Touch Control Device

Abstract

The touch-based control device may include an external panel including a groove region and a perimeter region, one or more touch sensors for detecting touch inputs performed anywhere on a substantial portion of the external panel, and a sensing module including one or more processors for detecting touch inputs performed by a user on the external panel via the one or more touch sensors. The sensing module may interpret the touch input based on at least one of i) the area where the touch input occurred, or ii) the type of touch input, and control a connected device based on the interpreted touch input.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to each of (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 141,972, filed January 5, 2021, (ii) Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 957,294, filed January 5, 2020, (iii) Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 957,297, filed January 5, 2020, and (iv) Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 957,302, filed January 5, 2020. Each of the foregoing priority applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application relates to control devices, and more particularly to touch-based control devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Home control systems, such as lighting control systems used with lighting fixtures, include binary analog switches and analog dimmer switches that allow a user to control one or more lights that are hardwired to the electrical box to which such switches are connected. Moreover, when a person wants to activate or interact with a home system, the person must typically interact with the actual devices or dedicated or universal remote control portion of the system to manually create an environment, including activated or dimmed lights, audio system outputs, video system outputs (e.g., television or digital picture frame outputs), temperature, etc.

[0004] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a control device according to one or more examples. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a control device according to one or more examples. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a front view of a printed circuit board (PCB) for a control module according to one or more examples. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a side view of the PCB of FIG. 2A according to one or more examples. [Figure 2C] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 2A taken along line AA according to one or more examples. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates sensing control logic for a control module of a touch-based control device according to one or more examples. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates various touch inputs performed by a user on a touch-based control device according to various aspects described herein. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for operating a touch-based control device according to one or more examples. [Figure 6A] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling one or more controlled devices by a controlling device, according to one or more examples. [Figure 6B] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling one or more controlled devices by a controlling device, according to one or more examples. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a hardware diagram illustrating a processing device in which the example control device described herein may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In various embodiments, the touch-based control device includes an external panel and a control module coupled to the external panel, where the control module is capable of detecting and interpreting touch input received at any location across at least a substantial portion of the external panel. In other aspects, the control module is configured with the external panel and is capable of detecting touch input at any location on the external panel. In various instances, the control module detects and interprets touch input from a user based on at least one of the location where the touch input occurred and / or the type of touch input.

[0007] According to an illustrative example, a touch-based control device includes an external panel, one or more touch sensors, and a control module. The control module interprets touch input received on the external panel to control a set of controlled devices. In an illustrative example, the touch input is interpreted based on (i) the location where the touch input occurred and / or (ii) the type of touch input.

[0008] In some instances, the touch-based control device is a wall-mounted device that responds to touch input received anywhere on the exterior panel, such as at the corners or in the peripheral area of ​​the exterior panel, and the control device can interpret the touch input as commands to control one or more connected devices.

[0009] Additionally, in illustrative examples, the touch-based control device includes three-dimensional input capabilities, such as touch grooves. The control device can detect and interpret a first type of touch input received within the touch grooves to perform a first type of command (e.g., setting an output level or other range value). Additionally, the control device can detect and interpret a second type of touch input received around any panel area of ​​the external panel as a second type of command (e.g., selecting a connected device, controlling the connected device to turn on or off, etc.).

[0010] In a variation, an exemplary touch-based control device includes an external panel with multiple types of touch-sensitive input areas. In an example, the touch-based control device includes one or more touch input grooves, and the touch-based control device is sensitive to touches within and / or along the grooves. In such an example, the touch-based control device operates to detect and interpret touch input received either in the touch input grooves or in the periphery of the panel area around the touch input grooves. In some examples, touch input received on the touch input grooves can be interpreted differently compared to touch input received on the periphery of the panel area. For example, touch input detected on the input grooves can be interpreted as a range value input, while touch input received on the periphery of the panel area can be interpreted as an input to power a connected control device, or a device with a control device, between a high-power state and a low-power state (e.g., on / off).

[0011] As used in the examples described herein, the terms "substantial" or "substantially" mean at least 80% of the indicated amount (eg, the area of ​​an exterior panel, etc.).

[0012] In some instances, the touch-based control device includes touch grooves that can detect and interpret a first type of input (e.g., a swipe along the length of the input groove), while a perimeter panel area can receive a second type of input (e.g., a tap or double tap). In response to sensing touch input in either the touch grooves or the perimeter panel area, the touch-based control device performs an output function to control a connected device based on the touch input.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the touch-based control device includes or corresponds to a home device controller that controls one or more devices in a residence. Illustratively, the control device can be used to control a series of devices, including one or more devices selected from the group including lighting devices, ceiling fans, thermostats, appliances, security cameras, security systems, door locks, televisions, audio (or media) systems, or other types of devices. Illustratively, the touch-based control device includes or corresponds to a lighting controller for controlling a series of lights in a residence.

[0014] Furthermore, in some instances, the touch-based control device may be implemented as a wall-mounted control device (e.g., a light switch) that interprets touch input from a user and processes the touch input to control a series of devices (e.g., lights in a room of a residence). In such instances, the touch-based control device may interpret one or more user inputs on the periphery of the panel area to control the on / off functions of a series of connected devices. Additionally, the touch-based control device may interpret one or more user inputs received on the touch grooves as range value inputs (e.g., brightness or power level).

[0015] Furthermore, some examples provide a base assembly that can be combined with an exterior panel to form a wall-mountable control device. In such examples, the base assembly includes a control module that includes a sensor layer, and the control module is constructed to position the sensor layer near a surface on which the exterior panel will be mounted.

[0016] Touch Control Device

[0017] 1A and 1B illustrate a touch-based control device according to one or more examples. The exemplary touch-based control device 100 includes an exterior panel 110 that covers a control module 120. As described in some examples, the control device 100 can be wall-mounted or otherwise provided in a residence or room to control other devices based on a user's gestures and touch inputs. In some examples, the exterior panel 110 covers touch sensors (e.g., a layer of capacitance sensors) such that touch inputs can be detected and interpreted at various locations across a substantial portion of the exterior panel 110. Furthermore, the control device 100 can be constructed to detect touch inputs received at any location on the exterior panel 110.

[0018] As shown in some examples, the external panel 110 includes a touch groove 116 that designates an area where a user can provide a specific type of touch input. In variations, the external panel 110 includes multiple input grooves that designate areas that can receive touch input. In variations, other forms of three-dimensional touch input functionality can be used instead of or in addition to the touch groove 116. Additionally or alternatively, the external panel 110 can be operated by a user using various touch inputs and gestures.

