Load control device having an ambient light sensor

Abstract

A control device for controlling a lighting load may include a base portion, an actuation portion, an ambient light detection circuit, and a control circuit. The actuation member may be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion. The ambient light detection circuit may receive ambient light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control circuit may receive the signal from the ambient light detection circuit, determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off, and determine whether to operate in a normal mode or a dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

Description

LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING AN AMBIENT LIGHT SENSORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No.63 / 746,630, filed January 17, 2025, Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 752,725, filed February 1, 2025, and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 771,970, filed March 14, 2025, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units, motorized window treatment or projection screens, humidity control units, audio systems or amplifiers, Internet of Things (loT) 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 a user command. The amount of power delivered to the electrical loads may be adjusted to an absolute level or by a relative amount.

[0003] Traditional wall-based control devices (e.g., wallbox dimmers) may allow a user to adjust an intensity level of one or more lighting loads through the movement of an analog intensity actuator (e.g., slider control or rotary knob) or the actuation of a digital intensity actuator (e.g., an intensity-increase and intensity-decrease actuators). These traditional wall-based control devices may also provide feedback to the user on the intensity level of the load. For the control devices with digital intensity actuators, the control devices may include feedback that indicates the intensity level of the lighting load. For control devices with analog intensity actuators, the feedback traditionally indicates both the intensity level of the lighting load and the position of the analog intensity actuator.SUMMARY

[0004] A control device for controlling an electrical load may include a base portion, an actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and an ambient light detection circuit that is configured to receive ambient light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control device may include a control circuit configured to receive the signal from the ambient light detection circuit and determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to operate in a normal mode or a dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

[0005] The control device may include a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct or direct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the ambient light detection circuit. The light conducting structure is a light pipe. The light conducting structure may include a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and where the second surface is directed towards the ambient light detection circuit. The body may have a rectangular shape. The second surface of the body may be curved to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit.

[0006] The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from (e.g., between) an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device. The light conducting structure may include feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device. The light conducting structure may include bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device. The body of the light conducting structure may be oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device, dark mode and normal mode.

[0007] The control circuit is configured to not change between the dark mode and the normal mode when the lighting load is on. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the normalmode to the dark mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below an ambient light threshold. For example, the control circuit may be configured to switch from the normal mode to the dark mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold, and to switch from the dark mode to the normal mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold, where the second ambient light threshold is greater than the first ambient light threshold.

[0008] The control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the dark mode as compared to when operating in the normal mode. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the normal mode. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve. When operating using the normal mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

[0009] When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a command received via the actuation member. The control circuit may be configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, where the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

[0010] When operating in the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a dark fade-on rate, and where, when operating in the normal mode, the control circuit may be configured to control the intensitylevel of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a normal fade-on rate, where the dark fade-on rate is slower than the normal-on fade rate, extra dependent claims.

[0011] The gap may be defined along an upper end of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The ambient light detection circuit may include a photosensor. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface when the lighting load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

[0012] A control device for controlling an electrical load, such as a lighting load may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode, control the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode, and receive a command indicating a commanded intensity level. The control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from a present intensity level to the commanded intensity level according to a first fade rate when operating in the first mode and a second fade rate when operating in the second mode.

[0013] The control circuit may be configured to fade the intensity level of the lighting load when turning off the lighting load from the present intensity level to off according to a different fade rate when operating in the first mode as compared to when operating in the second mode. The second fade rate may be slower than the first fade rate. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve. When operating using the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

[0014] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

[0015] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command. The control circuit may be configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

[0016] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, where the fade-on time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load. The control circuit may be configured to set the fade-on time to the minimum fade-on time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level. The control device may include a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The position of the slider knob along the slider slot may indicate the commanded intensity level.

[0017] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade-off time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading off the lighting load, wherein the fade-off time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load. The control circuit may be configured to set the fade-off time to the minimum fade-off time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level. The control device may include a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The position of the slider knob along the slider slot may indicate the commanded intensity level.

[0018] The control circuit may be configured to determine an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed, and determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level. The control circuit may be configured to receive a message including the ambient light level. The control device may include a light sensing circuit configured to generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control circuit may be configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, and determine the ambient light level based on the signal. The control circuit may be configured to determine the ambient light level based on the signal when the lighting load is off. The control device may include a base portion, and an actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion. The light sensing circuit may be configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion. The control device mayinclude a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit.

[0019] The light conducting structure may include a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion. The second surface may be directed towards the light sensing circuit. The body may have a rectangular shape. The second surface of the body may be curved (e.g., in a concave or convex shape) to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device. The body of the light conducting structure may be oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device. The light conducting structure may include feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device. The light conducting structure may include bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit. The gap may be defined along an upper end of the actuation member. The light sensing circuit may include a photosensor.

[0020] The control circuit may be configured to use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode. The control circuit may be configured to use a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode, and use a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

[0021] The command is an on command, an off command, or a toggle command. The control circuit may be configured to receive the command in response to an actuation of an on actuator, an off actuation, or a toggle actuator of the control device. The control circuit may be configured to receive the command in a message received via one or more wireless signals. The control circuit may be configured to receive the command in response to a message received from an occupancy sensing circuit.

[0022] The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on a timeclock schedule. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present time, and determine to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on present time and one or more event times associated with the timeclock schedule. The control circuit may be configured to determine to operate in the first mode during a first time window of the timeclock schedule and determine to operate in the second mode during a second time window of the timeclock schedule. The first time window and the second time window may be based on sunrise and sunset times. The control circuit may be configured to receive the commanded intensity level via an actuation member of the control device or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor. The first mode may be a normal mode, and the second mode may be a dark mode.

[0023] A control device for controlling an electrical load, such as a lighting load, may include any combination of the following. The control device may include a base portion, an actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and a light sensing circuit. The light sensing circuit may be configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control device may include a control circuit that is configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal, and control the electrical load based on the ambient light intensity level.

[0024] The control device may include a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit. Thelight conducting structure may include a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit. The body may have a rectangular shape. The second surface of the body may be curved to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device. The body of the light conducting structure may be oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device. The light conducting structure may include feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device. The light conducting structure may include bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

[0025] The electrical load may include a lighting load, and the control circuit may be configured to determine the ambient light level when the lighting load is off. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level, and control the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode. The control circuit may be configured to not change from the second mode to the first mode when the lighting load is on. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below an ambient light threshold. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the second mode to the normal first when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold. The second ambient light threshold may be greater than the first ambient light threshold. The control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lightingload from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

[0026] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

[0027] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a commanded intensity level. The control circuit may be configured to receive the commanded intensity level via the actuation member or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor. The control circuit may be configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

[0028] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate. The second fade-on rate may be slower than the first fade-on rate.

[0029] The control circuit may be configured to use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode. The control circuit may be configured to use a heavy filtering technique to processthe ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode, and use a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

[0030] When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

[0031] The control circuit may be less likely to exit first mode and enter second mode based on the ambient light intensity level than the control circuit is configured to exit second mode and enter first mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

[0032] The control circuit may be configured to enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device, and determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device. The control device may include a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to set the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels may include a low level, a medium level, and a high level. The control device may include one or more light sources configured to illuminate the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The control device may include a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot. The diffuser may define an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device. The plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels may include a low level, a medium level, and a high level. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate a first plurality of segments when the ambient lightsensitivity level is set to the low level, illuminate a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the medium level, and illuminate a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level. The first plurality of segments may include a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments may include a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments may include a top three segments. The control circuit may be configured to set the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member. The control circuit may be configured to disable the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member. The ambient light sensitivity level may be associated with a second-enter ambient light threshold and a second-exit ambient light threshold. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

[0033] The gap may be defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

[0034] The control device may include a plurality of light sources, and an illumination surface configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate an amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

[0035] A control device for controlling an electrical load, such as a lighting load, may include a light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control device may include a control circuit configured that is to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal, determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level, and control the electrical load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode. The control circuit may be configured to use different filtering techniques to determine whether to beginoperating in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level depending whether the control device is presently operating in the first mode or the second mode.

[0036] The control circuit may be configured to use a heavy filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode, and use a light filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode. The control circuit may be configured to not filter the signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below an enter ambient light threshold.When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above an exit ambient light threshold. The control circuit may be less likely to exit first mode and enter second mode based on the ambient light intensity level than the control circuit is configured to exit second mode and enter first mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

[0037] The control circuit may be configured to enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device, and determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device. The control device may include a base portion, and an actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion. The light sensing circuit may be configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion. The electrical load may include a lighting load, and the control circuit may be configured to determine the ambient light level when the lighting load is off. The control device may include a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to set the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels may include a low level, a medium level, and a high level. The control device may include one or morelight sources configured to illuminate the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0038] The control device may include a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot. The diffuser may define an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device. The plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels may include a low level, a medium level, and a high level. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments, and the control circuit is configured to illuminate a first plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the low level, illuminate a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the medium level, and illuminate a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level. The first plurality of segments may include a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments may include a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments may include a top three segments. The control circuit may be configured to set the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member. The control circuit may be configured to disable the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member. The ambient light sensitivity level may be associated with an enter ambient light threshold and an exit ambient light threshold. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below the enter ambient light threshold. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above the exit ambient light threshold.

[0039] The control device may include a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yokeof the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device. The body of the light conducting structure may be oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device. The light conducting structure may include feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device. The light conducting structure may include bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

[0040] The gap may be defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

[0041] The control circuit may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a digital filter. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may include a filter circuit configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit and generate a filtered signal, where the signal received by the control circuit is the filtered signal. The control circuit may be configured to periodically sample the signal to determine the ambient light intensity level, store a plurality of samples of the signal in memory of the control device as a digital signal, and filter the digital signal using a digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level. The control circuit may be configured to configure the digital filter to use a heavy filtering technique when operating in the first mode and configure the digital filter to use a light filtering technique when operating in the second mode. When operating in the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to compare the filtered digital signal to an enter ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is less than the enter ambient light threshold. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to compare the filtered digital signal to an exit ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is greater than the exit ambient light threshold. To filter the digital signal using the digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level, the control device may be configured to determine if a number of consecutive samples of the plurality of samples are less than the enter ambient light threshold value during a filter time period when operating in the first mode, and determine if at least one sample of the plurality of samples is greater than the exit ambient light threshold value when operating in the second mode. The control circuit may beconfigured to configure the digital filter to not filter the digital signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode. The control device may be configured to determine the ambient light intensity level based on the plurality of samples that were captured when the lighting load is off.

[0042] The control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve. When operating using the first mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve. When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a command received via the actuation member. The control circuit may be configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

[0043] When operating using the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load. When operating in the second mode, the control circuit may be configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate, and wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

[0044] The control device may include a plurality of light sources and an illumination surface configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate an amount of powerdelivered to the lighting load. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface when the lighting load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

[0045] The first mode may be a normal mode, and the second mode may be a dark mode.

[0046] A control device for controlling an electrical load, such as a lighting load, may include an actuation member, a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot, and a control circuit that is configured to control an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to enter an advanced programming mode and, when in the advanced programming mode, adjust one or more operating characteristics of the control device to one or more discrete levels based on one or more corresponding, discrete positions of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0047] The control device may include one or more light sources configured to illuminate the slider slot. The control circuit may be configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate a selected operating characteristic of the one or more operating characteristics. The control device may include a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot, where the diffuser defines an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate a first subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a first operating characteristic, illuminate a second subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a second operating characteristic, and illuminate a third subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a third operating characteristic. The first subset of the plurality of segments may include a bottom three segments, the second subset of the plurality of segments may include a middle three segments, and the third subset of the plurality of segments may include a top three segments.

[0048] The control device may include a tunnel structure located between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The tunnel structure may include a plurality of apertures that are configured to cause the illumination surface to illuminate a plurality of segments. The plurality of segments may be illuminated along the slider slot.

[0049] The control device may include a light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light through a gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control circuit may be configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off, and determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level. The first mode may be a normal mode, and the second mode may be a dark mode.

[0050] The one or more operating characteristics of the control device may include an ambient light sensitivity of the control device. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device. The ambient light sensitivity may be one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels, where the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels include a low level, a medium level, and / or a high level. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the normal mode to the dark mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold. The control circuit may be configured to switch from the dark mode to the normal mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold. The second ambient light threshold may be greater than the first ambient light threshold.

[0051] The control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the dark mode as compared to when operating in the normal mode. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the normal mode. When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve. When operating using the normal mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

[0052] When operating using the dark mode, the control circuit may be configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensitylevel of the lighting load using a linear curve. The control circuit may be configured to disable the control device from operating in the dark mode in response to an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

[0053] The one or more operating characteristics of the control device may include an intensity control mode and a color control mode. The one or more operating characteristics of the control device may include a normal operating mode and a commissioning mode that is used to associate the control device with a remote control device. The one or more operating characteristics of the control device may include a normal operating mode and an advanced programming mode.

[0054] The one or more operating characteristics may include one or more fade rates. When placed in an advanced programming mode, the control circuit may be configured to set a fade rate of the one or more fade rates for turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level.

[0055] The one or more characteristics of the control device may include a low-end intensity level of the lighting load or a high-end intensity level of the lighting load. The control circuit may be configured to adjust the low-end intensity level or the high-end intensity level of the lighting load based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0056] The control device may include a light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light through a gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed. The control circuit turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off, and determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

[0057] The control device may include a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit. The body mayhave a rectangular shape. The second surface of the body may be curved (e.g., concave or convex in shape) to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke. The light conducting structure may include a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device. The body of the light conducting structure turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device. The light conducting structure may include feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device. The light conducting structure may include bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit. The gap turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level defined along an upper end of the actuation member. The light sensing circuit may include a photosensor.

[0058] The slider knob turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level configured to move in discrete increments along the slider slot. The slider knob turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level configured to move in continuously along the slider slot.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] FIG. 1 depicts an example load control system that includes one or more example control devices.

[0060] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0061] FIG. 2B is a front view of the control device of FIG. 2A.

[0062] FIGs. 3A-3D are front views of the control device of FIG. 2A illustrating an illuminated surface of a diffuser that is illuminated in segments at various levels based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0063] FIGs. 4A-4D are front views of the control device of FIG. 2A illustrating an illuminated surface of a diffuser that is illuminated in segments at various levels based on received messages irrespective of the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0064] FIGs. 5A-5D are front views of the control device of FIG. 2A illustrating an illuminated surface of a diffuser that is illuminated in a continuous bar at various levels based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0065] FIGs. 6A-6D are front views of the control device of FIG. 2A illustrating an illuminated surface of a diffuser that is illuminated in a continuous bar at various levels based on received messages irrespective of the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

[0066] FIGs. 7A-7F are front views of the control device of FIG. 2A illustrating a slider knob at various positions along a slider slot to select a discrete levels of ambient light sensitivity during an ambient light sensitivity programming mode.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example control device without a faceplate that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 8 taken through the line shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 8 taken through the line shown in FIG. 8.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 8 taken through the line shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a magnified view of the cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG.11.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view of the control device of FIG. 8.

[0073] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate rear perspective views of the base portion of the control device of FIG. 8 with the actuation portion, the slider, and the diffuser installed.

[0074] FIG. 16 illustrates a side, perspective view of the diffuser and the slider of the control device of FIG. 8 coupled together.

[0075] FIG. 17 illustrates a front, perspective view of the diffuser and the slider of the control device of FIG. 8 coupled together.

[0076] FIG. 18 illustrates the front, perspective view of the diffuser and the slider of the control device of FIG. 8 separated from one another.

[0077] FIGs. 19-24 illustrate various perspective views of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0078] FIG. 25A and 25B are front and rear perspective views of a light conducting structure.

[0079] FIGs. 26-31 illustrate various perspective views of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0080] FIG. 32 shows a simplified block diagram of an example control device (e.g., dimmer switch) that may be implemented as the control device illustrated in FIGs. 2A-7D, the control device of FIGs. 8-20B, the control device of FIGs. 21-25B, and / or the control device of FIGs. 26-31.

[0081] FIG. 33 A-37B are plots illustrating example relationships between the target intensity level and time.

[0082] FIG. 38 is an example plot illustrating an example relationship between the dark fade time period and the commanded intensity level.

[0083] FIG. 39 is a flowchart of an example procedure for determining the number of segments of an illumination surface of a control device to illuminate based on whether a command to adjust the intensity level of a lighting load is received from a user interface of the control device or from a remote device.

[0084] FIG. 40 is a flowchart of an example procedure for determining the number of segments of an illumination surface of a control device to illuminate based on the commanded intensity level of a lighting load.

[0085] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an example procedure for adjusting on and / or off, with respect to time, one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) of a control device based on whether a command to adjust the intensity level of a lighting load is received from a user interface of the control device or from a remote device.

[0086] FIG. 42 is a flowchart of an example procedure for adjusting on and / or off, with respect to time one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) of a control device based on whether a command to adjust the intensity level of a lighting load is received from a user interface of the control device or from a remote device, and further based on the size of the change to the intensity.

[0087] FIG. 43A is a flowchart of an example procedure for changing between a normal mode of operation and a dark mode of operation.

[0088] FIG. 43B is a flowchart of another example procedure for changing between a normal mode of operation and a dark mode of operation.

[0089] FIG. 44 is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device with different fade times based on whether the control device is operating in the dark mode of operation or the normal mode of operation.

[0090] FIG. 45 is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device with a linear fade rate when the control device is operating in the normal mode of operation and with a variable fade rate when the control device is operating in the dark mode of operation.

[0091] FIG. 46 is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device with a variable fade-on profile when fading on a lighting load in a dark mode of operation and with a linear fade-off profile when fading off the lighting load in the dark mode of operation.

[0092] FIG. 47A is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device to fade on a lighting load in a normal mode of operation and a dark mode of operation.

[0093] FIG. 47B is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device to fade off a lighting load in a normal mode of operation and a dark mode of operation.

[0094] FIG. 48 is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device with different fade rates and / or fade time periods based on whether the control device is operating in a normal mode of operation or a dark mode of operation while ensuring that there is a minimum fade time period.

[0095] FIG. 49 is a flowchart of an example procedure for configuring a control device with a minimum fade time when operating in a dark mode of operation.

[0096] FIGs. 50A and 50B are flowcharts of example procedures for adjusting an ambient light sensitivity that may determine when to switch between a normal mode of operation and a dark mode of operation.

[0097] FIG. 51 A is a perspective view and FIG. 5 IB is a front view of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0098] FIG. 52A is a perspective view, FIG. 52B is a front view, and FIG. 52C is a right-side view of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0099] FIG. 52D is a right-side cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 52A taken through the center of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 52B).

[0100] FIG. 53A is a perspective view and FIG. 53B is a front view of an example control device that may be deployed as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0101] FIG. 53C is an exploded perspective view of the dimmer switch of FIG. 53A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system 100 (e.g., a lighting control system). The load control system 100 may comprise one or more load control devices (e.g., such as lighting control devices) for controlling one or more electrical loads (e.g., such as lighting loads). For example, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise a wall-mounted load control device, such as a dimmer 110 (e.g., a dimmer switch), which may be electrically coupled between a power source 102 and a light source, such a light source 112 (e.g., an external lighting load). The power source 102 may comprise, for example, analternating-current (AC) power source (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and / or a direct-current (DC) power source. The light source 112 may comprise a dimmable light source (e.g., such as an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or a dimmable light-emitting diode (LED) light source) installed in a lighting fixture 114, such as a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture.

[0103] The dimmer 110 may be configured to control the lighting load 102 in response to receiving one or more inputs. The dimmer 110 may comprise a user interface, including one or more actuators (e.g., buttons) configured to be actuated by a user for controlling the lighting load 102. In addition, the dimmer 110 may be configured to receive messages (e.g, digital messages) via communication signals, such as wireless signals, e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals 108 (e.g., via a wireless communication network and / or link). For example, the message may include commands for causing the dimmer 110 to control the lighting load. In some examples, the dimmer 110 may comprise an internal sensing circuit, such as an occupancy and / or vacancy sensing circuit, in response to which the dimmer 110 may be configured to control the lighting load 102. For example, the dimmer 110 may be configured to turn the lighting load 102 on or off in response to commands received via the user interface, the RF signals 108, and / or the internal sensing circuit. In addition, the dimmer 110 may be configured to adjust an intensity level (e.g., a brightness) of the lighting load 102 between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g., a maximum intensity level) in response to commands received via the user interface, the RF signals 108, and / or the internal sensing circuit.

[0104] The dimmer 110 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off in response to receiving an on / off command. For example, an on / off command may be an on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command. The dimmer 110 may be configured to receive an on / off command, for example, in response to an actuation of an on actuator, an off actuation, and / or a toggle actuator of the user interface of the dimmer 110. In addition, the dimmer 110 may be configured to receive an on / off command (e.g, on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command) in a message received via the RF signals 108. Further, the dimmer 110 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (e.g, the internal sensing circuit and / or an external occupancy sensing circuit), for example, to turn on thelighting load 102 when the space in which the dimmer 110 is installed is occupied and / or to turn off the lighting load when the space in which the dimmer 110 is installed is vacant.

