Method for interacting with a dynamic tactile interface

A method for registering user interaction with a dynamic tactile interface comprising a tactile layer and a substrate, the tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a deformable region, and a peripheral region adjacent the deformable region and coupled to the substrate opposite the tactile surface, the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to form a variable volume filled with a mass of fluid, the method comprising:

• at a sensor coupled to the substrate, detecting a first contact of an object at a first location on the tactile surface;
• detecting a transition of the object along the tactile surface from the first location at a first time to a second location adjacent the deformable region at a second time;
• substantially at the first time, detecting a first pressure of the mass of fluid at a remote pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the variable volume;
• substantially at the second time, detecting a second pressure of the mass of fluid at the remote pressure sensor;
• in response to a pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, interpreting the transition as a gesture;
• and
• in response to the gesture, executing a command corresponding to the gesture at a processor.