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.