Control device with visual indicator

Abstract

A control device configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load can provide feedback regarding the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control device can include a visual indicator that is illuminated by a plurality of light sources. The control device can include a control circuit configured to determine the amount of power delivered to the electrical load and control the light sources to illuminate a portion of the visual indicator to indicate the amount of power being delivered. Different segments of the illuminated portion of the visual indicator can be illuminated to different intensity levels, and the intensity levels can be adjusted between different operating states.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 892,308, filed August 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] A load control system may include one or more electrical loads that a user may wish to control via a single load control device. These electrical loads may include, for example, lighting loads, HVAC units, motorized window treatments or projection screens, humidity control units, audio systems or amplifiers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and / or the like. The electrical loads may have advanced features. For example, a lighting load may be controlled to emit light of varying intensities and / or colors in response to user commands. The amount of power delivered to the electrical loads may be adjusted to an absolute level or to a relative amount. Multiple electrical loads may be manipulated so that one or more presets or scenes (e.g., a combination of specific lighting conditions, temperature settings, speaker volumes, and / or the like) may be created, and a user may wish to be able to browse through the presets or scenes and activate the one that is appropriate for a particular occasion. With conventional load control devices (e.g., mechanical toggle switches), a user would not be able to perform any of the above functions, let alone multiple of them, with a single device.

[0004] The deficiencies of conventional load control devices arise, at least in part, from the actuators utilized in those devices. More specifically, conventional load control devices are typically only capable of responding to simple user actions, such as moving a lever or pressing a button. Consequently, the number and / or types of controls that can be applied through the load control device are limited. To meet the demands of advanced electrical loads, alternative user interface technologies are needed, such as those that are capable of detecting human gestures and converting the gestures into control data (e.g., control signals) for controlling the electrical load. For example, these technologies can expand the capacity of load control devices while enhancing the usability and aesthetics of the load control devices.

[0005] Conventional load control devices may also lack the ability to provide users with visual feedback regarding the operation of the load control device and / or the electrical loads controlled by the load control device. This capability is an important aspect of the user experience in advanced load control systems, where a user may be able to manipulate multiple operating parameters of an electrical load or control multiple electrical loads via a single control device. Providing feedback in those environments can keep users informed of the status and / or mode of the control device and the electrical load, and can help users navigate through the various functionalities of the control device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As described herein, a control device configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may include a visual indicator that can be illuminated to provide feedback about the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The visual indicator can be illuminated by multiple light sources included in the control device and can form a light bar (e.g., a linear or circular light bar) on the front surface of the control device. The control device may also include a control circuit that is configured to determine the amount of power delivered to the electrical load and control the light sources to illuminate a portion of the visual indicator to indicate the amount of power delivered. Different sections of the illuminated portion of the visual indicator can be illuminated to different intensity levels. For example, the control circuit can be configured to illuminate a group of adjacent light sources to a maximum intensity level and illuminate an end light source adjacent to the adjacent light sources to a medium intensity level depending on the feedback to be provided.

[0007] The control circuitry may also be configured to illuminate the visual indicator in an active state (e.g., when a user is actuating the control device) and an idle state (e.g., when the control device is not actuated). When the control circuitry transitions from the active state to the idle state, the control circuitry may reduce the intensity level of the illuminated portion of the visual indicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 An example load control system including one or more example control devices is depicted.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example control device that may be deployed as Figure 1 Dimmer switches and / or remote controls for the load control systems shown in FIG.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view of the control unit.

[0011] Figures 4A to 4C yes Figure 2 Front view of the control unit showing various lighting levels for the light bar.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Right side cross-sectional view of the control device.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Bottom cross-sectional view of the control device.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Front view of the capacitive touch printed circuit board of the control unit.

[0015] Figures 8 to 13 depicts another example of a remote control device in a load control system that can be installed in, for example Figure 1 a load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0016] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example control device including a circular light bar that can be deployed as a dimmer switch and / or remote control device of a load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0017] Figures 15A to 15C is a front view of a control device of Figure 14 illustrating a light bar illuminated to indicate various intensity levels.

[0018] Figure 16 shows a simplified equivalent schematic diagram of an example control device that can be deployed as a load control device (e.g., a dimmer switch) of a load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0019] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an example control device that can be deployed as a remote control device of a load control system of Figure 1

[0020] Figure 18 is a flowchart of an example feedback procedure that can be executed by a control circuit of a control device to illuminate a light bar in an active state.

[0021] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an example feedback procedure that can be executed by a control circuit of a control device to illuminate a light bar upon transitioning from an active state to an idle state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control device. As shown, a load control system is configured as a lighting control system 100 for controlling one or more lighting loads, such as a lighting load 102 installed in a ceiling-mounted troffer light fixture 103 and a controllable lighting load 104 installed in a table lamp 105. Figure 1 ​​​The lighting loads 102, 104 shown in the middle can comprise different types of light sources (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, and / or LED light sources). The lighting loads can have advanced features. For example, the lighting loads can be controlled to emit different intensities and / or colors of light in response to user commands. The amount of power delivered to the lighting loads can be adjusted to an absolute level or in a relative amount. The lighting control system 100 can be configured to control one or more of the lighting loads and / or other electrical loads according to one or more configurable presets or scenes. These presets or scenes can correspond to, for example, predefined light intensities and / or colors, predefined entertainment settings (e.g., music selection and / or volume settings), predefined window treatment settings (e.g., curtain positions), predefined environmental settings (e.g., HVAC settings), or any combination thereof. The presets or scenes can correspond to one or more specific electrical loads (e.g., a bedside lamp, a ceiling light, etc.) and / or one or more specific locations (e.g., a room, an entire house, etc.).

[0023] The lighting load 102 can be an instance of a lighting load connected into the power control and / or delivery path of the lighting control system 100. Thus, the lighting load 102 can be controlled by a wall-mounted control device, e.g., a dimmer switch. The lighting load 104 can be an instance of a lighting load equipped with an integrated load control circuit and / or wireless communication capabilities, such that the lighting load can be controlled via a wireless control mechanism (e.g., by a remote control device).

[0024] The lighting control system 100 can include one or more control devices for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting loads). The lighting loads 102, 104 can be controlled substantially uniformly, or individually. For example, the lighting loads can be zoned, such that the lighting load 102 can be controlled by a first control device, while the lighting load 104 can be controlled by a second control device. The control devices can be configured to turn the lighting loads 102, 104 on and off. The control devices can be configured to control the magnitude of the load current conducted through the lighting loads, e.g., in order to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness) of the lighting loads 102, 104 between a low-end intensity level L LE and a high-end intensity level L HE The control devices can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting loads to an absolute level (e.g., to a maximum allowed amount), or in a relative amount (e.g., increase by 10% from a current level). The control devices can be configured to control the color of the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., by controlling the color temperature of the lighting loads or by applying full color control to the lighting loads).

[0025] The control device can be configured to activate a preset associated with the lighting load 102, 104 (e.g., the preset can be associated with one or more predetermined settings of the lighting load, such as an intensity level of the lighting load and / or a color of the lighting load). The preset can be configured via the control device and / or via an external device (e.g., a mobile device) by way of a wireless communication circuit of the control device. The control device can be configured to activate control of a zone. The zone can correspond to one or more electrical loads configured to be controlled by the control device. The zone can be associated with a particular location (e.g., a living room) or multiple locations (e.g., an entire house with multiple rooms and hallways). The control device can be configured to switch between different operating modes. The operating modes can be associated with controlling different types of electrical loads or different operating aspects of one or more electrical loads. Examples of operating modes can include a lighting control mode (e.g., which can in turn include a color control mode and an intensity control mode) for controlling one or more lighting loads, an entertainment system control mode (e.g., for controlling music selection and / or volume of an audio system), an HVAC system control mode, a window treatment control mode (e.g., for controlling one or more window shades), and / or the like.

[0026] The control devices described herein can be, for example, a dimmer switch 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, a wall-mounted control device 114, a table-top remote control device 116, and / or a handheld remote control device 118, as shown in Figure 1 The dimmer switch 110 can be configured to be mounted to a standard electrical wallbox (e.g., via a yoke) and coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source 105 and a lighting load (e.g., such as the lighting load 102) connected in a control path of the dimmer switch 110. The dimmer switch 110 can receive an AC mains voltage V AC, and can generate a control signal for controlling the lighting load 102. The control signal can be generated via various phase control techniques (e.g., forward phase control dimming technique or reverse phase control dimming technique). The dimmer switch 110 can be configured to receive a wireless signal representing a command to control the lighting load 102 (e.g., from a remote control device) and generate a corresponding control signal for executing the command. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 7,242,150, entitled “DIMMER HAVING A POWER SUPPLY MONITORING CIRCUIT,” issued on July 10, 2007; U.S. Patent No. 7,546,473, entitled “DIMMER HAVING A MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY,” issued on June 9, 2009; and U.S. Patent No. 8,664,881, entitled “TWO-WIRE DIMMERSWITCH FOR LOW-POWER LOADS,” issued on March 4, 2014.

[0027] The retrofit remote control 112 can be configured to install to a mechanical switch (e.g., a toggle switch 122) that may pre-exist in the lighting control system 100. Such a retrofit solution can provide energy savings and / or advanced control features, for example, without requiring extensive electrical rewiring and / or without requiring replacement of an existing mechanical switch. As an example, a consumer can replace an existing lamp with a controllable lighting load 104, switch a toggle switch 122 coupled to the lighting load 104 to the on position, install (e.g., mount) the remote control 112 to the toggle switch 122, and associate the remote control 112 with the light source 104. The retrofit remote control 112 can thus be used to perform advanced functions that the toggle switch 122 may not be able to perform (e.g., such as dimming the intensity level of the light output, changing the color of the light output, providing feedback to the user, etc.). As shown, the toggle switch 122 is coupled (e.g., via a series electrical connection) between the AC power source 105 and an electrical outlet 120 into which the lighting load 104 can be plugged (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 Alternatively, in the absence of the electrical outlet 120 , a toggle switch 122 may be coupled between the AC power source 105 and one or more of the lighting loads 102 , 104 .

