User interface system and method
First Claim
1. A user interface system comprising:
- a volume of fluid;
a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is of an elastic material and is operable between;
a retracted state, wherein the second region is flush with the first region; and
an expanded state, wherein the second region is proud of the first region;
a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the first region and retaining the first region in planar form;
wherein the substrate defines a support surface that is adjacent to the second region, is disconnected from the second region, is in contact with the second region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the second region inward past the plane of the first region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user;
wherein the substrate defines a fluid conduit that communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of the second region;
a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid conduit, toward the back surface of the second region to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state; and
a sensor configured to detect a deformation of the second region, in the expanded state, due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The user interface system of the preferred embodiments includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a cavity on an opposite side; a volume of a fluid contained within the cavity; a displacement device that modifies the volume of the fluid to expand the cavity, thereby outwardly deforming a particular region of the surface; and a sensor that detects a force applied by a user that inwardly deforms the particular region of the surface. The user interface system has been specifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronic device, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from an adaptive user interface, but may alternatively be used in any suitable application.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1. A user interface system comprising:
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a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is of an elastic material and is operable between; a retracted state, wherein the second region is flush with the first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is proud of the first region; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the first region and retaining the first region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a support surface that is adjacent to the second region, is disconnected from the second region, is in contact with the second region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the second region inward past the plane of the first region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a fluid conduit that communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of the second region; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid conduit, toward the back surface of the second region to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state; and a sensor configured to detect a deformation of the second region, in the expanded state, due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. A user interface system comprising:
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a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is of an elastic material and is operable between; a retracted state, wherein the second region is flush with the first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is proud of the first region; a substrate coupled to a portion of the back surface of the first region and retaining the first region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a support surface that is adjacent to the second region, is disconnected from the second region, is in contact with the second region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the second region inward past the plane of the first region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a fluid conduit that communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of the second region; and a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid conduit, toward the back surface of the second region to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state; a display coupled to the substrate and configured to visually output an image of an input key substantially aligned with the second region, wherein the image is transmitted through the tactile layer to the user; a sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to a deformation of the second region, in the expanded state, due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; and a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to associate the force with either of a first user input and a second user input based upon a comparison of the signal to a threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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44. An electronic system comprising:
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an electronic device selected from the group consisting of an automotive console, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, a desk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, a personal media player, a camera, and a watch; a user interface system, for the electronic device, including a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is of an elastic material and is operable between; a retracted state, wherein the second region is flush with the first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is proud of the first region; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the first region and retaining the first region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a support surface that is adjacent to the second region, is disconnected from the second region, is in contact with the second region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the second region inward past the plane of the first region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a fluid conduit that communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of the second region; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid conduit, toward the back surface of the second region to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state; and a sensor configured to detect a deformation of the second region, in the expanded state, due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user.
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Specification