Flexy: Shape-Customizable, Single-Layer, Inkjet Printable Patterns for 1D and 2D Flex Sensing

Abstract

We contribute a new technique for fabricating highly customized 1D and 2D flex sensing surfaces on thin and flexible substrates. It enables designers and makers to easily, quickly and inexpensively realize thin physical objects in custom shapes with an embedded deformation sensor. The deformation sensor is digitally designed and then fabricated with a single layer of conductive material in a single pass, using an off-the-shelf inkjet printer. We establish a design space and investigate how to realize flex sensing surfaces of highly varied geometries. In a technical evaluation, we demonstrate the technical feasibility of such sensors and investigate their response. Lastly, we demonstrate the practical applicability for tangible interfaces by presenting five example applications.