[0028] The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to mount to a standard electrical wall box and electrically connect to the AC power source 105 to receive power. The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit control signals (e.g., control data such as digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The table-top remote control device 116 can be configured to be placed on a surface (e.g., an end table or night stand) and can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power source plugged into an electrical outlet). The table-top remote control device 116 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit signals (e.g., digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The handheld remote control device 118 can be sized to fit in a user's hand and can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power source plugged into an electrical outlet). The handheld remote control device 118 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit signals (e.g., digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. Examples of battery-powered remote control devices are described in greater detail in the following commonly-assigned U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 8,330,638, issued December 11, 2012, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS," and U.S. Patent No. 7,573,208, issued August 11, 2009, entitled "METHOD OF PROGRAMMING A LIGHTING PRESET FROM A RADIO-FREQUENCY REMOTE CONTROL," the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0029] It will be appreciated that while a lighting control system having two lighting loads is provided as an example above, a load control system as described herein can include more or fewer lighting loads, other types of lighting loads, and / or other types of electrical loads that can be configured to be controlled by one or more control devices. For example, a load control system can include one or more of: a dimming ballast for driving a gas discharge lamp; an LED driver for driving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling an intensity level of a lighting load; a screw-in lamp fixture including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in lamp fixture including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in lamp fixture including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable breaker, or other switching device for turning on and off an appliance; a plug-in control device, controllable electrical outlet, or controllable power strip for controlling one or more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling an electric window treatment or projection screen; one or more electrically operated interior and / or exterior blinds; a thermostat for a heating and / or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; one or more hydraulic valves for a radiator and radiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a television and / or computer monitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; a generator; a charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and / or the like.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view, Figure 3 is a front view of an example control device 200 that can be deployed as a dimmer switch 110 in the lighting control system 100, for example. The control device 200 can include a user interface 202 and a faceplate 204. The faceplate 204 can be connected to an adapter 205 that can be mounted to the control device 200. The user interface 202 of the control device 200 can include an execution member 210 (e.g., an actuation portion) configured to be mounted to a base portion 212 (e.g., a bezel). The execution member 210 can include a front surface 214 including an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218. The execution member 210 can be configured to pivot (e.g., about a central axis) in response to actuation of the upper portion 216 or the lower portion 218. The control device 200 can be configured to control a lighting load of the lighting control system 100 to turn the lighting load on in response to actuation of the upper portion 216 and to turn the lighting load off in response to actuation of the lower portion 218.

[0031] At least a portion of the front surface 214 of the actuator 210 may also be configured as a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) configured to receive (e.g., detect) input, such as a gesture, from a user of the control device 200. The user interface 202 may include a light bar 220 configured to be illuminated by one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) to visually display information. For example, the light bar 220 may include an elongated continuous light bar extending from a top end 222 to a bottom end 224, such as Figure 2 As shown. The front surface 214 of the actuator 210 can be actuated along the light strip 220 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load based on the position of the actuation. In an example (e.g., when the control device 200 is a wall-mounted dimmer switch), the control device 200 can include a rear housing 230 for housing the load control circuit of the dimmer switch. Examples of control devices with capacitive touch surfaces are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0280533, entitled "GESTURE-BASED CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRICAL LOAD," published on September 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0032] The light bar 220 can be illuminated to indicate the value of a control parameter, such as the intensity level of one or more lighting fixtures (e.g., lighting loads 102, 104). The control device 200 can illuminate a portion of the light bar 220 (e.g., a portion extending from the bottom of the light bar 220) that corresponds to the intensity level of the one or more lighting fixtures. For example, if the intensity level of the one or more lighting fixtures is 50%, the control device 200 can illuminate half of the light bar (e.g., the bottom half). Figures 4A to 4C is a front view of control device 200 illustrating a light bar illuminated to indicate various intensity levels (eg, as will be described in more detail below).

[0033] Figure 5 is through the center of the light bar 220 (eg, through Figure 3 A right side sectional view of the control device 200 taken along the line shown in FIG. Figure 6 is through the center of the control device (e.g. through Figure 3 2. A bottom cross-sectional view of control device 200 is shown, taken along the line shown. In an example (e.g., when control device 200 is a wall-mounted dimmer switch), control device 200 can include a yoke 232 that can be connected to rear housing 230 and can be configured to mount the control device to an electrical wall box.

[0034] The control device 200 may include a diffuser 234 including a protruding portion 235 that extends through an elongated opening in the actuator 210 to form the light bar 220. The control device 200 may also include a light pipe 236 including a plurality of legs 238 configured to transmit light from one or more corresponding light sources (e.g., N number of light sources located within the rear housing 230). LED-TOTAL The light from the light emitting diodes (LEDs) 240 is conducted to the light bar 220. The LEDs 240 may be mounted to a main printed circuit board (PCB) 242 housed in the rear housing 230. The LEDs 240 may be arranged in a linear array below the light pipes 236 and the light bar 220. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the LEDs 240 may include nine LEDs labeled LED1 (e.g., on the bottom of the main PCB 242) through LED9 (e.g., on the top of the main PCB 242). For example, there may be one LED 240 positioned adjacent to each leg 238 of the light pipe 236. For example, the LEDs 240 may include front-emitting LEDs. Each LED 240 may be configured to shine light onto a corresponding leg 238 of the light pipe 236, such that each LED 240 may be configured to illuminate the light when controlled to a maximum intensity level L. MAX (e.g., 100%) illuminates the corresponding segments 220a to 220i (e.g., Figure 4A ). For example, the lengths of segments 220a through 220i can be approximately equal. Diffuser 234 can include (eg, be made of) a diffusing material and can operate to diffuse light received from light pipe 236 at light bar 220.

[0035] The main PCB 242 may include additional circuitry, such as a load control circuit (not shown) mounted thereon for controlling a lighting load controlled by the control device 200. A control circuit (not shown) for controlling the load control circuit and / or the LED 240 may be mounted to the main PCB 242. The control circuit may be configured to control the LED 240 to provide an intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the LED 240 to illuminate a portion 226 of the light bar 220 extending from the bottom of the light bar to indicate the intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD (For example, Figure 4A The control circuit can be configured to illuminate a number N LED-ON adjacent LEDs 240 (eg, starting with LED1) so that a portion of the light strip 220 can be illuminated, for example, to indicate the intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD The number of illuminated LED-ONThe LEDs can include all of the LEDs 240 or a subset of the LEDs 240. For example, each segment 220a-i of the lightbar 220 can represent a portion L LOAD of the intensity level L SEG of the lighting load (e.g., an equal portion), depending on the number N LED-TOTAL of LEDs 240 included in the control device 200, for example, L SEG = 100% / N LED-TOTAL . For example, when the number N LED-TOTAL of LEDs 240 included in the control device 200 is nine, the portion L LOAD of the intensity level L SEG of the lighting load indicated by each LED 240 (e.g., when controlled to the maximum intensity level L MAX ) can be about one-ninth or about 11.11% of the dimming range of the control device. When the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load is about 33.33%, the control circuit can turn on LEDs 1-3 to the maximum intensity level L MAX to illuminate (e.g., fully illuminate) the first three segments 220a-c of the lightbar 220, as shown in Figure 4A . When the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load is about 44.44%, the control circuit can turn on LEDs 1-4 to the maximum intensity level L MAX to illuminate (e.g., fully illuminate) the first four segments 220a-d of the lightbar 220, as shown in Figure 4B .

[0036] Some of the N LED-ON lit LEDs can be illuminated to different intensity levels. The control circuit can be configured to cause the N LED-ON-MAX LEDs 240 to be illuminated to the maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%). For example, the number N LED-ON-MAX of LEDs 240 illuminated to the maximum intensity level can be equal to or less than the number N LED-ON of lit LEDs. The control circuit can be configured to cause the middle LED (e.g., the last or final LED of the N LED-ON adjacent lit LEDs) to be illuminated to an intermediate intensity level L IM that can range between the minimum intensity level L MIN (e.g., 0%) and the maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%). The middle LED can be located at the midpoint of the N MAXbetween the lit LEDs and the off LEDs. For example, the control circuit can be configured to pulse width modulate (PWM) the voltage applied to the middle LEDs to adjust the intensity level of the middle LEDs to an intermediate intensity level L IM . Since the diffuser 234 operates to scatter light at the light bar 220, the control circuit can be configured to adjust the position of the end point 228 of the illuminated portion of the light bar 220 by adjusting the intensity of the middle LEDs (e.g., as shown in Figure 4C . For example, if the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load is 40% (e.g., between the intensity levels indicated in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the control circuit can turn on the first three LEDs 240 (e.g., LED1-LED3) to the maximum intensity level L MAX and control the fourth LED (e.g., LED4) to an intermediate intensity level L IM that is a value between the minimum intensity level L MIN and the maximum intensity level L MAX . For example, the control circuit can determine the intermediate intensity level L IM of the fourth LED to be about 60% (e.g., as will be described in more detail below).

[0037] Additionally, the control circuit can determine that a number N DIM of LEDs 240 should be illuminated to an intermediate lighting level L IM . The control circuit can cause the first N LED-ON-MAX LEDs to be illuminated to a first intensity level (e.g., the maximum intensity level L MAX ) and the next N DIM LEDs to be illuminated to an intermediate intensity level L IM . The control circuit can be configured to pulse width modulate (PWM) the voltage applied to the last N DIM LEDs (e.g., the middle LEDs) to adjust the intensity level of the last N DIM LEDs to the intermediate intensity level L IM . For example, if the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load is 50%, the control circuit can turn on the first four LEDs 240 (e.g., LED1-LED4) to the maximum intensity level L MAX and control the fifth LED (e.g., LED5) to an intermediate intensity level L IM of 50%.

[0038] Since the control device 200 includes the diffuser 234 and the control circuit is configured to control the middle LEDs to an intermediate intensity level L IMThus, the control device 200 can control the lightbar 220 to, for example, provide continuous illumination across the lightbar 220 despite the use of a limited number of LEDs. The lightbar 220 can not only enhance the aesthetics of the control device 200, but also the functionality of the control device. For example, feedback indications can be provided with a finer granularity than if the LEDs 240 were controlled to only a maximum intensity level to individually illuminate the segments 220a-220i. The reduction in the number of LEDs can result in cost reduction and / or circuit design simplification (e.g., which can be desirable in view of space constraints associated with the control device 200 and / or the main PCB 242).

[0039] The control device 200 can include a capacitive touch printed circuit board (PCB) 250. The capacitive touch PCB 250 can be positioned behind the actuating member 210 for detecting actuation of the front surface 214 of the actuating member 210 and / or gestures of a user of the control device 200. The capacitive touch PCB 250 can be positioned adjacent to the lightbar 220 for detecting actuation of the lightbar 220 (e.g., and / or actuation of the front surface 214 of the actuating member 210 adjacent to the lightbar 220), as indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 3 In an example (e.g., when the light pipe 234 extends from the LEDs in the rear housing to the lightbar 220, as shown in the example of Figure 5 and Figure 6 The capacitive touch PCB 250 can not be positioned immediately behind the lightbar 220. The capacitive touch PCB 250 can include one or more receiving capacitive touch pads 252 for detecting actuation or gestures on or near the lightbar 220. Additionally, the LEDs 240 can be mounted to the capacitive touch PCB 250 (e.g., instead of the main PCB 242). When mounted to the capacitive touch PCB 250, the LEDs 240 can include side-emitting LEDs. Additionally, the control device 200 can further include a light guide (not shown) for conducting light to the diffuser 234, and the capacitive touch PCB 250 can be positioned behind the lightbar 220 (e.g., immediately behind the lightbar).

[0040] The control circuit of the control device 200 can be configured to detect a location of actuation along the length of the lightbar 220 in response to input received from the one or more receiving capacitive touch pads 252, and control the electrical load in accordance with the determined location. The control circuit can be configured to determine an intensity level L LOAD .

