A Conceptual Image-Based Data Glove for Computer-Human Interaction

Data gloves are devices equipped with sensors that capture the movements of the hand of the user in order to select or manipulate objects in a virtual world. Data gloves were introduced three decades ago and since then have been used in many 3D interaction techniques. However, good data gloves are too expensive and only a few of them can perceive the full set of hand movements. In this paper we describe the design of an image-based data glove (IBDG) prototype suitable for finger sensible applications, like virtual objects manipulation and interaction approaches. The proposed device uses a camera to track visual markers at finger tips, and a software module tocompute the position of each finger tip and its joints in real-time. To evaluate our concept, we have built a prototype and tested it with 15 volunteers. We also discuss how to improve the engineering of the prototype, how to turn it into a low cost interaction device, as well as other relevant issues about this original concept

Evaluation of a mixed geometry model for the characterization of activated carbons

The predictions of the Pure Slit Geometry Model (PSGM) and the Mixed Geometry Model (MGM) for the characterization of activated carbons (AC) are compared and tested against the behavior of the textural properties of series of AC obtained from coconut shells by varying the concentration of the chemical activation agent over a wide range. Through the analysis of results it is concluded that the MGM can be regarded as reliable as the PSGM, with an apparently more consistent description of the behavior as a function of the degree of chemical activation and superior consistency between the results for different adsorbates, like N2 and CO2.Fil: Toso, J. P.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico San Luis. Instituto de Física Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; ArgentinaFil: López, Raúl Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico San Luis. Instituto de Física Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; ArgentinaFil: Azevedo, D. C. S. de. Universidade Federal do Ceará; BrasilFil: Cavalcante Jr., C. L.. Universidade Federal do Ceará; BrasilFil: Prauchner, M. J.. Universidade Do Brasilia; BrasilFil: Rodriguez Reinoso, F.. Universidad de Alicante; EspañaFil: Zgrablich, Jorge Andres. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico San Luis. Instituto de Física Aplicada; Argentin

Natural gas storage in microporous carbon obtained from waste of the olive oil production

A series of activated carbons (AC) were prepared from waste of the olive oil production in the Cuyo Region, Argentine by two standard methods: a) physical activation by steam and b) chemical activation with ZnCl2. The AC samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K and evaluated for natural gas storage purposes through the adsorption of methane at high pressures. The activated carbons showed micropore volumes up to 0.50 cm³.g-1 and total pore volumes as high as 0.9 cm³.g-1. The BET surface areas reached, in some cases, more than 1000 m².g-1. The methane adsorption -measured in the range of 1-35 bar- attained values up to 59 V CH4/V AC and total uptakes of more than 120 cm³.g-1 (STP). These preliminary results suggest that Cuyo's olive oil waste is appropriate for obtaining activated carbons for the storage of natural gas