Dynamic tactile interface

Abstract

One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes a tactile layer defining a peripheral region and a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region; a substrate coupled to the peripheral region, a fluid conduit adjacent the deformable region, a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and a via fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and passing through the back surface; a bladder fluidly coupled to the via and the substrate; a structure adjacent a first side of the bladder; and a platen adjacent a second side of the bladder opposite the first side and compressing the bladder against the structure substantially perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the bladder and substantially parallel the substrate to displace fluid from the bladder and into the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A dynamic tactile interface comprising:
 a tactile layer defining a peripheral region and a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region;   a substrate coupled to the peripheral region at an attachment surface of the substrate, the substrate defining a back surface opposite the attachment surface, a fluid conduit adjacent the deformable region, a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and a via fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and passing through the back surface;   a bladder fluidly coupled to the via and coupled to the back surface of the substrate, the bladder defining a longitudinal axis;   a volume of fluid arranged within the bladder;   a structure adjacent a first side of the bladder; and   a platen adjacent a second side of the bladder opposite the first side and compressing the bladder against the structure in a direction substantially perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the bladder and substantially parallel the back surface of the substrate to displace fluid from the bladder, through the via, and into the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the deformable region tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting.