Patent ID: 8207950
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: G06F,G08B

Abstract:
1. A user interface enhancement system, for a touch interface device, comprising: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the tactile surface, and including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is of an elastic material and is operable between: a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the first region and retaining the first region; the substrate defining a support surface that is adjacent to the second region, is disconnected from the second region, is in contact with the second region in the retracted state, and prevents inward deformation of the second region inward past the first region due to a force applied to the tactile surface by the user; the substrate further defining a fluid conduit that communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of the second region; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid conduit, toward the back surface of the second region to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state; and an attachment component configured to removably couple the substrate to the touch interface device, wherein the substrate is interposed between the interface device and the tactile layer.