Data Glove with Integrated Polyethylene‐Carbon Composite‐Based Strain Sensor for Virtual Reality Applications

Abstract

A data glove enables fine motion control in virtual reality (VR). This work presents a cost‐effective data glove made of a commercial nylon‐based glove with integrated polyethylene‐carbon composites (Velostat). The resistance of the Velostat varies when a finger is bent. This piezoresistive behavior was explored by designing the Velostat as the strain sensor. The strain sensor was characterized for its flexure sensing by connecting it to a data acquisition circuit. The circuit is designed to process the output of the joint angles and feed it to the computer. A linear resistance output was measured with a sensitivity/gauge factor of 1.45 % per degree with a response time of 0.0158 seconds when the strain sensor bends from 0° to 30°. To control the 3D virtual hand's movement, the data glove was coupled with two inertial measurement unit sensors at the forearm and upper arm to identify its coordinates. The fabricated data glove successfully performs a proof‐of‐concept by picking‐and‐placing multiple objects in a VR environment.

Sensing Mechanism and Application of Mechanical Strain Sensor: A Mini-Review

“…By affixing these sensors to various parts of the human body, such as gloves, stockings, and clothing, users can engage in immersive gaming experiences that leverage motion detection, pressure sensing, and hand movements, all of which are facilitated by these motion sensors. Moreover, wearable strain sensors not only detect the user's movements and touches but also govern interactions within virtual environments, playing a pivotal role in gaming, educational simulations, and other forms of entertainment [110,111].…”

Modelling, Linearity Analysis and Optimization of an Inductive Angular Displacement Sensor Based on Magnetic Focusing in Ships

“…Angular Displacement Sensor According to how angular displacement measurement is implemented, angular displacement sensors can be divided into contact and non-contact sensors. Traditional contact sensors are mainly potentiometric and resistance strain sensors [19][20][21]. The main disadvantages are contact friction, large differences in measurement results due to the attachment process, limited resolution, and strain gauge creep after long-term use.…”