Haptic systems and methods for a user interface of a patient support apparatus

A patient support apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a patient support deck supported by said base and comprising a fowler section, wherein said patient support deck provides a patient support surface;
• an actuator operatively coupled to said fowler section to articulate said fowler section between articulation angles;
• a barrier wall supported by said base and comprising a first region free of any electronic visual displays, said barrier wall comprising an exposed exterior surface accessible to a user;
• a user input device disposed with respect to said barrier wall such that said first region of said barrier wall separates said user input device from said exposed exterior surface;
• an ultrasonic generator system disposed with respect to said barrier wall such that said first region of said barrier wall separates said ultrasonic generator system from said exposed exterior surface;
• a controller in communication with said ultrasonic generator system;
• and
• a sensor in communication with said controller and arranged to determine a current articulation angle of said fowler section,
• said controller configured to control said ultrasonic generator system to generate haptic feedback in response to actuation of said user input device by the user to indicate to the user a relationship between said current articulation angle of said fowler section and a target articulation angle.