Tactile user interface

An apparatus configured as a virtual user interface, the apparatus comprising:

• a user-actuated control element, comprising a translucent cap configured to be depressed by a user to cause a current function of the user-actuated control element to be carried out;
• a display for displaying a current function of said user-actuated control element, the display being at a location spaced away from, and being viewable through said translucent cap;
• an image conduit disposed between said display and said translucent cap, said image conduit comprising a plurality of parallel optic fibers in fixed contact at a first end to said display;
• and
• a controller responsive to a user's actuating said user-actuated control elements and configured to cause displaying of information on said display corresponding to the current function of the user-actuated control element on the display, the controller responsive to the user's depression of said user-actuated control element to carry out the current function displayed on the display,
• wherein said translucent cap is disposed adjacent to a second end of said plurality of optic fibers, such that information displayed on said display, when viewed on said translucent cap, appears to the user as a focused image.