Determining the shape of an object which can change dynamically is a bit of a challenge, one that especially vexes those who are really into Virtual Reality. Sensing the orientation of various limbs and appendages usually requires external sensors like cameras, or limit the focus to specific details like just the hands and fingers of the player. A more comprehensive and potentially flexible approach might be possible using optical waveguides, as demonstrated by [Qifan Yu] et al. in a recent article in Advanced Intelligent Systems.
Waveguides are structures that guide electromagnetic waves, with optical waveguides such as used here targeting EM radiation in the optical band. This can even allow for the use of cheap and plentiful optical fiber, though here custom elastomeric waveguides are manufactured. These are laid out onto the sheet in a double-sided, overlapping zig-zag pattern, which allows for easy reconstruction of the shape of said sheet based on how the wave propagation through the waveguide changes.
By characterizing the behavior of the signals through the waveguide, its shape and thus that of the sheet can be reconstructed. This was then demonstrated to be accurate by wrapping the sheet around a volunteer’s arm, elbow and hand, detecting the flexing and movement of individual joints.
Although fairly bulky in the demonstrated configuration and with an unoptimized algorithm, it’s conceivably something that can be miniaturized to the point where it can be woven into regular fabric. This could make for sensor sheets that could track the configuration of everything from robots to human bodies for something like VR purposes.
Intuitive Surgical’s ION platform uses fiber optics to sense the shape of their catheter inside the lung.
This waveguide sheet could also conceivably be used for positional feedback/control in robotics as well.
This is a genius idea, simple to implement using existing stuff too.
Given how fine the actual fibres are I’m sure it can be made as thin as any other thread in a fairly robust manner.
Could be good for 3D scanning body parts. For reasons.
Giving robots a better sense of touch.
Rule 34 reasons. Is there a corollary that states that pr0n is made anywhere when there is money to be made?
Please do not forget the weirdest form of pr0n with budget and spendings and special effects (see when the pentagon become the open quadrilater): the army.
Something a kin to a wetsuit and you have a full body version of something like a Power Glove controller. As was the way with that, the software will be the thing that kills it, if the price doesn’t get there first.
The Eastern European front. You’re a conscript being chased across a mortar-pockmarked field by some kind of frantically-scurrying armored crab. Must be a new model, none of the jammers work. It’s wearing fishnet tights. But you aren’t aroused at all, not one bit.
Ew, there’s a patent on exactly this?
https://thepatent.news/optical-waveguides-turn-flexible-sheets-into-dynamic-shape