[0019] According to an illustrative example, the control device 100 includes an exterior panel 110 and a base assembly 112 that includes a control module 120. For example, the control device 100 can be wall-mounted, with the base assembly 112 mounted within a wall outlet or wall recess, and the panel 110 forming a thickness above the corresponding wall. In such an example, the base assembly 112 can further include an electrical interface 122 for electrically connecting the control device 100 to the residence's electrical supply. The electrical interface 122 can include wiring and switching elements that enable the control module 120 to generate switching outputs that control the configuration of the switching elements of the electrical interface 122.

[0020] As described in some examples, the controlled device 125 can include a load device and a connected device. A load device refers to a device having a power supply line (sometimes referred to as a “load line”) that can be controlled by a controlling device. A controlled device refers to a device having a wireless or wired communication interface that can receive commands from the controlling device 100. Furthermore, the controlled device can include devices that can be controlled through power switching and commands. For example, many conventional load devices include wireless receivers (e.g., WiFi-enabled lighting devices), and some types of devices can receive communications through a power line communication medium. In some examples, the controlling device 100 can implement a predetermined setting (or multiple settings) corresponding to an operational aspect of the controlled device using a switching configuration on the load device's power supply line and / or commands communicated through a wireless or wired medium of the connected device.

[0021] The control device 100 can control the operational aspects of the load devices by controlling the power supply to each device. For example, the controlled devices 125 may include a series of load devices (e.g., light switches, ceiling fans, thermostats, etc.) that connect directly to a residence's power lines. In such a case, the control device 100 can be mounted on a wall to function as a switch (e.g., a light switch) that controls the power supply to such devices. Through control of the power supply, the control device 100 can control the operational aspects of the load devices, such as whether the load devices are on or off and / or the operating level of the load devices (e.g., dimmed level of lights, fan speed of ceiling fans, etc.). Illustratively, the control device 100 can implement one or more switching operation types to control the operational aspects of the load devices, such as on / off and power level (e.g., dimmed lights, ceiling fan speed, etc.). The control device 100 can implement switching operations or configurations, for example, via switching elements in the electrical interface 122.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the controlling device 100 controls operational aspects of one or more controlled devices 125 by performing actions that include communicating one or more commands to the controlled devices 125, where the commands cause the controlled devices to perform specific operational aspects. In some instances, the controlling device includes a wireless transceiver that can communicate commands wirelessly to the controlled devices 125, directly or indirectly through an intermediate device. Additionally or alternatively, the controlling device 100 can communicate commands to the controlled devices using a wired connection.

[0023] In some instances, the control device 100 may have a primary function of operating as a light switch to control a string of connected lights. As described in some instances, the touch-based control device 100 may also control one or more devices (e.g., appliances) via a wireless interface.

[0024] The external panel 110 can include multiple input areas capable of detecting and interpreting touch input. In some instances, the input areas of the external panel 110 include the touch groove 116 and one or more areas surrounding the touch groove 116. The touch groove 116 can be constructed as an elongated (e.g., vertically elongated) depression in the external panel 110, and the surrounding area of ​​the touch panel can be flat or substantially two-dimensional. In such instances, the control device 100 can receive touch input within or on the touch groove 116 (e.g., swipe toward the groove) as well as on the surrounding area of ​​the touch groove 116. The control device 100 can also map or otherwise interpret the touch input differently depending on whether it is a unique area receiving the input. For example, touch input received within the touch groove 116 can be interpreted as a first command, while touch input received in the surrounding area of ​​the external panel 110 can be interpreted as a second command.

[0025] Furthermore, in some instances, the control device 100 can detect and interpret touch input received at any location on the external panel 110. Thus, for example, touch input can be received or extended on or near a corner or peripheral area of ​​the external panel 110. The control device 100 can respond by performing an output action that controls an operational aspect of a device or set of devices.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the outer panel 110 may not have touch grooves 116 and instead comprise a flat panel formed of the same material as the remainder of the outer panel portion 110. For example, the control device 100 may have a substantially flat surface operably coupled to an underlying sensor layer of the control module 120, as described in Figures 2A-2C.

[0027] Furthermore, in variations, the external panel 110 lacks a display surface, so that in such instances the control device 100 can detect and interpret touch inputs at any location on the external panel 110, possibly without a display, with or without touch grooves or other surface features.

[0028] As described with respect to the illustrative example, the control device 100 can determine characteristics of a touch input from which the control device 100 can detect and determine the input. Further, the control device 100 can map or otherwise interpret the detected gesture as a distinctive input. In response, the control device 100 can perform one or more actions (e.g., switching functions, sending commands) to control operational aspects of one or more controlled devices 125. As an illustrative example, the control device 100 can control operational aspects of a set of controlled devices 125 in a residence (e.g., rooms in a residential home), where the set of controlled devices 125 can include one or more devices selected from a group including lighting devices, ceiling fans, thermostats, appliances, security cameras, security systems, door locks, televisions, audio (or media) systems, or other types of devices.

[0029] In certain implementations, the control device 100 may be implemented as a wall-mounted control device that interprets touch input from a user and further interprets the detected touch input to control operational aspects of a set of controlled devices 125. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 100 may detect the touch input as a gesture and further control operational aspects of multiple controlled devices 125 at once based on the detected gesture. Furthermore, as described in some examples, the control device 100 implements a scene in response to detecting a corresponding touch input on the external panel 110. For the control device 100, each scene may represent (i) the selection of one or more devices in the set of controlled devices 125 and (ii) the operational settings of each controlled device 125 as a result of that selection. The control device 100 may associate gestures with a scene, and when the control device 100 detects a user providing touch input that is detected as a gesture, the control device 100 automatically implements the scene. By implementing a scene, the controlling device 100 performs operations that result in the implementation of operational aspects of each controlled device 125 such that each controlled device operates in a specific setting or set of settings. The controlling device 100 can implement operational aspects, for example, by controlling the power supply (e.g., lighting) of the controlled devices 125 and / or by selectively sending one or more commands to individual devices to operate each respective device in a predetermined operational setting.

[0030] 1B , the control device 100 includes an external panel 110 with touch grooves 116 (shown in phantom), and a control module 120. In particular instances, the control module 120 may include touch-sensitive sensors that enable the control module 120 to detect gestures and other inputs received on the external panel 110. The control module 120 may further include control logic, circuitry, sensors, and other configurations for detecting touch inputs at any location on the external panel 110 and interpreting the touch inputs as gestures. The control module 120 may be configured to detect and interpret any one of multiple gestures, where each gesture is associated with a command or series of commands. Thus, for example, the control device 100 may be capable of detecting multiple touch inputs or gestures.

