Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120235935 | User Interface System - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 09-20-2012 |
20130241860 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 09-19-2013 |
20150324040 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 11-12-2015 |
20160139712 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 05-19-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140152611 | USER INTERFACE - One variation of a user interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel fluidly coupled to a cavity and including a linear segment parallel to a first direction; a tactile layer including a tactile surface, a deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity, and an peripheral region coupled to the substrate proximal a perimeter of the cavity; a displacement device coupled to the fluid channel and configured to displace fluid through the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the deformable region tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a display coupled to the substrate and including a set of pixels arranged in a linear pixel pattern parallel to a second direction nonparallel with the first direction; and a sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input on the tactile surface. | 06-05-2014 |
20140160044 | DYNAMIC TACTILE INTERFACE - One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a tactile layer comprising a peripheral region and a deformable region, the peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and the deformable region arranged over the fluid conduit, disconnected from the substrate, and operable between a retracted setting and an expanded setting, the deformable region elevated above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a tube comprising a first end fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and constrained relative to the substrate; a volume of fluid within the tube; and a rotary actuator coupled to the tube remote from the first end and configured to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting by winding the tube to displace a portion of the volume of fluid within the tube into the fluid channel. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160063 | USER INTERFACE AND METHODS - One variation of a method for controlling a dynamic tactile user interface includes: sensing a first capacitance value across a portion of a cavity in a retracted setting; sensing a second capacitance value across a peripheral region; generating a capacitance map according to the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value; modifying a fluid pressure within the cavity to transition the cavity into an expanded setting, the deformable region elevated above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; sensing a third capacitance value across the portion of the cavity in the expanded setting; updating the capacitance map according to the third capacitance value; and detecting an input on the tactile surface at the deformable region according to a comparison between a sensed capacitance value across the portion of the cavity and the capacitance map. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160064 | USER INTERFACE AND METHODS - One variation of a method for controlling a dynamic tactile user interface includes: sensing a capacitance value across a portion of a cavity, a tactile layer defining a deformable region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region adjacent the deformable region, and the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity; estimating a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to the sensed capacitance value across the portion of the cavity; manipulating a fluid pressure within the cavity to modify a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to a difference between the estimated vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region and a target vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region; and sensing an input on the tactile surface according to a change in capacitance value across the portion of the cavity. | 06-12-2014 |
20150029126 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - Disclosed is a user interface system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid within the fluid vessel, a displacement device that influences the volume of the fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and contract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and a sensor system that is configured to receive a user input on the surface with a first sensitivity and configured to receive a user input substantially proximal to the particular region of the surface at with second sensitivity higher than the first sensitivity. | 01-29-2015 |
20150077398 | METHOD FOR INTERACTING WITH A DYNAMIC TACTILE INTERFACE - A method for registering user interaction with a dynamic tactile interface, which includes a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a deformable region, and a peripheral region and coupled to a substrate opposite the tactile surface, the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to form a variable volume. The method includes detecting a first contact of an object at a first location on the tactile surface at a sensor; detecting a removal of the object from the first location; at a first time, detecting a first pressure of the variable volume at a pressure sensor; at the sensor, at a second time after the first time, detecting a second contact at a second location; at the second time, detecting a second pressure at the pressure sensor; interpreting the first and second contact, and the pressure difference as a gesture; and executing a command corresponding to the gesture. | 03-19-2015 |
20150091870 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - A user interface system for receiving a user input that includes sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid within the fluid vessel, a displacement device that influences the volume of the fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an electrical sensor coupled to the sheet that receives an input provided by a user that inwardly deforms the surface of the sheet and that includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are electrically coupled to each other with an electrical property that changes as the distance between the first and second conductors changes. | 04-02-2015 |