[0105] The dimmer 110 may be configured to adjust an amount of power delivered to the lighting load to control the intensity level of the lighting load in response to receiving an intensity-adjustment command. The dimmer 110 may be configured to receive an intensity adjustment command, for example, in response to an actuation of an intensity-adjustment actuator of the user interface of the dimmer 110. In addition, the dimmer 110 may be configured to receive an intensity-adjustment command via the RF signals 108. The dimmer 110 may be configured to control the intensity level of the light source 112 using, for example, a phase-control dimming technique the light source 112 may be responsive to a phase-control signal generated by the dimmer 110). The light source 112 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of light emitted by the light source 112 in response to a firing angle of the phase-control signal received from the dimmer 110. In some examples, the light source 112 may be configured to also adjust a color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the light source 112 in response to the phase-control signal according to a relationship between the color temperature and the intensity level set by the phase-control signal (e.g., according to a warm-dim curve). In some examples, in addition to generating the phase-control signal, the dimmer 110 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the light source 112 (e.g., and / or other lighting loads in the load control system 100). For example, the light source 112 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the light source 112 in response to the commands received in the messages (e.g., from the dimmer 110) via the RF signals 108.

[0106] The load control devices of the load control system 100 may also comprise a remote load control device, such as an LED driver 120, for controlling a lighting load, such as LED light source 122 (e.g., an external lighting load). The LED driver 120 may be electrically coupled to the power source 102 for receiving power and may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the LED light source 122 for controlling an intensity level and / or color (e.g., full color and / or color temperature) of the LED light source 122. For example, the integral LED light source may comprise one more LED circuits of different colors that may be mixed together to control acumulative light emitted by the integral LED light source. The LED light source 122 may comprise, for example, an LED light engine that is external to a housing of the LED driver 120 and installed with the LED driver 120 in a lighting fixture 124, such as a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture. For example, the LED driver 120 may be a multi-channel LED driver having multiple channels (e.g., outputs) for controlling the differently-colored LED circuits of the LED light source 122. The LED driver 120 may be configured to control the magnitude of drive currents conducted through each of the LED circuits of the LED light source 122 to control the intensity level and / or color of the light emitted by the LED light source 122. The LED driver 120 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of the LED light source 122 between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g., a maximum intensity level). The LED driver 120 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the RF signals 108. For example, the message may include commands (e.g., on / off commands and / or intensity-adjustment commands) for causing the LED driver 120 to control the LED light source 122. For example, the LED driver 120 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an actuation of an actuator of the LED driver 120, in response to an on / off command received in a message via the RF signals 108, and / or in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (e.g., an internal or external occupancy sensing circuit). The LED driver 120 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the LED light source 122 in response to the commands received in the messages via the RF signals 108. In some examples, the LED driver 120 may be integrated into the LED light source 122, and the LED light source 122 may be responsive to the command received in the messages via the RF signals 108.

[0107] In addition, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise a controllable lighting device 130 (e.g., a controllable light source, such as a smart lamp or smart bulb). The controllable lighting device 130 may comprise an integral lighting load (e.g., an integral LED light source) included in the same housing as a load control circuit (e.g., an LED driver circuit) for controlling the integral LED light source. For example, the integral LED light source may comprise one more LED circuits of different colors that may be mixed together to control a cumulative light emitted by the integral LED light source. The controllable lighting device 130 may be installed in, for example, a lighting fixture 132, such as a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture,which receive power from the power source 102 via a mechanical switch, such as a light switch 136 (e.g., a toggle switch). When the light switch 136 is on (e.g, is in a conductive state), the controllable lighting device 130 may receive power from the power source 102 (e.g., be powered). When the light switch 136 is off (e.g, is in a non-conductive state), the controllable lighting device 130 may be disconnected from the power source 102 (e.g, be unpowered). The load control circuit of the controllable lighting device 130 may be configured to control an intensity level (e.g., a brightness) and / or a color (e.g, color temperature and / or full color) of the cumulative light emitted by the integral lighting load. The controllable lighting device 130 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the wireless signals, e.g., the RF signals 108. For example, the message may include commands (e.g, on / off commands and / or intensity-adjustment commands) for causing the controllable lighting device 130 to control the integral lighting load. For example, the controllable lighting device 130 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an actuation of an actuator of the controllable lighting device 130, in response to an on / off command received in a message via the RF signals 108, and / or in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (e.g, an internal or external occupancy sensing circuit). The controllable lighting device 130 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the integral LED light source in response to the commands received in the messages via the RF signals 108.

[0108] Further, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise a plug-in load control device 140. The plug-in load control device 140 may be electrically coupled between the power source 102 and an electrical load, such a lighting source 142 (e.g., an external lighting load). The plug-in load control device 140 may be plugged into an electrical outlet 144 (e.g, an electrical receptacle) and may be configured to receive power from the power source 102 via the electrical outlet 144. The table lamp 146 may comprise a plug 148 configured to be plugged into the plug-in load control device 140 for powering the light source 142. For example, the plug-in load control device 140 may comprise a load control circuit (e.g., a switching circuit, such as a relay) configured to turn the light source 142 on and off. In some examples, the plug-in load control device 140 may be configured to control the light source 142 using the phase-control dimming technique (e.g., the light source 142 may be responsive to a phase-control signal generated by theplug-in load control device 140). For example, the plug-in load control device 140 may be configured to adjust an intensity level (e.g, a brightness) of the light source 112 using thephase-control dimming technique, e.g., between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g, a maximum intensity level). The plug-in load control device 140 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the wireless signals, e.g., the RF signals 108. For example, the message may include commands (e.g., on / off commands and / or intensity-adjustment commands) for causing the plug-in load control device 140 to control the light source 142. For example, the plug-in load control device 140 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an actuation of an actuator of the plug-in load control device 140, in response to an on / off command received in a message via the RF signals 108, and / or in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (e.g., an internal or external occupancy sensing circuit). The plug-in load control device 140 may be configured to turn the light source 142 on and off and / or adjust the intensity level of the light emitted by the light source 142 in response to the commands received in the messages via the RF signals 108.

[0109] The load control system 100 may include one or more input control devices for controlling the electrical loads (e.g., lighting loads) controlled by the load control devices (e.g., controlling the light source 112 controlled by the dimmer 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142 controlled by the plug-in load control device 140). The input control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise, a first remote control device 150, a second remote control device 152, and / or a sensor device 154. For example, the first remote control device 152 may comprise a tabletop remote control device, a wall-mounted remote control device, and / or a handheld remote control device. In addition, the second remote control device 152 may comprise a retrofit remote control device (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The first and second remote control devices 150, 152 and / or the sensor device 154 may be powered by a direct-current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply plugged into an electrical outlet). In some examples, the first remote control device 150 may be configured to be electrically connected to the power source 102 for receiving power (e.g., when the first remote control device 150 is mounted to an electrical wallbox).

[0110] The input control devices may be configured to receive an input and may generate and transmit a message (e.g., including control data, such as commands) via the RF signals 108 for controlling the light source 112, the LED light source 122, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142 in response to the input. For example, the input may comprise a detection of an actuation of a button of the input control device by a user. The control data may include commands and / or other information (e.g., such as identification information) for controlling the light source 112, the LED light source 122, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142. In some examples, the dimmer 110 may be configured to transmit messages via the RF signals 108 for controlling other lighting loads, such as the LED light source 122 and / or the integral LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130. The input control devices may be configured to control the load control devices to turn on and off the light source 112 controlled by the dimmer 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142 controlled by the plug-in load control device 140. The input control devices may be configured to control the intensity levels of the light source 112 controlled by the dimmer 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142 controlled by the plug-in load control device 140. The input control devices may be configured to control the color of light emitted by the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120 and / or the controllable lighting device 130 (e.g., by controlling a color temperature of the lighting loads or by applying full color control to the lighting loads).[OHl] The second remote control device 152 comprise a retrofit remote control device, which may be configured to be mounted to a light switch, such as the toggle switch 134 (e.g., which may be pre-existing in the load control system 100). As an example, a consumer may replace an existing lamp with the controllable lighting device 130, adjust the toggle switch 134 that is coupled to the controllable lighting device 130 to the on position, install (e.g., mount) the second remote control device 152 onto the toggle switch 134, and associate the second remote control device 152 with the controllable lighting device 130. As shown, the toggle switch 134 is coupled (e.g., via a series electrical connection) between the power source 102 and the controllable lighting device 130.

[0112] The sensor device 154 may be configured to sense one or more environmental characteristics of the load control environment (e.g, an occupancy and / or vacancy condition, an ambient light level, a color temperature, a temperature, etc.). The sensor device 154 may be configured to receive inputs (e.g., detect input events) in response to environmental characteristics in the load control environment. The sensor device 154 may be configured to transmit messages to one or more of the other control devices in the load control system 100 in response to an input event, such as a sensor detection event and / or a sensor measurement event. For example, the sensor device 154 may be configured to transmit messages to (e.g., directly to) the load control devices of the load control system 100 (e.g., the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) wirelessly via the RF signals 108 in response to the sensor detection event and / or the sensor measurement event. In addition, the sensor device 154 may be configured to transmit messages to the system controller 160 wirelessly via the RF signals 108 in response to the sensor detection event and / or the sensor measurement event (e.g., the message are transmitted indirectly from the sensor device 154 to the load control devices). The sensor device 154 may also be configured to transmit messages to the system controller 160 and / or the load control devices in the load control system 100 via a wired communication link in response to actuation of one or more actuators and / or buttons located thereon. One or more of the load control devices may be responsive to the messages transmitted by the sensor device 154 in response to an input event at the sensor device 154 (e.g., for controlling the one or more electrical loads of the load control system 100).

[0113] While the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 only illustrates one sensor device 154, the load control system 100 may comprise multiple sensor devices configured to receive inputs (e.g., detect input events) in response to environmental characteristics in the load control environment 102. Since multiple sensor devices in the load control system 100 may be responsive to the same sensor detection events and / or sensor measurement events, the multiple sensor devices may be configured to transmit messages including indications of the same sensor detection events and / or sensor measurement events to the system controller 160 and / or the load control devices of the load control system 100. Accordingly, the system controller 160 and / or the load control devices of the load control system 100 may be configured to receive messages from the multiple sensor devicesthat are correlated (e. ., include indications of the same sensor detection events and / or sensor measurement events).

[0114] In some examples, the sensor device 154 may operate as an ambient light sensor and / or a daylight sensor, and may be configured to perform a sensor measurement event to measure a light intensity level (e.g., an ambient light intensity level and / or a daylight intensity level) in the load control environment. The sensor device 154 may be configured to transmit one or more messages including an indication of the measured light intensity level and / or control data based on the measured light intensity level via the RF signals 108. For example, the system controller 160 may be configured to receive the one or more messages including the indication of and / or the control data based on the measured light intensity level, and may be configured to control one or more of the load control devices in the load control system 100 (e.g., to control respective intensity levels of one or more of the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) based on the indication of and / or the control data based on the measured light intensity level.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 154 may operate as an occupancy sensor and / or a vacancy sensor configured to perform a sensor detection event todetect occupancy and / or vacancy conditions in the load control environment. The sensor device 154 may be configured to detect an occupancy condition or a vacancy condition in response to occupancy or vacancy, respectively, of an occupant in the load control environment. For example, the sensor device 154 may comprise a passive infrared (PIR) sensor capable of detecting the occupancy condition or the vacancy condition in response to the presence or absence, respectively, of the occupant. In addition, the sensor device 154 may comprise an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a microwave sensor, a motion sensor, or other suitable sensor. The sensor device 154 may transmit one or more messages including indications of the occupancy conditions or vacancy conditions, and / or control data generated in response to the occupancy and / or vacancy conditions. For example, the system controller 160 may be configured to receive the one or more messages including the indications of and / or the control data based on the occupancy and / or vacancy conditions, and may be configured to control one or more of the load control devices in the loadcontrol system 100 (e.g., to turn one or more of the lighting loads of the load control system 100 on or off) based on the indications of and / or the control data based on the occupancy and / or vacancy conditions.

[0116] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 154 may operate as a visible light sensor e.g., including a camera and / or other device capable of sensing visible light). The sensor device 154 may be capable of performing the sensor detection event and / or sensor measurement event by processing one or more images of the load control environment 102 (e.g., as recorded by the camera). For example, the sensor device 154 may comprise a visible light sensing circuit having an image recording circuit (e.g., such as a camera) and an image processing circuit. The image processing circuit may comprise a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a programmable logic device (PLD), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device capable of processing images or levels of visible light. The sensor device 154 may be positioned towards the load control environment to sense (e.g, detect and / or measure) one or more environmental characteristics in the load control environment. The image recording circuit of the sensor device 154 may be configured to record (e.g, capture) the one or more images. The image recording circuit may provide the captured image to the image processing circuit. The image processing circuit may be configured to process the image into sensor data (e.g., one or more sense signals) that is representative of the one or more environmental characteristics. The one or more environmental characteristics may be interpreted from the sensor data (e.g., the sense signals) by a control circuit of the sensor device 154 or the sensor data (e.g., the sense signals) may be transmitted to one or more other devices (e.g, via the RF signals 108) for interpreting the one or more environmental characteristics. For example, the one or more environmental characteristics interpreted from the sensor data (e.g., the sense signals) may comprise an occurrence of movement, an amount of movement, a direction of movement, a velocity of movement, a counted number of occupants, an occupancy condition, a vacancy condition, a light intensity, a color of visible light, a color temperature of visible light, an amount of direct sunlight penetration, or another environmental characteristic in the load control environment. In another example, the sensor device 154 may provide a raw image or a processed (e.g, preprocessed) image to one or more other devices in the load control system 100 for furtherprocessing. The sensor device 154 may operate as a color temperature sensor when sensing the color temperature of the visible light. The load control system 100 may comprise a processing device, such as a system controller 160. For example, the system controller 160 may operate as an intermediary device and / or a central processing device for one or more other devices in the load control system 100. The system controller 160 may be configured to communicate messages (e.g., digital messages) to and from the control devices (e.g., the input control devices and the load control devices of the load control system 100). The system controller 160 may be configured to receive messages from the input control devices (e.g., the first and second remote control devices 150, 152) and transmit messages to the load control devices (e.g., the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) in response to the messages received from the input control devices. The system controller 160 may route the messages based on the association information stored thereon. The messages from the input control devices and / or to the load control devices may be communicated via the RF signals 108.

[0117] The system controller 160 may be configured to transmit messages to the load control devices for controlling the lighting loads (e.g., the light source 112, the LED light source 122, the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142) in response to the messages received from the input control devices (e.g., via the RF signals 108). For example, the system controller 160 may receive a message indicating an actuation of a button from an input control device (e.g., such as first and second remote control devices 150, 152), and transmit a message to one or more of the load control devices for controlling the lighting loads. For example, the input control devices may be configured to control (e.g., indirectly control) the lighting loads (e.g., the light source 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130) by transmitting messages to the system controller 160 that cause the system controller 160 to transmit messages including commands for controlling the lighting loads to the load control devices. Though the system controller 160 is described as communicating messages between devices in the load control system 100, messages may be communicated directly between devices (e.g., between the input control devices and / or the load control devices). The messages may include configuration data for configuring the input control devices and / or the load control devices, and / or the messages may include control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling thelighting loads. The system controller 160 may be coupled to a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. The system controller 160 may be wirelessly connected to the network, e.g., using WI-FI technology. The system controller 160 may be coupled to the network via a network communication bus (e.g., an Ethernet communication link).

[0118] The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the input control devices (e.g., the first and second remote control devices 150, 152) and / or the system controller 160. For example, one or more of the load control devices may be associated with one of the input control devices during a configuration procedure of the load control system 100. During normal operation of the load control system 100, the load control devices may be responsive to messages received from the input control devices to which the respective load control devices are associated.

[0119] The input control devices and / or the system controller 160 may be configured to activate a scene (e.g., a preset) associated with the lighting loads (e.g., the light source 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130). A scene may be associated with one or more predetermined settings of the lighting loads, such as an intensity level and / or a color (e.g., a color temperature and / or a full color) of the lighting loads. The scenes may be configured via the input control devices and / or the system controller 160. The input control devices may be configured to switch between different operational modes. An operational mode may be associated with controlling different types of electrical loads or different operational aspects of one or more electrical loads of the load control system 100 (e.g., electrical loads including and / or other than the lighting loads shown in FIG. 1). Examples of operational modes may include a lighting control mode for controlling one or more lighting loads (e.g., which in turn may include an intensity-adjustment mode, a color-temperature-adjustment mode, and / or a full-color-adjustment mode), an entertainment system control mode (e.g., for controlling music selection and / or the volume of an audio system), an heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system control mode, a winter treatment device control mode (e.g., for controlling one or more shades), and / or the like. The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lightingdevice 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) may be configured to control the respective lighting loads (e.g., the light source 112, the LED light source 122, the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142) in response to scenes selected by the input control devices and / or the system controller 160. For example, the messages transmitted by the input control devices in response to a scene being selected may include an indication of the selected scene. The load control devices may have stored in memory thereon the particular intensity levels, colors (e.g, full colors), and / or color temperatures to which to control the respective lighting loads in response to the selected scenes.

[0120] The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer 110, the LED driver 120, the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the plug-in load control device 140) of the load control system 100 may each be configured to determine an ambient light intensity level LAMB in a respective space in which each of the load control devices is installed. The load control devices may each be configured to, for example, measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which each of the load control devices is installed. For example, the dimmer 110 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB at, for example, a front surface the dimmer switch 110 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). In some examples, the load control devices may each be configured to receive, via the RF signals 108, a message including an indication of the ambient light intensity level LAMB (e.g., in the space in which each of the load control devices is installed) from the sensor device 154. Additionally and / or alternatively, the system controller 160 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB and transmit messages including the ambient light intensity level LAMB to the load control devices. Although the load control devices and input devices (e.g., all of the load control device and input devices) are illustrated and described as if they are in the same space, in some examples, any combination of the load control device and / or input devices could be in different spaces.

[0121] The load control devices may be responsive to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB, the load control devices may each be configured to control the respective lighting load (e.g., the light source 112 controlled by the dimmer 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, the LED light source of the controllable lighting device 130, and / or the light source 142 controlled by the plug-in load controldevice 140). In addition, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to adjust the operating mode and / or reconfigure the operation of the respective load control device in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. The load control devices may each be configured to operate in different operating modes. For example, the different operating modes may be a first mode, such as a normal mode, and a second mode, such as a dark mode (e.g., a night mode). For the purposes of the description herein, the first mode may be referred to as the normal mode and the second mode may be referred to as the dark mode.

[0122] When operating in the dark mode, the load control devices may each be configured to control the respective lighting load according to a different fade rate and / or fade time period when turning on or turning off the respective lighting load based on whether the load control device is operating in the normal mode or the dark mode. As noted herein, the load control devices may each be configured to operate in the dark mode when the space in which the load control device is located has little to no ambient light (e.g., when it is nighttime and the space is dark). In such situations, the user’s eyes might benefit from more time to adjust to the changing light level when turning the respective lighting load on and off. As such, the load control devices may each be configured to control the respective lighting load according to a slower fade time when turning on or turning off the respective lighting load when operating in the dark mode as compared to when operating in the normal mode.

[0123] The load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LA B. For instance, the load control devices may each be configured to switch from the normal mode to the dark mode when the ambient light intensity level LAMB is below a first ambient light threshold (e.g., a dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER). The load control devices may each be configured to switch from the dark mode to the normal mode when the ambient light intensity level LAMB is above a second ambient light threshold (e.g., a dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT), where for instance, the second ambient light threshold may be greater than the first ambient light threshold. The load control devices may each be configured with multiple ambient light thresholds to provide hysteresis. In some examples, the first and second ambient light thresholds may be the same value (e.g., the load control devices may each switch between darkmode and normal mode, and vice versa, based on a single ambient light threshold. In some examples, the load control devices may each be configured to determine (e.g., only determine) to switch between the normal mode and the dark mode when the respective lighting load is off because, for example, light emitted by the lighting load may distort the measurements of the ambient light intensity level LAMB when the lighting load is on and determining the ambient light intensity level LA B when the lighting load is off may provide the load control device with a better indication of whether it is nighttime. As such, the load control devices may each be configured to operate in the dark mode when the control device is in a space with little to no ambient light e.g., when it is nighttime and the space is dark).

[0124] The load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to prioritize (e.g., favor) operating in one of the normal mode or the dark mode over operating in the other one of the normal mode or the dark mode. For example, the load control devices may each be configured to prioritize operating in the normal mode over operating in the dark mode. The load control devices may each be configured to favor entering the normal mode over entering the dark mode by processing the determined ambient light intensity level LA B differently when operating in the normal mode than when operating in the dark mode. For example, the load control devices may each be configured to use different filtering techniques on the determined ambient light intensity level LAMB depending on whether the load control device is operating in the normal mode or the dark mode. The load control devices may each be configured to use, for example, a heavy filtering technique (e.g., a slow filtering technique) when operating in the normal mode, and a light filtering technique (e.g., a fast filtering technique) when operating in the dark mode to, for example, prioritize operating in the normal mode over operating in the dark mode. When operating in the normal mode, the load control devices may each be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level LAMB is below the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER (e.g., when the lighting load is off). When operating in the dark mode, the load control devices may each be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level LAMB is above the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT (e.g., when the lighting load is off). Therefore, for example, the load control devices may each be less likely to exitnormal mode and enter dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB than the control device is to exit dark mode and enter normal mode. For example, the load control devices may each be configured to favor entering the normal mode over entering the dark mode in order to avoid entering the dark mode as a result of a short-term darkening around of the control device, such as a shadow of a user of the control device 200 falling on the control device 200. In some examples, the load control devices may each be configured to prioritize operating in the dark mode over operating in the normal mode.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may be configured to determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on a schedule (e.g., a timeclock schedule). The load control devices may each be configured to determine a present time and determine to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on present time and event times and / or time windows of the schedule. For example, the load control devices may each be configured to execute a timeclock to keep track of the present time. In addition, the load control devices may each be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) including the present time and / or a command to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode (e.g., that is based on a schedule) from the system controller 160. For example, the load control devices may each determine to operate in the normal mode during a first time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between a first time to a second time) and determine to operate in the dark mode during a second time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between the second time and the first time). In some examples, the first and second times of the schedule may be absolute times, such as 8 A M. and 5 P.M., respectively (e.g., based on typical working hours). In addition, the first and second times of the schedule may be determined based on sunrise and sunset times (e.g., when the timeclock is an astronomical or real-time clock).

