ShapeTape

S1280CS ShapeTape™ and S1680 High-Speed ShapeTape™
A light weight, wearable, flexible ribbon that uses its own software, ShapeWare to create a 3D computer image and data set of its shape in real time, based on bend and twist information from an array of fiber optic sensors along its length. It follows human arm, leg, back, and neck movements for motion capture, virtual reality, biomedical, gaming, and robotic control applications. It is also used for crash testing, computer-aided design, and automotive interior design.

The S1280CS ShapeTape operates through the serial port of a Windows PC. ShapeWare software allows viewing a real-time image of the ShapeTape and collecting data from the entire tape at up to 110Hz.

The S1680 ShapeTape is a high speed, non multiplexed version of our S1280CS multiplexed ShapeTape , for use with a separate data acquisition system (not included). 3D dynamic shape information can be acquired from the length of the tape at a bandwidth of 10kHz.
Both the S1280CS and the S1680 ShapeTape can be supplied with different lengths, widths, sensor spacing and locations. Bend only and armored versions are also available.

3D ShapeTape Characteristics
These typical characteristics are approximate and subject to change without notice

Characteristics, S1280CS multiplexed ShapeTape™
(Specifications will vary for other lengths, number of sensors, etc.)

Dimensions of tape: 1.3 x 13 x 1800 mm nominal
Dimensions of interface box: 16 x 54 x 168 mm nominal
Operating temperature: -20 to 50 deg c
Sensitive zone: outboard 480 mm contains 16 sensors arranged in 8 pairs
Sensor length: each sensor integrates curvature over a 60 mm portion of the sensitive zone
Sensor pair: each pair resolves bend and twist, using calibration constants
Calibration: Circle, twist, & flat poses yield stored calibration constants
Data: x,y,z and orientation at 16 or more points along sensitive zone, relative to inboard reference end
Calibrated Range of each sensor: ± 40 mm radius bend; ±22.8 deg twist
Safe Bending radius: ± 20 mm radius
Spatial sampling limits: each monotonic (single polarity) curve requires two sensor lengths
Operating range for end of 'U' shape: two elliptical volumes, 160 x 250 mm each.
Endpoint accuracy within operating range and sampling limits: 1-3% of length is a reasonable expectation for postional errors; thus, for the first 100 mm of a tape, the error can be expected to be 1-3 mm, and if the tape is 1000 mm long, the error at the tip can be expected to be 10-30 mm.
Endpoint resolution: 0.3 mm rms, x,y,or z; 0.5 deg, roll, pitch, or yaw
Other locations on tape: errors reduce toward inboard reference end, within range and sampling limits
Maximum data acquisition speed: 110 Hz
Included: Wall mount power supply (60 Hz, 120VAC), serial cable, interface box, and tape

Options
We frequently vary the number of sensors, lead lengths, and other tape parameters to suit special needs. Up to 48 sensors can be handled by one interface box. Multiple tape systems and other software routines are available.

Characteristics, S1680 High-Speed ShapeTape™
Made to special order, these tapes have up to 40 analog output channels, each with a 10 kHz bandwidth. Add a high speed data acquisition system (not included) to acquire high speed crash or sport data. Interface box dimensions are similar to those of the S1280CS tapes. Tapes are available in different lengths, widths, and sensor configurations.

(ShapeTape is produced under license from the Canadian Space Agency).

Recommended applications
The curvatures experienced by, for instance, seats, automobiles, humans, animals, crash-test dummies, snowboards, skis, clothing, and many machines are very appropriate for ShapeTape™ measurements. We offer ShapeTape™ interfaces with up to 48 sensors, suitable for collecting 3D, six-degree-of-freedom information from a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Applications for ShapeTape are many, they include but are not limited to:
• crash testing
• virtual reality
• motion tracking and input tool for use in MRI
• robotic control
• human factors
• CAD
• ergonomics

Some ShapeTape applications have been discussed in the ‘Applications’ section of this site. Please contact us to discuss your application and the advantages of ShapeTape.

Inappropriate applications
ShapeTape™ is not recommended for measurement of very small curvatures, such as the deflection of a bridge or wing, where bends are in the range of millimeters per tens of meters. It is possible to resolve such tiny changes, but only in certain dynamic situations, and only if mounting is very carefully designed. Please consult with Measurand before using ShapeTape™ for static or dynamic measurements of curvatures with a radius greater than 1 m. The exact goals of the measurements will determine whether ShapeTape™ is appropriate.

Video that shows ShapeTape being used to control the Hydras Robot. For more information, visit Virginia Tech.

Courtesy of Prof. Denis Hong, RoMeLa:Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech.