Patent · US Active

User interface system

US8704790B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
261References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 20, 2011
Grant dateApr 22, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 2, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F2203/04809
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer; a retaining wall substantially impermeable to the fluid; a permeable layer; a displacement device; and a touch sensor. The tactile layer, with a back surface, defines a second region, operable between: a retracted state, wherein the second region is substantially flush with a first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is substantially proud of the first region. The permeable layer, joined to the back surface of the first region, includes a plurality of fluid ports that communicate a portion of the fluid through the permeable layer to the back surface of the second region. The displacement device directs the fluid through the fluid ports to the back surface to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state. The touch sensor detects a user touch on the tactile layer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.