[0031] Additionally, in various instances, the control module 120 includes an electrical interface 122 for connecting the control module 120 to electrical switching elements that control the supply of power to one or more controlled devices 125. When mounted to an underlying wall, the electrical interface 122 can be connected to the electrical and switching elements and can be housed within an electrical box 124 (e.g., the gang box of an existing light switch panel). The control module 120 can be mounted to a wall, and the exterior panel 110 can form a facade or faceplate for the control module 120. In certain instances, the touch-based control device 100 can be installed in place of an existing light switch panel in a residence, such as an analog light switch common in the art.

[0032] In an embodiment, the control module 120 includes a circuit board including a touch-sensitive sensor that generates a signal in response to a touch input performed on the control device 100. In some aspects, the control module 120 can be configured to sense a touch input anywhere on the external panel 110. The control module 120 includes a capacitance sensor that can detect changes in an electric field relative to any location on the external panel 110 of the touch-based control device 100. The touch-based control device 100 can further include logic for correlating the detected changes in the electric field to a user's touch input, and in some instances, to a characteristic of the user's touch input.

[0033] In further aspects, the sensor may also determine one or more characteristics of the touch input. The detected characteristics of the touch input can correspond, for example, to (i) the direction of movement, (ii) the length of movement, (iii) the linear or two-dimensional path (or shape) of the touch input, (iv) the duration of the touch input, (v) the time interval between individual touches of the touch input, (vi) the velocity or acceleration of the movement of the touch input, and / or (vii) other determined characteristics of the touch input. Still further, in some variations, the determined characteristics of the touch input can correspond to the force of the touch acting on the surface (e.g., as may be detected by use of a force sensor), the velocity of the touch input (e.g., the velocity of a swipe), and / or the acceleration of the touch input. The control module 120 may include memory that stores sensor logic executable by processing resources to interpret the responsive signals. In certain embodiments, execution of the sensor logic can cause the control module 120 to identify the location on the external panel 110 where the touch input occurs and interpret the touch input as a gesture or series of gestures to control one or more functions of the controlled device 125.

[0034] The controlling device 100 may also include wireless communication resources to enable wireless communication with one or more controlled devices 125. The circuit board of the control module 120 may include one or more wireless transceivers and associated logic (e.g., radio chips), enabling the control module 120 to receive instructions and data from a user's mobile device, a base station controller, and / or other controllable devices. In certain instances, the wireless transceiver of the controlling device 100 may also communicate commands and other information to one or more controlled devices 125 using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other wireless communication channels. Once the controlling device 100 is installed and configured to control a group of controlled devices 125, the user may further operate an application on the mobile computing device to connect with and configure the controlling device 100, for example, using a Bluetooth or WiFi connection formed through the wireless transceiver of the control module 120.

[0035] Embodiments recognize that human touch can be irregular and imprecise, and that significant variability in touch inputs can exist between users. According to various implementations, control module 120 can accurately interpret instances where a user's touch input is a tap input (e.g., a single tap, a double tap, a tap pattern, etc.), a slide input (e.g., a short edge, a long slide, an "S" or other similar gesture), or other types of touch inputs (e.g., a tap and hold). Furthermore, control module 120 can include logic to detect different touch inputs from different users (e.g., users in a household) where variability between different users may exist. For example, the control module 120 may define a touch input as a tap input or a slide input based on one or more characteristics of the touch input, including a characteristic corresponding to the amount or distance of movement that occurs when a user contacts the panel 110, whether any linear movement in the touch input occurs as opposed to an accidental touch, the contact duration of the touch input, the initial position of the touch input, the ending position of the touch input, whether the touch input occurs within the touch groove 116 or entirely on the external panel 110, etc.

[0036] According to certain implementations, the control module 120 may include computational resources such as one or more processors and memory storing executable instructions that implement the interpretation and control functions described herein. In variations, the control module 120 may comprise dedicated circuitry, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), that perform the interpretation and control functions described herein. In either case, the control module 120 may perform conflict resolution actions to interpret sensed inputs performed on the touch-based control device 100, determine control actions to perform on the controlled device 125, and execute the control actions in response to each touch input.

[0037] In various implementations, control module 120 can determine which control action to perform (e.g., on / off, mode selection, device selection, range value setting, etc.) based on whether the touch input is interpreted as a tap or a slide. For example, if control module 120 interprets the touch input as a tap, control module 120 can perform a switching action via electrical interface 122 to switch a load device. The switching action can have the effect of switching a connected device from an on state to an off state, or from an off state to an on state.

[0038] In contrast, if the control module 120 interprets the touch input as a slide, the control module 120 can implement a range-value-type command via the electrical interface 122, where the range value is determined by the input. The range-value command or operation sets a numerical value between a minimum and a maximum value that represents a respective minimum or maximum parameter of an operational aspect of the device. In an example, the range value can represent the brightness, volume, output level, fan speed, or other similar operational setting of the controlled device. In an example where the control device 100 implements a range-value-type operation, the control module 120 can use the detected magnitude, slide distance, and / or slide direction of the slide input to determine the final power state (e.g., dimming) of the controlled device 125. The control module 120 can then implement a dimming operation via the electrical interface 122 accordingly.

[0039] In certain implementations, the location of a touch input on the touch-based control device 100 can cause the control module 120 to perform a control action. For example, if the touch input is performed within the touch grooves 116, the control module 120 can automatically interpret the touch input as a range value command or setting for the controlled device 125. In variations, the location of the touch input on the touch-based control device 100 is not important. Rather, the characteristics of the touch input itself can be interpreted consistently anywhere on the surface of the touch-based control device 100. In such variations, the control module 120 can perform a conflict resolution function to determine whether any unique touch input performed on the touch-based control device 100 was a tap input or a slide input.

[0040] In still further embodiments, control module 120 can interpret touch inputs performed in outer area periphery 110 as on / off commands, regardless of whether the touch input is, for example, a tap, a double tap, a tap and hold, a double tap and hold, or a slide input, whereas control module 120 can interpret the input as between a tap input and a slide input when the input is performed within touch grooves 116. According to such an example, touch inputs within touch grooves 116 can be distinguished by control module 120 as either a tap input or a slide input, which can cause control module 120 to execute, for example, an on / off command, a device selection command, a mode selection command, a range value command, and / or another type of command.

[0041] According to various implementations, upon sensing a touch input on the surface of the control device 100, or specifically within the touch grooves 116 of the touch-based control device 100, the control module 120 can execute conflict resolution logic to determine whether the specific touch input is a tap gesture or a slide gesture. For example, the conflict resolution logic can be triggered when a confidence level corresponding to the touch input is below a specific threshold (e.g., 95%). Once triggered, the control module 120 can execute the conflict resolution logic by determining whether the linear movement of the touch input exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., 1 centimeter). If so, then, the sensing logic can interpret the touch input as a slide input and execute a command, for example, to adjust the output level of the controlled device 125 (e.g., dim a lighting element). However, if not, then the control module 120 can interpret the touch gesture as a tap gesture and execute an on / off command depending on the current state of the controlled device 125.

[0042] While numerous examples are described with reference to control device 100, some embodiments may be directed to a base assembly 112 that can be installed in a residence separately from exterior panel 110. In an example, base assembly 112 is constructed to position control module 120 within a threshold proximity relative to an exterior panel that will be assembled onto the base assembly upon installation of the base assembly in the residence. The threshold proximity may be based on a sensitivity range of a sensor layer, specifically a sensor layer that detects touch input on exterior panel 110.

[0043] Touch Anywhere Structure

[0044] 2A-2C show a control module 120 constructed to enable the control device 100 to sense touch input on any location on the external panel 110, according to one or more examples. FIG. 2A is a front view of a printed circuit board (PCB) 202 for the control module 120, according to one or more examples. FIG. 2B is a side view of the PCB 202 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the control device 100 along line AA, according to one or more examples.

[0045] 2A and 2B , the control module 120 includes a PCB 202 having a sensing layer 210, a reference plane 220 on which the sensing layer 210 is formed, and sensing control logic 230 for detecting and interpreting sensor values ​​detected by the sensing layer 210. The sensing layer 210 can be formed using conventional PCB manufacturing techniques, such as by etching sensors into copper foil. In some instances, the reference plane 220 is a copper ground plane. The sensing control logic 230 can be implemented, for example, through a microprocessor electrically connected to the sensing elements of the sensing layer 210. As shown, the sensing control logic 230 can be implemented, for example, by a microprocessor provided on the backside of the PCB 202 along with other components (e.g., a wireless transceiver 232), circuit elements, and electrical interfaces (not shown).

[0046] When installed, the external panel 110 can be mounted directly on or adjacent to the sensing layer 210 such that individual sensing elements of the sensing layer 210 can detect variations in the electric field caused by the introduction of a capacitive object, such as a human finger, which inherently carries capacitance. With reference to FIG. 2A , a touch region 225 can represent an overlapping area of ​​the external panel 110 that coincides with an area of ​​the external panel 110 where touch input can be detected and interpreted. As shown in FIG. 2A , the touch region 225 can encompass one or more areas extending across an area where no capacitive sensing elements are provided. For example, the PCB 202 can include one or more structural void regions 242 corresponding to the shape or other structural features (e.g., through-holes) of the PCB 202 where no sensing elements are present. Additionally or alternatively, the touch region 225 can extend across one or more peripheral regions 246, which can extend beyond the peripheral edges of the PCB 202, for example, to encompass the peripheral edges or thickness of the external panel 110. In such an example, the control module 120 can still detect and interpret the user's touch input even if the touch input does not directly overlap a sensing element of the sensing layer 210, such as when the touch input is at or near an edge region of the outer panel 110 such that the touch input directly overlaps an area beyond the peripheral edge 201 of the PCB 202.

[0047] Furthermore, in some implementations, reference surface 220 may include one or more sensor void regions 244 intended to accommodate the design of sensing layer 210. For example, control module 120 may include sensor void regions 244 that are free of sensing elements to prevent interference with antenna elements of wireless transceiver 234.

[0048] 2C , PCB 202 includes a sensing layer 210, a dielectric layer 206, and a reference plane 220. Reference plane 220 may be exposed on a peripheral region 246 ("exposed reference plane region 222"), with sensing layer 210 and dielectric layer 206 having a relatively small dimension (represented by d) compared to reference plane 220. In an example, it is recognized that exposing reference plane 220 at selected locations (e.g., near the peripheral region) directionally distorts the electric field overlying the sensing elements of sensing layer 210, extending beyond peripheral edge 201 of PCB 202 to better overlay peripheral region 246, which may encompass a peripheral corner or edge of external panel 110. In such an example, touch input received on external panel 110 on or near corner or peripheral region 211 is detectable and interpretable by sensing control logic 230. In contrast, under conventional approaches, the peripheral area 246 corresponds to a blind spot on the outer panel 110 where touch input cannot be detected.

[0049] 2A-2C , to enable touch responsiveness across the entire touch region 225, examples can further provide a PCB 202 that selectively exposes reference surface 220 and is constructed such that the electric fields used by sensing elements adjacent to the exposed reference surface affect a shape (e.g., a bend, an arc) due to the exposed reference surface region 222. In particular, examples provide for exposing reference surface 220 in areas around or near areas of PCB 202 that are not provided with sensing elements, such as around structural void region 242, sensor void region 244, and peripheral region 246. The selective exposure of reference surface 220 causes a greater portion of the electric fields used by nearby and / or adjacent sensing elements to cover and shift laterally beyond the exposed reference surface region, such that there is increased overlap of the electric fields across structural void region 242, sensor void region 244, and / or peripheral region 246. In this manner, the shift in the electric field enables touch input occurring across the respective structural void region 242, sensor void region 244, and / or peripheral region 246 to be detectable by the respective proximity sensing element, such that, for example, the output of the respective proximity sensing element is distinguishable (or even distinguishable) from the baseline reference signal otherwise generated by the proximity sensing element when no touch input occurs.

[0050] Additionally, examples provide that sensing control logic 230 can implement logic specific to a specific region or location of a contact on the external panel. In some examples, the sensitivity of sensing control logic 230 in interpreting raw sensor data generated from sensing layer 210 can be adjusted based on the location (e.g., X / Y coordinates) of the touch contact. For example, to detect touch contact occurring across structural void region 242, sensor void region 244, and / or peripheral region 246, sensing control logic 230 can implement a lower threshold variance between the detected capacitance and a baseline level for sensing layer 210. Moreover, sensing control logic 230 can determine different types of touch input based on the location (e.g., X / Y coordinates) of the touch contact. For example, sensing control logic 230 can detect a touch input as a stroke or movement when the touch input overlaps touch groove 116. As another example, sensing control logic 230 can detect a touch input as a tap or a double tap if the touch input occurs over one of the structural void regions.

