Patent ID: 8179375
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A user interface system comprising: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer 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 in planar form; wherein the substrate defines 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 deformation of the second region inward past the plane of the first region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines 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 a sensor configured to detect a deformation of the second region, in the expanded state, due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user.