The FlexStylus is a prototype system that embeds sensors measuring analog flex input in a computer stylus. Through fiber optic sensing, the device detects both absolute extent and angle of flexion. The device was designed to allow these two channels of analog input, as well as derived parameters such as rate and relative motion, to augment the basic x/y functionality of a computer stylus. The goal of this augmentation is to improve a digital artist’s ability to control their work through tactile manipulation, as well as expand the artist’s range of expression and effects. We also introduce the use of flex input to create an additional pointing space, allowing for the execution of gestural drawing commands without moving the tip of the pen.

NEW! We’re looking for a 2-year postdoctoral fellow to work on FlexStylus.

People

Publications

conference

HyperBrush: Exploring the Influence of Flexural Stiffness on the Performance and Preference for Bendable Stylus Interfaces

Alfrancis Guerrero, Thomas Pietrzak, Audrey Girouard

Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021, 2021

conference

FlexStylus: Leveraging Bend Input for Pen Interaction

Nick Fellion, Thomas Pietrzak, Audrey Girouard

UIST: ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, 2017

poster

FlexStylus: A Deformable Stylus for Digital Art

Nick Fellion, Alexander Keith Eady, Audrey Girouard

CHI EA: ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Extended Abstracts, 2016