20150130766 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - The user interface system of the preferred embodiments includes a layer defining a tactile surface and including a first region and a particular region adjacent the first region; a substrate defining a fluid channel, cooperating with the layer at the particular region to define a cavity fluidly coupled to the fluid channel, coupled to the layer at the first region; a displacement device displacing fluid into the fluid channel into the cavity to transition the particular region from a retracted volume setting into an expanded volume setting, the particular region substantially level with the first region in the retracted volume setting and elevated above the first region in the expanded volume setting; and a sensor including a first conductor and a second conductor coupled to the substrate and adjacent the cavity, the first conductor offset from the second conductor and capacitively coupled to the second conductor. | 05-14-2015 |
20150138110 | DYNAMIC TACTILE INTERFACE - A dynamic tactile interface including a tactile layer defining a first region and a deformable region adjacent the first region; a substrate coupled to the tactile layer at the first region, defining a variable volume adjacent the deformable region and defining a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the variable volume; a set of rigid structures distributed across the tactile layer defining an anti-reflective coating over the tactile layer; and a displacement device fluidly coupled to the fluid channel, the displacement device displacing fluid into the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the deformable region tactilely distinguishable from the first region in the expanded setting, the set of rigid structures conforming to the tactile layer, each rigid structure in the set of rigid structures shifting relative to an adjacent rigid structure in the set of rigid structures. | 05-21-2015 |
20150177839 | METHOD FOR ACTUATING A TACTILE INTERFACE LAYER - A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command. | 06-25-2015 |
20150177906 | METHOD FOR REDUCING PERCEIVED OPTICAL DISTORTION - One variation of a method for reducing perceived optical distortion of light output through a dynamic tactile interface includes: rendering an image on a digital display coupled to a substrate opposite a tactile layer, the tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region, and a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region, disconnected from the substrate, and operable between a retracted setting and an expanded setting, the deformable region substantially flush with the peripheral region in the retracted setting and offset above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; estimating a viewing position of a user relative to the digital display; transitioning the deformable region from the retracted setting into the expanded setting; and modifying the portion of the image rendered on the digital display according to the estimated viewing position of the user and a profile of the tactile surface across the deformable region in the expanded setting. | 06-25-2015 |
20150227205 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively. | 08-13-2015 |
20150242020 | USER INTERFACE AND METHODS - One variation of a method for controlling a dynamic tactile user interface includes: sensing a capacitance value across a portion of a cavity, a tactile layer defining a deformable region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region adjacent the deformable region, and the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity; estimating a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to the sensed capacitance value across the portion of the cavity; manipulating a fluid pressure within the cavity to modify a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to a difference between the estimated vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region and a target vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region; and sensing an input on the tactile surface according to a change in capacitance value across the portion of the cavity. | 08-27-2015 |
20150248164 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities. | 09-03-2015 |
20150331514 | USER INTERFACE ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM - A user interface enhancement system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid contained within the fluid vessel that cooperates with the sheet to transmit an image through the sheet without substantial obstruction, a displacement device that influences the volume of fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an attachment component that couples the sheet to the device is disclosed. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331525 | DYNAMIC TACTILE INTERFACE - One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a tactile layer comprising a peripheral region and a deformable region, the peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and the deformable region arranged over the fluid conduit, disconnected from the substrate, and operable between a retracted setting and an expanded setting, the deformable region elevated above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a tube comprising a first end fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and constrained relative to the substrate; a volume of fluid within the tube; and a rotary actuator coupled to the tube remote from the first end and configured to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting by winding the tube to displace a portion of the volume of fluid within the tube into the fluid channel. | 11-19-2015 |
20150378435 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - 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. | 12-31-2015 |
20160054833 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - Disclosed is a user interface system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid within the fluid vessel, a displacement device that influences the volume of the fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and contract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and a sensor system that is configured to receive a user input on the surface with a first sensitivity and configured to receive a user input substantially proximal to the particular region of the surface at with second sensitivity higher than the first sensitivity. | 02-25-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090174687 | User Interface System - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 07-09-2009 |
20090259176 | TRANSDERMAL PATCH SYSTEM - A transdermal patch system configured as a patch or pump assembly may be placed into contact upon a skin surface to transport drugs or agents transdermally via any number of different mechanisms such as microporous membranes, microneedles, in-dwelling catheters, etc. The assembly may enclose or accommodate a reservoir configured as an elongate microchannel to contain the drug or agent suspended in a fluid vehicle. The reservoir may also be fluidly coupled via microchannels to transport the drugs into or against an underlying skin surface as driven or urged via a pump and controlled by an electronic control circuitry which may be programmed to affect any number of treatment regimens. | 10-15-2009 |
