User interface system

Abstract

One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer; a retaining wall substantially impermeable to the fluid; a permeable layer; a displacement device; and a touch sensor. The tactile layer, with a back surface, defines a second region, operable between: a retracted state, wherein the second region is substantially flush with a first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is substantially proud of the first region. The permeable layer, joined to the back surface of the first region, includes a plurality of fluid ports that communicate a portion of the fluid through the permeable layer to the back surface of the second region. The displacement device directs the fluid through the fluid ports to the back surface to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state. The touch sensor detects a user touch on the tactile layer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A user interface comprising:
 a permeable layer comprising an attachment area and a support surface adjacent the attachment area;   a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a first region, and a deformable region, the first region coupled to the attachment area and preventing flow of fluid through the permeable layer, the deformable region arranged over and supported against deformation into the permeable layer past flush with the first region by the support surface;   a retaining wall coupled to the permeable layer opposite the tactile layer and substantially impermeable to fluid;   a reservoir supporting a volume of fluid coupled to the permeable layer and adjacent the retaining wall;   a displacement device manipulating the reservoir to displace fluid through the permeable layer toward the tactile layer to transition the deformable region from a retracted to an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the support surface in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the first region, fluid from the reservoir supported in a cavity between the support surface and the tactile layer in the expanded setting.   
     
     
         2 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the permeable layer comprises a network of fluid ports and is substantially compressible; wherein the reservoir is substantially coincident the permeable layer; wherein the displacement device compresses the permeable layer against the retaining wall to displace fluid out of the reservoir into the cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining wall is coupled directly to the permeable layer opposite the tactile layer; wherein the displacement device pumps fluid laterally into the permeable layer; and wherein fluid ports within the permeable layer redirect fluid flow substantially vertically toward the deformable region. 
     
     
         4 . A user interface comprising:
 a permeable layer comprising an attachment area and a support surface adjacent the attachment area;   a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a first region, and a deformable region, the first region coupled to the attachment area and preventing flow of fluid through the permeable layer, the deformable region arranged over and supported against deformation into the permeable layer past flush with the first region by the support surface;   a retaining wall coupled to the permeable layer opposite the tactile layer and substantially impermeable to fluid;   a reservoir supporting a volume of fluid coupled to the permeable layer and adjacent the retaining wall;   a displacement device manipulating the reservoir to displace fluid through the permeable layer toward the tactile layer to transition the deformable region from a retracted to an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the support surface in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the first region, fluid from the reservoir supported in a cavity between the support surface and the tactile layer in the expanded setting.   
     
     
         5 . A user interface comprising:
 a permeable layer comprising an attachment area and a support surface adjacent the attachment area;   a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a first region, and a deformable region, the first region coupled to the attachment area and preventing flow of fluid through the permeable layer, the deformable region arranged over and supported against deformation into the permeable layer past flush with the first region by the support surface;   a retaining wall coupled to the permeable layer opposite the tactile layer and substantially impermeable to fluid;   a reservoir supporting a volume of fluid coupled to the permeable layer and adjacent the retaining wall;   a device manipulating the permeable layer to selectively draw fluid from the reservoir toward the tactile layer;   the reservoir to displace fluid through the permeable layer toward the tactile layer to transition the deformable region from a retracted to an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the support surface in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the first region, fluid from the reservoir supported in a cavity between the support surface and the tactile layer in the expanded setting.