[0041] The control circuit can be configured to illuminate the LEDs 240 in an active state when the user touches the lightbar 220, in which the lightbar 220 is illuminated (e.g., corresponding to an intensity level LLOAD a portion of the lightbar 220) is brightly illuminated to indicate the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load. For example, in the active state, the control circuit can illuminate a series of LEDs corresponding to the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load. The control circuit can further illuminate most (e.g., all but one) of the LEDs in the illuminated series of LEDs to a maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%), and illuminate one or more intermediate LEDs in the illuminated series of LEDs to an intermediate intensity level L IM When the lightbar 220 is in the active state, a user can swipe a finger up and down on the lightbar 220 to adjust (e.g., continuously adjust) the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load. The control circuit can be configured to update the lightbar 220 to indicate the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load as the user’s finger is swiped up and down on the lightbar.

[0042] After the user stops touching the lightbar 220, the control circuit can be configured to transition the LEDs 240 to an idle state in which the lightbar 220 (e.g., a portion of the lightbar 220 corresponding to the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load) is faintly illuminated while still indicating the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load. For example, in the idle state, the control circuit can illuminate most (e.g., all but one) of the LEDs in the illuminated series of LEDs to an idle state intensity level L IDLE (e.g., 20%), and illuminate one or more intermediate LEDs in the illuminated series of LEDs to an intermediate intensity level L IM When the control circuit transitions the lightbar 220 from the active state to the idle state, the control circuit can adjust the intermediate intensity level L IM (e.g., increase the intermediate intensity level L IM ) of the one or more intermediate LEDs to ensure that the lightbar 220 continues to indicate the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load (e.g., to compensate for a decrease in the overall intensity level of the lightbar 220, as will be described in greater detail below).

[0043] Figure 7 is a front view of the capacitive touch PCB 250. The capacitive touch PCB 250 can include one or more (e.g., five) receiving capacitive touch pads 252 (e.g., capacitive touch areas A-E), as Figure 7The receive capacitive touchpads 252 can be triangular in shape (other shapes are possible) and / or can be arranged in a linear array extending from a top to a bottom of the capacitive touch PCB 250 (e.g., on the right side of the capacitive touch PCB 250). For example, areas A and / or E of the receive capacitive touchpads 252 can be electrically coupled together. The linear array of receive capacitive touchpads 252 can extend along a longitudinal axis of the control device 200. Although illustrated as including five triangular capacitive touchpads 252, in other examples, the capacitive touch PCB 250 can include any number and / or shape of capacitive touchpads 252. The receive capacitive touchpads 252 can be configured according to mutual capacitive sensing technology. The receive capacitive touchpads 252 can be surrounded by the transmission traces 256. The control device 200 can be configured to power the transmission traces 256 to charge the receive capacitive touchpads 252, which can reduce the effect of other objects in the environment of the control device 200 on capacitive touch sensing.

[0044] Figures 8 to 13 Another example of a remote control device 1200 in a load control system, such as a load control system of Figure 1 The load control system can include one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch 1290 can be electrically coupled in series between an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads.

[0045] The mechanical switch 1290 can include a paddle actuator 1292 that can be actuated to turn one or more electrical loads on and / or off. The mechanical switch 1290 can include a bezel 1293 that surrounds the paddle actuator 1292. An upper portion of the paddle actuator 1292 can protrude from the bezel 1293 when the electrical load is off (e.g., in a first orientation), and a lower portion of the paddle actuator 1292 can protrude from the bezel 1293 when the electrical load is on, or vice versa. The mechanical switch 1290 can include a yoke (not shown) that can mount the mechanical switch 1290 to a structure. For example, the yoke can be secured to a single gang wall box that is mounted in an opening of a structure (e.g., such as a wall, a ceiling, etc.). As shown, a faceplate 1296 can be secured to the mechanical switch 1290, such as to the yoke. The faceplate 1296 can define a front surface 1261 and an opposite back surface 1263. The front surface 1261 can alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate 1296, while the back surface 1263 can alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate 1296. The faceplate 1296 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The remote control device 1200 can be configured to be mounted over the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 (e.g., to the paddle actuator 1292, the bezel 1293, and / or the faceplate 1296).

[0046] The remote control device 1200 can include a base 1220 and a control unit 1230 (e.g., a control module). The control unit 1230 can be mounted to the base 1220. For example, the base 1220 can be configured to attach the remote control device 1200 to the mechanical switch 1290. The remote control device 1200 can also include a spacer 1210, which can be a shim and can be configured to compensate for mechanical switches having paddle actuators 1292 that protrude from the bezel 1293 at a greater length. The control unit 1230 can be mounted to the base 1220 with or without the spacer 1210. When the spacer 1210 is used, the spacer 1210 can be attached to the base 1220 and the control unit 1230 can be attached to the spacer 1210.

[0047] The base 1220 can alternatively be referred to as a base portion, a mounting frame, or a mounting assembly. The control unit 1230 and the base 1220 can be configured such that the control unit 1230 can be removably attached to the base 1220. The base 1220 can be mounted over (e.g., attached to) the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 without removing the faceplate 1296. In this regard, the remote control device 1200 can be mounted over an already installed mechanical switch, e.g., the mechanical switch 1290, without removing the faceplate 1296 and / or performing any electrical rewiring of the mechanical switch 1290. For example, the base 1220 can be attached to the bezel 1293 of the mechanical switch 1290 using an adhesive 1205. The adhesive 1205 can be configured to secure the base 1220 to the bezel 1293.

[0048] As shown, the base 1220 can define a frame 1221. The frame 1221 can define a primary attachment tab 1222. The primary attachment tab 1222 can be configured to releasably secure the control unit 1230 to the base 1220. The primary attachment tab 1222 can be configured to engage the control unit 1230 (e.g., a complementary structure of the control unit 1230). The frame 1221 can further define an aperture 1224. The aperture 1224 can be configured to engage the spacer 1210 (e.g., a complementary structure of the spacer 1210).

[0049] The spacer 1210 can define a secondary attachment tab 1212. The secondary attachment tab 1212 can be configured to engage the control unit 1230 (e.g., a complementary structure of the control unit 1230). The spacer 1210 can define a primary catch 1214. The primary catch 1214 can be configured to engage the primary attachment tab 1222 of the base 1220. For example, the primary catch 1214 can releasably secure with the primary attachment tab 1222 of the base 1220 such that the spacer 1210 is releasably attached to the base 1220. The spacer 1210 can define a clip 1216. The clip 1216 can be configured to engage the base 1220 when the spacer 1210 is attached to the base 1220. For example, the clip 1216 can be configured to secure the spacer 1210 to the base 1220. The spacer 1210 can define a pin 1218. The pin 1218 can be configured to align and / or maintain alignment between the spacer 1210 and the base 1220. The pin 1218 can extend from a perimeter of the spacer 1210. The pin 1218 can be configured to be received by the base 1220 (e.g., a complementary structure of the base 1220). For example, the pin 1218 can be received by the aperture 1224 when the spacer 1210 is attached to the base 1220.

[0050] The control unit 1230 can include a user interface including a performance member 1232, a housing 1234, and a battery holder 1270. For example, the performance member 1232 can be attached to the housing 1234. The housing 1234 can define an upper wall 1241, a lower wall 1242, and opposing side walls 1243. The upper wall 1241, the lower wall 1242, and the side walls 1243 of the housing 1234 can extend from respective edges of the performance member 1232 (e.g., from a perimeter defined by the performance member 1232). The housing 1234 can define a primary catch 1252 and / or a secondary catch 1254. For example, the upper wall 1241 and the lower wall 1242 can define the primary catch 1252 and / or the secondary catch 1254. The control unit 1230 can be attached to the base 1220 using the primary catch 1252 and / or to the spacer 1210 using the secondary catch 1254. The primary catch 1252 can be configured to engage the primary attachment tab 1222 of the base 1220. For example, the primary catch 1252 can engage the primary attachment tab 1222 of the base 1220 when the spacer 1210 is not used. The secondary catch 1254 can be configured to engage the secondary attachment tab 1212 of the spacer 1210. For example, the secondary catch 1254 can engage the secondary attachment tab 1212 of the spacer 1210 when the spacer 1210 is used.

[0051] The housing 1234 of the control unit 230 can include a pivot rod 1250. The pivot rod 1250 can extend between the opposing side walls 1243 of the housing 1234. The pivot rod 1250 can be configured to receive the battery holder 1270. For example, the battery holder 1270 can be pivotably mounted to the pivot rod 1250. The battery holder 1270 can pivot about the pivot rod 1250 between a first position and a second position. The first position can correspond to the battery holder being proximate to the lower wall 1242 of the housing 1234, and the second position can correspond to the battery holder 1270 being proximate to the upper wall 1241 of the housing 1234.

[0052] The control unit 1230 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 1244 (e.g., a flexible or rigid printed circuit board). The PCB 1244 may include a processor or controller and a touch-sensitive device (e.g., it may itself include a separate processor). Thus, in some instances, the PCB 1244 may function as both a main PCB and a capacitive touch PCB (e.g., it may operate similarly to the main PCB 240 and capacitive touch PCB 260 of the control device 200). The control unit 1230 may also include a light bar 1239 configured to be illuminated by one or more light sources 1237 (e.g., one or more LEDs), which may be arranged, for example, in a manner similar to that used in the control device 200. The control device 600 may include a diffuser comprising a portion extending through an elongated opening in the actuator 1232 to form the light bar 1239. The light bar 1239 may be illuminated via a light-guiding film 1246 on the printed circuit board 1244. For example, light source 1237 on printed circuit board 1244 can illuminate light bar 1239 through light guide film 1246. Light bar 1239 can be illuminated to visually display information to a user of control unit 1230. Front surface 1235 of actuator 1232 can be actuated along light bar 1239 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load depending on the actuated position.

[0053] like Figures 8 to 13 As shown, the control unit 1230 can be rectangular in shape and elongated between an upper wall 1241 and a lower wall 1242. It should be understood that the control unit 1230 is not limited to the rectangular geometry shown and that the control unit can alternatively be configured with other suitable geometries. According to the illustrated orientation of the control unit 1230, the upper wall 1241 can be referred to as the upper end of the control unit 1230 and the lower wall 1242 can be referred to as the lower end of the control unit 1230. The upper wall 1241 and the lower wall 1242 of the control unit 1230 can also be referred to as the first end and the second end of the housing 1234, respectively. The control unit 1230 (e.g., the housing 1234) can define a gap 1248 ( Figure 13 ). Void 1248 can be configured to receive printed circuit board 1244 in an attached position. Void 1248 can be defined by upper wall 1241, lower wall 1242, and opposing side walls 1243. Void 1248 can include an upper portion defined between pivot rod 1250 and upper wall 1241 and a lower portion defined between pivot rod 1250 and lower wall 1242. Housing 1234 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.

