Object shape and touch sensing on interactive tables with optical fiber sensors

In this paper, we present an approach for sensing object shapes and touching of interactive tables based on diffuse illumination (DI) and frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) and other infrared-based tracking approaches. Our approach uses tangible objects with series connection of optical fibers as bend and touch sensors. The approach enables detection of object deformations and touched points on the object with no modification of the original tabletop-based tracking system. We present the basic concept and an initial evaluation of the approach.