arXiv · 2610.19969
Toward Motion Capture Textiles: A Batteryless IMU Array Powered and Networked Through a Conductive-Fabric Bus
Abstract
Motion capture is increasingly important in healthcare, rehabilitation, and sports applications. However, conventional vision-based systems require camera infrastructure and line-of-sight conditions, limiting their use in daily environments. This paper proposes a location-independent platform for motion capture, based on an array of IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensor nodes without individual wiring or onboard batteries, enabled by two-dimensional communication and power delivery over conductive fabric. Pipeline processing in each sensor node, combined with a token-passing protocol, enables collision-free and stable data acquisition at 50 Hz. Real-time three-dimensional reconstruction of flexible objects is further demonstrated by applying Hermite spline interpolation to orientation data from grid-aligned IMUs. Against a cylinder of known radius, the reconstructed surface deviates by 2.60 mm RMS over the 225 mm span of the array. The reconstruction is formulated for the quasi-static regime, and this letter empirically validates it in that regime. The hardware platform and communication protocol implemented in this work enable further investigation toward dynamic motion capture textiles.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Ryusei Miyakawa, Akihito Noda. 2026-10-14. Toward Motion Capture Textiles: A Batteryless IMU Array Powered and Networked Through a Conductive-Fabric Bus. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.19969
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.