Light switch
First Claim
1. A light switch comprising:
- a user input mechanism;
a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals; and
a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals;
wherein the light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged; and
the light switch includes an indicator that identifies to a user when the light switch is in the override state, as opposed to an off or on state, wherein the user input mechanism is a manual switch having an actuator with an override position, the light switch further comprising a detent mechanism that holds the manual switch actuator in the override position until an external force is applied to the actuator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A light switch comprises a user input mechanism, a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source to turn it on and off both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals. The light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged. An additional light switch may also be provided that communicates with the aforementioned light switch to provide multi-way switching.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A light switch comprising:
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a user input mechanism; a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals; and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals; wherein the light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged; and the light switch includes an indicator that identifies to a user when the light switch is in the override state, as opposed to an off or on state, wherein the user input mechanism is a manual switch having an actuator with an override position, the light switch further comprising a detent mechanism that holds the manual switch actuator in the override position until an external force is applied to the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A light switch comprising:
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a user input device; a communication output; and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the communication output, the processor being configured to receive input from a user by activation of the user input mechanism, and to send data indicative of the input from the user to a remotely located controller (702, 802) that controls a light source both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to remote control signals received via a wireless receiver; wherein the light switch is configured, in response to user input via the user input mechanism, to trigger an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged; and the light switch includes an indicator that identifies to a user when the light switch is in the override state, as opposed to an off or on state, wherein the user input mechanism is a manual switch having an actuator with an override position, the light switch further comprising a detent mechanism that holds the manual switch actuator in the override position until an external force is applied to the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling a light switch, the method comprising:
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controlling a light source both in response to activation of a user input mechanism and in response to remote control signals; in response to receiving a user override input via the user input mechanism, entering an override state, such that the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged; and identifying, by an indicator of the light source, to a user when the light switch is in the override state, as opposed to an off or on state, wherein the user input mechanism is a manual switch having an actuator with an override position, the light switch further comprising a detent mechanism that holds the manual switch actuator in the override position until an external force is applied to the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification