Dynamic tactile interface

US9720501B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tactus Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Curtis Ray · Fremont, US
• Mario Garcia · Fremont, US
• Roman P. Rak · Burns Lake, CA
• Rob Ray · Fremont, US
• Max Shimshak · Fremont, US
• Michael Ray · Goleta, US
• David Anvar · Fremont, US
• Forrest Grinstead · Sunnyvale, US
• Nathan Knapp · Fremont, US
• Micah B. Yairi · Fremont, US
• Craig Ciesla · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 9, 2015
• Grant date: Aug 1, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 15, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F2203/04809
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a tactile layer including a deformable region and a peripheral region adjacent the deformable region; a substrate coupled to the tactile layer, the substrate defining fluid channel and cooperating with the deformable region to define a variable volume fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a displacement device coupled to the bladder, displacing fluid into the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting, and displacing fluid out of the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the expanded setting to the retracted setting, the displacement device defining a equilibrium range of fluid pressures within the fluid channel; a reservoir fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and supporting a reserve volume of fluid; and a valve selectively controlling transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel.