An inexpensive sensor for measuring surface geometry

A technique to measure surface geometry using a conductive ink sensor is de scribed. In the human system distorted cylinders are common, and geometry c an be reconstructed from local measures of curvature. An algorithm is prese nted to reconstruct the shape of a surface from a series of curvature measu rements. The Abrams Gentile Entertainment patented bend sensor was evaluate d as a curvature transducer. The sensor was tested at the extremes of the l ikely measurement range, from curvatures below 0.01 mm(-1) up to a curvatur e of 0.1 mm(-1). The upper curvature limit proved beyond the design specifi cation of the sensor. The technique was applied at the lower curvature rang e to reconstruct one quadrant of the chest of a volunteer and record breath ing movement. The bend sensor is inexpensive and can be applied to obtain a n approximate reconstruction of surface geometry in the human system. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.