Piezo-actuated virtual buttons for touch surfaces

A method for actuating a piezo-actuated structure, said piezo-actuated structure comprising a piezo layer, a deformable layer, a pressure sensing device, said piezo layer mechanically mated to said deformable layer, the method comprising:

• receiving a first pressure applied to said deformable layer;
• communicating said first pressure to said pressure sensing device;
• sending a pressure detection signal from said pressure sensing device to a sensing circuit;
• in response to said pressure detection signal, sending a piezo actuating signal from an actuation circuit to said piezo layer;
• and
• communicating a mechanical signal to said deformable layer by movement of said piezo layer in response to said piezo actuating signal.

A touch sensitive surface structure comprising:

• a touch sensitive surface, said touch sensitive surface further comprising a deformable layer;
• a piezo layer, said piezo layer in mechanical communication with said deformable layer;
• a pressure sensing device, such that a first pressure of a desired amount is sufficient for said pressure sensing device to send a first pressure sensing signal;
• a sensing circuit, said sensing circuit in electrical communication with said pressure sensing device and further wherein said sensing circuit capable of receiving said first pressure sensing signal and
• a piezo actuating circuit, said piezo actuating circuit in electrical communication with said sensing circuit and said piezo layer and further wherein piezo actuating circuit is capable of sending a piezo actuating signal to said piezo layer upon receiving a pressure sensing signal from said sensing circuit.