US 9,619,030 B2 · User interface system and method

Abstract

One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: A tactile layer defining a tactile surface touchable by a user and plurality of deformable regions operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable regions are flush with an undeformable region of the tactile layer; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable regions are proud of the undeformable region. A substrate joined to the undeformable region and defining a fluid port per deformable region and a fluid channel. A displacement device displacing the fluid through the fluid channel and the fluid ports to transition the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state. A first and a second pressure sensor detecting changes in fluid pressure within the fluid due to a force applied to a particular deformable region. A processor determining the particular deformable region to be location of the input force based upon the detected fluid pressure changes.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A user interface system comprising:

a substrate defining a fluid channel comprising a first end and a second end, the fluid channel fluidly coupled to a set of cavities between the first end and the second end;
a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and a set of deformable regions adjacent the peripheral region, each deformable region in the set of deformable regions cooperating with the substrate to define a corresponding cavity in the set of cavities;
a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel proximal the first end;
a second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel proximal the second end, the second pressure sensor discrete from the first pressure sensor, the set of deformable regions defined between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor;
and
a processor comparing a first signal from the first pressure sensor and a second signal from the second pressure sensor to determine a location of an input on the tactile surface at a particular deformable region in the set of deformable regions.

3 more elements

A method for detecting an input into a user interface system comprising a substrate defining a fluid channel;

a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and a set of deformable regions adjacent the peripheral region, each deformable region in the set of deformable regions cooperating with the substrate to define a corresponding cavity in the set of cavities, the method comprising:
with a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel, detecting a first change in fluid pressure within the fluid channel proximal a first location adjacent a particular deformable region in the set of deformable regions;
with a second pressure sensor discrete from the first pressure sensor and fluidly coupled to the fluid channel, detecting a second change in fluid pressure within the fluid channel at a second location adjacent the particular deformable region and opposite the particular deformable region from the first location, the substrate defining the particular deformable region between the first location and the second location;
estimating an origin of a pressure change and a magnitude of the pressure change within the fluid channel based on a comparison of the first change in fluid pressure to the second change in fluid pressure;
correlating the origin of the pressure change within the fluid channel with an input on the particular deformable region;
and
correlating the magnitude of the pressure change within the fluid channel with a magnitude of the input on the particular deformable region.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

User interface system and method

Life of this patent

User interface system and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26