USER INTERFACE SYSTEM

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A user interface comprising:
a substrate comprising an attachment face defining a planar attachment surface and a support member continuous with the attachment face, the support member defining a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel laterally adjacent the first fluid channel, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel configured to communicate fluid through the support member into a cavity; a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region, and a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region, the peripheral region coupled to the attachment face proximal a periphery of the support member, the deformable region aligned with the support member, disconnected from the support member, and cooperating with the support member to define the cavity, a portion of the tactile layer of a thickness greater than a width dimension of the first fluid channel, and the support member configured to support the deformable region against inward deformation past flush with the attachment surface into the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel; a displacement device configured to displace fluid into the cavity via the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting 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.