[0054] The control unit 1230 can operate in a similar manner as the control device 200. However, the control unit 1230 can not include an internal load control device, but can be configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly transmit) messages (e.g., digital messages) to control one or more electrical loads in response to actuation of the execution member 1232. For example, the execution member 1232 can include a front surface 1235 having an upper portion 1236 and a lower portion 1238, and the control unit 1230 can be configured to control an electrical load in response to actuation of the upper portion 1236 or the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232. The execution member 1232 can also receive user input that does not cause the execution member 1232 to pivot. For example, the control unit 1230 can be configured to control an electrical load in response to a touch actuation along the front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232.

[0055] The control unit 1230 (e.g., the PCB 1244) can include mechanical switches, such as first and second tactile switches 1245a, 1245b, configured to actuate (e.g., to control turning on and off of a load) in response to actuation (e.g., tactile actuation) of the upper portion 1236 and the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232. For example, the control unit 1230 can be configured to control a lighting load of the lighting control system 100 to turn on the load in response to actuation of the first tactile switch 1245a, and to turn off the load in response to actuation of the second tactile switch 1245b (or vice versa). For example, the control device 1200 can be configured to turn on a lighting load to a previous intensity level (e.g., prior to the lighting load being previously turned off) or a preset intensity level (e.g., a predetermined or locked preset intensity level) in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 1236 of the execution member 1232. The tactile actuation of the execution member 1232 can cause one of the first and second tactile switches 1245a, 1245b of the PCB 1244 to be actuated. For example, the control unit 1230 (e.g., the housing 1234) can define a first nub 1259a and a second nub 1259b. When the upper portion 1236 of the execution member 1232 is actuated, the first tactile switch 1244a can move toward the first nub 1259a. As such, actuation of the upper portion 1236 of the execution member 1232 can cause the first tactile switch 1244i to move toward and contact the first nub 1259a. Similarly, when the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232 is actuated, the second tactile switch 1244b can move toward the second nub 1259b. As such, actuation of the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232 can cause the second tactile switch 1244b to move toward and contact the second nub 1259b.

[0056] The execution member 1232 can be configured to pivot in response to haptic actuation of the upper portion 1236 and the lower portion 1238. The execution member 1232 can pivot about the lower axis in response to haptic actuation of the upper portion 1236 of the execution member and about the upper axis in response to haptic actuation of the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232 (e.g., as opposed to pivoting about a midpoint of the execution member). By way of example, the upper wall 1241 of the housing 1234 can include first and second recesses (not shown), while the lower wall 1242 of the housing 1234 can include first and second recesses 1253a, 1253b, respectively. Further, the actuation portion 1232 can include first and second top notches 1231a, 1231b, respectively, and first and second bottom notches 1233a, 1233b, respectively. As such, when the upper portion 1236 of the execution member 1232 is actuated, the first and second bottom notches 1233a, 1233b of the execution member 1232 can pivot about the first and second recesses 1253a, 1253b of the lower wall 1242, and the first haptic switch 1244a can move toward and contact the first nub 1259a. Similarly, when the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232 is actuated, the first and second top notches 1231a, 1231b of the execution member 1232 can pivot about the first and second recesses (not shown) of the upper wall 1241, and the second haptic switch 1244b can move toward and contact the second nub 1259b.

[0057] The execution member 1232 can also receive user input that does not cause the execution member 1232 to pivot. The control unit 1230 can be configured to control a power load in response to touch actuation along the front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232. By way of example, at least a portion of the front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232 can be configured as a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) configured to receive (e.g., detect) input (e.g., touch actuation / input) from a user of the control device 1200, such as point actuations or gestures. The touch-sensitive surface of the execution member 1232 can be positioned adjacent to and / or overlapping the light bar 1239. By way of example, during a normal mode of operation of the control device 1200, the front surface 1232 of the execution member 1232 can be actuated along the light bar 1239 (e.g., along the touch-sensitive surface) to adjust the amount of power delivered to a lighting load and, thus, the intensity level of the lighting load according to the location of the touch actuation, e.g., at the low end intensity level L LE and the high end intensity level L HEbetween. Although primarily described in the context of a capacitive touch surface, it should be appreciated that the control device 1200 is not so limited, and in some examples, at least a portion of the front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232 can be configured as a different type of touch sensitive surface, such as a resistive touch surface, an inductive touch surface, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch surface, an infrared touch surface, an acoustic pulse touch surface, or the like.

[0058] The control device 1200 can control the magnitude of the load current conducted via the lighting load based on a single discrete input along the touch sensitive surface and / or based on multiple continuous inputs along the touch sensitive surface. For example, a user can tap their finger at a location along the touch sensitive surface, and in response, the control device 1200 can turn the lighting load on to an intensity level based on the location. As an example, if the lighting load is off, the control device 1200 can turn the lighting load on to an intensity level based on the location of the touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface of the execution member 1232. When the lighting load is lit, the user can move (e.g., slide) their finger along the touch sensitive surface, and in response, the control device 1200 can adjust (e.g., continuously control) the magnitude of the load current conducted via the lighting load based on the locations of the multiple inputs along the touch sensitive surface.

[0059] Further, in the color control mode, the control device 1200 can control the color of the lighting load based on the location of the touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface of the execution member 1232 (e.g., by controlling the color temperature of the lighting load or by applying full color control to the lighting load). For example, the light bar 1239 can be configured to illuminate a spectrum of colors (e.g., spanning the entire visible color spectrum, a subset of the visual color spectrum, and / or a spectrum associated with the color temperature of a black body radiator) across the length of the light bar 1239. Accordingly, the control device 1200 can control the color of the lighting load based on the location of the touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface, and thus the corresponding color at that location on the light bar 1239.

[0060] A PCB 1244 that can include a capacitive touchpad creating a touch-sensitive surface on the execution member 1232 can be secured to the execution member 1232 and can be responsive to touch actuation. The front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232 of the control unit 1230 can define a user interface configured to receive input, e.g., gestures, from a user of the remote control device 1200. The user interface can be configured as a touch-sensitive surface, e.g., a capacitive touch surface, configured to receive, e.g., detect, input such as gestures from a user of the control unit 1230. For example, the printed circuit board 1244 can include one or more capacitive touch regions or surfaces, e.g., similar to the receiving capacitive touchpad 244 on the capacitive touch PCB 240 of the control device 200. The printed circuit board 1244 can include one or more linear capacitive touch regions that face the interior surface of the execution member 1232 when the printed circuit board 1244 is seated in the void 1248. The front surface 1235 of the execution member 1232 can be configured to detect touches along the x-axis, the y-axis, or both the x-axis and the y-axis. Thus, the execution member 1232, when actuated, can pivot to actuate one of the first or second haptic switches 1244a, 1244b such that haptic actuation of the execution member 1232 can cause the PCB 1244 to move.

[0061] The control unit 1230 can also include control circuitry (e.g., a processor, not shown) and wireless communication circuitry (e.g., an RF transceiver, not shown) mounted to the PCB 1244. The control unit 1230 can be configured to convert one or more inputs from the user interface, e.g., user inputs, into corresponding control signals that can be used to control load control devices of a load control system. The one or more inputs can be applied via touch or press of the upper portion 1236 and / or the lower portion 1238 of the execution member 1232. For example, the control circuitry can be configured to receive input signals, e.g., corresponding to user inputs, in response to actuation of the upper portion 1236 and / or the lower portion 1238 by a user of the remote control device 1200. For example, the input signals received by the control circuitry can be corresponding control signals converted from control interface inputs. The control circuitry can be configured to generate commands that a user desires the control unit 1230 to execute in response to input signals generated in response to actuation of the upper portion 1236 and / or the lower portion 1238. The control unit 1230 can be configured to cause the wireless communication circuitry to transmit one or more control signals including the commands generated by the control circuitry.

[0062] The control circuit can be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit respective commands corresponding to inputs and / or gestures received by the upper portion 1236 and / or the lower portion 1238. For example, the remote control device 1200 can be operable to transmit wireless signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, to load control devices, one or more electrical loads, and / or a central processor of a load control system. During a configuration process of the load control system, the remote control device 1200 can be associated with the load control devices and the one or more electrical loads.

[0063] The control circuit can be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit respective commands corresponding to interpreted gestures received at the touch-sensitive surface. For example, the remote control device 1200 can be operable to transmit wireless signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, to load control devices, one or more electrical loads, and / or a central processor of a load control system. During a configuration process of the load control system, the remote control device 1200 can be associated with the load control devices and the one or more electrical loads.

[0064] The light bar 1239 of the control unit 1230 can be configured to provide a visual indication of commands issued by the remote control device 1200. The light bar 1239 can be illuminated by a plurality of LEDs (not shown) mounted to the PCB 1244. A diffuser of the control unit 1230 can include a diffusing material (e.g., be made of a diffusing material) and can be operable to scatter light received from the LEDs. The light bar 1239 can be illuminated in a similar manner as the light bar 220 of the control device 200 in response to actuation of the actuation member 1232. The control circuit can be configured to indicate the amount of power delivered to an electrical load by temporarily illuminating a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the desired amount of power (e.g., a desired dimming level of a lighting load) upon receiving a touch actuation indicative of a command to change the amount of power delivered to the electrical load (e.g., a command to dim a lighting load). The control circuit can be configured to control the LEDs in a similar manner as described herein with respect to the control device 200. Figure 4A and Figure 4B .

[0065] The control unit 1230 can be configured to attach to the base 1220 with the light bar 1239 on a predetermined side of the control unit 1230 (e.g., the right side of the control unit as shown in Figure 9 . Figures 4A to 4C The printed circuit board 1244 can define a fold 1247 such that the light source 1237 mounted thereon illuminates through the printed circuit board 1244 and the light guide film 1246 to the light bar 1239 (e.g., as shown in

[0066] The illustrated control unit 1230 can be battery powered. The battery 1280 (e.g., an illustrated coin cell battery) can be in electrical communication with circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board 1244, such as the capacitive touch area, control circuitry, wireless communication circuitry, and / or other circuitry of the control unit 1230.

[0067] The control unit 1230 can be configured to receive a battery holder 1270. The battery holder 1270 can include a housing 1274, a retaining clip 1272, a positive battery contact 1281, and a negative battery contact 1282 (e.g., a back plate). The positive battery contact 1281 can be a positive electrical contact and the negative battery contact 1282 can be a negative electrical contact. For example, the positive battery contact 1281 and the negative battery contact 1282 can be connected to the housing 1274. The battery holder 1270 can be configured to hold the battery 1280 therein. The battery holder 1270 can define a cavity 1277. For example, the housing 1274 and the negative battery contact 1282 can define the cavity 1277. The negative battery contact 1282 can be configured to attach to the housing 1274. The negative battery contact 1282 can be configured to define a back surface of the cavity 1277. The cavity 1277 can be configured to receive the battery 1280. The retaining clip 1272 can be configured to secure the battery 1280 within the cavity 1277. The retaining clip 1272 can define a pivot clip 1271 and a locking clip 1273. The pivot clip 1271 can pivotally mount the retaining clip 1272 to the battery holder 1270. For example, the retaining clip 1272 can pivot using the pivot clip 1271. The locking clip 1273 can be configured to secure the retaining clip 1272 to the housing 1274 such that the battery 1280 is held therein. The pivot clip 1271 can include a retaining tab 1279 that can retain the pivot clip 1271 in the battery holder 1270 when the retaining clip 1272 is moved to an open position.

