Compact Non-Contact Multi-Function Electrical Switch
First Claim
1. A non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical circuit for controlling at least one electrical device comprising:
- one or more sensor means;
a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the sensors and having means for receiving signals therefrom, and for processing the signals to generate one or more output signals, and having signal processing means for receiving the one or more output signals and for determining which functions are to be performed, the signal processing means generating one or more control signals in response to the sensors input, the control signals received by means for controlling the function identified by the signal processing means in the at least one electrical circuit, and, means for communicating with neighboring switches.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A compact non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a one or more capacitance sensors for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch, as well as the directional movements of the hand along an X and/or Y axis and/or Z axis, and for generating data values, and a CPU for receiving the values and for determining which function is to be performed, such as calculating a power output in response to a first data bit. The switch can communicate with nearby switches to avoid sensor interference. The CPU can be used to generate one or more control signals for controlling the predetermined function associated with the specific movements. A processing unit may be used with multiple switches in a gang assembly, so that the switch sensors form an array enabling the switches to perform more complex control functions.
22 Citations
41 Claims
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1. A non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical circuit for controlling at least one electrical device comprising:
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one or more sensor means;
a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the sensors and having means for receiving signals therefrom, and for processing the signals to generate one or more output signals, and having signal processing means for receiving the one or more output signals and for determining which functions are to be performed, the signal processing means generating one or more control signals in response to the sensors input, the control signals received by means for controlling the function identified by the signal processing means in the at least one electrical circuit, and, means for communicating with neighboring switches. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical circuit for controlling at least one electrical device comprising:
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two or more sensor means; and
,a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the sensors and having means for receiving signals therefrom, and for processing the signals to generate one or more output signals, and having signal processing means for receiving the one or more output signals and for determining which functions are to be performed, the signal processing means generating one or more control signals in response to the sensors input, the control signals received by means for controlling the function identified by the signal processing means in the at least one electrical circuit, such that movements along different axes can be processed to effect a plurality of control functions. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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- 31. A lighting system for use with an electrical switch mounted in a wall box and having an electrical circuit passable therethrough, the lighting system comprising at least one light source, means to connect to a power supply integrated with the electrical circuit, a mounting assembly for supporting the light source and the power supply and a controller for controlling the light source integrated with the electrical switch, the electrical switch having one or more sensors and means for communicating with nearby electrical switches whereby the light source is turned on and off, or a sequence of lighting of a single light source or multiple light sources is initiated or an intensity of the light source is varied.
- 34. A multi-gang switch arrangement comprising a first plurality of switches mounted next to each other, each of the switches having one or more sensors for providing a second plurality of sensors in an array, to provide overlapping sensor ranges, and a third plurality of sensor outputs which may be individual or combinations of various sensor outputs for controlling multiple functions, and optionally, a processing unit for receiving the third plurality of sensor outputs for controlling the multiple functions.
- 37. A multi-gang switch unit comprising two or more switches, each of the switches having one or more sensors, the switches being connected together to provide a unit with multiple sensors for covering a larger sensor area capable of detecting and processing more complex commands.
Specification