Patent ID: 8830163

Claim:
A data input system comprising: a screen that selectably displays an image of a data input device, the screen being responsive to pressure applied by a user; and a processor that processes an input signal created by the pressure into input data according to the image of the data input device on the screen, wherein the data input device comprises a keyboard and wherein the screen comprises a plurality of spaced distinct tactile areas, each tactile area comprising a first portion of a first circuit, a second portion of a second circuit and an electrically insulating gel between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the image of the keyboard is displayed such that individual keys of the image of the keyboard align with and correspond to individual tactile areas of the plurality of spaced distinct tactile areas and wherein depressment of an individual tactile area moves the first portion into contact with the second portion through the electrically insulating gel while parting the electrically insulating gel; wherein the screen comprises: a flexible display layer; a flexible tactile layer beneath the display layer, wherein the flexible tactile layer comprises; an upper layer having a thickness, and including a plurality of dielectric concave areas, each of the plurality of concave areas corresponding to one of the plurality of spaced distinct tactile areas; wherein the flexible display layer is above the first circuit and the second circuit.