Tactile device
AssigneeKoninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
InventorMenno Willem Prins
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Abstract
The invention refers to a tactile device provided with a number of fluid elements (1) containing an electrically conducting fluid (3, 4). The fluid level in each element is movable by actuator means (V, 6) applying a electric power to said fluid elements. Each fluid element is at one end provided with a tactile element (7) that is in contact with the fluid for perception of the fluid level by a user. The fluid elements comprise capillary tubes (2) in which the fluid level is movable as a result of electro-capillary pressure.
Claims12
A tactile device provided with a number of fluid elements containing an electrically conducting fluid, a fluid level in each element being movable, actuator means for moving the fluid level of a number of selected fluid elements by applying an electric force to said fluid elements, wherein each fluid element is at one end provided with a tactile element that is in contact with the fluid for perception of the fluid level by a user, characterized in that the fluid elements comprise capillary tubes in which the fluid level is movable as a result of electro-capillary pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.