Patent ID: 9733746
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: G06F

Claim:
1. A touch interface device comprising: a touch surface; a first electrode coupled with the touch surface, the first electrode also configured to receive a first actuation electric potential; and a second electrode coupled with the touch surface and configured to receive a second actuation electric potential different from the first actuation electric potential wherein when an appendage of an operator touches the touch surface above both the first electrode and the second electrode the first and second actuation electric potentials establish electric fields that pass from one of the first and second electrodes directly through the outermost layer of the appendage and return to the other of the first and second electrodes via the outermost layer of the appendage, wherein electric fields that penetrate the outermost layer of the appendage are small enough that they do not create direct electric sensory stimulation, and wherein the electric fields acting on the outermost layer of the appendage generate electrostatic attractive forces that are imparted directly on the appendage and increase friction between the touch surface and the appendage through which the electric fields pass.