Patent ID: 9176617
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for physical presence of a virtual control button on a touch screen of an electronic device, comprising: a first layer atop a plane of the touch screen, the first layer comprising a grid of first tubular channels and second tubular channels, the first tubular channels substantially orthogonal to the second tubular channels; a second layer atop the first layer, the second layer comprising solid columns, the solid columns positioned at intersections of the first tubular channels and the second tubular channels; wherein respective ones of the first tubular channels and respective ones of the second tubular channels are capable of increasing dimensions in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane; wherein at least one subset of the solid columns is raised in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane so as to form the physical presence of the virtual control button when at least one subset of the first tubular channels and at least one subset of the second tubular channels increase the dimensions in the direction substantially orthogonal to the plane; and wherein the electronic device comprises a display screen configured to provide a visual user interface including the virtual control button.