Patent ID: 8243038

Claim:
A method, for adjusting a user interface of a device, comprising: providing a user interface including a tactile guidance arranged proximal a location configured to accept a user input, the tactile guidance 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 plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions, wherein each second region is of an elastic material and is operable between: a retracted state, wherein the second region is flush with the first regions; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is proud of the first regions; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surfaces of the first regions and retaining the first regions in planar form; the substrate defining support surfaces that are adjacent to the second regions, are disconnected from the second regions, are in contact with the second regions in the retracted state, and prevent deformation of the second regions inward past the plane of the first regions due to a force applied to the tactile surface by the user; the substrate further defining fluid ports that communicate a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surfaces of the second regions; and a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the fluid ports, toward the back surfaces of the second regions to transition a portion of the second regions from the retracted state to the expanded state; retrieving a user preference for either of a first characteristic and a second characteristic of the tactile guidance proximal the location; and manipulating a portion of the fluid to transition the tactile guidance to either of the first characteristic and the second characteristic based upon the user preference.