Patent ID: 8494663

Claim:
An interactive switch system comprising: a control system including: a first side and a second side; a first switch contact and a second switch contact on the first side of the control system, each of the first and second switch contacts providing an electrical connection, a tactile signal and an auditory signal when actuated; and a first light-generating system and a second light-generating system, each arranged in a predetermined configuration on the first side of the control system and operatively coupled with the first and the second switch contacts, respectively; and an indicator surface including: a first user input device and a second user input device operatively coupled with the first and the second switch contacts, respectively, each of the first and the second user input devices having, instantaneously, either a first or a second tactile state; the first and second user input devices each having a central recessed portion which assists the user in precisely orientating a fingertip on either one of the first or second user input devices; a first translucent display surface and a second translucent display surface, adjacent the first and the second user input devices, respectively, and optically coupled with the first and the second light-generating systems, respectively, to emit a light energy at a first level, associated with the first tactile state, or at a second level, associated with the second tactile state; and wherein a change from the first tactile state to the second tactile state of each of the user input devices produces the audible signal.