Keypad for building automation
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A keypad apparatus, comprising:
- a sensing layer operable to detect user input, the sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions;
a printed label layered adjacent the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user;
a backlight behind the sensing surfaces, wherein the backlight intensity changes based on user preferences and ambient light levels; and
control circuitry operatively associated with the sensing surface, the control circuitry receiving user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generating a signal for executing at least one automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An exemplary embodiment of a keypad for building automation may comprise a sensing layer operable to detect user input. The sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions. A printed label is layered over the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user. Control circuitry is operatively associated with the sensing surface. The control circuitry receives user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generates a signal for executing the automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device.
68 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A keypad apparatus, comprising:
-
a sensing layer operable to detect user input, the sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions; a printed label layered adjacent the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user; a backlight behind the sensing surfaces, wherein the backlight intensity changes based on user preferences and ambient light levels; and control circuitry operatively associated with the sensing surface, the control circuitry receiving user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generating a signal for executing at least one automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A method comprising:
-
reconfigurably assigning a plurality of switching fields on a capacitive sensing layer of a keypad to different automation functions; identifying the different automation functions on a printed label for the keypad; generating an electrical signal in response to user input on at least one of the plurality of switching fields; backlighting the capacitive sensing surface; changing the intensity of the backlighting based on user preferences and ambient light levels; and converting the electrical signal into a control, signal for an automation device, the control signal including instructions for executing the automation function assigned to the switching field. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A keypad for building automation, comprising:
-
first layer means for receiving user input; second layer means for identifying different automation functions, wherein the first layer means and second layer means are arranged in reverse order; third layer means for covering the first layer means and the second layer means; and control means for converting user input received at the first layer means to a control signal for executing at least one building automation function identified by the second layer means. - View Dependent Claims (22)
-
-
23. A keypad apparatus, comprising:
-
a sensing layer operable to detect user input, the sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions; a printed label layered adjacent the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user; further comprising a display device adjacent a keypad portion including the sensing surface, the keypad portion operable even if the display device is deactivated, wherein the sensing surface overlays both the keypad portion and the display device; and control circuitry operatively associated with the sensing surface, the control circuitry receiving user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generating a signal for executing at least one automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device. - View Dependent Claims (24)
-
-
25. A keypad apparatus, comprising:
-
a sensing layer operable to detect user input, the sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions; a printed label layered adjacent the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user; an active border around at least part of the display device for activating at least one automation function identified by the display device; and control circuitry operatively associated with the sensing surface, the control circuitry receiving user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generating a signal for executing at least one automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device.
-
Specification