Patent ID: 8547339

Claim:
A user interface system comprising: a volume of fluid; a membrane including a first region, a second region, and a third region, wherein the first region is interposed between the second and third regions, and wherein the second and third regions are operable between a retracted state and an expanded state, the second and third regions flush with the first region in the retracted state and proud of the first region in the expanded state; a substrate joined to and retaining a portion of the first region of the membrane in planar form, the substrate cooperating with the second region and the third region to define and substantially enclose a first cavity and a second cavity; a pump configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid into the first and second cavities to transition the second and third regions from the retracted state to the expanded state; a tactile layer, separate and distinct from the substrate and the membrane, joined to a portion of the membrane opposite the substrate, and defining a tactile surface touchable by a user, and comprising a deformable area operable between a lowered state, wherein the deformable area is in contact with the first region, and an elevated state, wherein the deformable area is lifted off of the first region by the second and third regions in the expanded state; and a touch sensor configured to detect a user touch on the tactile surface; and a display separate and distinct from the tactile layer, coupled to the substrate, and configured to output an image through the tactile layer.