[0126] When operating in the normal mode, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to fade on the respective lighting load using a normal fade-on rate RON-NORM that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a normal full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-NORM, and to fade off the lighting load using a normal fade-off rate ROFF-NORM that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-DARK. The normal full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade on thelighting load from off to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., 100%) and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade off the lighting load from the high-end intensity level LHE to off. For example, the normal full-range fade-on timeperiod TON-FULL-NORM and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may both be approximately 0.75 seconds. When operating in the normal mode, the load control devices may each be configured to fade on and off the respective lighting load using a linear fade-on profile and a linear fade-off profile based on the normal fade-on rate RON-NORM and the normal fade-off rate ROFF-NORM, respectively. When fading on (e.g., turning on) the respective lighting load while in the normal operating mode, the load control devices may each be configured to increase the target intensity level LTRGT of the respective lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD with respect to time using the normal fade-on rate RON-NORM over the normal fade-on timeperiod TON-NORM. When fading off (e.g., turning off) the respective lighting load while in the normal operating mode, the load control devices may each be configured to decrease the target intensity level LTRGT of the respective lighting load to off using the normal fade-off ROFF-NORM rate over the normal fade-off time period TOFF-NORM. When operating in the normal mode, the turn-on fade rate RON-NORM and / or the turn-off fade rate ROFF-NORM may be a constant rate (e.g., approximately 100% / 0.75 seconds).

[0127] When operating in the dark mode, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to control the respective lighting load to fade on and fade off over longer actual fade-on time periods and longer fade-off time periods, respectively. For example, when operating in the dark mode, the load control devices may each be configured to fade on the respective lighting load using a dark fade-on rate RON-DARK that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK, and to fade off the respective lighting load with a dark fade-off rate ROFF-DARK that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a dark fullrange fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-DARK. The dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK may be a time period required fade on the respective lighting load from off to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., 100%) and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade off the respective lighting load from the high-end intensity level LHE to off. The dark full-range fade-on and fade-off time periods TON-FULL-DARK, TOFF-FULL-DARK may be longer thanthe normal full-range fade time periods TON-FULL-NORM, TOFF-FULL-NORM, respectively. For example, the dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK may be approximately 8 seconds and the dark full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-D RK may both be approximately 6 seconds.

[0128] In some examples, the dark fade-on rate RON-DARK and / or the dark fade-offrate ROFF-DARK may be variable (e.g., may change) with respect to time. For example, the variable fade-on profile may define a relationship (e.g., a quadratic relationship) between the target intensity level LTRGT and time t, where the dark fade-on rate RON- DARK increase with respect to time (e.g., the variable fade-on profile may be a quadratic fade-on profile). For instance, the target intensity level LTRGT may be defined by a quadratic curve (e.g., an exponential curve) between the low-end intensity level LLE and the high-end intensity level LHE as time ranges from zero seconds to the dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK. The quadratic curve may be defined by a slope (e.g., the dark fade-on rate RON-DARK) that increases with time.

[0129] In some examples, the system controller 160 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB and transmit messages to the load control devices based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the system controller 160 may be configured to determine whether the load control devices should each operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB, and transmit messages including commands to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode to the load control devices. In addition, the system controller 160 may be configured to determine whether the system controller 160 should operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB, and transmit commands to the load control devices based on whether the system controller 160 is operating in the normal mode or the dark mode. For example, when operating the normal mode, the system controller 160 may transmit a normal-on command and a normal-off command for controlling the lighting loads to turn on and off, respectively. In addition, when operating the dark mode, the system controller 160 may transmit a dark-on command and a dark-off command for controlling the lighting loads to turn on and off, respectively.

[0130] As such, when operating in the dark mode, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may each be configured to fade on or off the respective lighting load over a longer time period as compared to when operating in a normal mode, which may allow a user’s eyesto adjust to the changing light level when the lighting load is in a dark space. That is, when operating in dark mode, the load control devices may each fade on slower (e.g., to allow a user’s eyes to adjust easier to the increasing light emitted by the lighting load in the dark or nighttime environment) and fade off slower (t?.g, to allow the user to move around before the space gets too dark to see).

[0131] It should be appreciated that, although a lighting control system with one or more lighting loads are provided examples herein, a load control system as described herein may include more or fewer lighting loads, other types of lighting loads, and / or other types of electrical loads that may be configured to be controlled by the one or more control devices described herein. That is, the control devices are not limited to the control of just lighting loads. For example, the load control system may include one or more of and the control devices may be configured to control 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 the intensity level of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance on and off; a plug-in control device, controllable electrical receptacle, 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 a motorized window treatment or a projection screen; one or more motorized interior and / or exterior shutters; 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 (FIVAC) 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 use in radiators 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; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and / or the like.

[0132] FIG. 2A is a perspective front view and FIG. 2B is a front view of an example control device 200 that may be deployed as the dimmer 110, the first remote control device 150, and / or the second remote control device 152 in the load control system 100. The control device 200 may comprise a user interface 202 and a faceplate 204. The control device 200 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load (e.g., such as a lighting load). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off or adjust the intensity level of the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g, a controllably conductive device of the control device 200) and / or by transmitting a message for controlling the lighting load via a communication circuit, e.g., via one or more wireless signals, such as radiofrequency (RF) signals.

[0133] The user interface 202 that may include one or more actuators that may be configured to provide local control commands of the electrical load to control a characteristic of the electrical load (e.g., on / off status, intensity and / or color of a lighting load, speed of a motor, etc.), For example, the user interface 202 of the control device 200 may include an actuation member 210 that is configured to be mounted to a base portion 312 (e.g., a bezel) of the control device 200. The base portion 212 may be configured to be received in an opening 205 of the faceplate 204. The actuation member 210 may be received in an opening 211 of base portion 212the base portion 212, such that a gap 213 is formed between the actuation member 210 and the base portion 212 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B). The actuation member 210 may comprise a front surface 214 including an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218. The actuation member 210 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 202 (e.g., a central axis) in response to a tactile actuation (e.g., a tactile input) of the upper portion 216 and the lower portion 218. Alternatively or additionally, the front surface 214 of the actuation member 210 may comprise a touch sensitive surface (e.g., capacitive touch sensitive surface), and the control device may be responsive to touch actuations along the front surface 214 of the actuation member 210. Examples of a control device that includes an actuation member whose front surface includes a touch sensitive surface can be found in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2021 / 0068238, published March 4, 2021, entitled CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A VISIBLE INDICATOR, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference. In some of these instances, the base portion 212 may comprise a touch sensitive surface (e.g., as opposed to the actuation member 210).

[0134] The control device 200 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off in response to receiving an on / off command (e.g., on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command). The control device 200 may be configured to receive an on / off command, for example, in response to an actuation of the upper portion 216 (e.g., an on command) and / or the lower portion 218 (e.g., an off command) of the actuation member 210 of the control device 200. The control device 200 may be configured to, for example, turn the lighting load on in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 216, and to turn the lighting load off in response to a tactile actuation of the lower portion 218 (or vice versa). For example, the control device 200 may include a load control circuit, such as a controllably conductive device (not shown), which is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) power source, and the lighting load. The control device 200 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to actuations of the actuation member 210. For example, the control device 200 may control the controllable conductive device to connect the power source to the lighting load in response to an actuation of an upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210, and control the controllable conducive device to disconnect the power source from the lighting load in response to an actuation of a lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210. The control device 200 may include one or more mechanical e.g., tactile) switches that are actuated in response to the tactile actuations of the upper and / or lower portions 216, 218 of the actuation member 210, for example, as described herein.

[0135] The control device 200 may be configured to receive an intensity-adjustment command in response to an actuation of an analog intensity adjustment actuator. For example, the position of a movable component of the analog intensity adjustment actuator may indicate a value of a characteristic of an electrical load via local control. The control device 200 is described primarily with reference to intensity control of a lighting load but is not so limited. For example, the analog intensity adjustment actuator of the control device 200 may be configured to provide a local control command of the lighting load, such as, for example, a slider actuator 240 comprising a slider knob 242 movable along a slider slot 222. The control device 200 may be configured to adjust a presentintensity level LPRES of the lighting load between a low-end intensity level LLE (e. ., a minimum intensity level or a low-end trim) to a high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., a maximum intensity level or a high-end trim) in response to the slider actuator 240.

[0136] An analog intensity adjustment actuator may include a movable component, such as a slider knob or rotatory knob, and the position of the movable component (e.g., the position of the slider knob 242 along the length of the slider slot 222 or the rotational position of the rotary knob) may indicate a commanded intensity level LCMD for the lighting load via local control. For example, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may be configured to adjust a variable characteristic, like resistance, that is variable based on the position of the movable component. Stated another way, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may include a movable component that is moveable about the base portion 212 of the control device 200, and the position of the movable component (e.g., relative to the base portion 212) may indicate the commanded intensity level LCMD of the lighting load via local control. In some examples, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may include a potentiometer (e.g., a potentiometer that is an analog circuit and / or or a digital potentiometer circuit). For instance, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may include an intensity adjustment actuator that is commonly used in an analog dimmer switch (e.g., a dimmer switch that does not include a microprocessor but allows for intensity adjustment), for example, even though the control device 200 may comprises a control circuit (e.g., as described herein). Finally, although primarily described in context of a slider actuator 240 that moves or slides along the slider slot 222 (e.g., moves continuously along the slider slot 222), in other examples the control device 200 may include a slider actuator that moves in discrete increments (e.g., steps) along the slider slot 222.

[0137] The control device 200 may be configured to control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., and thus the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to movement of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. Accordingly, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from an initial intensity level LINIT to a commanded intensity level LCMD in response to actuation of the intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., movement of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222). The initial intensity level LINIT may be the intensity level of the lighting load before actuation, while the commanded intensity level LCMD may be determined based on the relative position of the sliderknob 242 along the slider slot 222 in response to user actuation. The control device 200 may be configured to determine the commanded intensity level LCMD for the lighting load in response to the position of the slider knot 242 along the slider slot 222. As such, the control device 200 may receive a local control command of the lighting load in response to actuation of the intensity adjustment actuator by the user. Further, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust a target intensity level LTRGT of the lighting load based on the commanded intensity level LCMD. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the target intensity level LTRGT with respect to time until the target intensity level LTRGT is equal to the commanded intensity level LC D.

[0138] When, for example, the lighting load is on, the control device 200 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. When the lighting load is off, the control device 200 may not adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 242. But, when the lighting load is off and the upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210 is actuated, the control device 200 may turn on the lighting load to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222.

[0139] Although illustrated as moving in a linear, vertical direction, the slider knob 242 (e.g., and slider slot 222) may be configured to move in a linear, horizontal direction or a linear, diagonal direction across the base portion 212 and / or the actuation portion 210, and / or the slider knob 242 may be configured to move in a non-linear direction, such as a circular direction or a winding direction across the base portion 212 and / or the actuation portion 210. For instance, in some examples, the slider slot 222 may be circular (e.g., semi-circular) or another continuous non-linear shape. Further, in some examples, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may include a rotary knob (e.g., a non-continuously-rotatable rotary knob) that is configured to be rotatable with respect to the base portion 212 to provide a local control command of the lighting load. For instance, the rotary knob may be characterized by non-continuous rotation between a high-end stopping point (e.g., associated with high-end power being delivered to the electrical load, such as the high-end intensity level LHE of a lighting load) and a low-end stopping point (e.g., associated with low-end power being delivered to the electrical load, such as the low-end intensity level LLE of a lighting load).

[0140] Further, as described in more detail herein, the control device 200 may be configured to fade (e.g., adjust over time) the target intensity level LTRGT of the lighting load over time when turning the lighting load on or off. For example, when the control device 200 receives a command to turn on the lighting load, the control device 200 may adjust the target intensity level LTRGT of the lighting load over a fade time period (e.g., upwards of 0.75 seconds) between the present intensity level LPRES and the commanded intensity level LCMD). The command could be received via the actuation member 210, the analog intensity adjustment actuator, and / or from a remote device, such as via a message (e.g., a digital message) that is received by the control device 200 from a remote control device, a system controller (e.g., such as the system controller 160 of FIG. 1), and / or an external sensor device (e.g., such as the sensor device 154 of FIG. 1). The target intensitylevel LTRGT may refer to an instantaneous intensity level of the lighting load to which the control device 200 is controlling the lighting load during the fade time period. The control device 200 finishes the fade-on or fade-off of the lighting load when the target intensity level LTRGT equals the commanded intensity level LCMD (e.g., where the commanded intensity level LC D is zero when turning the lighting load off, and the commanded intensity level LCMD is based on the position of the slider knob 242 when turning the lighting load on).

[0141] The control device 200 may include a potentiometer, which may be adjusted in response to a user input provided to the slider knob 242 in order to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. For example, the potentiometer may generate a direct-current (DC) voltage representative of the desired amount of power to be delivered to the electrical load. In some examples, the potentiometer may provide a variable resistance based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. For example, the potentiometer may be coupled to intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the slider knob 242), for example, as described in more detail herein. The slider knob 242 may allow a user to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE to the high-end intensity level LHE. Alternatively, in some examples, the control device 200 may include a linear encoder, a combination of a wiper and a resistive trace on a printed circuit board of the control device 200, a mechanical or magnetic encoder, etc. instead of a potentiometer.

[0142] The slider knob 242 may be configured to move along (e.g., within) an elongated slot, such as the slider slot 222, in a front surface 215 of the base portion 212. The slider slot 222 may be an elongated opening in the base portion 212 of the control device 200. For example, the slider slot 222 may be located adjacent to the actuation member 210. Alternatively, the slider slot 222 may be located in the actuation member 210, and for example, may move in response to actuations of the actuation member 210. Further, in some instances, the slider slot 222 may be located in the faceplate 204, for example, in instances where the faceplate 204 is part of the control device 200.

[0143] The slider knob 242 may be configured to move in a linear direction, such as a vertical direction along the slider slot 222 between a low-end position 234 (as shown in FIG. 2A, where the slider knob 242 is located at the bottom of the slider slot 222) and a high-end position 236 (e.g, where the slider knob 242 is located at the top of the slider slot 222). The slider knob 242 may allow for adjustment of the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE (e.g, when the slider knob 242 is located in the low-end position 234) to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., when the slider knob 242 is located in the high-end position 236).Accordingly, the slider knob 242 may be configured to move in a vertical direction along the length of the slider slot 222 of the base portion 212, and the base portion 212 may be configured to be received in the opening 205 of the faceplate 204.

[0144] Further, although illustrated and described as being configured to move in the vertical direction, in some examples the slider knob 242 may be configured to move in the horizontal direction. In such instances, the slider slot 222 may be located in the base portion 212 above or below the actuation member 210 (e.g., or within the actuation member 210) along the horizontal direction. Further, in such instances, the low-end position may be towards the leftmost side of the slider slot 222, while the high-end position may be towards the rightmost side of the slider slot 222.

[0145] The user interface 202 may include a visible display, such as an illumination surface 224. For example, a front surface of a diffuser 220 may define the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202. As such, for example, the user interface 202 may comprise the length of the slider slot 222. The illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 may be illuminated to provide feedback, such as the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. As described in more detail below, the illumination surface 224 may be illuminated using one or more light sources(e.g., internal light sources) of the control device 200, such as top-firing (e.g., top-emitting) or side-firing (e.g., side-emitting) light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. Accordingly, the control device 200 may be configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the visible display (e.g., to provide feedback indicating the intensity level of the lighting load). Finally, in some examples, the control device 200 may include one or more light pipes, where each light pipe may be configured to guide light from one or more of the one or more light sources to the linear array of visible indicators to indicate the intensity level of the lighting load. For example, the one or more light pipes may extend from respective ones of the one or more light sources to the illumination surface 224.

[0146] The slider slot 222 (e.g., the combination of the slider knob 242 and the illumination surface 224) may provide multiple types of feedback, such as any combination of an indication of the amount of power provided to the electrical load (e.g., the intensity level of a lighting load, the speed of a ceiling fan, etc.), an indication of whether the slider knob 242 is in synchronization with (e.g., aligned with) the amount of power being provided to the electrical load, an indication of one or more characteristics of the electrical load (e.g., a color and / or color temperature of light emitted from a lighting load), and / or the like. For example, the illumination surface 224 may provide feedback indicating the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. In examples where the control device 200 is configured to adjust a color (e.g., color temperature) of a lighting load, the illumination surface 224 may provide feedback indicating the color of the lighting load (e.g., the control device 200 may illuminate the illumination surface 224 along a color gradient for color control (e.g., cool white at one end and warm white at another end of the illumination surface 224)).

[0147] The diffuser 220 may be located adjacent (e.g., behind) the slider slot 222, for example, such that the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 may be visible from in front of the control device 200 (e.g., visible to a user standing in front of the control device 200). The diffuser 220 (e.g., the elongated portions of the diffuser 220) may be linear. In some examples, the diffuser 220 may extend along (e.g., behind) the base portion 212 adjacent the actuation member 210. Alternatively, the diffuser 220 may extend along (e.g., behind) the front surface 214 of the actuation member 210. In some examples, the diffuser 220 may be located behind the slider knob 242 (e.g., farther from the front surface 215 of the base portion 212 than the slider knob 242).As an example and as described below, at least a portion of the diffuser 220 may be mechanically coupled to the slider knob 242. In such instances, the diffuser 220 may be configured to move behind the slider slot 222 in response to movements of the slider knob 242. Alternatively, in some examples, at least a portion of the diffuser 220 may affixed in place (e.g., not coupled to the slider knob 242), and for instance, located behind the slider knob 242.

[0148] The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 using the one or more light sources of the control device 200 to visibly display information, such as the intensity level of one or more lighting loads controlled by the control device 200. For example, the illumination surface 224 may be configured to be illuminated to display the amount of power delivered to an electrical load(s) (e.g., the intensity level of the lighting load(s), the amount of power delivered to a motor, e.g., that controls a fan or motorized window treatment, etc.) controlled by the control device 200 based on the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 between the low-end position 234 and the high-end position 236). For example, the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the diffuser 220) may be configured to diffuse (e.g., spread or scatter) light received from the one or more light sources to provide feedback (e.g., to display the amount of power delivered to an electrical load(s)).

[0149] In some examples, the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 may be configured to be illuminated in a plurality of segments. For instance, the illumination on the illuminated surface 224 may define a plurality of discrete segments that can be controllably illuminated by the control device 200. As described in more detail herein, the control device 200 may comprise a tunnel structure located between the one or more light sources and the diffuser 220. The tunnel structure may include a plurality of apertures that are configured to cause the illumination surface 224 to illuminate a plurality of discrete segments along the slider slot 222. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to control which light sources of the one or more light sources are illuminated (e.g., based on the intensity level of lighting load) such that a corresponding number of segments NFB on the illumination surface 224 are illuminated (e.g., approximately half the segments are illuminated when the lighting load is controlled to 50% intensity level). Further, the tunnel structure may be configured to minimize the amount of light that bleeds between adjacentsegments of the illumination surface 224. For example, the tunnel structure (e.g., the apertures of the tunnel structure) may operate to prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) light emitted from a light source from causing illumination in more than one segment of the illumination surface 224.

[0150] The slider knob 242 may define a length, which may be equal to or greater than the length of each of the plurality of segments. For example, the length of the slider knob 242 and / or the segments may be selected based on a desired ratio between the length of the slider knob 242 and the length of each of the plurality of segments. Further, in other examples, the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 may be configured to be illuminated to create a single continuous bar based on, for example, the intensity level of the lighting load(s) controlled by the control device 200 (e.g., and in some examples, the location of the slider knob 242), such as the examples illustrated in FIG. 5A-5D and 6A-6D. Further, in examples where the control device 200 is configured to adjust the color (e.g., color and / or color temperature) of the lighting load, the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 may be configured to be illuminated with a gradient of colors to create a single continuous color bar based on, for example, the illuminated color of the lighting load(s) controlled by the control device 200.

[0151] The control device 200 may comprise a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit messages (e.g., digital messages) via one or more wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). The message may include the control data (e.g., commands) generated by the control circuit for controlling the lighting load. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) from one or more remote control devices of the load control system (e.g., the first remote control device 150, the second remote control device 152, the sensor device 154, a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, and / or the like) via the wireless communication circuit. For example, the message may include an on / off command (e.g., on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command) for controlling to turn the lighting load controlled by the control device 200 on or off. In response to receiving the messageincluding the on / off command via the wireless communication circuit, the control device 200 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off. In addition, the message may include a command to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 200 to a commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the message. In response to receiving the message including the command via the wireless communication circuit, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level PRES of the lighting load from an initial intensity level LINIT of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the message (e.g., the message may include the commanded intensity level LC D). The wireless communication circuit may enable the control device 200 to receive commands for remote control of the lighting load (e.g., in additional to the local control provided via the actuation member 210 and the intensity adjustment actuator).

[0152] In response to receiving a message (e.g., a digital message) from a remote device, the control device 200 may control the lighting load to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the command in the message. The remote device may, for example, include any combination of the retrofit remote control device 112, the wall-mounted remote control device 114, the tabletop remote control device 116, the handheld remote control device 118, the sensor device 154, the system controller 160, a smart phone, tablet, and / or the like. Further, the control device 200 may illuminate the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. Since, for example, the message may command the control device 200 to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a level that is not synchronized with (e.g., not aligned with) the position of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 such that an illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 does not align with (e.g., track) the position (e.g., location) of the slider knob 242, but does indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. That is, when the commanded intensity level LC D indicated by a message received from a remote device does not correspond with the position of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in accordance with the received message such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with theposition of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. As such, the illuminated feedback provided via the illumination surface 224 is decoupled from the position of the slider knob 242. The control device 200 may be configured to indicate that the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load is out of synchronization with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 by illuminating the illumination surface 224 such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222.

[0153] The position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 may be adjusted by a user after the control device 200 controlled the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD level based on a received message from a remote device (e.g., and the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222). In such instances, and in response to a movement of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242 and control the present intensity level PRES of the lighting load accordingly. In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242 by adjusting the illuminated portion between its initial position and the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., over an adjustment period and / or at an adjustment rate). As such, when the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with position of the slider knob 242 and the position of the slider knob 242 is adjusted, the control device 200 may be configured to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load based on the position of the slider knob 242 and control the one or more light sources to realign the position of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242. For example, when the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is aligned with the position of the slider knob 242, the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 may end between the low-end position 234 and the high-end position 236 of the slider slot 222.

[0154] Accordingly, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that is located below the slider knob 242 within the slider slot 222 in response to movement of the slider knob 242. For example, in response to movement of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 belowthe location of the slider knob 242 without illuminating any portion of the illumination surface 224 located above the slider knob 242. In such examples, the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 may remain at or below the slider knob 242 and may not extend above the slider knob 242 (e.g., a top edge 247 of the slider knob 242). For instance, the slider knob 242 may be made of an opaque material and the control device 200 may control the one or more light sources such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 remains at or below the slider knob 242 and does not extend above the slider knob 242. Alternatively, in some examples, the slider knob 242 may be made of a translucent (e.g., at least partially translucent) material such that the slider knob 242 is configured to allow the illuminated portion to shine through the slider knob 242 to present feedback to the user. Further, in some instances, the control device 200 may illuminate the entirety of the illumination surface 224 below the slider knob 242 in response to movements of the slider knob 242 (e.g., in a continuous or segmented manner), for example, to indicate to the user that the control device is working properly. In such instances, the control device 200 may leave the illumination surface 224 unilluminated in response to a remote control command.

[0155] However, when the control device 200 receives a message (e.g., digital message) indicating a commanded intensity level LCMD of the lighting load from a remote device, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 in accordance with the commanded intensity level LCMD, regardless of the position of the slider knob 242. This may result in the control device 200 illuminating a portion of the illumination surface 224 that extends above a top edge 247 of the slider knob 242 and / or falls below a bottom edge 249 of the slider knob 242. As such, the control device 200 may illuminate the diffuser 220 such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222, for example, because the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load does not correspond with the position of the slider knob 242. Further, in some examples and in response to a remote command of the lighting load, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the upper most segment (e.g., only the upper most segment) to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load (e.g., irrespective of the position of the sliderknob 242, to for example, indicate that the illumination surface 224 is decoupled from the position of the slider knob 242).

[0156] Further, if the control device 200 was turned off when the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 242, but then control device 200 is turned back on using the actuation member 210, then the control device 200 may be configured to control the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the slider knob 242. However, in other examples, the control device may be configured to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a previous intensity level LPREV to which the lighting load was previously controlled prior to when the control device 200 was last turned off (e.g., which may have been based on local or remote control).

[0157] In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the visible display (e.g., the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224) in different manners and / or using different parameters based on whether the control is received via a local control command (e.g., via an actuation of the actuation member 210 and / or via movement of the slider knob 242) or the control is received via a remote control command (e.g., a remote message received via a remote control device). For instance, the control device 200 may be configured with multiple ranges (e.g., buckets) that are used when determining which light sources to illuminate to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. Each bucket may define one or more of an upper threshold and a lower threshold, where the thresholds define the boundaries between the multiple buckets. The threshold(s) of the buckets may be defined in terms of the dimming range of the control device 200 (e.g., values across a dimming range, such as 0-255 dimming range). In some examples, the buckets may be used to indicate which light sources of the control device 200 are to be illuminated such that a corresponding number of segments NFB are illuminated (e.g., to generate the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224) based on the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load.

[0158] The control device 200 may be configured with different buckets based on whether the command is received via local control or remote control (e.g., local control buckets or remote control buckets). If a single set of buckets is used irrespective of whether a command to change the present intensity level LPRES is received via local control or remote control, the feedback provided byway of the visible display (e.g., the illuminated surface of the user interface 224, such as the one or more segments) may be misleading (e.g., confusing, distorted, and / or unexpected) to the user. For example, the single set of buckets may appropriately provide feedback (e.g., feedback that is not misleading) when the control device receives a remote-control command of the lighting load (e.g, receives a message including a command from a remote device). But, if the same set of buckets is used and the control device receives a local control command of the lighting load (e.g., via the actuation member 210 and / or the slider actuator 240 comprising the slider knob 242), the illuminated portion of the illumination surface may extend above the slider knob, which may result in feedback that confuses the user. Or, if the single set of buckets appropriately provides feedback (e.g., feedback that is not misleading) when the control device receives a local control command of the lighting load, then the same set of buckets may result in feedback that confuses the user if they are used in response to remote control of the lighting load. As such, in some examples, the control device may be configured with different buckets that are used based on whether a command to change the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load is received via local control or remote control. For instance, the buckets used in response to a local control command (e.g., local control buckets) may define different thresholds than the buckets used in response to a remote control command (e.g., remote control buckets).

[0159] Further, in some examples, the visible display may be a continuous light bar (e.g., instead of a plurality of discrete segments). In such examples, the control device 200 may be configured to determine an end of the continuous light bar differently based on whether the control is received via a local control command or a remote control command. In some examples, the control device 200 may determine the end of the continuous light bar using different techniques (e.g., a local control technique and a remote control technique). Alternatively or additionally, the control device 200 may determine different pulse- width modulating (PWM) duty cycles to drive one or more of the light source based on whether the control is received via a local control command or a remote control command.

[0160] The control device 200 may comprise an air-gap actuator 229 configured to open and close an air-gap switch (not shown) that is adapted to be electrically coupled (e.g., substantially directly electrically coupled) in series between the power source and the lighting load. The air-gapswitch may be opened in response to pulling the air-gap switch actuator 229 out from the control device 200 to disconnect the lighting load from the power source to provide an actual air-gap barrier between the power source and the lighting load to facilitate servicing of the lighting load. Actuating the air-gap switch actuator 229 to open the air-gap switch may also cause the control device 200 to become unpowered. In addition, pulling out and then pushing back in the air-gap switch actuator 229 to open and then close the air-gap switch may also cause the control device 200 to reset.

[0161] The control device 200 may change operating mode in response to the actuation or adjustment of a combination of the actuation member 210 and slider knob 242 and / or a reception of a remote control command via an external device (e.g., a mobile application residing on a smartphone and / or tablet that is configured with short-range wireless communication (e.g., using the BLUETOOTH LOW-ENERGY (BLE) protocol), for example. For instance, the control device 200 may change the operating mode in response to the actuation of the lower portion 218 of the action member 210 and by dragging the slider knob 242 from the top of the slider slot 222 to the bottom of the slider slot 222. In another example, the control device may change the operating mode in response to the reception of a control signal from an external device (e.g, the system controller 160).

[0162] One example of a change in operating mode is a change between an intensity control mode and a color control mode (e.g., a color temperature control mode and / or a full color spectrum control mode). Another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode and a commissioning mode that is used to associate the control device 200 with a remote control device. Yet another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode to an advanced programming mode. As described herein, an advanced programming mode may allow configuration and / or adjustment of one or more operating characteristics of the control device and / or the lighting load, such as the low-end intensity level LLE and / or the high-end intensity level LHE of the lighting load.

[0163] FIGs. 3A-3D are front views of the control device 200 illustrating the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 illuminated in segments at various levels based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. FIGs. 4A-4D are front views of the control device 200 illustrating the illumination surface 224 illuminated in segments at various levels based on received messages irrespective of the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. Asshown in FIGs. 3A-3D, the illumination surface 224 may be configured to be illuminated as a segmented bar 225 a plurality of segments 226a-226i (e.g., the illumination of the illumination surface 224 may define a plurality of discrete segments that can be controllably illuminated by the control device 200). It should be appreciated that the segments 226h and 226i are not shown in the figures, but reside above the segment 226g. The control device 200 may comprise a tunnel structure located between the one or more light sources and the diffuser 220, where, for example, the tunnel structure may include a plurality of apertures that are configured to cause the illumination surface 224 to be illuminated as a plurality of discrete segments along the slider slot 222. In the examples shown in FIGs. 3A-3D, the illumination surface 224 is configured to be illuminated in nine discrete segments 226a-226i, wherein the segment 226a is closest to the low-end position 234 of the slider slot 222, and the segment 226i is closest to the high-end position 236 of the slider slot 222.

[0164] In FIGs. 3A-3D, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. In the examples illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3D, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 below the location of the slider knob 242 without illuminating any portion of the illumination surface 224 located above the slider knob 242. In such examples, the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 may remain at or below the slider knob 242 and may not extend above the slider knob 242. For instance, when the slider knob 242 is moved, the control device 200 may adjust the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the number of illuminated segments 226a-226i) to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load and to remain at or below the slider knob 242.

[0165] As noted above, the slider knob 242 may define a length, which may be equal to or greater than the length of each of the plurality of segments. In the examples illustrated inFIGs. 3A-3D and 4A-4D, the illumination surface 224 may define nine discrete segments of illumination. A length of the slider knob 242 and / or the segments of illumination may be selected based on a desired ratio between the length of the slider knob 242 and the length of each of the plurality of segments. For example, the length of the slider knob 242 may be at least two times longer than the length of each of the plurality of segments. As an example, the slider knob 242 may be approximately 0.26 inches long, while each segment is approximately 0.11 inches long. In someexamples, the length of the slider knob 242 and / or the segments may be selected based on a desired ratio between the length of the slider knob 242 and / or the length of each of the plurality of segments with respect to a length of the slider slot 222. For example, the length of the slider knob 242 may be approximately 26% of the length of the slider slot 222, and the length of each of the plurality of segments may be approximately 11% of the length of the slider slot 222. Further, in some instances, the length of the slider slot 222 may be approximately 1 inch long.

[0166] In some examples, the length of each segment and / or the length of the slider knob 242 may be determined such that the illumination and de-illumination (e.g., turning off) of each segment occurs behind the slider knob 242. For example, the slider knob 242 and / or segments may be sized such that, as the slider knob 242 is moved upwards along the slider slot 222, the illumination of each segment occurs behind the slider knob 242. Further, and for example, the slider knob 242 and / or the segments may be sized such that, as the slider knob 242 is moved downwards along the slider slot 222, the de-illumination (e.g., turning off) of each segment occurs behind the slider knob 242. As such, a user of the control device 200 may be unable to see a segment turn on or off while the slider knob 242 is moved along the slider slot 222, which may create a more pleasant user experience.

[0167] In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate an entire segment when the present intensity level LPRES reaches a bucket associated with that segment. For instance, in the example where the illumination on the illumination surface 224 defines nine, discrete segments (e.g., such as is shown in FIGs. 3A-3D), the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the first segment while the present intensity level LPRES is between 0-11%, the first and second segments when the present intensity level LPRES is between 12-22% (e.g., illuminate the second segment when the present intensity level LPRES is greater than or equal to 12%), the first, second, and third segments when the present intensity level LPRES is between 23-33% (e.g., illuminate the third segment when the present intensity level LPRES is greater than or equal to 23%), etc., and all nine segments when the present intensity level LPRES is between 89-100%.

[0168] Referring FIGs. 4A-4D, and as noted herein, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load based on messages received from one or more remote devices (e.g., the retrofit remote control device 112, the wall-mountedremote control device 114, the tabletop remote control device 116, the handheld remote control device 118, a smart phone, tablet, and / or the like). The messages may include a command to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 200 to a commanded intensity level LCMD. In such instances, the control device 200 may adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222.

[0169] For example, in FIGs. 4A, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a commanded intensity level LCMD that is less than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., remains below the bottom edge 249 of the slider knob 242). In the example of FIGs. 4A, the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be between 12-22% since the first and second segments 226a, 226b are illuminated. For example, the commanded intensity level LC D in the received message may be 15% (e.g., between 12-22%). In response to receiving the message, the control device 200 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the received message (e.g., 15%), and illuminate the first and second segments 226a, 226b to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load even though the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 does not align with the position of the slider knob 242.

[0170] In FIGs. 4B, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a commanded intensity level LCMD that is at or just below the position of the slider knob 242 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that appears to align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., the illuminated portion may be aligned with or close enough that it is not discernible). In the example of FIGs. 4B, the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be between 34-55% since the illuminated portion of theillumination surface 224 ends behind the slider knob 242 and either the first through fourth segments 226a-226d or the first through fifth segments 226a-226e are illuminated. For example, the commanded intensity level LCMD in the received message may be 50%. In response to receiving the message, the control device 200 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the received message (e.g., 50%), and illuminate the first through fifth segments 226a-226e) of the illumination surface 224 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. In this example, it just so happens that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 does appear to align with the position of the slider knob 242.

[0171] In FIGs. 4C, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a commanded intensity level LCMD that is greater than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., remains above the top edge 247 of the slider knob 242). In the example of FIGs. 4C, the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be between 67-77% since the first through seventh segments 226a-226g are illuminated. For example, the commanded intensity level LCMD in the received message may be 75% (e.g., between 67-77%). In response to receiving the message, the control device 200 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LC D indicated by the received message, and illuminate the first through seventh segments 226a-226g to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load even though the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 does not align with the position of the slider knob 242.

[0172] Similarly, in FIGs. 4D, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a commanded intensity level LCMD that is less than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., remains above the top edge 247 of the slider knob 242). In the example of FIG. 4D, the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be between 89-100% since thefirst and second segments 226a, 226b are illuminated. For example, the commanded intensity level LCMD in the received message may be 95% (e.g, between 89-100%). In response to receiving the message, the control device 200 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the intensity level indicated by the received message, and illuminate the first through nineth segments 226a-226i to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load even though the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 does not align with the position of the slider knob 242. According, in response to receiving a remote control command, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 to provide feedback that provides an indication that the present intensity level LPRES is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 242, an indication of whether the present intensity level LPRES is higher or lower than an intensity associated with the position of the slider knob 242, and / or an a relative indication of just how far off the present intensity level LPRES is from the intensity associated with the position of the slider knob 242.

[0173] Further, in some examples, the control device may be configured to illuminate segments (e.g., only those segments) that are visible and not hidden behind the slider knob 242. Also, in other examples, the control device 200 may only illuminate the upper most segment (e.g., just the fifth segment when the intensity level is between 44-55% rather than the first through fifth segments 226a-226e), for example, to indicate that the control device 200 is presently controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on a control message from an external device and not based on the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., when the illuminated portion and the slider knob 242 are mis-aligned).

[0174] The control device 200 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g, the segments 226a-226i) with the position of the slider knob 242 if the position of the slider knob 242 moves (e.g., when the illuminated portion was unsynchronized with the position of the slider knob 242, such as after controlling the lighting load and the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 in response to a message received from a remote device). For example, if, based on a received message from a remote device, the control device 200 is controlling the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that is different than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 4A, 4C,and 4D) and the position of the slider knob 242 of the control device 200 is later adjusted, the control device 200 may realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e. ., the segments 226a-226i) with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3D) and control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load accordingly. In some instances, when the control device 200 realigns the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may adjust the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e. , the segments 226a-226i) to the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., over an adjustment period and / or at an adjustment rate).

[0175] As such, the control device 200 may be configured to align the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the segments 226a-226i) with the position of the slider knob 242 when the slider knob 242 is used to control the present intensity level LPRES of a lighting load, while also being configured to control the lighting load in response to messages received from remote devices and provide feedback accordingly, even if the intensity level indicated by the message does not align with the position of the slider knob 242. Therefore, the control device 200 may always provide feedback regarding the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load regardless of the position of the slider knob 242.

[0176] FIGs. 5A-5D are front views of the control device 200 illustrating the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 being illuminated in a continuous bar 228 at various levels based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. FIGs. 6A-6D are front views of the control device 200 illustrating the illumination surface 224 being illuminated in a continuous bar 228 at various levels based on received messages irrespective of the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. As shown in FIGs. 5A-D, the illumination surface 224 may be configured to be illuminated as a continuous bar 228, for example, instead of a plurality of discrete segments, such as is illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3D. The illuminated portion of the continuous bar 228 may be configured to end at any level between the low-end position 234 and the high-end position 236 of the illumination surface 224, based on the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. Examples of a control device that is configured to illuminate a continuous bar can be found in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2021 / 0068238, published March 4, 2021,entitled CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A VISIBLE INDICATOR, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0177] In the examples illustrated in FIGs. 5A-5D, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 below the location of the slider knob 242 without illuminating any portion of the illumination surface 224 located above the slider knob 242. In such examples, the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e. , the continuous bar 228) may remain at or below the slider knob 242 and may not extend above the slider knob 242. For instance, when the slider knob 242 is moved, the control device 200 may adjust illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load and to remain at or below the slider knob 242.

[0178] Referring to FIGs. 6A-6D, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load based on messages received from one or more remoted devices (e.g., the retrofit remote control device 112, the wall-mounted remote control device 114, the tabletop remote control device 116, the handheld remote control device 118, a smart phone, tablet, and / or the like). The messages may include a command to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 200 to a commanded intensity level LCMD. In such instances, the control device 200 may adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of illumination surface 224 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222.

[0179] For example, in FIGs. 6 A, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that is less than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that does not align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g. remains below the bottom edge 249 of the slider knob 242).

[0180] In FIGs. 6B, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that is at, just above, or just below the position ofthe slider knob 242 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 that appears to align with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., the illuminated portion may be aligned with the slider knob 242 or close enough that it is not discernible). In this example, it just so happens that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the continuous bar 228) does appear to align with the position of the slider knob 242.

[0181] In FIGs. 6C and 6D, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that is greater than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 based on a received message from a remote device, and the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 224 in the slider slot 222 that rises above the top edge 247 of the slider knob 242.

[0182] The control device 200 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242 if the position of the slider knob 242 moves (e.g., when the illuminated portion was unsynchronized with the position of the slider knob 242, such as after controlling the load and the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 in response to a message received from a remote device). For example, if, based on a received message from a remote device, the control device 200 is controlling the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to an intensity level that is different than the intensity level associated with the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 6A, 6C, and 6D) and the position of the slider knob 242 of the control device 200 is later adjusted, the control device 200 may realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the continuous bar 228) with the position of the slider knob 242 in the slider slot 222 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGs. 5A-5D) and control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load accordingly. In some instances, when the control device 200 realigns the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 with the position of the slider knob 242, the control device 200 may adjust the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., the continuous bar 228) to the position of the slider knob 242 (e.g., over an adjustment period and / or at an adjustment rate).

[0183] As such, the control device 200 may be configured to align the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g, the continuous bar 228) with the position of the slider knob 242when the slider knob 242 is used to control the present intensity level LPRES of a lighting load, while also being configured to control the load in response to messages received from remote devices and provide feedback accordingly, even if the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the message does not align with the position of the slider knob 242. Therefore, the control device 200 may always provide feedback regarding the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load (e.g., using the continuous bar 228) regardless of the position of the slider knob 242.

[0184] The control device 200 (e. ., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to adjust a surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., each of the segments 226a-226i and / or the continuous bar 228). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust each of the segments to the same intensity level (e.g., the surface intensity level LSURFACE). The control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to control individual intensity levels of the light sources of the control device 200 to adjust the surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to control the surface intensitylevel LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 to a first magnitude when the lighting load is on and to a second magnitude when the lighting load is off, where the first magnitude may be greater than the second magnitude e.g., to illuminate the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 brightly when the load is on and dimly when the load is off).

[0185] When the load is off, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 when the lighting load is off to provide a nightlight feature, so that a user of the control device 200 may be able to locate the control device 200 when the space in which the control device 200 is installed is dark. In some examples, when the lighting load is off, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 to indicate a previous intensity level LPREV to which the lighting load was previously controlled prior to when the control device 200 was last turned off (e.g., which may have been based on local or remote control). For example, when the lighting load was controlled to the previous intensity level LPREV via local control, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 as shown in FIGs. 3A-3D. In addition, when the lightingload was controlled to the previous intensity level LPREV via remote control, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 as shown in FIGs. 4A-4D.

[0186] In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (not shown). The control circuit of the control device 200 may be responsive to the occupancy sensing circuit to detect an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition in the space in which the control device 200 is installed. For example, the control device 200 may comprise the occupancy sensing circuit (e.g., an internal occupancy sensing circuit), and the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to receive the on / off command from the occupancy sensing circuit. Additionally and / or alternatively, the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to receive the on / off command from an external occupancy sensor (e.g, the sensor device 154). For example, the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to receive a message including an indication of an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition from the external occupancy sensor and determine the on / off command in response to the indication of the occupancy sensor and / or the vacancy sensor. In response to the on / off command determined in response to the occupancy sensing circuit, the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to, for example, turn on the lighting load when the space in which the control device 200 is installed is occupied and / or to turn off the lighting load when the space in which the control device 200 is installed is vacant.