20100103137 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - The user interface system of the preferred embodiments includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a cavity on an opposite side; a volume of a fluid contained within the cavity; a displacement device that modifies the volume of the fluid to expand the cavity, thereby outwardly deforming a particular region of the surface; and a sensor that detects a force applied by a user that inwardly deforms the particular region of the surface. The user interface system has been specifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronic device, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from an adaptive user interface, but may alternatively be used in any suitable application. | 04-29-2010 |
20100171719 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities. | 07-08-2010 |
20110001613 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE USER INTERFACE OF A DEVICE - A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device | 01-06-2011 |
20110012851 | User Interface Enhancement System - A user interface enhancement system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid contained within the fluid vessel that cooperates with the sheet to transmit an image through the sheet without substantial obstruction, a displacement device that influences the volume of fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an attachment component that couples the sheet to the device is disclosed. | 01-20-2011 |
20110148793 | User Interface System - A user interface system for receiving a user input that includes sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid within the fluid vessel, a displacement device that influences the volume of the fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an electrical sensor coupled to the sheet that receives an input provided by a user that inwardly deforms the surface of the sheet and that includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are electrically coupled to each other with an electrical property that changes as the distance between the first and second conductors changes. | 06-23-2011 |
20110157080 | User Interface System - Disclosed is a user interface system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid within the fluid vessel, a displacement device that influences the volume of the fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and contract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and a sensor system that is configured to receive a user input on the surface with a first sensitivity and configured to receive a user input substantially proximal to the particular region of the surface at with second sensitivity higher than the first sensitivity. | 06-30-2011 |
20120218214 | User Interface Enhancement System - A user interface enhancement system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid contained within the fluid vessel that cooperates with the sheet to transmit an image through the sheet without substantial obstruction, a displacement device that influences the volume of fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an attachment component that couples the sheet to the device is disclosed. | 08-30-2012 |
20120306787 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - A user interface system of one embodiment includes a layer defining a surface; a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity; a displacement coupled to the cavity that expands the cavity, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface. The layer and the substrate are connected at an attachment point, and the location of the attachment point relative to the layer, substrate, and cavity at least partially defines the shape of the deformed particular region of the surface. | 12-06-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110254672 | Method for Actuating a Tactile Interface Layer - A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command. | 10-20-2011 |
20110254709 | Method for Actuating a Tactile Interface Layer - A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command. | 10-20-2011 |
20110254789 | User Interface System - A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively. | 10-20-2011 |
20120032886 | METHOD FOR ASSISTING USER INPUT TO A DEVICE - A method for assisting user input to a device, comprising the steps of providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device that manipulates the volume of fluid to deform a plurality of particular regions of the surface into tactilely distinguishable formations that each represent a key of a key interface, allowing the user to provide input through the key interface, predicting a subsequent key input when a user provides an input through the key interface, and manipulating the volume of fluid to deform the plurality of particular regions into one of two types of tactilely distinguishable formations: a first type for tactilely distinguishable formations that represent a predicted key and a second type for tactilely distinguishable formations that represent an unpredicted key. | 02-09-2012 |
20120062483 | User Interface System - A user interface system for a device that includes a first deformable layer that with a first sheet that defines a first surface, a first fluid vessel arranged underneath the first surface, and a first volume of fluid contained within the first fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a first particular region of the first surface to receive a user input; a second deformable layer with a second sheet that defines a second surface, a second fluid vessel arranged underneath the second surface, and a second volume of fluid contained within the second fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a second particular region of the second surface to change the shape of the device; and a displacement device a displacement device coupled to at least one of the first and second fluid vessels and configured to manipulate the volumes of fluid to deform particular regions of the surface. | 03-15-2012 |
20120098789 | User Interface System - 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. | 04-26-2012 |
20120193211 | User Interface System and Method - 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. | 08-02-2012 |
20120200528 | User Interface System - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 08-09-2012 |
