Self-Shape-Sensing Device with Flexible Mechanical Axes for Deformable Input Interface
Hideki Mori, Yoshihisa Takahashi, Koichi Shiono, Hirofumi Kaneko, Hiroya Matsugami, Masaomi Nishidate · 2021
We propose a novel device that is capable of sensing its own shape, structured around a flexible mechanical axis that allows for its deformation within a wider degree of freedom and enables its tangible and intuitive control by hand. This device has a 5 x 5 axis structure consisting of a spherical joint that rotates between ± 45° and a slide shaft whose length can be varied from 50 to 71 mm. We developed a signal-processing algorithm which can work on the micro controller unit (MCU) of the device and use built-in sensors to not only reconstruct deformations in real-time, but also directly use such reconstructions in 3D graphics applications. As a result, we achieved an intuitive and interactive 3D experience using volumetric displays.