[0051] 3 shows an implementation of sensing control logic 230 according to one or more examples. In an example, sensing control logic 230 includes an interface 302 capable of receiving multiple sensor signals 301, each corresponding to the output of a respective sensing element. In some examples, sensing control logic 230 continuously receives sensor signals 301 from sensing layer 210, where each sensor signal 301 is generated by a sensor element or separate portion of sensing layer 210. Thus, each sensor signal 301 can be associated with at least one location (e.g., coordinate) of touch area 225. Each sensor signal 301 can correspond, for example, to a capacitance signal generated by an electric field above a corresponding sensing element or portion of sensing layer 210. In the absence of any touch input, sensing elements of sensing layer 210 continuously generate a baseline or noise signal; when touch input occurs, sensor signals 301 affected by the touch input reflect a change compared to the baseline signal.

[0052] In an illustrative example, the sensing control logic 230 includes detection logic 310 that can continuously monitor the sensor signals 301 to detect the occurrence of touch input. The detection logic 310 can detect the touch input as a change in the value of one or more of the sensor signals 301, where the change is relative to a baseline or noise signal value for the sensing element. In an illustrative example, the detection logic 310 can register the touch input when the value of one or more of the sensor signals 301 deviates from the baseline by more than a given minimum threshold (a "touch trigger threshold").

[0053] In variations, the detection logic 310 can implement additional conditions for registering a change in the value of the sensor signal 301 as a touch input. Illustratively, the additional conditions can include (i) a minimum threshold numerical value for the sensing element to produce a sensor signal 301 that deviates from the baseline by more than a touch-trigger threshold region, and (ii) a minimum threshold time interval during which a change in the sensor signal 301 is detected.

[0054] Additionally, when detecting a touch input, the detection logic 310 can perform calibration or sensitivity adjustments specific to the location of the sensing element. Calibration or sensitivity adjustments can be performed in situations where the value of the sensor signal 301, individually or in combination with other signals, determines whether it indicates a touch input as opposed to noise. In an illustrative example, the detection logic 310 incorporates calibration or sensitivity adjustments for the sensor signals 301 of sensing elements adjacent to or near locations in the touch region 225 that are not directly overlapped by any sensing elements. For example, the sensor signals 301 generated adjacent to or near one of the structural void region 242, the sensor void region 244, and / or the peripheral region 246 of the circuit board can be calibrated to reflect higher sensitivity compared to the sensor signals 301 generated from areas of the sensor layer that directly coincide with the presence of one or more sensing elements. Detection logic 310 can vary the touch trigger threshold for individual sensing elements based on the location of each sensing element, with a lower touch trigger threshold for those sensing elements proximate one of structural void region 242, sensor void region 244, and / or peripheral region 246. In this way, detection logic 310 can, for example, better sense touch inputs that occur over locations in touch region 225 that do not overlap a sensing element (e.g., locations beyond the perimeter edge of PCB 202).

[0055] It is further recognized that, by some instances, a touch input can affect the sensor signals 301 of multiple sensing elements (e.g., a cluster) at once, and over a given time interval during which the touch input occurs, the number of sensing elements and the degree to which they are affected can vary based on the characteristics of the touch input. In determining whether a touch input has occurred, the detection logic 310 can process the sensor signals 301 for characteristics indicative of a potential touch event and analyze the characteristics to determine whether a touch input has occurred. The characteristics can reflect, for example, (i) the number of sensing elements that modulate, such as by having an output that deviates by more than a predetermined threshold compared to the baseline output of the sensor elements; (ii) the variation among the modulated sensor signals 301; (iii) the degree and / or duration of the modulation of the sensor signals 301; and / or (iv) the location of the sensing element that produced the modulated sensor signal 301. The detection logic 310 can incorporate calibration or sensitivity adjustments based on the location of the sensing element that detects each modulated sensor signal 301. In some instances, the calibration or sensitivity adjustment may include weighting one or more characteristics determined from the sense signal 301 near gaps or peripheral areas that are devoid of other sensing elements. Additionally or alternatively, the detection logic 310 may pattern match the detected characteristics of the sensor signal 301, such as by (i) representing multiple modulated signal characteristics as a feature vector and (ii) comparing the determined feature vector to known feature vectors labeled to reflect input or no input (or specific types of input). In this manner, when the detection logic 310 detects a touch input, it may associate the touch input with characteristics such as the location of the touch input at multiple instances in time during the interval.

[0056] In an illustrative example, sensing control logic 230 may also include touch interpretation logic 320 that can associate detected characteristics associated with touch input with an input type and / or value. Illustratively, the determined input type or value may correspond to a single tap, a double tap, a long touch, a slide or swipe, etc. In some variations, the input type and / or value may also be associated with one or more positional values. For example, a touch input in a first region of touch region 225 may be interpreted differently compared to the same touch input in a second region of touch region 225.

[0057] In an example, the sensing and control logic 230 can include correlation logic 330 to correlate the sensor change value, the detected characteristic, and the input type to an output signal 305. The output signal 305 can be selected for one of a plurality of controlled devices 325. Additionally, the output signal 305 can specify a setting or command based on the connected device 325. In some variations, the output signal can be specific to the type or function of the connected device 325.

[0058] In an illustrative example, the sensing control logic 230 may also include touch interpretation logic 320 that can associate detected characteristics associated with the sensor signal 301 with input types, features, and / or values. Illustratively, the determined input types or values ​​may correspond to a single tap, a double tap, a long touch, a slide or swipe, a two-dimensional gesture, etc. In an illustrative example, the touch interpretation logic 320 may associate characteristics of the sensor signal 301 reflecting the touch input as a specific type of touch input, such as a swipe or other gesture, occurring at multiple adjacent but different locations over a given time interval. Based on the characteristics of the sensor signal 301 at multiple adjacent but different locations, the touch interpretation logic 320 may further detect instances where the touch input reflects a touch input path indicative of another gesture, such as an “S”-shaped gesture. Furthermore, the touch interpretation logic 320 may associate characteristics of the sensor signal 301 reflecting the touch input as occurring at approximately the same location but at different time intervals (e.g., separated by 0.5 seconds or less) as a multi-tap input.

