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 defining a fluid channel coupled 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 bead arranged within the cavity, disconnected from the deformable region and the substrate, configured to vertically engage the substrate to support the deformable region against substantial inward deformation, and an interstitial between the bead and a wall of the cavity defining a fluid path to communicate fluid through the cavity; 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, wherein the cavity defines a cylinder and the bead engages a wall of the cylinder, wherein the fluid channel is fluidly connected to the cavity adjacent the bead opposite the tactile layer, wherein the displacement device is configured to modify a fluid pressure with the cylinder via the fluid channel to translate the bead toward the deformable region and engaging the deformable region to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting, and wherein the fluid path comprises a width dimension less than thickness of the tactile layer.