[0187] In some examples, the control device 200 may comprise a stand-alone load control device (e.g, the control device 200 may not comprise a wireless communication circuit). The control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to control the controllably conductive device to control the lighting load in response to (e.g, only in response to) actuations of the actuation member 210 (e.g., the upper portion 216 and / or the lower portion 218) and / or the slider actuator 240. When the load is off, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 224 of the user interface 202 to provide a nightlight feature, so that a user of the control device 200 may be able to locate the control device 200 when the space in which the control device. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to provide the nightlight feature by illuminating all of the segments on the illumination surface 224 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 3D or FIG. 4D).

[0188] In some examples, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to determine an ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 200 is installed. For example, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LA B in the space in which the control device 200 is installed. The ambient light intensity level LAMB may be a light level measured at, for example, the front surface 215 of the base portion 212 of the control device 210 (e.g., at the gap 213 between the actuation member 210 and the base portion 212). In some examples, the control device (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to receive a message e.g., digital message) including an indication of the ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 200 is installed from a remote device (e.g., such as the sensor device 154 of the load control system 100). The control device 200 may be responsive to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to control the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on or off and / to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. In addition, the control device 200 may be configured to adjust the operating mode and / or reconfigure the operation of the control device 200 in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to operate in a dark mode (e.g., a night mode) when the ambient light intensity level LAMB is low.

[0189] As described in more detail herein, the control device 200 may be configured to receive light from outside of the control device 200 via the gap 213 between the actuation member 210 and the base portion 212 (e.g., via the opening 211 of the base portion 212). For example, the control device 200 may comprise a light sensing circuit (not shown) configured to receive the light that is received by the control device 200 through the gap 213 between the actuation member 210 and the base portion 212. As also described in more detail herein, the control device 200 may include a light conducting structure (e.g., a light pipe) that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device 200 via the gap 213 between the actuation member 210 and the base portion base portion 212 to the light sensing circuit. In some examples, the light sensing circuit may be configured to receive light from outside of the control device 200 via the one or more of the light pipes that extend between the one or more light sources and the illumination surface 224. Further,as noted herein, the control device 200 may not include the light sensing circuit, and instead, the control device 200 may be configured to receive one or more digital messages that indicate the ambient light intensity level AMB from a light sensing circuit that is external to the control device 200 (e.g., light sensing circuit 120).

[0190] As previously mentioned, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to adjust the operating mode and / or reconfigure the operation of the control device 200 in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. AS described herein, the control device 200 may be configured to operate in different operating modes. For example, the different operating modes may be a first mode, such as a normal mode, and a second mode, such as a dark mode (e.g., a night mode). As noted above, the first mode may be referred to as the normal mode and the second mode may be referred to as the dark mode. The control device 200 may be configured to control the lighting load according to a different fade rate and / or fade time period when turning on or turning off the lighting load based on whether the control device 200 is operating in the normal mode or the dark mode. As noted herein, the control device 200 is configured to operate in the dark mode when the space in which the control device 200 is located has little to no ambient light (e.g., when it is nighttime and the space is dark). In such situations, the user’s eyes might benefit from more time to adjust to the changing light level when turning the lighting load on and off. As such, the control device 200 is configured to control the lighting load according to a slower fade time when turning on or turning off the lighting load when operating in the dark mode as compared to when operating in the normal mode.

[0191] The control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For instance, the control device 200 may switch from the normal mode to the dark mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level LAMB is below a first ambient light threshold (e.g., a dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER). The control device 200 may switch from the dark mode to the normal mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level LAMB is above a second ambient light threshold (e.g., a dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT), where for instance, the second ambient light threshold may be greater than the first ambient light threshold. The control device 200 may be configured withmultiple ambient light thresholds to provide hysteresis. In some examples, the first and second ambient light thresholds may be the same value (e.g., the control device 200 may switch between dark mode and normal mode, and vice versa, based on a single ambient light threshold. In some examples, the control circuit may determine (e.g., only determine) to switch between the normal mode and the dark mode when the lighting load is off because, for example, light emitted by the lighting load may distort the measurements of the ambient light intensity level L MB when the lighting load is on and determining the ambient light intensity level LAMB when the lighting load is off may provide the control circuit with a better indication of whether it is nighttime. As such, the control device 200 may be configured to operate in the dark mode when the control device is in a space with little to no ambient light (e.g., when it is nighttime and the space is dark).

[0192] The control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to prioritize (e.g., favor) operating in one of the normal mode or the dark mode over operating in the other one of the normal mode or the dark mode. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to prioritize operating in the normal mode over operating in the dark mode. The control device 200 may be configured to favor entering the normal mode over entering the dark mode by processing the determined ambient light intensity level LAMB differently when operating in the normal mode than when operating in the dark mode. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to use different filtering techniques on the determined ambient light intensity level LA B depending on whether the control device 200 is operating in the normal mode or the dark mode. The control device 200 may be configured to use, for example, a heavy filtering technique (e.g., a slow filtering technique) when operating in the normal mode, and a light filtering technique (e.g., a fast filtering technique) when operating in the dark mode to, for example, prioritize operating in the normal mode over operating in the dark mode. When operating in the normal mode, the control device 200 may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level LAMB is below the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER (e.g., when the lighting load is off). When operating in the dark mode, the control device 200 may be configured to filter the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level LAMB is above the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT (e.g., when the lighting load isoff). Therefore, for example, the control device 200 may be less likely to exit normal mode and enter dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB than the control device is to exit dark mode and enter normal mode. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to favor entering the normal mode over entering the dark mode in order to avoid entering the dark mode as a result of a short-term darkening around of the control device, such as a shadow of a user of the control device 200 falling on the control device 200. In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to prioritize operating in the dark mode over operating in the normal mode.

[0193] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on a schedule (e.g., a timeclock schedule). The control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to determine a present time and determine to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on present time and event times and / or time windows of the schedule. For example, the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to execute a timeclock to keep track of the present time. In addition, the control device 200 may be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) including the present time and / or a command to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode (e.g., that is based on a schedule) from an external device (e.g., such as the system controller 160). For example, the control device 200 may determine to operate in the normal mode during a first time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between a first time to a second time) and determine to operate in the dark mode during a second time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between the second time and the first time). In some examples, the first and second times of the schedule may be absolute times, such as 8 A.M. and 5 P.M., respectively (e.g., based on typical working hours). In addition, the first and second times of the schedule may be determined based on sunrise and sunset times (e.g., when the timeclock is an astronomical or real-time clock).

[0194] When operating in the normal mode, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to fade on the lighting load using a normal fade-on rate RON-NOR that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a normal full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-NORM, and to fade off the lighting load using a normal fade-off rate ROFF-NORM that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-DARK. The normal full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade on the lighting loadfrom off to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., 100%) and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade off the lighting load from the high-end intensity level HE to off. For example, the normal full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-NORM and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may both be approximately 0.75 seconds. As described in more detail below, when operating in the normal mode, the control circuit of the control device 200 may be configured to fade on and off the lighting load using a linear fade-on profile and a linear fade-off profile based on the normal fade-on rate RON-NORM and the normal fade-off rate ROFF-NORM, respectively.

[0195] When fading on (e.g., turning on) the lighting load while in the normal operating mode, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may increase the target intensity level LTRGT of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD with respect to time using the normal fade-on rate RON-NORM over the normal fade-on time period TON-NORM.When fading off (e.g., turning off) the lighting load while in the normal operating mode, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may decrease the target intensity level LTRGT of the lighting load to off using the normal fade-off ROFF-NORM rate over the normal fade-off time period TOFF-NORM. When operating in the normal mode, the turn-on fade rate RON-NORM and / or the turn-off fade rate ROFF-NORM may be a constant rate (e.g., approximately 100% / 0.75 seconds).

[0196] When operating in the dark mode, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to control the lighting load to cause the lighting load to fade on and fade off over longer actual fade-on time periods and longer fade-off time periods, respectively. For example, when operating in the dark mode, the control device 200 may be configured to fade on the lighting load using a dark fade-on rate RON-DARK that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK, and to fade off the lighting load with a dark fade-off rate ROFF-DARK that may be associated with (e.g., based on) a dark fullrange fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-DARK. The dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK may be a time period required fade on the lighting load from off to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., 100%) and the normal full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-NORM may be a time period required fade off the lighting load from the high-end intensity level LHE to off. The dark full-range fade-on and fade-off time periods TON-FULL-DARK, TOFF-FULL-DARK may be longer than the normal full-range fade time periods TON-FULL-NORM, TOFF-FULL-NORM, respectively. For example, the dark fullrange fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK may be approximately 8 seconds and the dark full-range fade-off time period TOFF-FULL-DARK may both be approximately 6 seconds.

[0197] As described in more detail below, the dark fade-on rate RON-DARK and / or the dark fade-off rate ROFF-DARK may be variable (e.g., may change) with respect to time. For example, the variable fade-on profde may define a relationship (e.g., a quadratic relationship) between the target intensity level LTRGT and time, where the dark fade-on rate RON-DARK increase with respect to time (e.g., the variable fade-on profile may be a quadratic fade-on profile). For instance, the target intensity level LTRGT may be defined by a quadratic curve (e.g., an exponential curve) between the low-end intensity level LLE and the high-end intensity level LHE as time ranges from zero seconds to the dark full-range fade-on time period TON-FULL-DARK. The quadratic curve may be defined by a slope (e.g., the dark fade-on rate RON-DARK) that increases with time.

[0198] As such, when operating in the dark mode, the control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to fade on or off the lighting load over a longer time period as compared to when operating in a normal mode, which may allow a user’s eyes to adjust to the changing light level when the control device 200 is in a dark space. That is, when operating in dark mode, the control device 200 may fade on slower (e.g., to allow a user’s eyes to adjust easier to the increasing light emitted by the lighting load in the dark or nighttime environment) and fade off slower (e.g., to allow the user to move around before the space gets too dark to see).

[0199] The control device 200 may be configured to operate in one or more advanced programming modes for adjusting one or more operating characteristic (e.g., such as the high-end intensity level LLE, the low-end intensity level LHE, etc.) of the control device 200. An example of a control device having an advanced programming mode is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,190,125, issued March 13, 2007, entitled PROGRAMMABLE WALLBOX DIMMER, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0200] The control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to operate in a low-end trim programming mode to allow a user to adjust the low-endintensity level LHE of the control device 200. To enter the low-end trim programming mode, the user may, for example, pull out the air-gap actuator 229 to open the air-gap switch and unpower the control device 200, press and hold the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210, push in the air-gap actuator 229 to cause the control device 200 to power up while continuing to press and hold the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210, and release the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210 after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., approximately 5 seconds). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to blink all or a portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., one or more the segments 226a-226i and / or the continuous bar 228) to indicate that the control device 200 has entered the low-end trim programming mode.

[0201] When the control device 200 is in the low-end trim programming mode, the user may adjust the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a level to which to set the low-end intensity level LHE of the control device 200. For example, the user may lower the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 to lower the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load until the lighting load turns off and / or begins to flicker, and then raise the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 to raise the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load until the lighting load turn back on and / or stops flickering. The user may then press the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210 to cause the control device 200 to store the present intensity level LPRES as the low-end intensity level LHE of the control device 200 and exit the low-end trim programming mode.

[0202] The control device 200 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 200) may be configured to operate in an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and / or the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT of the control device 200. For example, the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and / or the dark-exit ambient light threshold L TH-EXH may set an ambient light sensitivity of the control device 200 to change between the normal mode and the dark mode. In some examples, the control device 200 may enable and disable dark mode (e.g., enable and disable the ability for the control device 200 to switch between modes). To enter the ambient light sensitivity programming mode, the user may, for example, pull out the air-gap actuator 229 to open the air-gap switch and unpower the control device 200, press and hold the upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210, push in the air-gapactuator 229 to cause the control device 200 to power up while continuing to press and hold the upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210, and release lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210 after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., approximately 5 seconds). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to blink all or a portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., one or more the segments 226a-226i) to indicate that the control device 200 has entered the ambient light sensitivity programming mode.

[0203] When the control device 200 is in the ambient light sensitivity programming mode, the user may adjust the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222 to adjust the ambient light sensitivity of the control device 200. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to set the ambient light sensitivity of the control device 200 to one or a plurality of discrete levels (e.g., one or more ambient light sensitivity levels, such as a low level, a medium level, and a high level) based on the position of the slider knob 242 along the slider slot 222. FIGs. 7A-7F are front views of the control device 200 illustrating the slider knob 242 at various positions along the slider slot 222 to select the discrete levels of ambient light sensitivity. For example, the user may adjust the slider knot 242 to (e.g., and / or close to) the low-end position 234 of the slider slot 222 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 7A and 7D) to select the low level of ambient light sensitivity (e.g., between approximately 0% and 33% of the length of the slider slot 222). In addition, the user may adjust the slider knot 242 to (e.g., and / or close to) a midpoint of the length of the slider slot 222 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 7B and 7E) to select the medium level of ambient light sensitivity (e.g., between approximately 33% and 66% of the length of the slider slot 222). Further, the user may adjust the slider knot 242 to (e.g., and / or close to) the high-end position 236 of the slider slot 222 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7C and 7F) to select the high level of ambient light sensitivity (e.g., between approximately 66% and 100% of the length of the slider slot 222).

[0204] The control device 200 may be configured to adjust the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 (e.g., one or more the segments 226a-226i) to indicate the selected level of ambient light sensitivity. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the bottom three segments 226a-226c (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7A) when the low level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, illuminate the middle three segments 226d-226f (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B) when the medium level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, and illuminate the top threesegments 226g-226i (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7C) when the high level of ambient light sensitivity is selected. In some examples of this embodiment, two of the three segments may be hidden (e.g., partially hidden) from view (e.g., so they do not need to be illuminated). In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the bottom four segments 226a-226d (e.g, as shown in FIG. 7D) when the low level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, illuminate the middle five segments 226c-226g (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7E) when the medium level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, and illuminate the top three segments 226f-226i (e.g, as shown in FIG. 7F) when the high level of ambient light sensitivity is selected. In some examples, when entering the ambient light sensitivity programming mode, the control device 200 may be configured to blink the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 to indicate presently-selected level of ambient light sensitivity (e.g, prior to adjustment of the ambient light sensitivity when in the ambient light sensitivity programming mode.)

[0205] The control device 200 may be configured to set the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and / or the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT based on the selected discrete level for the ambient light sensitivity of the control device 200. The dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT may represent respective light levels measured at the front surface 215 of the base portion 212 of the control device 210 (e.g., at the gap 213 between the actuation member 210 and the base portion 212), for example, in units of illuminance, such as lux (e.g., lumens per square meter). For example, when the high level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, the control device 200 may be configured to set the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER to approximately 26.25 lux and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT to approximately 28 lux. When operating with the high level of ambient light sensitivity selected, the control device 200 may exit the dark mode in response to higher magnitudes of the ambient light level LAMB (e.g., which may be preferable when the control device 200 is installed in a space with lots of natural light). In addition, when the medium level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, the control device 200 may be configured to set the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER to approximately 8.75 lux and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT to approximately 9.625 lux. When operating with the medium level of ambient light sensitivity selected, the control device 200 may exit the dark mode in response to moderate magnitudes of theambient light level LAMB (e.g, which may be preferable when the control device 200 is installed in a space with natural light entering the space). In addition, when the low level of ambient light sensitivity is selected, the control device 200 may be configured to set the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER to approximately 1.75 lux and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT to approximately 2.45 lux. When operating with the low level of ambient light sensitivity selected, the control device 200 may exit the dark mode in response to very low magnitudes of the ambient light level LA B (e.g., which may be preferable when the control device 200 is installed in a space without natural light).

[0206] After one the discrete levels of ambient light sensitivity is selected, the user may then press the upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210 to cause the control device 200 to store the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT of the selected ambient light sensitivity and exit the ambient light sensitivity programming mode. In some examples, when exiting the ambient light sensitivity programming mode, the control device 200 may be configured to blink the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 224 to indicate newly-selected level of ambient light sensitivity. In addition, after selecting one the discrete levels of ambient light sensitivity, the user may pull out and then push back in the air-gap actuator 229 to reset the control device 200, which will cause the control device 200 to exit the ambient light sensitivity programming mode without storing new levels for the dark-enter ambient light threshold LTH-ENTER and the dark-exit ambient light threshold LTH-EXIT. Further, when the control device 200 is in the ambient light sensitivity programming mode, the user may press the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210 to cause the control device 200 to disable the dark mode (e.g., when the dark mode is presently enabled) and exit the ambient light sensitivity programming mode. For example, when the dark mode is disabled, the control device 200 may be configured to operate (e.g., always operate) in the normal mode and may not be responsive to the ambient light intensity level LA B. When the control device 200 is in the ambient light sensitivity programming mode and the dark mode is disabled, the user may press the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210 to cause the control device 200 to enable the dark mode.

[0207] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example control device 300 that may be deployed as the dimmer 110 in the load control system 100. The control device 300 may be an example of thecontrol device 200. For example, the control device 300 may be configured to provide visible feedback via an illumination surface of a diffuser in a similar manner as described with respect to the control device 200 (e. ., as shown in FIGs. 3A-3D and / or FIGs. 4A-4D,). Although not illustrated, the control device 300 may be configured to be installed in an electrical wallbox with a faceplate (e.g., the faceplate 204). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the control device 300 taken through the center of the control device 300 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 8). FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the control device 300 taken through along the center of a slider slot 322 and a slider knob 342 of the control device 300 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 8). FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the control device 300 taken through the line shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a magnified view of the cross-sectional view of the control device 300 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the control device 300.

[0208] The control device 300 may comprise a user interface 302 (e.g., the userinterface 202). The control device 300 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a lighting load. The control device 300 may be configured to control the lighting load, for example, to turn the lighting load on or off (e.g., in response to actuations of an actuation member) and / or adjust a present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. For example, the control device 300 may control the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g., a controllably conductive device of the control device 300) and / or by transmitting a message for controlling the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., a wireless signal via a wireless communication circuit). The load control device 300 may include an enclosure that includes an enclosure back cover 330 and an enclosure frame 398 (e.g., for housing load control circuitry of the control device 300).

[0209] The user interface 302 of the control device 300 may include an actuation member 310 that is configured to be mounted to a base portion 312 (e.g., a bezel) of the control device 300. The base portion 312 may be configured to be received in an opening of the faceplate that is installed on the control device 300 (e.g., the opening 205 of the faceplate 204). The actuation member 310 may be received in an opening 311 in the base portion 312, such that a gap 313 is formed between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312. The actuation member 310 may comprise a front surface 314 including an upper portion 316 and a lower portion 318. The actuation member310 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 302 (e.g., a central axis) in response to a tactile actuation (e.g., a tactile input) of the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318. Alternatively or additionally, the front surface of the actuation member 310 may comprise a touch sensitive surface, and the control device may be responsive to touch actuations along the front surface of the actuation member 310. In some of these instances, the actuation member 310 may be rigidly affixed to the base portion 312 (e.g., the actuation member 310 may be configured to not pivot about an axis).

[0210] The control device 300 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off in response to receiving an on / off command (e.g., on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command). The control device 300 may be configured to receive an on / off command, for example, in response to an actuation of the upper portion 316 (e.g., an on command) and / or the lower portion 318 (e.g., an off command) of the actuation member 310 of the control device 300. The control device 300 may be configured to, for example, turn the lighting load on in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 316, and to turn the lighting load off in response to a tactile actuation of the lower portion 318 (or vice versa). For example, the control device 300 may include a load control circuit, such as a controllably conductive device (not shown), which is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) power source, and the lighting load. The control device 300 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered from the power source to the lighting load (e.g., to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to actuations of the actuation member 310. For example, the control device 300 may control the controllable conductive device to connect the power source to the lighting load in response to an actuation of the upper portion 316 of the actuation member 310, and control the controllable conducive device to disconnect the power source from the lighting load in response to an actuation of the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310. The control device 300 may include one or more mechanical (e.g., tactile) switches that are actuated in response to the tactile actuations of the upper and / or lower portions 316, 318 of the actuation member 310, for example, as described herein.

[0211] The control device 300 may include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider actuator 340 comprising a slider body 344 and the slider knob 342. The control device 300 may control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., to adjust thepresent intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322. For example, when the lighting load is on, the control device 300 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322. When the lighting load is off, the control device 300 may not adjust the present intensity level PRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 342. But, when the lighting load is off and the upper portion 316 of the actuation member 310 is actuated, the control device 300 may turn on the lighting load to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 342 within the slider slot 322.

[0212] The slider knob 342 may be configured to move along (e.g., behind) an elongated slot, such as the slider slot 322. The slider slot 322 may be an elongated opening in the base portion 312 of the control device 300. For example, the slider slot 322 may be located adjacent to the actuation member 310. Alternatively, the slider slot 322 may be located in the actuation member 310, and for example, may pivot along with the actuator member 310 in response to actuations of the actuation member 310. The slider knob 342 may be configured to move in a vertical direction along the slider slot 322 between a low-end position 334 and a high-end position 336. The slider knob 342 of the slider actuator 340 may allow for adjustment of the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load between a low-end intensity level LLE (e.g., when the slider knob 342 is located in the low-end position 334) to a high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., when the slider knob 342 is located in the high-end position 336). Accordingly, the slider knob 342 may be operable to move in a vertical direction along the length of the slider slot 322 of the base portion 312. Further, although illustrated as moving in a linear, vertical direction, the slider knob 342 may be configured to move behind a similarly configured slider slot in a linear, horizontal direction or a linear, diagonal direction across the base portion 312 and / or the actuation portion 310, and / or the slider knob 342 may be configured to move behind a similarly configured slider slot in a non-linear direction, such as a circular direction or a winding direction across the base portion 312 and / or the actuation portion 310.