[0059] Furthermore, in some instances, touch interpretation logic 320 can interpret one or more characteristics of the touch input based on the determined characteristics of sensor signal 301. By way of example, interpretation logic 320 can determine characteristics of the touch input including (i) direction of movement, (ii) length of movement, (iii) linear path (or shape) of the touch input, (iv) duration of the touch input, (v) time intervals between individual touches of the touch input, (vi) velocity or acceleration of movement of the touch input, and / or (vii) other characteristics of the position and movement of the touch input.

[0060] In some variations, the input type, command, and / or value that the interpretation logic 320 determines from the touch input may also be associated with one or more position values. For example, a touch input in a first region of the touch area 225 (e.g., the top half surrounding the touch groove 116) may be interpreted differently compared to the same touch input in a second region of the touch area 225 (e.g., the bottom half surrounding the touch groove 116).

[0061] In an illustrative example, the sensing and control logic 230 can include correlation logic 330 to correlate detected characteristics of the sensor signal, as well as input types, characteristics, and / or values, to an output signal 305. The output signal 305 can be selected for one of a number of controlled devices 325 (e.g., a light, a ceiling fan, a thermostat, an appliance, a security camera, a television, a media system, or other types of devices). Additionally, the output signal 305 can specify a setting or command based on the controlled device 325. In some variations, the output signal can be specific to the type or function of the controlled device 325.

[0062] Among other advantages, implementations such as those described in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 enable the control device 100 to detect and interpret multiple types of touch inputs at any location on the exterior panel 110. In this way, the control module 120's ability to detect and interpret touch inputs is not hindered by "blind spots" that hinder responsiveness and accuracy under conventional implementations. Moreover, the control module 120 can detect and interpret different types of touch inputs that utilize the peripheral and edge regions of the exterior panel 110. As a result, the control device 100 can respond to user inputs in many scenarios common to wall-mounted devices, such as (i) a user who accidentally approaches or walks past the control device, and (ii) a user who reaches out to touch the control device 100, for example, from a seated position or as a result of the user being a child.

[0063] Touch-type control device example

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a touch-based control device 100 according to various aspects described herein. The touch-based control device 100 can associate different regions on the external panel 110 with different inputs (e.g., input types or devices that can be controlled). In some examples, the control module 120 logically divides the touch area 225 and / or the external panel 110 into predetermined regions. For example, the logical division of the touch area 225 can correspond to (i) the region of the touch groove 116 and (ii) the region of the external panel 110 surrounding the touch groove 116. In variations, the region of the external panel 110 can include sub-regions (e.g., upper and lower regions, or upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right regions). Similarly, the region of the touch groove 116 can also be logically divided; for example, the region of the touch groove 116 can include upper and lower sub-regions and / or end and middle regions.

[0065] 4 , the control module 120 logically divides the touch area 225 to define regions of the external panel 110, including a left region 410, a right region 420, and the touch groove 116. The control module 120 can be configured to interpret touch input received on the panel 110, for example, according to interpretation logic associated with each of the predetermined regions of the panel 110. Additionally, the control module 120 can be configured to interpret the touch input based at least in part on the type of touch input, such as whether the touch input is a tap, double tap, triple tap, slide, or other continuous gesture. Furthermore, for at least some types of touch input, the control module 120 can use characteristics detected from the touch input to determine a value associated with the touch input.

[0066] In various instances, the action associated with a tap can be interpreted based on the detected region of the external panel 110 where the tap occurred. In particular implementations, the touch-based control device 100 can be configured (based on user input) to interpret tap A occurring differently in the left region 410 of the panel 110 as opposed to tap B occurring in the right region 420 of the panel 110. For example, tap A in the left region 410 can be interpreted as an on / off action for a first controlled device 125, and tap B in the right region 420 can be interpreted as an on / off action for a second controlled device 125.

[0067] In particular examples, a slide Z within the touch groove 116 can be interpreted as an output level command (e.g., dimming a light) or other range value command, where the output level command is affected by one or more of: (i) the direction of movement, (ii) the start and end positions (or length of movement), (iii) the speed of movement, and / or (iv) the location of the touch input and other characteristics of the movement. Additionally, in some variations, a tap X within the touch groove 116 can be interpreted as an on / off command. Alternatively, the tap input X can be interpreted as an output level or other range value command when input into the touch groove 116. In such examples, the location of the tap input X within the groove (in this case, the bottom of the groove) can determine how much the controlled device 125 will be dimmed. A tap input within the central region of the touch groove can result in a more moderate output level or other range value command compared to a tap input toward the end of the touch groove 116.

[0068] In some instances, control module 120 may include logic to detect ambiguous touch input from a user. For example, a user may provide an ambiguous touch input, such as quasi-slide input C, outside of touch grooves 116. In such instances, the quasi-slide input may be interpreted as either a slide input or a tap input within or near touch grooves 116. Control module 120 may use settings, user preferences, or rules to interpret quasi-slide input C based on the location of detection and / or the linear movement of the input. For example, ambiguous input C may be interpreted by control module 120 as either a tap input or a slide input based on conflict resolution operations performed by control module 120.

[0069] In certain aspects, ambiguous input C is weighted in favor of a slide input if the touch input occurs within the touch grooves 116. However, as shown in FIG. 4 , when ambiguous input C occurs on the external panel 110, the input may be weighted in favor of a tap input. Thus, the location of the touch input can cause the control module 120 to weight or influence its interpretation of the input as a tap input or a slide input. In certain instances, a slide input performed by a user outside the touch grooves 116 can be ignored, interpreted as an alternative input (e.g., a tap input), or interpreted as a slide input. Similarly, a slide input that begins in or near the touch grooves 116 and ends outside the touch grooves 116 can be interpreted as a slide, tap, or other input based on settings, user preferences, or rules.

[0070] methodology

[0071]

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates a method of operating a touch-based control device, according to one or more examples. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a method of operating a touch-based control device to control one or more devices (e.g., lights) with the control device, according to one or more examples. In describing the examples of Figures 5, 6A, and 6B, reference may be made to various elements shown and described with respect to Figures 1A, 1B, and elsewhere in this application to indicate the steps or sub-steps being described.

[0072] According to an illustrative example, control module 120 continuously monitors 510 sensor signals 301 generated by sensing elements of sensing layer 210. Control module 120 can further detect 520 instances when one or more sensor signals 301 are modulated in a manner potentially indicative of touch input. For example, control module 120 can detect when a modulated sensor signal 301 exceeds a corresponding baseline value by an amount that exceeds a touch trigger threshold.