[0068] The battery holder 1270 can be configured to be mounted within a void 1248 defined by the control unit 1230 (e.g., the housing 1234). For example, the void 1248 can be configured to receive the battery holder 1270. The battery holder 1270 can be configured to hold the battery 1280 therein. The battery holder 1270 can include an attachment clip 1276. The attachment clip 1276 can be a c-clip (e.g., such as a right angle c-clip). The attachment clip 1276 can be configured to be rotatably attached to a pivot rod 1250. For example, the attachment clip 1276 can be configured to pivot about the pivot rod 1250, for example, as the battery holder moves between the first position and the second position. The pivot rod 1250 can define a pivot. The battery holder 1270 can be configured to pivot about the pivot. The pivot can be at a midpoint of the control unit 1230. Alternatively, the pivot rod 1250 can be a pin (e.g., a rod) and the battery holder 1270 can include a fully closed loop instead of the attachment clip 1276. The pin can slide into the closed loop of the battery holder and then an end of the pin can be attached to the housing 1234.

[0069] The battery holder 1270 can be configured to electrically connect the battery 1280 to the control unit 1230 (e.g., the printed circuit board 1244) for powering the circuitry of the control unit 1230. The battery holder 1270 can be configured to maintain electrical contact between the battery 1280 and the printed circuit board 1244 as the battery holder 1270 moves between the first position and the second position. For example, the positive battery contact 1281 and the negative battery contact 1282 of the battery holder 1270 can be configured to electrically connect to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery 1280, respectively, when the battery is received in the cavity 1277. The positive battery contact 1281 can work as a spring that biases against the battery 1280 when the battery is received in the cavity 1277.

[0070] The control unit 1230 can include a flexible cable (not shown) attached (e.g., mechanically and electrically connected) to the printed circuit board 1244. The flexible cable can be attached (e.g., mechanically and electrically connected) to the battery holder 1270. The flexible cable can include at least two electrical conductors (not shown) for electrically connecting the circuitry of the control unit 1230 on the printed circuit board 1244 to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery 1280. For example, a first electrical conductor of the flexible cable can be electrically connected to the positive battery contact 1281 and a second electrical conductor of the flexible cable can be electrically connected to the negative battery contact 1282. Alternatively, the retention clip 1272 can work as the positive battery contact of the battery holder 1270.

[0071] It should be appreciated that the electrical connection between the battery 1280 and the printed circuit board 1244 can be implemented in other ways. For example, the battery holder 1270 can abut a first post (not shown) on the control unit 1230 at the second position and can abut a second post (not shown) on the control unit 1230 at the first position. The first post and the second post can be configured to provide the electrical connection between the battery 1280 and the printed circuit board 1244. The first post can be proximate the upper wall 1241 and the second post can be proximate the lower wall 1242.

[0072] The battery holder 1270 can be configured to adjust the position of the battery 1280 within the control unit 1230. For example, the position of the battery 1280 can be adjusted based on the position of the paddle actuator 1292 when delivering power to the power load associated with the mechanical switch 1290. The battery holder 1270 can operate between a first position and a second position. For example, the battery holder 1270 can be configured to pivot between the first position and the second position. The first position can be defined as the battery holder 1270 being proximate the lower wall 1242 (e.g., a lower portion of the void 1248). For example, the battery holder 1270 can be in the lower portion of the void 1248 when the battery holder 1270 is in the first position. The second position can be defined as the battery holder 1270 being proximate the upper wall 1241 (e.g., an upper portion of the void 1248). For example, the battery holder 1270 can be in the upper portion of the void 1248 when the battery holder 1270 is in the second position.

[0073] The control unit 1230 (e.g., the housing 1234) can define stops 1256a, 1256b in the upper and lower portions of the void 1248. The stops 1256a, 1256b can extend from the upper wall 1241 and the lower wall 1242 into the void 1248. The stops 1256a, 1256b can be configured to prevent the battery holder 1270 from pivoting beyond the first position and the second position, respectively. The stops 1256a, 1256b can be configured to prevent the battery holder 1270 from abutting the printed circuit board 1244. The stops 1256a, 1256b can be configured to snap into an outer edge 1257 of the housing 1274 of the battery holder 1270 when the battery holder 1270 is in the first position or the second position. The control unit 1230 can be configured to attach to the base 1220 with the light bar 1239 on a predetermined side of the control unit (e.g., the right side of the control unit as shown in FIG. 12A). Figure 9The light bar 1239 can be illuminated, for example, to indicate the amount of power currently being delivered to a power load. The control unit 1230 can be configured to attach to the base 1220 with the light bar 1239 on a predetermined side of the control unit regardless of the position of the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 (e.g., whether the upper or lower portion of the paddle actuator 1292 protrudes from the bezel 1293). By way of example, the control unit 1230 can be configured such that the battery 1280 can pivot between a first position and a second position based on whether the upper or lower portion of the paddle actuator 1292 protrudes from the bezel 1293.

[0074] The void 1248 of the control unit 1230 can be configured to receive a portion of the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 when the control unit 1230 is attached to the base 1220. The control unit 1230 can define separate portions of the void 1248, such as an upper portion and a lower portion. When the mechanical switch 1290 is in a first orientation (e.g., when the upper portion of the paddle actuator 1292 protrudes from the bezel 1293), the upper portion can receive the upper portion of the paddle actuator 1292 and the lower portion can receive the battery holder 1270. When the mechanical switch 1290 is in a second orientation (e.g., when the lower portion of the paddle actuator 1292 protrudes from the bezel 1293), the lower portion can receive a portion of the lower portion of the paddle actuator 1292 and the upper portion can receive the battery holder 1270.

[0075] In some installations, when the control unit 1230 is installed to the base 1220, the control unit 1230 can not be offset a sufficient distance from the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 and the control unit 1230 can even contact the paddle actuator 1292. In this case, when the user actuates the actuating member 1232, the control unit 1230 can cause the paddle actuator 1292 of the mechanical switch 1290 to change from an open position to a closed position. The control unit 1230 (e.g., the housing 1234) can define a ledge in the upper and lower portions of the void 1248. The ledge can extend from opposing sidewalls 1243 into the void 1248. When the control unit 1230 is installed onto the base 1220 during installation of the remote control device 1200, the ledge 1268 can contact the paddle actuator 1292 to indicate to the installer that the control unit 1230 can not be offset a sufficient distance from the paddle actuator 1292. The installer can then install a spacer 1210 (or multiple spacers) onto the base 1220 to provide additional distance between the control unit 1230 and the paddle actuator 1292.

[0076] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example control device 600 including a circular light bar 620 that can be deployed as Figure 16. A dimmer switch and / or remote control device for a load control system as illustrated in FIG. Control circuit 600 may also include an actuator member 610 and a rotating portion 612. Control device 600 may include a wall-mounted dimmer switch and / or remote control device, which may be mounted, for example, above and / or attached to a paddle actuator of a mechanical switch (e.g., a light switch) that controls power delivered to an electrical load (e.g., a lighting load). Control circuit 600 may be configured to turn the lighting load on and off in response to actuation of actuator member 610 and to adjust the intensity level of the lighting load in response to rotation of rotating portion 612. A portion of circular light bar 620 may illuminate in response to actuation of actuator member 610 and / or rotating portion 612, for example, in a manner similar to light bar 220 of control device 200. For example, the illuminated portion of circular light bar 620 may begin at a bottom 624 of circular light bar 620 and may extend clockwise by an amount indicating the intensity level of the lighting load. For example, the middle LED illuminated at the endpoint of the illuminated portion can be illuminated to a medium intensity level (eg, as described herein).

[0077] Figures 15A to 15C 6 is a front view of the control device 600, illustrating a light bar illuminated to indicate various intensity levels (e.g., as described in more detail below). The control device 600 may include a diffuser including a portion extending through an elongated opening in the actuator member 610 to form the light bar 620. For example, the light bar may be the portion of the diffuser that extends through the elongated opening. The control device 600 may also include one or more corresponding light sources, such as N-type light sources, located within the housing of the control device 600. LED-TOTAL The light emitting diodes (LEDs) are configured to illuminate the light bar 620. The LEDs can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) housed in a housing of the control device 600. The LEDs can be arranged in a circular array below the diffuser and the light bar. For example, the LEDs can include nine LEDs (e.g., LED1 (e.g., at the bottom of the PCB) to LED9 (e.g., at the top of the PCB)). For example, the LEDs can include front-emitting LEDs. Each LED can be configured to shine light onto the diffuser so that each LED can be configured to illuminate the light bar 620 when controlled to a maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%) illuminates the corresponding segments 620a to 620i (e.g., Figure 15A ). For example, the lengths of segments 620a through 620i can be approximately equal. The diffuser can include (eg, be made of) a diffusing material and can operate to scatter light received from the LED.

[0078] The control circuit can be configured to control the LED 640 to provide an intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the LED 640 to illuminate a portion 626 of the light bar 6920 extending from the bottom of the light bar to indicate the intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD (For example, Figure 15A The control circuit can be configured to illuminate a number N LED-ON adjacent LEDs (eg, starting with LED1) so that a portion of, for example, the light bar 620 can be illuminated to indicate the intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD The number of illuminated LED-ON The LEDs may include all LEDs or a subset of LEDs. For example, each segment 620a to 620i of the light bar 620 may represent an intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD Part of L SEG (eg, equal parts), depending on the number N of LEDs included in the control device 600 LED-TOTAL , for example, L SEG =100% / N LED-TOTAL For example, when the number N of LEDs included in the control device 600 is LED-TOTAL When the intensity level L of the lighting load indicated by each LED is nine LOAD Part L SEG (For example, when controlled to the maximum intensity level L MAX ) may be about one ninth or about 11.11% of the dimming range of the control device. LOAD When the intensity is about 33.33%, the control circuit can turn on LED1 to LED3 to the maximum intensity level L MAX To illuminate (eg, fully illuminate) the first three segments 620a to 620c of the light bar 620, as shown in FIG. Figure 15A When the intensity level of the lighting load is L LOAD At about 44.44%, the control circuit can turn on LED1 to LED4 to the maximum intensity level L MAX To illuminate (eg, fully illuminate) the first four segments 620a to 620d of the light bar 620, as shown in FIG. Figure 15B shown.