[0213] The control device 300 may include a potentiometer 370, which may be adjusted in response to a user input provided from the slider knob 342 in order to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The potentiometer 370 may be mounted to a front side 361 of a main printed circuit board (PCB) 360 of the control device 300. The potentiometer 370 may generate adirect-current (DC) voltage representative of the desired amount of power to be delivered to the electrical load. In some examples, the potentiometer 370 may provide a variable resistance based on the position of the slider knob 342. For example, a potentiometer shaft 372 of the potentiometer 370 may be coupled to the slider actuator 340. A more detailed explanation of how the potentiometer shaft 372 may be coupled to the slider actuator 340 is described below with reference toFIGs. 14-18. When the slider knob 342 is moved along the slider slot 322, the movement of the slider actuator 340 may cause the potentiometer shaft 472 to be adjusted accordingly. The potentiometer shaft 372 may allow a user to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE to the high-end intensity level LHE. The control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to determine a commanded intensity level LCMD for the lighting load in response to the position of the slider knot 342 along the slider slot 322 (e.g., via local control). Alternatively, in some examples, the control device 300 may include a linear encoder, a combination of a wiper and a resistive trace on the main PCB 340 of the control device 300, a mechanical or magnetic encoder, etc. instead of a potentiometer.

[0214] The enclosure (e.g., the enclosure back cover 330 and the enclosure frame 398) may house the load control circuitry (e.g., the controllably conductive device) of the control device 300. Although illustrated with the enclosure, in some examples, such as when the control device 300 is a wireless, remote control device, the enclosure may be omitted. In such examples, the control device 300 may connect to a base that is affixed to the toggle or paddle actuator of a standard light switch. The control device 300 may comprise a yoke 332 that may be connected to the enclosure back cover 330 and / or the enclosure frame 398, and may be configured to mount the control device 300 to an electrical wallbox.

[0215] The control circuity used to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be mounted to the main PCB 360. For example, the main PCB 360 may have mounted thereto any combination of a control circuit (e.g., a primary control circuit), memory, a drive circuit, the controllably conductive device, a zero-crossing detector, a low-voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32). The control circuit mounted to the main PCB 360 may be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device, for example, via the drive circuit. The control circuit may be used for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load and thus the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. The control device 300 may also include mechanical switches, such as first and second tactile switches 362, 364 mounted to the front side 361 of the main PCB 360. The mechanical switches may be configured to be actuated in response to actuations (e.g., tactile actuations) of the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310, respectively (e.g., to turn the electrical load on and off). In some examples, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to control the lighting load to turn the lighting load on in response to an actuation of the upper portion 316 of the actuation member 310 e.g., the first tactile switch 362), and to turn the lighting load off in response to an actuation of the lower portion 318 of the actuation member (e.g., second tactile switch 364), or vice versa. In addition, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to control the lighting load to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to actuations of the slider actuator 340 (e.g., in response to the potentiometer 370).

[0216] The control device 300 may comprise a communication circuit, such as a wireless communication circuit. For example, the wireless communication circuit may be mounted to the main PCB 360. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit a control signal that includes the control data (e.g., a digital message) generated by the control circuit to the lighting load. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) from one or more remote control devices of the load control system (e.g., the retrofit remote control device 112, the wall-mounted remote control device 114, the tabletop remote control device 116, the handheld remote control device 118, a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, and / or the like). For example, the message may include an on / off command (e.g., on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command) for controlling to turn the lighting load controlled by the control device 300 on or off. In response to receiving the message including the on / off command via the wireless communication circuit, the control device 300 may be configured to turn the lightingload on or off. In addition, the message may include a command to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 300 to a commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the message. In response to receiving the message including the command via the wireless communication circuit, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from an initial intensity level LINIT of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the message (e.g., via remote control).

[0217] The control device 300 may comprise an antenna having a feed loop located on an antenna feed loop PCB 365 and a radiating loop located on an antenna radiating loop PCB 382. An example of the antenna is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No.7,362,285, issued April 22, 2008, entitled COMPACT RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING ANTENNA AND CONTROL DEVICE EMPLOYING SAME, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0218] The control device 300 may include a rubber membrane 380 that allows the actuator member 310 to pivot. For example, the rubber membrane 380 may enable the actuation member 310 to pivot about the pivot axis 302 in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318. The rubber membrane 380 may be located at a center of a rear surface 315 of the actuation member 310. The rubber membrane 380 may define the pivot axis 302 of the actuation member 310. The rubber membrane 380 may include an opening 381 that accepts an antenna feed loop PCB 365 that is mounted to the main PCB 360.

[0219] The feed loop on the antenna feed loop PCB 365 may be electrically coupled to the wireless communication circuit mounted to the main PCB 360 of the control device 300. The feed loop on the antenna feed loop PCB 365 and the radiating loop on the antenna radiating loop PCB 382 may in combination allow for wireless signals (e.g., RF signals and / or IR signals) to be radiated in and / or out of the control device 300. The control device 300 may also include an antenna feed loop PCB clamp 384 that includes first and second deformable heat stakes 386a, 386b. By deforming (e.g., melting) the heat stakes 386a, 386b, the antenna feed loop PCB clamp 384 may be configured to secure the antenna radiating loop PCB 382 and the rubber membrane 380 to the yoke 332. The antenna feed loop PCB 365 may extend through the enclosure frame 398 of the controldevice 300, the antenna feed loop PCB clamp 384, the yoke 332, the antenna radiating loop PCB 382, and the rubber membrane 380.

[0220] The tactile actuation of the actuation member 310 may cause one of the first and second tactile switches 362, 364 mounted to the main PCB 360 to be actuated (e.g., as shown in FIG.9). For example, when the upper portion 316 of the actuation member 310 is actuated, a first post 375 of the actuation member 310 may be moved toward the main PCB 360. The first post 375 may contact a first portion 376 of the rubber membrane 380, which may deflect inward and contact a first spacer rod 366. The deflection of first portion 376 of the rubber membrane 380 may cause the first spacer rod 366 to move toward and actuate the first tactile switch 362 mounted to the main PCB 360. Similarly, when the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310 is actuated, a second post 377 of the actuation member 310 may be moved toward the main PCB 360. The second post 377 may contact a second portion 378 of the rubber membrane 380, which may deflect inward and contact a second spacer rod 368. The deflection of second portion 378 of the rubber membrane 380 may cause the second spacer rod 368 to move toward and actuate the second tactile switch 364 mounted to the main PCB 360.

[0221] Further, the rubber membrane 380 may cause the actuation member 310 to be selfcentered when not being actuated (e.g, when the user is not applying pressure to either the upper or lower portions 316, 318 of the actuation member 310). For example, the rubber membrane 380, which may be centered and independent from the first and second posts 375, 377 (e.g., and / or the first and second spacer rods 366, 368), may center the actuation member 310 when in a rest state (e.g., which may not occur if the actuation member 310 was balanced on each post 375, 377, since they may have different tolerances and / or spring rates). Further, since the first and second posts 375, 377 do not serve as pre-load generators for the actuation member 310, the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310 may have a shorter tolerance stack, which may allow for the upper and lower portions 316, 318 to have a shorter actuation distance of the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310, respectively (e.g. , a shorter distance to cause the actuation of the first and second tactile switches 362, 364) and / or a shorter minimum product depth of the control device 300.

[0222] The user interface 302 of the control device 300 may comprise a visible display, such as an illumination surface 324. For example, a front surface of a diffuser 320 may act as the illumination surface 324 of the control device 300. The diffuser 320 may comprise a first elongated portion 321a (e.g., a first diffuser and / or a first portion of a diffuser) and a second elongated portion 321b (e.g., a second diffuser and / or a second portion of the diffuser). The diffuser 320 may be mechanically coupled to the slider body 344 the slider actuator 340 that also includes the slider knob 342. For example, the diffuser 320 and the slider actuator 340 may be attached to the base portion 312 of the control device 300, for example, as described below with reference to FIGs. 14-18. In such instances, the diffuser 320 may be configured to move behind the slider slot 322 in response to movements of the slider knob 342. The diffuser 320 (e.g., the first and second elongated portions 321a, 321b) may be linear. When configured, the diffuser 320 may reside behind the slider slot 322 in the base portion 312 of the control device 300.

[0223] The control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302 using one or more light sources 338 of the control device 300 to visibly display information, such as the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 300. The light sources 338 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the front side 361 of the main PCB 360 housed between the enclosure back cover 330 and the enclosure frame 398. For example, the illumination surface 324 may be configured to be illuminated to display the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 300 based on the position of the slider knob 342 (e.g., the position of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322 between the low-end position 334 and the high-end position 336). For example, the illumination surface 324 (e.g., the diffuser 320) may be configured to diffuse (e.g., spread or scatter) light received from the one or more light sources 338 to provide feedback (e.g., to display the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load).

[0224] The control device 300 may include first and second spacer rods 366, 368, a light guide structure (e.g., a tunnel structure) 390, and a connector structure 394 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13). The connector structure 394 may be configured to connect the first and second spacer rods 366, 368 to the enclosure frame 398.

[0225] The light guide structure 390 may also be formed as part of the enclosure frame 398. The light guide structure 390 that may be configured to guide light from the one or more light sources 338 located inside of the enclosure back cover 330 to the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302. For example, the light guide structure 390 may include one or more apertures 392, which may be the same or different sizes. For example, top and bottom apertures 392 may each be larger than the other apertures 392 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 13). Further, the apertures 392 may be wider on the side closest to the light sources 338 and narrower at the side closest to the diffuser 320 (e.g., the apertures 392 may have a cross-sectional cone shape). In some examples, the light guide structure 390 may include the same number of apertures 392 as the number of the light sources 338 on the main PCB 360. Further, the main PCB 360 may be coupled to the enclosure frame 398 such that the light sources 338 are aligned with the apertures 392 of the light guide structure 390 (e.g., each of the light sources 338 may be located directly under a single one of the apertures 392), or alternatively, such that the light sources 338 are offset from the apertures 392 (e.g., each of the light sources 338 may be located between two apertures 392, for example, so that light does not emit directly up the aperture 392 into the diffuser 320).

[0226] The apertures 392 of the light guide structure 390 and the light sources 338 may be configured to cause the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302 to be illuminated in the plurality of segments (e.g., the segments 326a-326i as shown in FIGs. 3A-3D and / or FIGs. 4A-4D). For example, the apertures 392 may be configured to segment the light illuminated by the light sources 338 prior to the light entering the diffuser 320. Further, the light guide structure 390 may be configured to minimize the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments of the illumination surface 324. For example, the light guide structure 390 (e.g., the apertures 392 of the light guide structure 390) may operate to prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) light emitted from a light source 338 from causing illumination in more than one segment of the illumination surface 324. For example, the distance between the apertures 392 and the light sources 338 may influence the clarity or discreteness of each segment of the plurality of segments (e.g., so that the segments 392). For instance, the control device 300 may be configured such that the distance between the apertures 392 and the light sources 338 is minimized (e.g., the light sources 338 may be within 1 mm of the apertures 392). In some examples, the distance between the apertures 392 and the light sources 338may be the distance between the light guide structure 390 where the apertures 392 end and the light sources 338. For instance, the light guide structure 390 may end before reaching the light sources 338. Alternatively, the light guide structure 390 may end at the main PCB 360 to envelope (e.g., cover) a light source 338 in each aperture 392. Further, the control device 300 may be configured such that the distance between the apertures 392 and the diffuser 320 is such that there is some distance but is generally minimized (e.g., ends of the apertures 392 may be approximately within the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm from the diffuser 320). In some examples, the distance between an end of one of the apertures 392 and the diffuser 320 should be configured such that the light emitting from the aperture 392 projects onto the diffuser 320, but not so great that it increases the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments.

[0227] Further, in some examples, the base portion 312 may be configured to reduce the amount of light that bounces within the light guide structure 390 because, for example, the bouncing of light may result in the plurality of segments looking less refined or fuzzy. For example, the base portion 312, such as an interior surface of the base portion 312, may be painted e.g., painting black or another dark color) or coated such that the light generated by the light sources 338 is less prone to bounce or reflect between the apertures 392. Further, in some examples, the main PCB 360 may be coated or painted with a dark color (e.g., black) to reduce or prevent the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments.

[0228] The slider knob 342 may define a length, and the length of the slider knob 342 may be equal to or greater than the length of each of the plurality of segments of the illumination surface 324, for example, as described with reference to the slider knob 242 of the control device 200. In one example, the illumination surface 324 may be illuminated into one or more of nine, discrete segments of illumination. A length of the slider knob 342 and / or the segments may be selected based on a desired ratio between the length of the slider knob and the length of each of the plurality of segments.

[0229] In instances where the control device 300 is configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302 in a continuous bar (e.g., the continuous bar 228 as shown in FIGs. 5A-5D and / or FIGs. 6A-6D), the apertures 392 (e.g., or the light guide structure 390 entirely) may be omitted from the control device 300. For instance, the control device 300 may include thelight guide structure 390 that includes a single, elongated aperture 392 in examples where the control device 300 is configured to illuminate the diffuser 320 in a continuous bar. Further, in some examples, the control device 300 may include one or more light pipes, where each light pipe may be configured to guide light from one or more of the plurality of light sources to illuminate the diffuser 320 in a continuous bar. Further, in some examples, the light guide structure 390 may be omitted, for instance, in examples where the control device 300 is configured to illuminate the diffuser 320 in a continuous bar.

[0230] In response to receiving a message from a remote device, the control device 300 may control the lighting load to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD. Further, the control device 300 may illuminate the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. Since, for example, the message may command the control device 300 to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a level that is not synchronized with (e.g., aligned with) the position of the slider knob 342, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 does not align with e.g., track) the position (e.g., location) of the slider knob 342, but does indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. That is, when the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by a message received from a remote device does not correspond with the position of the slider knob 342, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 to indicate the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in accordance with the received message such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322 (e.g., as described with reference to FIGs. 4A-4D). As such, the illuminated feedback provided via the diffuser 320 may be decoupled from the position of the slider knob 342.

[0231] The position of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322 may be adjusted by a user after the control device 300 controlled the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LC D based on a received message from a remote device (e.g., and the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322). In such instances, and in response to a movement of the sliderknob 342, the control device 300 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 with the position of the slider knob 342 and control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load accordingly. In some examples, the control device 300 may be configured to realign the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 with the position of the slider knob 342 by adjusting the illuminated portion from its original position to the position of the slider knob 342 (e.g., over an adjustment period). As such, when the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 is not aligned with position of the slider knob 342 and the position of the slider knob 342 is adjusted, the control device 300 may be configured to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load based on the position of the slider knob 342 and control the one or more light sources to realign the position of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 with the position of the slider knob 342.

[0232] Accordingly, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 324 that is located below the slider knob 342 within the slider slot 322 in response to movement of the slider knob 342 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3D). For example, in response to movement of the slider knob 342, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 below the location of the slider knob 342 without illuminating any portion of the illumination surface 324 located above the slider knob 342. In such examples, the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 may remain at or below the slider knob 342 and may not extend above the slider knob 342 (e.g., a top edge of the slider knob 342). For instance, the slider knob 342 may be made of an opaque material (e.g., a reflective color, such as white) and the control device 300 may control the one or more light sources such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 remains at or below the slider knob 342 and does not extend above the slider knob 342. Further, in some instances, the control device 300 may illuminate the entirety of the illumination surface 324 below the slider knob 342 in response to movements of the slider knob 342 (e.g., in a continuous or segmented manner).

[0233] However, when the control device 300 receives a message indicating a commanded intensity level LCMD for the lighting load from a remote device, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the illumination surface 324 in accordance with the commanded intensity level LCMD, regardless of the position of the slider knob 342. This may result in the controldevice 300 illuminating a portion of the illumination surface 324 that extends above a top edge 347 of the slider knob 342 and / or falls well below a bottom edge 349 of the slider knob 342. As such, the control device 300 may illuminate the illumination surface 324 such that the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322, for example, because the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load does not correspond with the position of the slider knob 342.

[0234] Further, if the control device 300 was turned off when the illuminated portion is not aligned with the position of the slider knob 342, but then control device 300 is turned back on using the actuation member 310, then the control device 300 may be configured to control the lighting load to the commanded intensity level LCMD indicated by the slider knob 342. However, in other examples, the control device may be configured to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load to a previous intensity level LPREV to which the lighting load was controlled prior to when the control device 300 was last turned off, irrespective of the position of the slider knob 342.

[0235] The control device 300 may be configured to adjust a surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 (e.g., each of the segments). For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to adjust each of the segments to the same intensity level (e.g., the surface intensity level LSURFACE). The control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to control individual intensity levels of the light sources 338 to adjust the surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324. For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the internal light sources 338 using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. The control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to, for example, adjust a duty cycle of a respective LED voltage generated across and / or a respective LED current conducted through each of the light sources 338 to control the individual intensity level of each of the light sources 338. For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to control the surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 to a first magnitude when the lighting load is on and to a second magnitude when the lighting load is off, where the first magnitude may be greater than the second magnitude (e.g., to illuminate the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 324 brightly when the load is on and dimly when the load is off).

[0236] When the load is off, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 when the load is off to provide a nightlight feature, so that a user of the control device 300 may be able to locate the control device 300 when the space in which the control device 300 is installed is dark. In some examples, when the lighting load is off, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 to indicate the previous intensity level LPREV to which the lighting load was previously controlled prior to when the control device 300 was last turned off (e.g, which may have been based on local or remote control). For example, when the lighting load was controlled to the previous intensity level LPREV via local control, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 as shown in FIGs. 3A-3D. Tn addition, when the lighting load was controlled to the previous intensity level LPREV via remote control, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 324 as shown in FIGs. 4A-4D.

[0237] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate rear perspective views of the base portion 312 with the actuation portion 310, the slider actuator 340, and the diffuser 320 installed. The base portion 312 (e.g, bezel) of the control device 300 may include an elongated slot, such as the slider slot 322. As noted herein, the slider slot 322 may be an elongated opening in the base portion 312 of the control device 300. In some examples, the slider slot 322 may be located adjacent to the actuation member 310. The rear surface 315 of the base portion 312 may define a first channel 327 and a second channel 328. The first channel 327 may be configured to receive the slider body 344 of the slider actuator 340 (e.g., one or more nubs of the slider body 344). The second channel 328 may be configured to receive the diffuser 320 (e.g., the elongated portions of the diffuser 320). The second channel 328 may also include the slider slot 322. For example, the second channel 328 may be longer (e.g, and wider) than the slider slot 322 such that the illumination on the illumination surface 324 (e.g., the segmented bar) may be seen through the slider slot 322. Further, the second channel 328 may support the diffuser 320 while the slider knob 342 is moved, for example, to ensure that the first and second elongated portions 321a, 321b stay within the second channel 328 and the slider slot 322.

[0238] FIG. 16 illustrates a side, perspective view of the diffuser 320 and the slider actuator 340 coupled together. FIG. 17 illustrates a front, perspective view of the diffuser 320 and the slider actuator 340 coupled together. FIG. 18 illustrates the front, perspective view of the diffuser 320 and the slider actuator 340 when they are separated from one another. The diffuser 320 may be an example of the diffuser 220 of the load control device 200. The slider actuator 340 may be an example of the slider actuator 240 of the load control device 200.

[0239] As noted herein, the diffuser 320 may include the first elongated portion 321a and the second elongated portion 321b. The first and second elongated portions 321a, 321b (e.g., the illumination surface of the first and second elongated portions 321a, 321b) may be configured to diffuse light transmitted from the light sources 338 through the light guide structure 390 and out through the illumination surface 324 of the user interface 302 and through the slider slot 322 to provide feedback to the user. The diffuser 320 may also include two snaps 323a, 323b that connect the diffuser 320 to the slider actuator 340, for example, through a snap-fit connection. The snaps 323a, 323b may loosely couple the diffuser 320 to the slider actuator 340.

[0240] The slider actuator 340 may include the slider knob 340 that resides at the end of a slider shaft 343. As noted herein, the slider knob 340 may be configured to be moved (e.g., by a user) to adjust the amount of power delivered to an electrical load by the control device 300. For example, the slider knob 342 may be configured to move along an elongated path e.g., in a vertical direction) along the slider slot 322 between the low-end position 334 and the high-end position 336 of the slider slot 322. In examples where the electrical load is a lighting load(s), the slider knob 342 may allow for adjustment of the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE (e.g., when the slider knob 342 is located in the low-end position 334) to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., when the slider knob is located in the high-end position 336).

[0241] The slider shaft 343 may extend between the slider body 344 and the slider knob 342. As noted above, the snaps 323a, 323b may be configured to engage the slider shaft 343 to enable a connection (e.g., a loose snap-fit connection) between the slider actuator 340 and the diffuser 320. When connected, the slider shaft 343 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 325, which may be located where the snaps 323a, 323b contacts the slider shaft 343. The pivot axis 325 may allowfor the diffuser 320 and / or slider actuator 340 to pivot in response to, for example, transverse force caused by movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322.

[0242] The slider actuator 340 may include the slider body 344 that includes one or more nubs, such as nubs 341a, 341b, one or more protrusions 346, and a notch 347. The slider body 344 may be coupled to the slider shaft 343, for example, at a substantially perpendicular angle. The notch 347 may be sized to receive the potentiometer shaft 372. Further, the protrusions 346 may be sloped into towards the notch 347, and the sloped shape of the protrusions 346 may facilitate the receiving of the potentiometer shaft 372 into the notch 347 (e.g., during manufacturing). As such, when installed, the slider actuator 340 may be mechanically coupled to the potentiometer shaft 372 such that movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 347 causes the position of the potentiometer shaft 372 to move, and in response the control device 300 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. Further, in such examples, the slider knob 342 may be offset from the notch 347. Therefore, when coupled together, the potentiometer shaft 372 may not be located directly below the slider knob 342 (e.g., due to the slider body 344 being coupled to the slider shaft 343 at a substantially perpendicular angle).