[0073] The control module 120 may process the modulated sensor signal 301 to determine 530 whether a touch input has occurred. Further, in making the determination, the control module 120 may perform 532 calibration and / or sensitivity adjustment based on the location of the sensor signal 301. In particular, the control module 120 may perform the calibration and / or sensitivity adjustment so that the modulated sensor signal 301 arising from one or more sensing elements adjacent to the air gap or peripheral region can be properly detected and interpreted as a touch input.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the control module 120 can analyze the modulated sensor signal 301 to identify characteristics including (i) multiple modulating sensing elements, (ii) variation among the modulated sensor signals 301, (iii) the degree and / or duration that the sensor signal 301 modulates, and (iv) the location of the modulated sensor signal 301. Additionally, the control module 120 can weight characteristics determined from sensing elements near or adjacent to the air gap region or peripheral region to reflect greater sensitivity to better detect touch input occurring across the air gap region or peripheral region.

[0075] Among other advantages, examples such as those described in FIG. 4 and elsewhere in this application enable touch input to be detected anywhere in the touch input area, without the so-called blind spots that would otherwise hinder responsiveness under conventional approaches.

[0076] 6A , the touch-based control device 100 operates to detect touch input received at any portion of the external panel 110, including the touch grooves 116 (610). In some instances, the control device 100 can detect touch input received at any position on the external panel 110. Still further, in variations, the control device 100 detects touch input received at any position across a substantial portion of the external panel 110.

[0077] The control device 100 interprets the touch input based on at least one of the location of the touch input (612) and / or the type of touch that occurred (614). For example, the control module 120 can divide the touch area 225 into sub-areas and further interpret the touch input based at least in part on the one or more sub-areas of the touch area 225 in which the input is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 120 can interpret the touch input based on type, such as whether the touch input is a tap input, a double tap, a triple tap, a slide input, or other gesture input. To interpret the type of input, the control module 120 can detect one or more characteristics of the touch input, such as the type of input.

[0078] In an illustrative example, the type of touch input can be based on one or more detected characteristics of the touch input. In variations, the detected characteristics of the touch input can correspond to (i) the length or other dimension of the touch input, (ii) the duration of the touch input, (iii) the direction of the input, and / or (iv) the shape, pattern, or other gesture formed by the touch input. In other variations, the detected characteristics of the touch input can correspond to the force of the touch acting on the surface (e.g., as may be detected using a force sensor), the velocity of the touch input (e.g., the velocity of a swipe), and / or the acceleration of the touch input, etc.

[0079] In various embodiments, the touch-based controlling device 100 controls (620) a set of connected devices based on the interpreted touch input. Illustratively, each of the set of controlled devices includes a light, a ceiling fan, a thermostat, an appliance, a wireless receiver (for controlling other devices), and / or a media device. In other illustrative examples, the set of connected devices includes a wireless transceiver for another device (e.g., for a light). Based on the interpreted input, the controlling device 100 implements one of the range value commands to set the output level of the connected device. In the example of FIG. 2, the controlling device implements dimming control (622) or on / off control (624) for the set of connected lights. When implementing range value control, the control module 120 can use the characteristics of the touch input to determine a range value. For example, the characteristics of the touch input can be used to determine the dimming output level of the connected lights between a range (e.g., minimum to maximum light intensity). Characteristics of the touch input that affect the range value command can include, for example, the length of the slide, the start and / or end positions of the slide, the duration of the slide, and / or the speed of the slide.

[0080] In some instances, the control module 120 can execute sensing and control logic to facilitate a user's interaction with the touch-based control device 100. By way of example, the control module 120 can interpret a detected touch as follows: (i) If the touch input is detected as occurring within the touch groove 116, the control module 120 then determines whether the touch input comprises a tap or a slide (or other gesture). If the touch input is a tap, the control module 120 interprets the touch input as an on / off input. If the touch input is a slide, the control module 120 interprets the touch input as a range value command, where the range value is determined by the touch input. (ii) If the touch input is detected as occurring in the area surrounding the touch groove 116, the control module 120 does not interpret the touch input as a slide for the purposes of determining the range value.

[0081] In an example, the action associated with the tap is configurable or user-selectable. Thus, for example, a user can select one of multiple controlled devices 125 (e.g., lights) to turn on / off using a tap. In such an example, a user can configure the touch-based control device 100 to operate a specific controlled device 125 through an application interface on the user's mobile computing device (e.g., for a wirelessly connected smart light bulb). In a variation, the touch-based control device 100 can be hardwired to control power output to one or more load devices, such as lighting elements, using existing home wiring, as described herein.

[0082] 6B is a flow chart illustrating an example method of executing conflict resolution logic for generating commands for a controlled device 125 (e.g., a light), according to various illustrative examples. Referring to FIG. 6B, the control module 120 detects 630 a touch input on the touch-based control device 100. In particular implementations, the control module 120 may first determine 635 whether the touch input is performed within the touch groove 116. If so 637, the control module 120 may execute 640 an alternative command, such as an output level command (e.g., a dimming command for a lighting element), based on characteristics of the input (e.g., the linear direction and distance of a sliding input).

[0083] However, if the touch input is performed outside the touch grooves 116, such as the outer panel perimeter 110 (639), the control module 120 can subsequently determine whether the touch input is a tap input or a slide input. In certain instances, the touch input may include a slight linear aspect (e.g., a few millimeters), but the control module 120's execution of the sensing logic may not provide the necessary confidence level to execute a command. In such cases, the control module 120 can first determine (645) whether the touch input exceeds a threshold confidence level (e.g., 95%). If so (647), the control module 120 can execute (650) an on / off command or a range value command based on the nature of the input (e.g., whether the input is a tap input or a slide input). However, if the touch input does not exceed the threshold confidence level (649), the sensing module can subsequently execute conflict resolution logic to determine the nature of the input (655).

[0084] As provided herein, execution of conflict resolution logic can cause the control module 120 to determine whether the linear movement of the touch input exceeds a time threshold (e.g., one-tenth of a second), a particular distance threshold (e.g., half a centimeter), and / or a distance and pressure threshold (e.g., a minimum force applied to a panel) over the course of the linear movement (660). If the threshold is exceeded (662), the control module 120 can execute a range value command based at least in part on the linear movement of the slide input (665). However, if the threshold is not exceeded (664), the control module 120 can execute an on / off command for the controlled device 125 based on the current state of the controlled device 125 (670).

