Abstract: A user interface employs a tactile sensor array producing a rich flux of independently-adjustable interactive control parameters, rates of change, and symbols derived from these as well as tactile shapes, patterns, gestures, syntaxes, and phrases from each of one or more regions of contact or proximity. The tactile sensor array may comprise a pressure sensor array, proximity sensor array, or other sensor such as a video camera. The user interface derives up to six independently-adjustable interactive real-time control parameters plus rates and symbols from a single finger tip. Simple running sums employed during scans so that individual sensor measurements need not be stored. The user interface supports multiple regions of contact or proximity wherein at least one of the regions has a non-convex shape. In addition, the tactile sensor array may be partitioned into sections or modules each with a separate scanning loop and/or processor.