The study of two novel software-based techniques for generating extra input states

In this paper we presented two novel software-based techniques for generating extra input states in pen-based interfaces: Circular-gesture and Double-ellipse. Circular-gesture employs a circular stroke to produce a scalar value. When the value surpasses a specified threshold an extra input states is produced. Double-ellipse exploits double ellipses to simulate binary buttons of mice to generate input states. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the two techniques by comparing them with traditional technique: Time-out. The experimental results showed that Circular-gesture and Double-ellipse were significantly faster than Time-out in mean performance time. Double-ellipse outperformed Circular-gesture and Time-out in subjective preference. Circular-gesture and Double-ellipse complement the existing techniques for pen-based interactions.