[0079] The number is N LED-ON Some of the illuminated LEDs may be illuminated to different intensity levels. The control circuit may be configured to cause a number N of the illuminated LEDs to illuminate to different intensity levels. LED-ON-MAX The LED illuminates to the maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%). For example, the number N of LEDs illuminated to the maximum intensity levelLED-ON-MAX Can be equal to or less than the number of lit LEDs N LED-ON The control circuit can be configured to make the middle LEDs (eg, number N) LED-ON The last or last LED among the lit adjacent LEDs) illuminates to a medium intensity level L IM , the medium intensity level may range from the minimum intensity level L MIN (e.g., 0%) with the maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%). The middle LED may be positioned at a maximum intensity level L MAX For example, the control circuit can be configured to pulse width modulate (PWM) the voltage applied to the middle LED to adjust the intensity level of the middle LED to the medium intensity level L IM Because the diffuser operates to scatter light at the light strip 620, the control circuit can be configured to adjust the position of the endpoint 628 of the illuminated portion of the light strip 620 by adjusting the intensity of the middle LED (e.g., as Figures 15B to 15C For example, if the intensity level of the lighting load is L LOAD is 40% (for example, Figure 15A and Figure 15B ), the control circuit may turn on the first three LEDs 240 (eg, LED1 to LED3) to a maximum intensity level L MAX And set the fourth LED (eg, LED4) to a medium intensity level L IM Controlled to the minimum intensity level L MIN With maximum intensity level L MAX For example, the control circuit can set the medium intensity level L of the fourth LED to IM Determined to be approximately 60% (eg, as described in more detail below).

[0080] In addition, the control circuit can determine the number N DIM The LED should be illuminated to the middle lighting level L IM The control circuit can make the first N LED-ON-MAX The LEDs illuminate to a first intensity level (eg, a maximum intensity level L MAX ), and make the next N DIM The LEDs illuminate to a medium intensity level L IM The control circuit can be configured to apply to the last N DIM The voltage of the first LED (for example, the middle LED) is pulse-width modulated (PWM) to DIM Adjust the intensity level of each LED to the medium intensity level L IMFor example, if the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load is 50%, the control circuit can turn on the first four LEDs 240 (e.g., LED1 through LED4) to the maximum intensity level L MAX and control the fifth LED (e.g., LED5) to the medium intensity level L IM .

[0081] Because the control device 600 includes a diffuser and the control circuit is configured to control the middle LEDs to a medium intensity level L IM , the control device 600 can control the light bar 620 to, for example, provide continuous illumination across the light bar 620 despite the use of a limited number of LEDs. The light bar 620 can not only enhance the aesthetics of the control device 600, but also the functionality of the control device. For example, feedback indications can be provided with a finer granularity compared to if the LEDs 640 were controlled to only a maximum intensity level to individually illuminate the segments 620a through 620i. The reduction in the number of LEDs can result in cost reduction and / or circuit design simplification (e.g., which can be desirable in view of space constraints associated with the control device 600 and / or the main PCB of the control device 600). Examples of wall-mounted rotary dimmer switches and rotary remote controls are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 10,681,791, issued June 9, 2020, entitled “User Interface for a Control Device,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0082] Figure 16is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 300 (e.g., a dimmer switch) that can be deployed as, for example, a dimmer switch 110, a control device 200, and / or a control device 300 of a lighting control system 100. The control device 300 can include a hot terminal H that can be adapted to be coupled to an AC power source 302. The control device 300 can include a dimmed hot terminal DH that can be adapted to be coupled to a power load, such as a lighting load 304. The control device 300 can include a load control circuit, such as a controllably conductive device 310 electrically coupled in series between the AC power source 302 and the lighting load 304. The controllably conductive device 310 can control the power delivered to the lighting load. The controllably conductive device 310 can include a suitable type of bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a bidirectional triac, a field effect transistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, two FETs in anti- series connection, or one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). An air gap switch 329 can be coupled in series with the controllably conductive device 310. The air gap switch 329 can open and close in response to actuation of an air gap actuator. When the air gap switch 329 is closed, the controllably conductive device 310 can be operable to conduct current to the load. When the air gap switch 329 is open, the lighting load 304 can be disconnected from the AC power source 302.

[0083] The control device 300 can include a control circuit 314. The control circuit 314 can include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable controller or processing device. The control circuit 314 can be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device 310, e.g., via a gate drive circuit 312. The control circuit 314 can be used to render the controllably conductive device 310 conductive or non-conductive, e.g., to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 304.

[0084] The control circuit 314 can receive control signals from a zero-crossing detector 316 representative of zero-crossings of an AC mains voltage of the AC power source 302. The control circuit 314 can be operable to render the controllably conductive device 310 conductive and / or non-conductive at predetermined times relative to the zero-crossings of the AC waveform using phase control dimming techniques.

[0085] The control device 300 can include a memory 318. The memory 318 can be communicatively coupled to the control circuit 314 for storing and / or retrieving, for example, operational settings, such as lighting presets and associated preset light intensities. The memory 318 can be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of the control circuit 314. The control device 300 can include a power supply 320. The power supply 320 can generate a direct current (DC) supply voltage V CCto power control circuit 314 and other low voltage circuitry of control device 300. Power supply 320 can be coupled in parallel with controllably conductive device 310. Power supply 320 can be operable to conduct a charging current through lighting load 304 to generate a DC supply voltage V CC .

[0086] Dimmer control circuit 314 can be responsive to user input received from actuator 330 and / or touch sensitive device 350. It should be appreciated that in examples where the control device is a dual dimmer, the control device can include two touch sensitive devices 350, or a single touch sensitive device responsive to two sets of capacitive touch elements (e.g., a capacitive touchpad). Dimmer control circuit 314 can control controllably conductive device 310 to adjust the intensity level of lighting load 304 in response to user input (e.g., haptic actuations and / or touch actuations) received via actuator 330 and / or touch sensitive device 350. Dimmer control circuit 314 can receive a corresponding input signal from actuator 330 in response to a haptic actuation of actuator 330 (e.g., in response to movement of actuator 330). For example, actuator 330 can be actuated in response to a haptic actuation of an upper portion and / or a lower portion of an execution member of the control device.

[0087] Touch sensitive device 350 can be configured to detect touch actuations (e.g., point actuations and / or gestures, where gestures can be implemented with or without physical contact with touch sensitive device 350, for example) and provide a corresponding output signal V OUT to dimmer control circuit 314, indicating the touch actuation (e.g., indicating the location of one or more touch actuations). In addition, touch sensitive device 350 can detect touch actuations (e.g., hold actuations) applied to an area of the front surface of the execution member located above the pivot and cause dimmer control circuit 314 to enter an advanced programming mode, as described herein. Touch sensitive device 350 can also detect touch actuations along the front surface of the light bar and cause dimmer control circuit 314 to adjust the amount of power delivered to lighting load 304 accordingly. Dimmer control circuit 314 can be configured to convert the input signal received from actuator 330 and / or the output signal V OUT received from touch sensitive device 350 into control data (e.g., one or more control signals). Control circuit 314 can use the control data to drive drive circuit 312 to control controllably conductive device 310 to adjust the amount of power delivered to lighting load 304 and / or cause the control data to be sent to lighting load 304 or a central controller of a load control system.

[0088] The touch-sensitive device 350 can include a capacitive touch circuit 352 and a user interface control circuit 354 (e.g., which can be an instance of the capacitive touch controller 252). The capacitive touch circuit 352 includes one or more capacitive touch elements. For example, the capacitive touch circuit 352 can include one or more capacitive touch pads, such as the receive capacitive touch pads 244 mounted to the capacitive touch PCB 240 of the control device 200. Additionally, the capacitive touch circuit 352 can include one or more capacitive transmission traces, such as the first and second transmission traces 246, 248 on the capacitive touch PCB 240 of the control device 200. The capacitive touch circuit 352 can provide one or more capacitive receive signals V RX-A to V RX-E from the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 (e.g., from the areas A to E of the receive capacitive touch pads 242 mounted to the capacitive touch PCB 240 of the control device 200). Each of the capacitive receive signals V RX-A to V RX-E is indicative of a capacitance of a capacitive touch pad.

[0089] The user interface control circuit 354 can include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable controller or processing device. The user interface control circuit 354 can include memory and / or can use the memory 318. The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine or detect a change in capacitance of a capacitive touch pad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 (e.g., due to a user’s finger actuating the front surface 214 of the actuating member 210) and generate an output signal V OUT from the change in capacitance of the capacitive touch pad. The output signal V OUT may be indicative of a location of a touch actuation along the front surface of the actuating member (e.g., over the light bar 220). As described above, the user interface control circuit 354 can receive one or more capacitive receive signals V RX-A to V RX-E from the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 (e.g., from the areas A to E of the receive capacitive touch pads 242 mounted to the capacitive touch PCB 240 of the control device 200). Each of the capacitive receive signals V RX-A to V RX-E is indicative of a capacitance of a capacitive touch pad.

[0090] The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to generate an output signal V RX-A to V RX-Eto determine the location of a touch actuation along the front surface of the execution member (e.g., along the lightbar 220). In response, the user interface control circuit 354 can generate an output signal V OUT and provide the output signal to the dimmer control circuit 314. For example, the user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to charge the capacitances of the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352. For example, although not shown, the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 can be coupled to the user interface control circuit 354 via a capacitive transmit circuit (not shown) and / or a capacitive receive circuit (not shown). The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to control the capacitive transmit circuit to charge the capacitances of the capacitive touch pads (e.g., the capacitive touch pad 242) of the capacitive touch circuit 352. For example, the capacitive transmit circuit can be configured to pull the transmit traces (e.g., the transmit trace 244) of the capacitive touch circuit 352 toward a supply voltage V CC to charge the capacitances of the capacitive touch pads.

[0091] The user interface control circuit 354 can step through each of the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 and process the capacitive receive signals V RX-A to V RX-E to detect changes in the capacitances of the respective capacitive touch pads. For example, the user interface control circuit 354 can periodically charge the capacitances of each of the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 and then discharge the capacitances of the respective touch pads to a capacitor (not shown) of the user interface control circuit 354 (e.g., which can have a much larger capacitance than the capacitances of each of the capacitive touch pads of the capacitive touch circuit 352). The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to compare the voltage on the capacitor of the touch sensitive device 350 to a voltage threshold V TH and generate an output signal V OUT that can indicate when the voltage on the capacitor of the touch sensitive device 350 exceeds the voltage threshold V TH . For example, the user interface control circuit 354 can charge and discharge the capacitances of each of the capacitive touch pads a predetermined number of times (e.g., 500 times) during a sensing interval (e.g., 500 microseconds) and then move to the next capacitive touch pad of the capacitive touch circuit 352.

[0092] The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine a count N CAP that indicates how many times the capacitances of the respective capacitive touch pads were charged and discharged before the voltage on the capacitor of the touch sensitive device 350 exceeded the voltage threshold V TH . The count N CAPThe current capacitance of the respective touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 can be indicated. The count N CAP The sample can represent the current capacitance of the respective touchpad during the previous sensing interval. The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to process the count N CAP of each capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 using the respective baseline count N BL of each capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 to determine the current capacitance of the respective touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352. The baseline count N BL The idle capacitance of each capacitive touchpad can be indicated when the front surface of the implement (e.g., the lightbar) is not actuated. The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine the respective baseline count N BL of each capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 when the front surface of the implement is not actuated. For example, the baseline count N BL may be a long-term average of the count N RX-A determined by the user interface control circuit 354 from the capacitive receive signal V RX-E to V CAP .

