Pistons and sleeves

Here you see a short demonstration of a technique I am currently researching to quickly improve deformations on a smooth bound mesh. It involves using piston-like joints to pull the geometry out of the deep creases.
Pistons are basically 2 joints pointing at each other. I`ve constrained these so, that they only bend in one direction. For clarification I`ve parented some geometry under the pistons so you can see them move more clearly.
In the video you can see the three stages: in the front the joint chain used. In the middle the skin with deformation by the pistons. and in the back skindeformation with only the 2 main joints as influences.
For simple joints like elbows one piston would suffice, since this only has to bend in one direction. For joints with complete freedom like the wrist a sleeve of these pistons is needed. Twisting is still an issue when using this technique. However, in the case of the wrist the twisting would occur along the forearm anyway, so it isn`t a problem there.

Something new

I always like to experiment with new imaging techniques. Especially when it involves light. Over the weekend I had an idea which, I figured, should work...in theory. As a proof of concept before going all overboard on a larger scale I created a very shaky construction held together by a lot of tape. I dont want to give away the exact technique, I want to experiment with it some more and make it my own first. But here are the results of the first trial. Proof of concept succeeded, the image are defeniately interesting enough to develop further imo.

These are in no way edited in the computer, only cropped.