20120200529 | User Interface System - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 08-09-2012 |
20120206364 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM - The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities. | 08-16-2012 |
20120218213 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE USER INTERFACE OF A DEVICE - A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device | 08-30-2012 |
20120223914 | User Interface System - The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. | 09-06-2012 |
20120242607 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - The user interface system of the preferred embodiments includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a cavity on an opposite side; a volume of a fluid contained within the cavity; a displacement device that modifies the volume of the fluid to expand the cavity, thereby outwardly deforming a particular region of the surface; and a sensor that detects a force applied by a user that inwardly deforms the particular region of the surface. The user interface system has been specifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronic device, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from an adaptive user interface, but may alternatively be used in any suitable application. | 09-27-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100311394 | MOBILE SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED INFORMATION - An information system includes a server that creates an information reservoir with data units for a user of a mobile communication device based on a unique user profile of the user of the mobile communication device. The server creates the unique user profile based on interaction of the user with the mobile communication device or with another computing system. The server transfers the information reservoir to the mobile communication device and each time the user requests data from a web site, the server scans it to find key terms. If the server finds key term(s) in the data, it uses a tagging rule to mark the key term(s) and, then, it transfers the data with the marked term(s) to the mobile communication device. The user may, then, select a marked key term to call/display a data unit that is locally stored on the mobile communication device. The server may also mark terms in data units and a data unit stored on the mobile communication device may be called using a key term that is marked in another data unit. | 12-09-2010 |
20110010497 | A STORAGE DEVICE RECEIVING COMMANDS AND DATA REGARDLESS OF A HOST - A storage device includes an input device for receiving data and commands directly from a user, without the storage device reporting to or notifying of the storage device activities that result from the received data and received commands. The user may visually-code the commands for the storage device, or s/he may transfer the commands to the storage device as voice commands or as vibration-induced commands. A command transferred by the user to the storage device specifies to the storage device a set of one or more digital contents that are (to be) stored in the storage device, and an operation that is to be performed on the set of one or more digital contents. A command may instruct the storage device to irreversibly caption a set of one or more digital photos by using a caption picture or caption data, or to associate a voice tag to these digital photos. | 01-13-2011 |
20110040976 | Method and Memory Device for Generating a Time Estimate - A method and memory device for generating a time estimate are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps in file system metadata for a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In another embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps stored in a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In yet another embodiment, a memory device obtains a plurality of time stamps, selects one or more of the plurality of time stamps based on validity rankings, generates a time estimate from the selected time stamp(s), and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110090277 | Method and System for Printing Graphical Content onto a Plurality of Memory Devices and for Providing a Visually Distinguishable Memory Device - A method and system for printing graphical content onto a plurality of memory devices and for providing a visually distinguishable memory device are provided. In one embodiment, graphical content to be printed onto a plurality of memory devices is identified. A graphical image is then created from the identified graphical content, wherein the graphical image comprises a plurality of sub-areas, wherein each sub-area contains graphical content and corresponds to at least one memory device of the plurality of memory devices. The graphical image is then printed onto the plurality of memory devices, wherein the plurality of memory devices are positioned to substantially correspond with positions of the plurality of sub-areas in the graphical image. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
20110179143 | STORAGE SYSTEM SUPPORTING REPLACEMENT OF CONTENT IN A STORAGE DEVICE - A file replacement system includes a storage device, a host, and a server. In a file replacement transaction one or more files that are stored in the storage device are replaced in the storage device by one or more files that are provided by the server. The storage device monitors access to the files stored therein and updates an access tracking table with segment access information that pertains to access to segments of the files. While the file replacement transaction is in progress, the storage device delivers the segment access information to the server, and, based on the segment access information and file replacement criteria, the server determines a credit to which the end-user is entitled for the replaced files. The server calculates an outstanding balance for the file replacement transaction from the credit owing to the end-user for the replaced files and from the cost of the replacement files. | 07-21-2011 |
20110302224 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE WITH PRELOADED CONTENT - Data storage devices and methods that maintain pre-loaded content in storage available to a user are disclosed. A method may include, in a data storage device with a non-volatile memory and a file system database, storing content at a first location in the non-volatile memory and storing metadata at a second location of the non-volatile memory. The metadata includes an indicator of the first location for use during retrieval of the stored content from the first location. After storing the content and the metadata, the first location and the second location are denoted as empty by the file system database. | 12-08-2011 |
