TOUCH SCREEN INTERFACE DEVICE

摘要

A mechanical interface device having a number of three-dimensional tactile actuators is mounted to the touchscreen of an electronic device having a monitor, wherein a controller coupled to the touchscreen and to the monitor is operative to cause the monitor to display graphic images and/or text in response to engagement with or movement along the surface of the touchscreen by the three-dimensional tactile actuators.

主权项

1. Apparatus for interfacing with the touchscreen of an electronic device, comprising:
an overlay adapted to mount over the touchscreen of the electronic device, said overlay being formed with a number of openings; a number of tactile actuators each mounted to said overlay at one of said openings, each of said tactile actuators having a first end which projects outwardly from said overlay in position to be manipulated by a user of the apparatus and a second end which mounts at least one conductive pad, said at least one conductive pad of each tactile actuator being movable into engagement and disengagement with the surface of the touchscreen, or being in continuous engagement with and movable along the surface of the touchscreen, in response to manipulation of said first end of a respective tactile actuator by the user of the apparatus.