[0243] Referring back to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the first and second elongated portions 321a, 321b of the diffuser 320 may be configured to reside within and travel along the second channel 328 on the rear side of the base portion 312. Further, the nubs 341a, 341b may be configured to reside within (e.g., snap within) the first channel 327. The nubs 341a, 341b may be configured travel along the first channel 327 during movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322. As such, the nubs 341a, 341b may be configured to support the slider actuator 340 as the slider knob 342 is moved along the slider slot 322. The base portion 312 is configured to allow for the slider actuator 340 and diffuser 320 to move (e.g., in unison) in response to movements of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322 in the base portion 312. Further, since the slider actuator 340 may be mechanically coupled to the potentiometer shaft 372 (e.g., via the protrusions 346 and the notch 347), any movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322 may cause the position of the potentiometer shaft 372 to move, and in response the control device 300 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. Finally, it should be appreciated that the nubs 341a, 341b residing within the first channel 327 and / or the first and second elongated portions 321a, 321bresiding within the second channel 328 may reduce transverse and / or rotational force on the diffuser 320 and / or slider actuator 340 in response to movement of the slider knob 342 along the slider slot 322.

[0244] The control device 300 may comprise an air-gap switch 329 adapted to be electrically coupled (e.g., substantially directly electrically coupled) in series between a power source (e.g., an AC power source) and the controllable light source. In some examples, the air-gap switch 329 may not comprise a bidirectional semiconductor switch (e.g., such as a triac or one or more field-effect transistors) for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load device using a phasecontrol dimming technique (e.g., as in a standard dimmer switch). When the air-gap switch 329 is closed, a load voltage is developed across the lighting load and is substantially undistorted from the AC line voltage produced by the AC power source. The air-gap switch 329 may be opened to provide an actual air-gap barrier between the power source and the lighting load to facilitate servicing of the lighting load.

[0245] In some examples, the control device 300 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (not shown). The control circuit of the control device 300 may be responsive to the occupancy sensing circuit to detect an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition in the space in which the control device 300 is installed. For example, the control device 300 may comprise the occupancy sensing circuit (e.g., an internal occupancy sensing circuit), and the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to receive the on / off command from the occupancy sensing circuit. Additionally and / or alternatively, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to receive the on / off command from an external occupancy sensor (e.g., the sensor device 154). For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to receive a message including an indication of an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition from the external occupancy sensor and determine the on / off command in response to the indication of the occupancy sensor and / or the vacancy sensor. In response to the on / off command determined in response to the occupancy sensing circuit, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to, for example, turn on the lighting load when the space in which the control device 300 is installed is occupied and / or to turn off the lighting load when the space in which the control device 300 is installed is vacant.

[0246] The control device 300 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 400) may change an operating mode of the control device 300 in response to the actuation or adjustment of a combination of the actuation member 310 and slider knob 342 and / or via an external device (e.g., a mobile application residing on a smartphone and / or tablet that is configured with short-range wireless communication (e.g., BLE), for example. For instance, the control circuit of the control device 300 may change the operating mode in response to the actuation of the lower portion 318 of the action member 310 and by dragging the slider knob 342 from the top of the slider slot 322 to the bottom of the slider slot 322. In another example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may change the operating mode in response to the reception of a control signal from an external device (e.g., from the external device to a hub of the load control system and from the hub to the control device 300).

[0247] One example of a change in operating mode is a change between an intensity control mode and a color control mode (e.g., a color temperature control mode and / or a full color spectrum control mode). Another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode and a commissioning mode that is used to associate the control device 300 with an electrical load. Yet another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode to an advanced programming mode. As described herein, an advanced programming mode may allow configuration and / or adjustment of one or more operating characteristics of the control device and / or a lighting load of the load control system 100, such as a low-end trim (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and / or a high-end trim (e.g., a maximum intensity level) of the lighting load. During the advanced programming mode as described herein, the slider knob 342 may be adjusted to adjust an operating characteristic (e.g., such as a low-end trim) of the control device.

[0248] The control device 300 may be configured to determine an ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 300 is installed. For example, the control device 300 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 300) may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 300 is installed. In some examples, the control device (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 300) may be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) including an indication of the ambient light intensitylevel LAMB in the space in which the control device 300 is installed from a remote device (e.g., such as the sensor device 154 of the load control system 100).

[0249] The control device 300 may comprise a light sensing circuit 374 that may be mounted to the front side 361 of the main PCB 360. For example, the light sensing circuit 374 may be mounted close to an upper edge 369 of the main PCB 360. The light sensing circuit 374 may comprise a photosensor and / or other suitable photo-sensing circuit. For example, the light sensing circuit 374 may comprise an integrated circuit (IC) and may be housed in an integrated circuit package (e.g., housing). The light sensing circuit 374 may be configured to receive light from outside of the control device 300 via the gap 313 between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312. The control device 300 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LA B in the space in which the control device 300 is installed using the light sensing circuit 374. In some examples, the control device 300 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light sensing circuit 374 when the light sources 338 are off e.g., not emitting light). As previously mentioned, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the internal light sources 338 using a PWM technique. In such examples, the control device 300 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light sensing circuit 374 during times when the internal light sources 338 are not emitting light (e.g., during off times of the PWM duty cycle), so that the ambient light intensity level LAMB measured by the light sensing circuit 374 is not affected by any light emitted by the light sources 338.

[0250] The light sensing circuit 374 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB, and the control circuit of the control device 300 may be responsive to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to control the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on or off and / to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to the ambient light intensitylevel LAMB. In addition, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to adjust the operating mode and / or reconfigure the operation of the control device 300 in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to determine whether to operate in a dark mode (e.g., a night mode) or a normal mode based on the ambient light intensity level LAMB, for instance, as described herein. Further, in someexamples, the control device 300 may not include the light sensing circuit 374, and instead, the control device 300 may be configured to receive one or more digital messages that indicate the ambient light intensity level AMB from a light sensing circuit that is external to the control device 300 (e.g., the sensor device 154).

[0251] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 300 (e.g, the control circuit of the control device 300) may determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on a schedule (e.g, a timeclock schedule). The control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to determine a present time and determine to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on present time and event times and / or time windows of the schedule. For example, the control circuit of the control device 300 may be configured to execute a timeclock to keep track of the present time. In addition, the control device 300 may be configured to receive a message (e.g, digital message) including the present time and / or a command to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode (e.g, that is based on a schedule) from an external device (e.g, such as the system controller 160). For example, the control device 300 may determine to operate in the normal mode during a first time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between a first time to a second time) and determine to operate in the dark mode during a second time window of the schedule (e.g., such as between the second time and the first time). In some examples, the first and second times of the schedule may be absolute times, such as 8 A.M. and 5 P.M., respectively (e.g., based on typical working hours). In addition, the first and second times of the schedule may be determined based on sunrise and sunset times (e.g., when the timeclock is an astronomical or real-time clock).

[0252] As described herein, when operating in the dark mode, the control device 300 may be configured to fade on or off the lighting load over a longer time period as compared to when operating in a normal mode, which may allow a user’s eyes to adjust to the changing light level when the control device 300 is in a dark space. That is, when operating in dark mode, the control device 300 may fade on slower (e.g., to allow a user’s eyes to adjust easier to the increasing light emitted by the lighting load in the dark or nighttime environment) and the control device 300 may fade off slower (e.g., to allow the user to move around before the space gets too dark to see).

[0253] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the control device 300 with the yoke 332 connected to the enclosure (e.g., the enclosure back cover 330 and the enclosure frame 398) with the main PCB360 housed within the enclosure. The light sensing circuit 374 may be configured to receive the light that enters the control device 300 via the gap 313 between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312 via an opening 333 in the yoke 332 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13). The opening 333 may extend through the yoke 332. For example, the opening 333 may be located near an upper end 331 of the yoke 332 in front of the light sensing circuit 374 mounted to the front side 361 of the main PCB 360. Locating the opening 333 near the upper end 331 of the yoke 332 may allow for a more accurate reading of the ambient light level in the space around the control device 300 as compared to an opening located at a lower end of the yoke 332.

[0254] The control device 300 may further comprise a light conducting structure 350 (e.g., a light pipe) that may be configured to conduct the light that enters the control device 300 via the gap 313 between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312 to the light sensing circuit 374. FIG. 20A is front perspective view and FIG. 20B is a rear perspective view of the light conducting structure 350. The light conducting structure 350 may comprise a body 352 that defines a first surface 354 and a second surface 356. For example, the body 352 may have a rectangular shape (e.g., the body 352 may be rectangular prism or cuboid). The body 352 of the light conducting structure 350 may be positioned (e.g., received) in the opening 333 in the yoke 332. For example, the body 352 of the light conducting structure 350 may extend from the opening 333 in the yoke 332 in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the yoke 332. The first surface 354 of the body 352 is directed towards the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312 (e.g. , towards the gap 313 between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312). The second surface 356 of the body 352 may be directed towards the light sensing circuit 374. The first surface 354 of the body 352 may be wider than the second surface 356. For instance, the first surface 354 may extend outward from the body 352 (e.g, as shown). The first surface 354 of the body 352 may be configured to receive the light from the gap 313 between the actuation member 310 and the base portion 312 and the second surface 356 of the body 352 may be configured to emit the light towards the light sensing circuit 374. For example, the second surface 356 of the body 352 may be curved to direct light towards the light sensing circuit 374.

[0255] FIG. 21 is a front view of an example control device 400 that may be deployed as the dimmer 110 in the load control system 100. The control device 400 may be an example of thecontrol device 200. Although not illustrated, the control device 400 may be configured to be installed in an electrical wallbox with a faceplate (e.g., the faceplate 204). FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the control device 400 taken through the center of the control device 400 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 21). FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the control device 400.

[0256] The control device 400 may comprise a user interface 402 (e.g., the userinterface 202). The control device 400 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a lighting load. The control device 400 may be configured to control the lighting load, for example, to turn the lighting load on or off (e.g., in response to actuations of an actuation member) and / or adjust a present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. For example, the control device 400 may control the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g., a controllably conductive device of the control device 400) and / or by transmitting a message for controlling the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., a wireless signal via a wireless communication circuit). The load control device 400 may include an enclosure that includes an enclosure back cover 430 and an enclosure frame 498 (e.g., for housing load control circuitry of the control device 200).

[0257] The user interface 402 of the control device 400 may include an actuation member 410 that is configured to be mounted to a base portion 412 (e.g., a bezel) of the control device 400. The base portion 412 may be configured to be received in an opening of the faceplate that is installed on the control device 400 (e.g., the opening 205 of the faceplate 204). The actuation member 410 may be received in an opening 411 in the base portion 412, such that a gap 413 is formed between the actuation member 410 and the base portion 412. The actuation member 410 may comprise a front surface 414 including an upper portion 416 and a lower portion 418. The actuation member 410 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 402 (e.g., a central axis) in response to a tactile actuation (e.g., a tactile input) of the upper portion 416 and the lower portion 418. Alternatively or additionally, the front surface of the actuation member 410 may comprise a touch sensitive surface, and the control device may be responsive to touch actuations along the front surface of the actuation member 410. In some of these instances, the actuation member 410 may be rigidly affixed to the base portion 412 (e.g., the actuation member 410 may be configured to not pivot about an axis).

[0258] The control device 400 may be configured to turn the lighting load on or off in response to receiving an on / off command (e.g, on command, an off command, and / or a toggle command). The control device 400 may be configured to receive an on / off command, for example, in response to an actuation of the upper portion 416 (t’.g, an on command) and / or the lower portion 418 (e.g., an off command) of the actuation member 410 of the control device 400. The control device 400 may be configured to, for example, turn the lighting load on in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 416, and to turn the lighting load off in response to a tactile actuation of the lower portion 418 (or vice versa). For example, the control device 400 may include a load control circuit, such as a controllably conductive device (not shown), which is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load. The control device 400 may be configured to control the amount of power delivered from the power source to the lighting load (e.g, to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to actuations of the actuation member 410. For example, the control device 400 may control the controllable conductive device to connect the power source to the lighting load in response to an actuation of the upper portion 416 of the actuation member 410, and control the controllable conducive device to disconnect the power source from the lighting load in response to an actuation of the lower portion 418 of the actuation member 410. The control device 400 may include one or more mechanical (e.g, tactile) switches that are actuated in response to the tactile actuations of the upper and / or lower portions 416, 418 of the actuation member 410, for example, as described herein.

[0259] The control device 400 may include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider actuator 440 comprising a slider body 444 and the slider knob 442. The control device 400 may control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422. For example, when the lighting load is on, the control device 400 may control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 442 along a slider slot 422. When the lighting load is off, the control device 400 may not adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 442. But, when the lighting load is off and the upper portion 416 of the actuation member 410is actuated, the control device 400 may turn on the lighting load to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 442 within the slider slot 422.

[0260] The slider knob 442 may be configured to move along (e.g., behind) an elongated slot, such as the slider slot 422. The slider slot 422 may be an elongated opening in the base portion 412 of the control device 400. For example, the slider slot 422 may be located adjacent to the actuation member 410. Alternatively, the slider slot 422 may be located in the actuation member 410, and for example, may pivot along with the actuation member 410 in response to actuations of the actuation member 410. The slider knob 442 may be configured to move in a vertical direction along the slider slot 422 between a low-end position 434 and a high-end position 436. The slider knob 442 of the slider actuator 440 may allow for adjustment of the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load between a low-end intensity level LLE (e.g., when the slider knob 442 is located in the low-end position 434) to a high-end intensity level LHE e.g., when the slider knob 442 is located in the high-end position 436). Accordingly, the slider knob 442 may be operable to move in a vertical direction along the length of the slider slot 422 of the base portion 412. Further, although illustrated as moving in a linear, vertical direction, the slider knob 442 may be configured to move behind a similarly configured slider slot in a linear, horizontal direction or a linear, diagonal direction across the base portion 412 and / or the actuation portion 410, and / or the slider knob 442 may be configured to move behind a similarly configured slider slot in a non-linear direction, such as a circular direction or a winding direction across the base portion 412 and / or the actuation portion 410.

[0261] The control device 400 may include a potentiometer 470, which may be adjusted in response to a user input provided from the slider knob 442 in order to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The potentiometer 470 may be mounted to a front side 461 of a main printed circuit board (PCB) 460 of the control device 400. The potentiometer 470 may generate a direct-current (DC) voltage representative of the desired amount of power to be delivered to the electrical load. In some examples, the potentiometer 470 may provide a variable resistance based on the position of the slider knob 442. For example, a potentiometer shaft 472 of the potentiometer 470 may be coupled to the slider actuator 440. When the slider knob 442 is moved along the slider slot 422, the movement of the slider actuator 440 may cause the potentiometer shaft 472 to be adjustedaccordingly. The potentiometer shaft 472 may allow a user to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE to the high-end intensity level LHE. The control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to determine a commanded intensity level LCMD for the lighting load in response to the position of the slider knot 442 along the slider slot 422 (e.g., via local control). Alternatively, in some examples, the control device 400 may include a linear encoder, a combination of a wiper and a resistive trace on the main PCB 440 of the control device 400, a mechanical or magnetic encoder, etc. instead of a potentiometer.

[0262] The enclosure (e.g., the enclosure back cover 430 and the enclosure frame 498) may house the load control circuitry (e.g., the controllably conductive device) of the control device 400. Although illustrated with the enclosure, in some examples, such as when the control device 400 is a wireless, remote control device, the enclosure may be omitted. In such examples, the control device 400 may connect to a base that is affixed to the toggle or paddle actuator of a standard light switch. The control device 400 may comprise a yoke 432 that may be connected to the enclosure back cover 430 and / or the enclosure frame 498, and may be configured to mount the control device 400 to an electrical wallbox. The base portion 412 may be configured to be connected to the yoke 432. For example, the base portion 412 may comprise a hook 417 configured to extend through an opening 433 of the yoke 432 and one or more clips 419 (e.g., two clips) configured to extend through respective openings 435 in the yoke 432. The hook 417 and the clips 419 may be configured to engage the yoke 432 for holding the base portion 412 against the yoke 432. The hook 417 may extend into an opening 497 between the enclosure frame 498 and the yoke 432 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 22).

[0263] The control circuity used to control the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load may be mounted to the main PCB 460. For example, the main PCB 460 may have mounted thereto any combination of a control circuit (e.g., a primary control circuit), memory, a drive circuit, one or more controllably conductive devices, a zero-crossing detector, a low-voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32). The control circuit mounted to the main PCB 460 may be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device, for example, via the drive circuit. The control circuit may be used for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control the amount of power delivered to the lightingload and thus the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load. The control device 400 may also include mechanical switches, such as first and second tactile switches 462, 464 mounted to the front side 461 of the main PCB 460. The mechanical switch may be configured to be actuated in response to actuations (e.g., tactile actuations) of the upper portion 416 and the lower portion 418 of the actuation member 410, respectively (e.g., to turn the electrical load on and off). In some examples, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control the lighting load to turn the lighting load on in response to an actuation of the upper portion 416 of the actuation member 410 (e.g., the first tactile switch 462), and to turn the lighting load off in response to an actuation of the lower portion 418 of the actuation member (e.g., second tactile switch 464), or vice versa. In addition, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control the lighting load to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load in response to actuations of the slider actuator 440 (e.g., in response to the potentiometer 470).

[0264] The control device 400 may comprise a stand-alone load control device (e.g., the control device 400 may not comprise a wireless communication circuit). The control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control the controllably conductive device to control the lighting load in response to (e.g., only in response to) actuations of the actuation member 410 (e.g., the upper portion 416 and / or the lower portion 418) and / or the slider actuator 440.

[0265] The control device 400 may include a rubber membrane 480 that allows the actuator member 410 to pivot. For example, the rubber membrane 480 may enable the actuation member 410 to pivot about the pivot axis 402 in response to a tactile actuation of the upper portion 416 and the lower portion 418. The rubber membrane 480 may be located at a center of a rear surface 415 of the actuation member 410. The rubber membrane 480 may define the pivot axis 402 of the actuation member 410.

[0266] The tactile actuation of the actuation member 410 may cause one of the first and second tactile switches 462, 464 mounted to the main PCB 460 to be actuated (e.g., as shown in FIG. 22). For example, when the upper portion 416 of the actuation member 410 is actuated, a rear surface 415 of the actuation member 410 may be moved toward the main PCB 460. The rear surface 415 may contact a first portion 476 of the rubber membrane 480, which may deflect inward and contact a first spacer rod 466. The deflection of first portion 476 of the rubber membrane 480 maycause the first spacer rod 466 to move toward and actuate the first tactile switch 462 mounted to the main PCB 460. Similarly, when the lower portion 418 of the actuation member 410 is actuated, the rear surface 415 of the actuation member 410 may be moved toward the main PCB 460. The rear surface 415 may contact a second portion 478 of the rubber membrane 480, which may deflect inward and contact a second spacer rod 468. The deflection of second portion 478 of the rubber membrane 480 may cause the second spacer rod 468 to move toward and actuate the second tactile switch 464 mounted to the main PCB 460. Further, the rubber membrane 480 may cause the actuation member 410 to be self-centered when not being actuated (e.g., when the user is not applying pressure to either the upper or lower portions 416, 418 of the actuation member 410). For example, the rubber membrane 480 may operate to center that the actuation member 410 when in a rest state.

[0267] The user interface 402 of the control device 400 may comprise a visible display, such as an illumination surface 424. For example, a front surface of a diffuser 420 may act as the illumination surface 424 of the control device 400. The diffuser 420 may comprise a first elongated portion 421a (e.g., a first diffuser and / or a first portion of a diffuser) and a second elongated portion 421b (e.g., a second diffuser and / or a second portion of the diffuser). The diffuser 420 may be mechanically coupled to the slider body 444 the slider actuator 440 that also includes the slider knob 442. For example, the diffuser 420 and the slider actuator 440 may be attached to the base portion 412 of the control device 400 (e.g., in a similar manner as the diffuser 320 and the slider actuator 340 are attached to the base portion 312 of the control device 300 as shown in FIGs. 14-18). In such instances, the diffuser 420 may be configured to move behind the slider slot 422 in response to movements of the slider knob 442. The diffuser 420 (e.g., the first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b) may be linear. When configured, the diffuser 420 may reside behind the slider slot 422 in the base portion 412 of the control device 400.

[0268] The control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402 using one or more light sources 438 of the control device 400 to visibly display information, such as the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 400. The light sources 438 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the front side 461 of the main PCB 460 housed between the enclosure back cover 430and the enclosure frame 498. For example, the illumination surface 424 may be configured to be illuminated to display the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 400 based on the position of the slider knob 442 (e.g., the position of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422 between the low-end position 434 and the high-end position 436). For example, the illumination surface 424 (e.g., the diffuser 420) may be configured to diffuse (e.g., spread or scatter) light received from the plurality of light sources 438 to provide feedback (e.g., to display the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load).

[0269] The control device 400 may include first and second spacer rods 466, 468, a light guide structure e.g., a tunnel structure) 490, and a connector structure 494 (e.g., as shown in FIG.22). The connector structure 494 may be configured to connect the first and second spacer rods 466, 468 to the enclosure frame 498. The light guide structure 490 may be similar to (e.g., identical to) the light guide structure 390 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 10-12).

