Patent ID: 8928621
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: G01L,G06F,H01H

Abstract:
1. A user interface system comprising: a substrate defining a fluid channel comprising a first end and a second end, the fluid channel fluidly coupled to a set of cavities between the first end and the second end; a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and a set of deformable regions adjacent the peripheral region, each deformable region in the set of deformable regions cooperating with the substrate to define a corresponding cavity in the set of cavities; a displacement device configured to displace fluid through the fluid channel and into the set of cavities to transition the set of deformable regions from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the set of deformable regions substantially flush with the peripheral region in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel proximal the first end; a second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel proximal the second end, the second pressure sensor discrete from the first pressure sensor; and a processor configured to determine selection of a particular deformable region in the set of deformable regions in the expanded setting based upon a comparison of a first signal from the first pressure sensor and a second signal from the second pressure sensor.