one consumer version of the Leap Motion Controller. There are different SKUs in existence, but these reflect different packaging rather than different hardware. However, different developer versions and specialized partner hardware also exist. This includes early preview units that we sent to developers for free in 2012 and 2013, which can be recognized by their size and “revision” markings on the bottom.

The cameras on the Leap Motion Controller operate in the near-infrared range, 850 nm +/-25.