[0093] After stepping through each capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 (e.g., after a round of capacitive sensing of the capacitive touchpads), the user interface control circuit 354 can process the determined count N CAP of each respective capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352 to detect a touch actuation. The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine a change in the count Δ CAP by determining the difference between the respective baseline count N BL and the current count N CAP of the respective capacitive touchpad (e.g., Δ CAP = |N BL – N CAP (e.g., which can be indicative of the capacitance of each capacitive touchpad of the capacitive touch circuit 352). The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine that the capacitive sensitive surface (e.g., the lightbar) is being actuated when at least one of the changes in the count Δ CAP exceeds a capacitance change threshold TH CAP , which can represent, for example, 0.5% to 1% change in capacitance.

[0094] The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine the number N CAP of times the change in the count Δ CAP of one of the capacitive touchpads exceeds the capacitance change threshold TH TOUCH-IN(e.g., a number of consecutive capacitive sense wheel counts). The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to enter the active touch mode when the number N TOUCH-IN exceeds a touch entry threshold TH TOUCH-IN (e.g., such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight). For example, the user interface control circuit 354 can detect a touch actuation when the number N TOUCH-IN exceeds a touch entry threshold TH TOUCH-IN When in the active touch mode, the user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine a change in count A CAP of one of the capacitive touchpads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 exceeds a capacitive change threshold TH CAP a number N TOUCH-OUT (e.g., a number of consecutive capacitive sense wheel counts). The user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to exit the active touch mode when the number N TOUCH-OUT exceeds a touch exit threshold TH TOUCH-OUT .

[0095] When in the active touch mode, the user interface control circuit 354 can be configured to determine a location of a touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface (e.g., the lightbar) in response to a ratio of changes in count A CAP of each of the capacitive touchpads of the capacitive touch circuit 352 (e.g., in response to a ratio of received signals V RX-A to V RX-E generated by the receiving capacitive touchpads). For example, a ratio of changes in count A CAP of region B to changes in count A CAP of region C of the receiving capacitive touchpad 244 of the control device 200 can indicate a location of a touch actuation along the lightbar 220 between region B and region C.

[0096] The user interface control circuit 354 can provide an output signal V OUT to the dimmer control circuit 314 in response to detecting a touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface of the control device 300 (e.g., in response to detecting a touch actuation along the lightbar 220). The output signal V OUT may indicate a location of the touch along the front surface of the actuating member. The dimmer control circuit 314 can be configured to convert the output signal V OUT to control data (e.g., one or more control signals) for controlling one or more electrical loads. For example, the dimmer control circuit 314 can use the control data to drive the drive circuit 312 to control the controllably conductive device 310 to adjust an amount of power delivered to the lighting load 304 and / or can cause the control data to be transmitted to the lighting load 304, another load control device, and / or a system controller of a load control system via the communication circuit 322.

[0097] The user interface control circuit 354 can generate a touch actuation signal V ACT that can indicate the presence of a touch along the touch-sensitive surface of the execution member of the control device. The user interface control circuit 354 can provide the touch actuation signal V ACT to the dimmer control circuit 314. For example, the user interface control circuit 354 can drive the touch actuation signal V ACT high to indicate that the control device is operating in an active touch mode, and otherwise drive the touch actuation signal V ACT low.

[0098] Although described with reference to the user interface control circuit 354, it should be appreciated that in some examples the control device 300 can include a single control circuit, such as the dimmer control circuit 314, and the processing performed by the user interface control circuit 354 can be performed by the dimmer control circuit 314.

[0099] The control device 300 can include a wireless communication circuit 322. The wireless communication circuit 322 can include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an RF transmitter for transmitting and / or an RF receiver for receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit 322 can also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit 322 can be configured to transmit control signals including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuit 314 to the lighting load 304. As described herein, the control data can be generated in response to user input (e.g., a point actuation or a gesture) to adjust one or more operating aspects of the lighting load 304. The control data can include command and / or identification information (e.g., a unique identifier) associated with the control device 300. In addition to or instead of transmitting control signals to the lighting load 304, the wireless communication circuit 322 can also be controlled to transmit control signals to a central controller of a lighting control system.

[0100] The control device 300 can include one or more visual indicators 360 (e.g., LEDs). The control circuit 314 can be configured to illuminate the visual indicators 360 (e.g., LEDs) to provide feedback of the status of the lighting load 304, to indicate the status of the control device 300, and / or to assist in control operations (e.g., to provide a color gradient to control the color of the lighting load 304, to present backlit virtual buttons for preset, zone, or operating mode selection, etc.). The visual indicators 360 can be configured to illuminate a light bar (e.g., the light bar 220) and / or to serve as indicators of various conditions.

[0101] Further, in some examples, the control device 300 can be an accessory control device. In such examples, the control device 300 can not include the controllable conductive device 310 or the drive circuit 312. As such, when the control device 300 does not include the controllable conductive device 310 and the drive circuit 312, the control device 300 can transmit a control signal including control data (e.g., a digital message) generated by the dimmer control circuit 314 to an external device, such as a master dimmer, a system controller, or directly to the lighting load 304. For example, the control device 300 can transmit the digital message wirelessly or via wired communication. The control device 300 can generate the digital message in response to a touch actuation (e.g., a point actuation or a gesture) to adjust one or more operational aspects of the lighting load 304. In some examples, when operating as an accessory device, the control device 300 can be used with a dimmer switch that replaces a light switch in a 3-way or 4-way lighting circuit. The accessory device can include an accessory communication circuit configured to communicate with the dimmer switch over an existing AC mains in the 3-way or 4-way lighting circuit.

[0102] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an example control device 1300 (e.g., a remote control device) that can be deployed as Figures 8 to 13 the remote control device 1200 and / or the remote control device 600. Further, it should be appreciated that the control device 1300 can be deployed as Figure 1 the remote control device 112, the wall-mounted remote control device 114, the table-top remote control device 116, and / or the handheld remote control device 118 of the lighting control system 100. The control device 1300 can include a control circuit 1310, one or more actuators 1312 (e.g., buttons and / or switches), a touch-sensitive device 1314, a wireless communication circuit 1316, one or more LEDs 1318, a memory 1320, and / or a battery 1322. The memory 1320 can be configured to store one or more operational parameters of the control device 1300 (e.g., preconfigured color scenes or preset light intensity levels). The battery 1322 can provide power to one or more components shown in Figure 17 .

[0103] The actuator 1312 (e.g., a mechanical tactile switch) can be actuated in response to tactile actuation of one or more respective buttons of a control device (e.g., the actuation member 1232 of the remote control device 1200). The actuator 1312 can be configured to send a respective input signal to the control circuit 1310 in response to actuation of a button. The touch sensitive device 1314 can be an instance of the touch sensitive device 350, and thus, the touch sensitive device 1314 can perform one or more functions described with reference to the touch sensitive device 350. Further, the control circuit 1310 can perform one or more functions described with reference to the dimmer control circuit 314 (e.g., excluding control of a drive circuit or performance of zero-crossing detection). For example, the control circuit 1310 sends an output level from the touch sensitive device 1314 via a wireless communication circuit for control of an external load. That is, the control device 1300 can not include an internal load control device, but the control circuit 1310 can be configured to send (e.g., wirelessly send) a message (e.g., a digital message) for control of one or more electrical loads in response to tactile and / or touch actuation of an actuation member.

[0104] The touch sensitive device 1314 can include a capacitive or resistive touch element disposed behind, for example, the actuation member 1232 of the remote control device 1200. The touch sensitive device 1314 can be responsive to touch actuation of a touch sensitive surface of, for example, the actuation member 1232. The touch sensitive device 1314 can be configured to detect touch actuation, such as point actuation and / or gestures (e.g., gestures can be implemented with or without physical contact with the touch sensitive device 1314) and provide a respective output signal (e.g., an output signal V OUT ) to the control circuit 1310 indicative of the detection (e.g., indicative of a location of touch actuation along the touch sensitive surface of the actuation member 1232).

[0105] The control circuit 1310 can be configured to convert the input signals provided by the actuator 1312 and / or the output signals provided by the touch sensitive device 1314 into control data (e.g., digital control signals) for control of one or more electrical loads. The control circuit 1310 can cause the control data (e.g., digital control signals) to be sent to an electrical load via a wireless communication circuit 1316, where, for example, the digital signals are indicative of an output level (e.g., intensity) of the electrical load. For example, the wireless communication circuit 1316 can send control signals including control data to one or more electrical loads or a central controller of a related load control system. The control circuit 1310 can control the LEDs 1318 to illuminate a visual indicator (e.g., the light bar 1239 of the remote control device 1200) to provide feedback regarding various conditions, such as feedback of a lighting load.

[0106] It should be appreciated that the example remote control device 1200 illustrated and described herein can provide a simple retrofit solution for existing on / off control systems and can simplify installation of a load control system or enhance an existing load control system installation. A load control system that integrates one or more remote control devices 1200 can provide energy savings and / or advanced control features, such as without any electrical rewiring and / or without replacing any existing mechanical switches.

[0107] Figure 18 is a flow of an example feedback procedure 400 that can be executed by a control circuit of a control device (e.g., control circuit 314 of control device 300) to illuminate a visual indicator, such as a light bar (e.g., light bar 220 of control device 200). For example, the control circuit can be configured to control one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 240 and / or visual indicator 360) to illuminate the light bar to indicate an intensity level L LOAD of a power load (e.g., a lighting load) controlled by the control device. For example, at 410, the control circuit can periodically (e.g., every 20 milliseconds) execute the feedback procedure 400 while the light bar is in an active state (e.g., when the touch-sensitive surface is actuated).

[0108] At 412, the control circuit can retrieve an intensity level L LOAD of a lighting load. For example, at 412, the control circuit can retrieve the intensity level L LOAD from a memory (e.g., memory 318). Additionally, at 412, the control circuit can determine the intensity level L LOAD in response to actuation of an actuator and / or a touch-sensitive surface. For example, as a user slides a finger up and down on the light bar, the control circuit can update the intensity level L LOAD and provide an indication of the intensity level L LOAD on the light bar as the feedback procedure 400 is periodically executed. Furthermore, at 412, the control circuit can receive the intensity level L LOAD in a message received via a communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication circuit 322). At 414, the control circuit can set a number N LOAD of LEDs to illuminate (e.g., LED illumination number) based on the intensity level L LED-TOTAL and a total number N L of LEDs. For example, N L = L LOAD · N LED-TOTAL . For example, when the intensity level L LOAD is 50% and the total number N LED-TOTAL of LEDs is 9, the LED illumination number N L may be 4.5, while when the intensity level L LOADis 10% and the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL When the value is 9, the number of LED lights N L At 416, the control circuit may set the integer value N INT Set to be equal to the number of LED lights N L For example, when the number of LEDs lit is N L When it is 4.5, the integer value N INT It can be 4, and when the number of LEDs lit is N L When it is 0.9, the integer value N INT Can be 0. At 418, the control circuit can set the decimal value N DEC Equal to the number of LED lights N L The fractional part, for example, N DEC =N L –N INT For example, when the number N of LEDs is on L When it is 4.5, the decimal value N DEC It can be 0.5, and when the number of LED lights N L When it is 0.9, the decimal value N DEC It can be 0.9.

