Method for actuating a tactile interface layer

Abstract

One variation of the method includes registering interaction with a dynamic tactile interface including 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 method including: detecting an orientation of the device; predicting a location of an upcoming input related to a native application executing on the device; selecting a particular deformable region from a set of deformable regions, the particular deformable region substantially coincident the input location; selectively transitioning the particular deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the peripheral region in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting; and detecting an input, corresponding to the upcoming input, on the particular deformable region.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method for registering 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 method comprising:
 predicting a location of an upcoming input related to a native application executing on the device;   selecting a particular deformable region from a set of deformable regions, the particular deformable region substantially coincident the input location;   selectively transitioning the particular deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the peripheral region in the retracted setting and tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting; and   detecting an input, corresponding to the upcoming input, on the particular deformable region.