User interface system
First Claim
1. A user interface comprising:
- a substrate defining a fluid channel connected to a cavity;
a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a deformable region of the tactile layer cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity, and an undeformable region of the tactile layer coupled to the substrate substantially proximal a perimeter of the cavity;
a set of discrete beads arranged within the cavity and disconnected from the deformable region and the substrate, the set of discrete beads configured to support the deformable region against substantial inward deformation;
a filter arranged within the fluid channel and configured to prevent displacement of a bead, in the set of discrete beads, through a portion of the fluid channel and into the displacement device;
a displacement device coupled to the fluid channel and configured to displace fluid through the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting that is tactilely distinguishable from the retracted setting at the tactile surface; and
a sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input at the tactile surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A user interface comprising:
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a substrate defining a fluid channel connected to a cavity; a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a deformable region of the tactile layer cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity, and an undeformable region of the tactile layer coupled to the substrate substantially proximal a perimeter of the cavity; a set of discrete beads arranged within the cavity and disconnected from the deformable region and the substrate, the set of discrete beads configured to support the deformable region against substantial inward deformation; a filter arranged within the fluid channel and configured to prevent displacement of a bead, in the set of discrete beads, through a portion of the fluid channel and into the displacement device; a displacement device coupled to the fluid channel and configured to displace fluid through the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting that is tactilely distinguishable from the retracted setting at the tactile surface; and a sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input at the tactile surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A user interface comprising:
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a volume of fluid; a substrate; a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a deformable region of the tactile layer cooperating with the substrate to define a cavity, and an undeformable region of the tactile layer coupled to the substrate substantially proximal a perimeter of the cavity; a set of discrete beads arranged within the cavity and disconnected from the deformable region and the substrate, the set of discrete beads configured to support the deformable region against substantial inward deformation, and beads in the set of discrete beads of a refractive index substantially similar to a refractive index of the volume of fluid; a displacement device fluidly coupled to the cavity and configured to displace a portion of the volume of fluid into the cavity to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the tactile surface in the expanded setting tactilely distinguishable from the tactile surface in the retracted setting; a filter arranged within the cavity and configured to prevent displacement of a bead, in the set of discrete beads, into the displacement device; and a sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input on the tactile surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification