The tactile input device is a user interface selection device used to transmit
user information to a user interface interpretation module. The tactile input device
allows a user to activate and operate applications running on a computing system
through a single user interface selection device. The tactile input device includes
a tactile surface angularly divided into a plurality of sections, or petals. The
tactile surface is further separated by a central portion and an outer circumferential
portion, neither of which are angularly divided by the petals. Each petal and portion
are tactilely distinguished from an adjacent petal or portion. The tactile distinction
provides a user with feedback relating to orientation over the surface such that
the user may request the performance of a specific task to be implemented by the
computer through the user interface interpretation module.