The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments as well as explain various principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present invention.
In an embodiment, a user interface system is provided. The user interface system includes an interface, a reservoir and a source. The interface is made of flexible material. The interface has an active position and an inactive position. Further, the interface is coupled to the reservoir, which stores an electrorheological fluid. Moreover, the source is also coupled to the reservoir. The source can apply an electric field to the electrorheological fluid, making the interface rigid when in the active position.
In another embodiment, a method for operating a user interface system is provided. The method includes coupling a reservoir to the user interface system. The reservoir stores an electrorheological fluid. The method further includes maintaining the user interface system in an inactive position. When an activation of the user interface system is detected the electric field is applied to the electrorheological fluid. As a result, the electrorheological fluid changes its physical state from a liquid to a semi-solid state. Thereafter, the user interface system is operated in an active position.
Before describing in detail the particular user interface system, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of apparatus components and method steps related to a user interface system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term “another,” as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more. The term “includes,” as used herein, is defined as comprising.
As a result, the interface 202 and the reservoir 204 become rigid; this position being referred to as an active position of the interface 202 and the user interface system 102. In
The electric field can be applied to the electrorheological fluid 206 through the source 208. The source 208 can be a plurality of electrodes, shown in
Further, when the electric field is removed from the electrorheological fluid 206, the viscosity reduces and electrorheological fluid 206 again reverts to a liquid state. As a result, the interface 202 and the reservoir 204 become flexible again. In an embodiment, the interface 202 and the reservoir 204 are coiled and enclosed in the enclosure 212. In an embodiment, the reservoir 204 is enclosed in the reservoir enclosure 214. Such a position is referred to as an inactive position of the interface 202 and the user interface system 102. In an embodiment, a spring, not shown in
In an embodiment, the handle 216 is attached to the reservoir 204. The handle 216 facilitates uncoiling of the interface 202, along with the reservoir 204, from the inactive position. In other words, the interface 202 is pulled with the help of the handle 216. This enables uncoiling of the interface 202 and the reservoir 204.
In an embodiment, the strip 218 connects the reservoir 204 to the enclosure 212. In another embodiment, the strip 218 connects the interface 202 to the enclosure 212. In yet another embodiment, the strip 218 connects the reservoir 204 and the interface 202 to the enclosure 212. The strip 218 can be made of electrically conducting sections such as a copper section, a silver section, and so forth. In an embodiment, the conducting sections are coated with electrically non-conducting materials such that they are isolated from each other.
In an example, the user interface system 102 may be used as a keyboard for an on-board computer in an automobile. In another example, the interface 202 is keypad of a mobile telephone. In yet another example, the interface 202 is display screen of a mobile telephone or a computer. The enclosure 212, enclosing the interface 202, and the reservoir 204 may be fitted in the dashboard. When the on-board computer is required by a user, the interface 202 can be pulled out by the user. Further, power supply is provided to the electrorheological fluid 206, making the interface 202 rigid. After use, the power supply is switched off, making the interface 202 flexible again. Thereafter, the spring 302 coils the interface 202 back in the enclosure 212.
In another embodiment, the user interface system 104 can be a work surface that can be used as a support for writing or for other purposes. Such a user interface system is specifically suitable for the use in workshops.
In yet another embodiment, the user interface system 104 can be used in safety equipments such as jackets, which can harden on demand, to provide extra safety to security personnel.
In yet another embodiment, the user interface system 104 can act as a divider that can be used to partition two sections of an enclosed space, for example, in an automobile, partitioning the driver's seat from the back seat.
In yet another embodiment, the user interface system 104 can be a windscreen of an automobile. The windscreen can be made active when protection is required, and can be coiled and made inactive when not in use. Further, the user interface system 104 can be used as the bumper and/or the engine cover. The bumper can be used as side protection of side doors of a vehicle. The bumper may collapse partially in an event of an accident, in an attempt to prevent injuries to a pedestrian.
It will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the concept of the change in the physical state of the electrorheological fluid 206, described above, can be applied for various other applications such as folding chairs, curtains, and so forth.
At step 508, an activation of the user interface system 102 is detected. In other words, a user can pull out the coiled interface 202 and the reservoir 204 from the enclosure 212 by pulling the handle 216.
At step 510, an electric field is applied to the electrorheological fluid 206. This changes the physical state of the electrorheological fluid 206, stored in the reservoir 204, to a semi-solid (or solid) state. In an embodiment, the flexible frame surrounding the interface 202 becomes semi-solid (or solid) when the electrorheological fluid 206 becomes semi-solid (or solid). As a result, the interface 202, coupled to the reservoir 204, becomes rigid. At step 512, the interface 202 is operated in an active position. Thereafter, the process terminates at step 514.
Various embodiments, as described above, provide a user interface system. The user interface system enables a user to enclose the interface in an enclosure, when not in use. Further, the user can enclose the interface conveniently and quickly. Moreover, the user interface system occupies the minimum amount of workspace and is easy to carry as well. The user interface system is lightweight, portable and easy to handle while traveling.
In the foregoing specification, the invention and its benefits and advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one with ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims as issued.