[0109] If the integer value N INT In 420 is equal to the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL , then at 422, the control circuit may turn on all LEDs to a maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%), and the feedback process 400 may exit. INT 420 is not equal to the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL , but is equal to zero at 424, then at 426, the control circuit can turn off LED[2] to LED[N LED-TOTAL ]. For example, when there are nine LEDs, at 426, the control circuit may turn off LED2 to LED9 (e.g., Figure 5 LED2 to LED9 as shown). If the integer value N INT If 424 is not equal to zero, then at 428 the control circuit can switch LED[1] to LED[N INT ]Control to the maximum intensity level L MAX (e.g., 100%). For example, when the number N of LEDs is lit L When the value is 4.5, at 428, the control circuit can turn LED1 to LED4 (e.g., Figure 5 LED1 to LED4 shown) are controlled to the maximum intensity level L MAX At 430, the control circuit may use a linear relationship based on the decimal value N DEC and the maximum intensity level LMAX To set the middle intensity level L of the illuminated LED IM , for example, L IM =N DEC ·L MAX Alternatively, you can use the decimal value N DEC With maximum intensity level L MAX The nonlinear relationship between the middle intensity level L of the illuminated LED is determined by IM In addition, the medium intensity level L IM It can be determined from a lookup table, for example, using the decimal value N DEC (For example, L IM =N DEC *L MAX ) or use a formula (e.g., a square law), for example, to create a nonlinear rise. In the examples described herein, when the intensity level L LOAD When the intensity level L is 10%, the middle LED can be LED [1], and when the intensity level L LOAD When it is 50%, it can be LED[5]. At 432, the control circuit can turn LED[N INT +1] (e.g., the middle LED) intensity level is controlled to a medium intensity L IM (eg, by pulse width modulating the middle LED), and routine 400 may exit.

[0110] Figure 19 is a flow chart of an example feedback procedure 500 that may be executed by a control circuit of a control device (e.g., control circuit 314 of control device 300) to illuminate a visual indicator such as a light bar (e.g., light bar 220 of control device 200). For example, the control circuit may be configured to control one or more LEDs (e.g., LED 240 and / or visual indicator 360) to illuminate the light bar to indicate an intensity level L of an electrical load (e.g., a lighting load). LOAD The control circuitry may execute the feedback procedure 500 while transitioning the light bar from an active state to an idle state (eg, as described herein). For example, in response to detecting the end of actuation of the touch-sensitive surface, at 510 , the control circuitry may execute the feedback procedure 500 .

[0111] At 512, the control circuit may retrieve the intensity level L of the lighting load. LOAD For example, at 512, the control circuit may retrieve the intensity level L from memory (eg, memory 318). LOAD Additionally, at 512, the control circuitry may determine an intensity level L in response to actuation of the actuator and / or the touch-sensitive surface. LOADAdditionally, at 512, the control circuit can receive the intensity level L LOAD at 514, the control circuit can set the number of LEDs N LOAD to be illuminated based on the intensity level L LED-TOTAL and the total number of LEDs N L (e.g., the LED illumination number), for example, N L = L LOAD • N LED-TOTAL . For example, when the intensity level L LOAD is 50% and the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL is 9, the LED illumination number N L may be 4.5, and when the intensity level L LOAD is 10% and the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL is 9, the LED illumination number N L may be 0.9. At 516, the control circuit can set the fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE to the initial fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-INIT (e.g., 100%). The control circuit can use the fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE to determine the overall intensity level of the lightbar when transitioning from the active state to the idle state. For example, the fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE may decrease when the control circuit transitions from the active state to the idle state. In some examples, the fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE may be in the range of 0.0 to 1.0.

[0112] At 518, the control circuit can determine a compensation value N FADE-TO-IDLE based on the fade-to-idle brightness L COMP . The compensation value N COMP may be used to ensure that the middle LEDs do not decrease in intensity at a rate greater (or less) than the LEDs [1] to [N INT ]. In some examples, the compensation value N COMP may correspond to an additional amount or number of LEDs that are illuminated in response to the decreasing fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE so that the lightbar can still indicate the intensity level L LOAD of the lighting load even if the lightbar is dimly illuminated. For example, the control circuit can determine the compensation value N COMP as a function (e.g., an exponential function) of the fade-to-idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE , for example, N COMP = 5 -x - 0.2, where x = L FADE-TO-IDLE . Thus, the compensation value N COMPThe value can be gradually weakened to the idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE Decrease and increase.

[0113] At 520, the control circuit may light the LED based on the number N L and compensation value N COMP To determine the number of LED lights after compensation N L-COMP , for example, N L-COMP =N L +N COMP For example, if N L The value of is 4.5, and N COMP The value of is 0.6, then N L-COMP The value of may be 5.1. At 522, the control circuit may INT Set to be equal to the number of LED lights after compensation N L-COMP For example, the integer value N INT may be equal to 5 (eg, increased from 4 to 5). At 524, the control circuit may set the decimal value N DEC Equal to the number of LEDs lit after compensation N L-COMP The fractional part, for example, N DEC =N L-COMP –N INT For example, the fractional part N DEC Can be equal to 0.1. Therefore, in this example, the compensation value N COMP It may cause an additional LED to illuminate when the visual indicator transitions from the active state to the idle state, although it will be appreciated that the compensation value N COMP It won't always have that effect.

[0114] If at 526, the integer value N INT Equal to the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL , then at 528, the control circuit may turn on all LEDs until they fade to an idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE , and the feedback process 500 can exit. If at 526, the integer value N INT Not equal to the total number of LEDs N LED-TOTAL , but equal to zero at 530, then at 532, the control circuit can turn off LED[2] to LED[N LED-TOTAL If at 530, the integer value N INT If it is not equal to zero, then at 534, the control circuit can turn LED[1] to LED[N INT ] Control to fade to idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLE At 536, the control circuit may determine the decimal value N DEC and fade to idle brightness L FADE-TO-IDLEThe intermediate LED (e.g., LED[N INT +1]) of the illuminated LED is set to a medium intensity level L IM , e.g., L IM = N DEC *L FADE-TO-IDLE . Additionally, the medium intensity level L DEC of the intermediate LED of the illuminated LED can be determined based on a non-linear relationship between the decimal value N FADE-TO-IDLE and the fade-to-idle intensity L IM . Further, the medium intensity level L IM may be determined from a lookup table, e.g., using the decimal value N DEC or using a formula (e.g., a square law), e.g., to create a non-linear rise. By way of example, the medium intensity level L IM may be set to L IM = N DEC *L FADE-TO-IDLE , where N DEC = N DEC X where "X" can be a number between, e.g., 1 (no effect) and 2 (square law).

[0115] At 538, the control circuit can control the intensity level of LED[N INT +1] (e.g., the intermediate LED) to a medium intensity L IM (e.g., by pulse width modulating the intermediate LED). At 540, the control circuit can decrease the fade-to-idle intensity L FADE-TO-IDLE by a step value Δ STEP (e.g., 1%), e.g., L FADE-TO-IDLE = L FADE-TO-IDLE - Δ STEP . If, at 542, the fade-to-idle intensity L FADE-TO-IDLE is not equal to the idle state intensity level L IDLE (e.g., 20%), the feedback procedure 500 can loop to update the intensity level of all the LEDs to the new fade-to-idle intensity L FADE-TO-IDLE . If, at 542, the fade-to-idle intensity L FADE-TO-IDLE is equal to the idle state intensity level L IDLE , the feedback procedure 500 can exit.

[0116] While the lightbar 220 is described herein as a linear (e.g., straight) lightbar disposed on a control device 200 (e.g., a wall-mounted dimmer switch), the lightbar 220 can be disposed in other configurations and / or on other types of control devices, e.g., a lightbar 620 of a control device 600 that is partially curved.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an electrical load in a load control system, the control device comprising: a front surface configured to detect a user input to adjust an amount of power delivered to the electrical load; a plurality of light sources; a continuous light bar disposed on the front surface and configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load; and a control circuit configured to, based on the amount of power delivered to the electrical load: determine to illuminate a first subset of the plurality of light sources at a first intensity level to illuminate a first portion of the continuous light bar, wherein the first intensity level is a maximum intensity level; determine to illuminate an intermediate light source of the plurality of light sources at one of a plurality of second intensity levels to illuminate a second portion of the continuous light bar, wherein the second intensity levels are between a minimum intensity level greater than zero and a maximum intensity level, and wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the second intensity level based on the amount of power delivered to the electrical load; determine not to illuminate a second subset of the plurality of light sources; and illuminate the first subset of the plurality of light sources at the first intensity level and the intermediate light source at the second intensity level to provide illumination of the first and second portions of the continuous light bar, wherein the intermediate light source is positioned between the first subset of the plurality of light sources and the second subset of the plurality of light sources, and the second portion of the continuous light bar is positioned between the first portion of the continuous light bar and a third portion of the continuous light bar.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the light bar is curved.

3. The control device of claim 1, wherein the light bar is a circular light bar.

4. The control device of claim 1, wherein the light bar is a linear light bar.

5. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a diffuser configured to scatter light received from the plurality of light sources to the light bar.

6. The control device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

7. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to: determine, based on the amount of power delivered to the electrical load and a total number of the plurality of light sources, the first subset of the plurality of light sources to illuminate at the first intensity level and the intermediate light source to illuminate at the intermediate intensity level.

8. The control device of claim 1, wherein the light sources of the second subset are positioned immediately after the light sources of the first subset.

9. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to use a pulse width modulation technique to illuminate the light sources of the second subset at the second intensity level.

10. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the light bar in an active state and an idle state, the control circuit further configured to at least reduce the first intensity level when the control circuit transitions from the active state to the idle state. ​ ​ 11. The control device of claim 10, wherein the control circuit is further configured to increase a length of the first portion of the illuminated portion of the lightbar as the first intensity level decreases as the control circuit transitions from the active state to the idle state.

12. The control device of claim 1, wherein the user input comprises an actuation motion applied to the front surface or a gesture provided proximate the front surface.

13. The control device of claim 1, the control device further comprising: an execution member defining the front surface, the front surface comprising a touch sensitive surface configured to detect user input; and a touch sensitive device configured to detect touch actuations along the touch sensitive surface of the execution member and generate an output signal indicative of a location of the touch actuations along the touch sensitive surface; wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the output signal.

14. The control device of claim 13, wherein the touch sensitive surface comprises a capacitive touch surface.

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