Appeal 2007-0802
Application 10/317,930
Appellants have invented a tactile graphic display apparatus including
a display array having pressure responsive stimulus points capable of
delivering different pressure variable stimulus at a selected body location of
a user for simulating a virtual tactile display (Specification 9). The stimulus
points are activated to make up a particular pattern which, in turn, is caused
to move across the surface of the skin by selective activation and
deactivation of the specific stimulus points in the array (Specification 16).
Claims 1 and 14, which are representative of the claims on appeal,
read as follows:
1. A refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus for
localized sensory stimulation comprising:
a high density array of fluid activated stimulus points each capable of
delivering different pressure variable stimulus at a selected body location of
a user;
means for applying activation energy from an energy source to said
stimulus points;
a microvalve array for selective activation including pressure variation
of said stimulus points utilizing said means for applying activation energy;
and
a control unit for controlling operation of said microvalve array.
14. A method for localized sensory stimulation to tactilely simulate a
virtual display comprising the steps of:
providing for delivery of stimulus at a high density set of points at a
selected body location of a user;
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