20120140401 | REMOTE ATTACHABLE FLASH DRIVE - A sticky drive includes a flash storage device and a mounting structure having a stickable surface. The mounting structure is coupled to the flash storage device to enable a user to attach the flash storage device to a user-selected object. | 06-07-2012 |
20120146247 | PRE-TREATMENT OF MEMORY CARDS FOR BINDING GLUE AND OTHER CURABLE FLUIDS - A memory device is disclosed including at least one surface pre-treated to roughen the surface for better adhesion of a curable fluid such as glue or ink on the surface. The surface of the memory device may be pre-treated by scoring lines in the surface with a laser or by forming discrete deformations with a particle blaster. The surface may also be roughened by providing a roughened pattern on a mold plate during an encapsulation process. In further examples, the surface may be chemically pre-treated to roughen the surface and/or increase the adhesion energy of the surface. | 06-14-2012 |
20120152774 | HOLDERS FOR PORTABLE MEMORY CARDS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - Holders for portable memory cards and methods for manufacturing such holders are provided. A holder for a portable memory card described herein is configured to attach to a host device such that a portable memory card can travel with a host even when the portable memory card is not being used with the host. A holder for a portable memory card described herein may have a low profile design compatible with host electronic devices of increasingly small form factor, such as mobile phones and portable media players. A holder for a portable memory card may also include a lock for locking a portable memory card in a compartment formed by the memory card holder to prevent accidental removal of the portable memory card from the compartment. | 06-21-2012 |
20130166932 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF EXITING HIBERNATION IN RESPONSE TO A TRIGGERING EVENT - A method may be performed by an electronic device coupled to a volatile system memory. The method includes entering a hibernation mode of the electronic device, where in the hibernation mode, the volatile system memory is powered off. The method further includes detecting a triggering event and, in response to detecting the triggering event, exiting the hibernation mode. While exiting the hibernation mode, the volatile system memory is powered and a pre-hibernation state of the volatile system memory is restored. | 06-27-2013 |
20130232308 | Method and Memory Device for Generating a Time Estimate - A method and memory device for generating a time estimate are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps in file system metadata for a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In another embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps stored in a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In yet another embodiment, a memory device obtains a plurality of time stamps, selects one or more of the plurality of time stamps based on validity rankings, generates a time estimate from the selected time stamp(s), and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. | 09-05-2013 |
20130249949 | GRAPHICAL MANIPULATION OF DIGITAL IMAGES - A method for graphical manipulation of digital images includes a computing device with an interface to a memory, a processor and a graphical application that is executed on the computing device. The processor is operative, under control of the graphical application, to retrieve one or more digital images from the memory and to process each of the retrieved digital images. Processing each retrieved digital image produces a respective set of modified digital images each with a central portion and a frame portion. The central portion is produced from content of the processed retrieved digital image, and the frame portion produced with a frame style and frame attributes that are related to the content of the processed retrieved digital image. | 09-26-2013 |
20140109181 | SECURING ACCESS OF REMOVABLE MEDIA DEVICES - A security adapter for an electronic device comprises a body, a device connector and host connectors that include a male connector and a female connector and an interlocking structure. The host connector is capable of engaging with a host, and the device connector is capable of engaging with an electronic device. In a first position, the interlocking structure is configured to lock an unlocked engagement of the interlocking structure to the device connector, and in a second position, the interlocking structure is configured to unlock a locked engagement of the interlocking structure to the device connector. Electronic circuitry of the security adapter is operable to identify the security adapter to the host. The electronic circuitry communicates with an access control application running on the host for controlling data access operations between the host and a device that is connectable to the security adapter. | 04-17-2014 |
20140109240 | SECURING ACCESS OF REMOVABLE MEDIA DEVICES - A securing apparatus includes a security adapter configured to be engaged with an electronic device. The security adapter includes an interface to couple to a host device. The securing apparatus further includes a securing structure that is lockable. When the security adapter is engaged with the electronic device, the securing structure is configurable to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to constrain communication of one or more requests from the host device for read access or write access to the electronic device, such that the communication between the host device and the electronic device occurs via the security adapter. | 04-17-2014 |
20140160248 | HEAD MOUNTABLE CAMERA SYSTEM - Head mountable camera devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160250 | HEAD MOUNTABLE CAMERA SYSTEM - Head mountable camera devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
20140176762 | Storage Device, Digital Camera Device, and Method for Displaying an Alert Image - A storage device, digital camera device, and method for displaying an alert image are disclosed. In one embodiment, a storage device is provided having an interface, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine if an alert condition has occurred and, if the alert condition has occurred, to display an alert image on a display device of the digital camera device when the digital camera device displays images stored in the memory. Some or all of these acts can be performed by the digital camera device instead of the storage device. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination. | 06-26-2014 |