[0085] Hardware Diagram

[0086] 7 is a hardware diagram of a touch-based control device according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments, the control device 700 can comprise logic and processing performed through user interaction with the touch-based control device 100, as shown and described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the control device 700 includes processing resources 710, memory 720, and a communication interface 750. The control device 700 includes at least one processor 710 for processing information stored in main memory 720, such as provided by a random access memory or other dynamic storage device for storing information and instructions executable by the processor 710.

[0087] As provided herein, the control module 120 of the touch-based control device 100 can include a processor 710 or a combination of a processor 710 and a main memory 720, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 7 . In various embodiments, the control module 120 can be a general-purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, a combination of one or more microprocessors and / or microcontrollers working in cooperation with one another, and / or a touch sensor application-specific integrated circuit incorporating or coupled to one or more of these processing components. The main memory 720 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by the processor 710. The memory can also include a ROM or other static storage device for storing static information and instructions for the processor 710.

[0088] The communication interface 750 can enable the control device 700 to communicate over one or more control networks 780 (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, etc.) by using one or more wireless network links. Using the network links, the control device 700 can communicate with one or more home devices, one or more servers, or third-party intermediate communication modules. The executable instructions in the memory 720 can include interpretation instructions 722, which the computing device 700 can execute to detect and interpret inputs performed by a user on the surface of the control device 700 (external panel 110). The control device 700 can perform control operations in response to the detection and interpretation of touch inputs. For example, the processor 710 can execute the instructions 722 to interpret sensor signals generated by a layer of touch sensor 760 disposed beneath the external panel 110. In response to detecting and interpreting touch input, the control device 700 generates control commands and performs other control operations to implement settings or other operational aspects of the controlled device.

[0089] The executable instructions stored in memory 720 may also include control connection instructions (not shown) that the control device 700 can execute to selectively connect the communication interface 750 to various smart home devices for transmitting control commands of the processor 710, either directly or through an intermediary. As described herein, the control device 700 may be connected to one or more load devices 770 via a wired connection or may implement a wireless network protocol to connect with smart home devices 782 via a control network 780 for transmitting control commands.

[0090] In some embodiments, the computing device 700 may be coupled to the AC controller 790, for example, by a clip that provides an electrical connection between a spring clip or pogo pin on one side (e.g., the home controller or AC controller 790) and a conductive pad on the corresponding side. The AC controller 790 may include connections to wall wiring for power, load, neutral, and / or ground, and in some embodiments, may include L1 and L2 outputs in a three-way configuration. In some embodiments, the AC controller 790 may include an AC microcontroller that receives instructions from the control device 700 and may control, for example, field-effect transistors, triacs, switching, and / or other dimming mechanisms, as described above. In particular instances, the AC controller 790 may include a dimming FET 795 that connects the AC controller 790 to the power and load lines of existing wiring (e.g., of a light switch). In the example shown in FIG. 7, a load line connects the AC controller 790 to one or more wired home devices 770 (e.g., lights), and a power line connects the AC controller 790 (touch control device 100) to a power source 799.

[0091] The processor 710 is configured with software and / or other logic to perform one or more processes, steps, and other functions described with respect to the embodiments, as described with respect to various examples of this disclosure. The examples described herein relate to using the computing device 700 to implement the techniques described herein. According to one example, these techniques are performed by the computing device 700 in response to the processor 710 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory 720. Such instructions may be loaded into the main memory 720 from another machine-readable medium. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory 720 causes the processor 710 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the examples described herein. As such, the examples described are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0092] The examples described herein are intended to extend to the individual elements and concepts described herein, independently of other concepts, ideas, or systems, and to include combinations of elements detailed anywhere in this application. While examples are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the concepts are not limited to those precise examples. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the concepts be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that specific features described individually or as part of an example can be combined with other individually described features or with parts of other examples, even if the other features and examples do not mention the specific feature. Thus, the absence of a combination should not preclude a claim to such a combination.

Claims

1. an outer panel having a plurality of regions including a groove region and a peripheral region surrounding the groove region; a control module including a sensor layer having one or more sensors for detecting touch inputs performed on the groove area and the perimeter area of ​​the outer panel, the control module comprising: detecting a touch input performed by a user on the external panel using the one or more sensors of the sensor layer; Executing conflict resolution logic based on a confidence level of the detected touch input being less than a threshold to interpret the touch input as one of a tap gesture or a slide gesture; and, based at least in part on a type of the detected touch input being one of the tap gesture or the slide gesture as interpreted by the conflict resolution logic, control a set of devices based on the interpreted touch input, wherein if the touch input is detected as a tap gesture occurring in the surrounding area, the control module is configured to interpret the touch input as an on / off command for at least one connected device.

2. 10. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control module further interprets the touch input as at least one of: (i) a range value command; (ii) a device selection command; (iii) a mode selection input; or (iv) an on / off command.

3. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the set of devices includes one or more of a lighting device, a ceiling fan, a thermostat, an appliance, or a media device.

4. 2. The control device of claim 1, wherein if the touch input is detected in the groove region, the control module is further configured to interpret the touch input as a range value command to set a range value of at least one of a series of connected devices.

5. The control device of claim 4 , wherein the range value command sets a power level for at least one of the connected devices in the series of connected devices.

6. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the control module is further configured to interpret the touch input based on one or more characteristics of the touch input.

7. The control device of claim 6 , wherein one or more of the characteristics includes a direction of the touch input.

8. The control device of claim 6 , wherein the one or more characteristics include at least one of a sliding direction or distance of the touch input.

9. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured in part by a user's input to interpret the touch input.

10. 2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the external panel further includes a left region and a right region, and the control module implements first logic for interpreting inputs received on the left region and second logic for interpreting inputs received on the right region.

11. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the control module detects user input performed anywhere on the external panel.

12. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the control device is wall-mountable.

13. 1. A base assembly for a wall-mountable control device, said base assembly comprising: a control module including a sensor layer comprising one or more sensors, the control module operable to control a series of devices; the control module is configured to position the sensor layer within a threshold proximity relative to an exterior panel assembled on the base assembly upon installation of the base assembly; The control module detecting a touch input performed by a user on the external panel using the one or more sensors of the sensor layer; Executing conflict resolution logic based on a confidence level of the detected touch input being less than a threshold to interpret the touch input as one of a tap gesture or a slide gesture; and based at least in part on a type of the detected touch input being one of the tap gesture or the slide gesture as interpreted by the conflict resolution logic, controlling a set of devices based on the interpreted touch input.

Images