[0270] The light guide structure 490 may also be formed as part of the enclosure frame 498. The light guide structure 490 that may be configured to guide light from the one or more light sources 438 located inside of the enclosure back cover 430 to the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402. For example, the light guide structure 490 may include one or more apertures 492, which may be the same or different sizes. For example, top and bottom apertures 492 may each be larger than the other apertures 492 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23). Further, the apertures 492 may be wider on the side closest to the light sources 438 and narrower at the side closest to the diffuser 420 (e.g., the apertures 492 may have a cross-sectional cone shape). In some examples, the light guide structure 490 may include the same number of apertures 492 as the number of the light sources 438 on the main PCB 460. Further, the main PCB 460 may be coupled to the enclosure frame 498 such that the light sources 438 are aligned with the apertures 492 of the light guide structure 490 (e.g., each of the light sources 438 may be located directly under a single one of aperture 492), or alternatively, such that the light sources 438 are offset from the apertures 492 (e.g., each of the light sources 438 may be located between two apertures 492, for example, so that light does not emit directly up the aperture 492 into the diffuser 420).

[0271] The apertures 492 of the light guide structure 490 and the light sources 438 may be configured to cause the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402 to be illuminated in theplurality of segments (e.g., the segments 426a-426i as shown in FIG. 3D and / or FIG. 4D). For example, the apertures 492 may be configured to segment the light illuminated by the light sources 438 prior to the light entering the diffuser 420. Further, the light guide structure 490 may be configured to minimize the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments of the illumination surface 424. For example, the light guide structure 490 e.g., the apertures 492 of the light guide structure 490) may operate to prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) light emitted from a light source 438 from causing illumination in more than one segment of the illumination surface 424. For example, the distance between the apertures 492 and the light sources 438 may influence the clarity or discreteness of each segment of the plurality of segments (e.g., so that the segments 492). For instance, the control device 400 may be configured such that the distance between the apertures 492 and the light sources 438 is minimized (e.g., the light sources 438 may be within 1 mm of the apertures 492). In some examples, the distance between the apertures 492 and the light sources 438 may be the distance between the light guide structure 490 where the apertures 492 end and the light sources 438. For instance, the light guide structure 490 may end before reaching the light sources 438. Alternatively, the light guide structure 490 may end at the main PCB 460 to envelope (e.g., cover) a light source 438 in each aperture 492. Further, the control device 400 may be configured such that the distance between the apertures 492 and the diffuser 420 is such that there is some distance but is generally minimized (e.g., ends of the apertures 492 may be approximately within the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm from the diffuser 420). In some examples, the distance between an end of one of the apertures 492 and the diffuser 420 should be configured such that the light emitting from the aperture 492 projects onto the diffuser 420, but not so great that it increases the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments.

[0272] Further, in some examples, the base portion 412 may be configured to reduce the amount of light that bounces within the light guide structure 490 because, for example, the bouncing of light may result in the plurality of segments looking less refined or fuzzy. For example, the base portion 412, such as an interior surface of the base portion 412, may be painted (e.g., painting black or another dark color) or coated such that the light generated by the light sources 438 is less prone to bounce or reflect between the apertures 492. Further, in some examples, the main PCB 460 may becoated or painted with a dark color (e.g., black) to reduce or prevent the amount of light that bleeds between adjacent segments.

[0273] The slider knob 442 may define a length, and the length of the slider knob 442 may be equal to or greater than the length of each of the plurality of segments of the illumination surface 424, for example, as described with reference to the slider knob 242 of the control device 200. In one example, the illumination surface 424 may be illuminated into one or more of nine, discrete segments of illumination. A length of the slider knob 442 and / or the segments may be selected based on a desired ratio between the length of the slider knob and the length of each of the plurality of segments.

[0274] In instances where the control device 400 is configured to illuminate the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402 in a continuous bar (e.g., the continuous bar 228 as shown in FIG. 5D and / or FIG. 6D), the apertures 492 (e.g., or the light guide structure 490 entirely) may be omitted from the control device 400. For instance, the control device 400 may include the light guide structure 490 that includes a single, elongated aperture 492 in examples where the control device 400 is configured to illuminate the diffuser 420 in a continuous bar. Further, in some examples, the control device 400 may include one or more light pipes, where each light pipe may be configured to guide light from one or more of the plurality of light sources to illuminate the diffuser 420 in a continuous bar. Further, in some examples, the light guide structure 490 may be omitted, for instance, in examples where the control device 400 is configured to illuminate the diffuser 420 in a continuous bar.

[0275] When the load is off, the control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402 to provide a nightlight feature, so that a user of the control device 400 may be able to locate the control device 400 when the space in which the control device 400 is located is dark. For example, the control device 400 may be configured to provide the nightlight feature by illuminating all of the segments on the illumination surface 424 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3D or FIG. 4D). Further, in some examples, the control device 400 may be configured to increase the surface intensity level of the illumination surface 424 in a dark mode to make the nightlight brighter (e.g., as compared to the surface intensity level of the illumination surface 424when the control device 400 is not providing the nightlight feature, for example, when the space is not dark and / or the control device 400 is illuminating a lighting load).

[0276] The control device 400 may be configured to adjust a surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 424 (e.g., all of the segments). For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to adjust each of the segments to the same intensity level (e.g., the surface intensity level LSURFACE). The control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control individual intensity levels of the light sources 438 to adjust the surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 424. For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the internal light sources 438 using a pulse- width modulation (PWM) technique. The control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to, for example, adjust a duty cycle of a respective LED voltage generated across and / or a respective LED current conducted through each of the light sources 438 to control the individual intensity levels of each of the light sources 438. For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control the surface intensity level LSURFACE of the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 424 to a first magnitude when the lighting load is on and to a second magnitude when the lighting load is off, where the first magnitude may be greater than the second magnitude (e.g., to illuminate the illuminated portion of the illumination surface 424 brightly when the load is on and dimly when the load is off).

[0277] The base portion 412 (e.g., bezel) of the control device 400 may include an elongated slot, such as the slider slot 422. As noted herein, the slider slot 422 may be an elongated opening in the base portion 412 of the control device 300. In some examples, the slider slot 422 may be located adjacent to the actuation member 410. The rear surface 415 of the base portion 412 may define a first channel (e.g., such as the first channel 327 of the base portion 412 of the control device 400) and a second channel (e.g., such as the second channel 328 of the base portion 312 of the control device 300). The first channel may be configured to receive the slider body 444 of the slider actuator 440 (e.g., in a similar manner as the first channel 327 receives the nubs 341a, 341b of the slider body 344 of the slider actuator 340 of the control device 300 as shown in FIGs. 14 and 15). The second channel may be configured to receive the diffuser 420 (e.g., in a similar manner as the second channel 328 receives the diffuser 320 as shown in FIGs. 14 and 15). The secondchannel may also include the slider slot 422. For example, the second channel may be longer (e.g., and wider) than the slider slot 422 such that the illumination on the illumination surface 424 (e.g., the segmented bar) may be seen through the slider slot 422. Further, the second channel may support the diffuser 420 while the slider knob 442 is moved, for example, to ensure that the first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b stay within the second channel and the slider slot 422. The diffuser 420 may be an example of the diffuser 220 of the load control device 200. The slider actuator 440 may be an example of the slider actuator 240 of the load control device 200.

[0278] As noted herein, the diffuser 420 may include the first elongated portion 421a and the second elongated portion 421b. The first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b (e.g., the illumination surface of the first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b) may be configured to diffuse light transmitted from the light sources 438 through the light guide structure 490 and out through the illumination surface 424 of the user interface 402 and through the slider slot 422 to provide feedback to the user. The diffuser 420 may also include two snaps 423a, 423b that connect the diffuser 420 to the slider actuator 440, for example, through a snap-fit connection. The snaps 423a, 423b may loosely couple the diffuser 420 to the slider actuator 440.

[0279] The slider actuator 440 may include the slider knob 440 that resides at the end of a slider shaft 443. As noted herein, the slider knob 440 may be configured to be moved (e.g., by a user) to adjust the amount of power delivered to an electrical load by the control device 400. For example, the slider knob 442 may be configured to move along an elongated path (e.g., in a vertical direction) along the slider slot 422 between the low-end position 434 and the high-end position 436 of the slider slot 422. In examples where the electrical load is a lighting load(s), the slider knob 442 may allow for adjustment of the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load from the low-end intensity level LLE (e.g., when the slider knob 442 is located in the low-end position 434) to the high-end intensity level LHE (e.g., when the slider knob is located in the high-end position 436).

[0280] The slider shaft 443 may extend between the slider body 444 and the slider knob 442. As noted above, the snaps 423a, 423b may be configured to engage the slider shaft 443 to enable a connection (e.g., a loose snap-fit connection) between the slider actuator 440 and the diffuser 420. When connected, the slider shaft 443 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 425, which may be located where the snaps 423a, 423b contacts the slider shaft 443. The pivot axis 425 may allowfor the diffuser 420 and / or slider actuator 440 to pivot in response to, for example, transverse force caused by movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422.

[0281] The slider actuator 440 may include the slider body 444 that includes one or more nubs, such as nubs 441a, 441b, one or more protrusions (e.g, such as the protrusions 326 shown in FIGs. 17 and 18), and a notch 447. The slider body 444 may be coupled to the slider shaft 443, for example, at a substantially perpendicular angle. The notch 447 may be sized to receive the potentiometer shaft 472. Further, the protrusions 446 may be sloped into towards the notch 447, and the sloped shape of the protrusions 446 may facilitate the receiving of the potentiometer shaft 472 into the notch 447 (e.g., during manufacturing). As such, when installed, the slider actuator 440 may be mechanically coupled to the potentiometer shaft 472 such that movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 447 causes the position of the potentiometer shaft 472 to move, and in response the control device 400 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. Further, in such examples, the slider knob 442 may be offset from the notch 447. Therefore, when coupled together, the potentiometer shaft 472 may not be located directly below the slider knob 442 (e.g., due to the slider body 444 being coupled to the slider shaft 443 at a substantially perpendicular angle).

[0282] The first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b of the diffuser 420 may be configured to reside within and travel along the second channel 429 on the rear side of the base portion 412. Further, the nubs 441a, 441b may be configured to reside within (e.g., snap within) the first channel 427. The nubs 441a, 441b may be configured travel along the first channel 427 during movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422. As such, the nubs 441a, 441b may be configured to support the slider actuator 440 as the slider knob 442 is moved along the slider slot 422. The base portion 412 is configured to allow for the slider actuator 440 and diffuser 420 to move (e.g., in unison) in response to movements of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422 in the base portion 412. Further, since the slider actuator 440 may be mechanically coupled to the potentiometer shaft 472 (e.g., via the protrusions 446 and the notch 447), any movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422 may cause the position of the potentiometer shaft 472 to move, and in response the control device 400 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. Finally, it should be appreciated that the nubs 441a, 441b residing within the first channel 427 and / or the first and second elongated portions 421a, 421b residing within the second channel may reducetransverse and / or rotational force on the diffuser 420 and / or slider actuator 440 in response to movement of the slider knob 442 along the slider slot 422.

[0283] The control device 400 may comprise an air-gap switch 429 adapted to be electrically coupled (e.g., substantially directly electrically coupled) in series between a power source (e.g., an AC power source) and the controllable light source. In some examples, the air-gap switch 429 may not comprise a bidirectional semiconductor switch (e.g., such as a triac or one or more field-effect transistors) for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load device using a phasecontrol dimming technique (e.g., as in a standard dimmer switch). When the air-gap switch 429 is closed, a load voltage is developed across the lighting load and is substantially undistorted from the AC line voltage produced by the AC power source. The air-gap switch 429 may be opened to provide an actual air-gap barrier between the power source and the lighting load to facilitate servicing of the lighting load.

[0284] In some examples, the control device 400 may be configured to receive an on / off command in response to an occupancy sensing circuit (not shown). The control circuit of the control device 400 may be responsive to the occupancy sensing circuit to detect an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition in the space in which the control device 400 is installed. For example, the control device 200 may comprise the occupancy sensing circuit (e.g., an internal occupancy sensing circuit), and the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to receive the on / off command from the occupancy sensing circuit. Additionally and / or alternatively, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to receive the on / off command from an external occupancy sensor (e.g., the sensor device 154). For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to receive a message including an indication of an occupancy condition and / or a vacancy condition from the external occupancy sensor and determine the on / off command in response to the indication of the occupancy sensor and / or the vacancy sensor. In response to the on / off command determined in response to the occupancy sensing circuit, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to, for example, turn on the lighting load when the space in which the control device 400 is installed is occupied and / or to turn off the lighting load when the space in which the control device 400 is installed is vacant.

[0285] The control device 400 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 400) may change an operating mode of the control device 400 in response to the actuation or adjustment of a combination of the actuation member 410 and slider knob 442 and / or via an external device (e.g., a mobile application residing on a smartphone and / or tablet that is configured with short-range wireless communication (e.g., BLE), for example. For instance, the control circuit of the control device 400 may change the operating mode in response to the actuation of the lower portion 418 of the action member 410 and by dragging the slider knob 442 from the top of the slider slot 422 to the bottom of the slider slot 422. In another example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may change the operating mode in response to the reception of a control signal from an external device (e.g., from the external device to a hub of the load control system and from the hub to the control device 400).

[0286] One example of a change in operating mode is a change between an intensity control mode and a color control mode (e.g., a color temperature control mode and / or a full color spectrum control mode). Another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode and a commissioning mode that is used to associate the control device 400 with an electrical load. Yet another example of a change in operating mode is a change between a normal operating mode to an advanced programming mode. As described herein, an advanced programming mode may allow configuration and / or adjustment of one or more operating characteristics of the control device and / or a lighting load of the load control system 100, such as a low-end trim (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and / or a high-end trim (e.g., a maximum intensity level) of the lighting load. During the advanced programming mode as described herein, the slider knob 442 may be adjusted to adjust an operating characteristic (e.g., such as a low-end trim) of the control device.

[0287] The control device 400 may be configured to determine an ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 400 is installed. For example, the control device 400 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 400) may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB in the space in which the control device 400 is installed. In some examples, the control device (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 400) may be configured to receive a message (e.g., digital message) including an indication of the ambient light intensitylevel LAMB in the space in which the control device 400 is installed from a remote device (e.g., such as the sensor device 154 of the load control system 100).

[0288] The control device 400 may comprise a light sensing circuit 474 that may be mounted to the front side 461 of the main PCB 460. For example, the light sensing circuit 474 may be mounted close to an upper edge 469 of the main PCB 460. The light sensing circuit 474 may comprise a photosensor and / or other suitable photo-sensing circuit. For example, the light sensing circuit 450 may comprise an integrated circuit (IC) and may be housed in an integrated circuit package (e.g., housing). The light sensing circuit 474 may be configured to receive light from outside of the control device 400 via the gap 413 between the actuation member 410 and the base portion 412. The control device 400 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LA B in the space in which the control device 400 is installed using the light sensing circuit 474. In some examples, the control device 400 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light sensing circuit 474 when the light sources 438 are off e.g., not emitting light). As previously mentioned, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the internal light sources 438 using a pulse- width modulation (PWM) technique. In such examples, the control device 400 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB using the light sensing circuit 474 during times when the internal light sources 438 are not emitting light (e.g., during off times of the PWM duty cycle), so that the ambient light intensity level LAMB measured by the light sensing circuit 474 is not affected by any light emitted by the light sources 438.

[0289] The light sensing circuit 474 may be configured to measure the ambient light intensity level LAMB, and the control circuit of the control device 400 may be responsive to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to control the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on or off and / to adjust the present intensity level LPRES of the lighting load) in response to the ambient light intensitylevel LAMB. In addition, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to adjust the operating mode and / or reconfigure the operation of the control device 400 in response to the ambient light intensity level LAMB. For example, the control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to determine whether to operate in a dark mode (e.g., a night mode) or a normal modebased on the ambient light intensity level LAMB. Further, in some examples, the control device 400 may not include the light sensing circuit 474, and instead, the control device 400 may be configured to receive one or more digital messages that indicate the ambient light intensity level LAMB from a light sensing circuit that is external to the control device 400 (c. ., the sensor device 154).

[0290] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 400 (e.g., the control circuit of the control device 400) may determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on a schedule (e.g., a timeclock schedule). The control circuit of the control device 400 may be configured to determine a present time and determine to operate in the normal mode o...

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A control device for controlling a lighting load, the control device comprising:a control circuit configured to:determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode;control the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode; andreceive a command indicating a commanded intensity level;wherein the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from a present intensity level to the commanded intensity level according to a first fade rate when operating in the first mode and a second fade rate when operating in the second mode.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to fade the intensity level of the lighting load when turning off the lighting load from the present intensity level to off according to a different fade rate when operating in the first mode as compared to when operating in the second mode.

3. The control device of claim 1, wherein the second fade rate is slower than the first fade rate.

4. The control device of claim 1, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

5. The control device of claim 4, wherein, when operating using the first mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

6. The control device of claim 1, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

7. The control device of claim 1, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

8. The control device of claim 7, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

9. The control device of claim 1, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the control circuit is configured to:set the fade-on time to the minimum fade-on time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

11. The control device of claim 9, further comprising:a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot;wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot; andwherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

12. The control device of claim 1, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to set a fade-off time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fadingoff the lighting load, wherein the fade-off time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

13. The control device of claim 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to:set the fade-off time to the minimum fade-off time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

14. The control device of claim 12, further comprising:a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot;wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot; andwherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

15. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control circuit is configured to:determine an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

16. The control device of claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive a message comprising the ambient light level.

17. The control device of claim 15, further comprising:a light sensing circuit configured to generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; andwherein the control circuit is configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit, and determine the ambient light level based on the signal.

18. The control device of claim 17, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the ambient light level based on the signal when the lighting load is off.

19. The control device of claim 17, further comprising:a base portion; andan actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the light sensing circuit is configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion.

20. The control device of claim 19, further comprising:a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit.

21. The control device of claim 20, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit.

22. The control device of claim 21, wherein the body has a rectangular shape.

23. The control device of claim 21, wherein the second surface of the body is curved to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit.

24. The control device of claim 21, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke.

25. The control device of claim 21, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device.

26. The control device of claim 21, wherein the body of the light conducting structure is oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device.

27. The control device of claim 21, wherein the light conducting structure comprises feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device.

28. The control device of claim 21, wherein the light conducting structure comprises bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

29. The control device of any of claims 19 to 28, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

30. The control device of claim 20, wherein the light sensing circuit comprises a photosensor.

31. The control device of claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

32. The control device of claim 31, wherein the control circuit is configured to:use a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

33. The control device of claim 15, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

34. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the command is an on command, an off command, or a toggle command.

35. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the command in response to an actuation of an on actuator, an off actuation, or a toggle actuator of the control device.

36. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the command in a message received via one or more wireless signals.

37. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the command in response to a message received from an occupancy sensing circuit.

38. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on a timeclock schedule.

39. The control device of claim 38, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a present time, and determine to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on present time and one or more event times associated with the timeclock schedule.

40. The control device of claim 38, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine to operate in the first mode during a first time window of the timeclock schedule and determine to operate in the second mode during a second time window of the timeclock schedule.

41. The control device of claim 40, the first time window and the second time window are based on sunrise and sunset times.

42. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the commanded intensity level via an actuation member of the control device or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

43. The control device of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.

44. A control device for controlling an electrical load, the control device comprising: a base portion;an actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion;a light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; anda control circuit configured to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal; andcontrol the electrical load based on the ambient light intensity level.

45. The control device of claim 44, further comprising:a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit.

46. The control device of claim 45, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit.

47. The control device of claim 46, wherein the body has a rectangular shape.

48. The control device of claim 46, wherein the second surface of the body is curved to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit.

49. The control device of claim 46, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke.

50. The control device of claim 46, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device.

51. The control device of claim 46, wherein the body of the light conducting structure is oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device.

52. The control device of claim 46, wherein the light conducting structure comprises feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device.

53. The control device of claim 46, wherein the light conducting structure comprises bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

54. The control device of any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and the control circuit is configured to determine the ambient light level when the lighting load is off.

55. The control device of any one of claim 54, wherein the control circuit is configured to:determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level; andcontrol the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode.

56. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to not change from the second mode to the first mode when the lighting load is on.

57. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below an ambient light threshold.

58. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold; andwherein the control circuit is configured to switch from the second mode to the normal first when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold, wherein the second ambient light threshold is greater than the first ambient light threshold.

59. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

60. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode.

61. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

62. The control device of claim 61, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

63. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

64. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a commanded intensity level.

65. The control device of claim 64, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the commanded intensity level via the actuation member or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

66. The control device of claim 64, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

67. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

68. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate, and wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

69. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

70. The control device of claim 69, wherein the control circuit is configured to:use a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

71. The control device of claim 55, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

72. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is less likely to exit first mode and enter second mode based on the ambient light intensity level than the control circuit is configured to exit second mode and enter first mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

73. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to: enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

74. The control device of claim 73, further comprising:a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot;wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to set the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

75. The control device of claim 74, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

76. The control device of claim 74, further comprising:one or more light sources configured to illuminate the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

77. The control device of claim 76, further comprising:a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot, wherein the diffuser defines an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device; andwherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level;wherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments, and wherein the control circuit is configured to:illuminate a first plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the low level, illuminate a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the medium level, and illuminate a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level.

78. The control device of claim 77, wherein the first plurality of segments comprises a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments comprise a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments comprise a top three segments.

79. The control device of claim 77, wherein the control circuit is configured to set the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member.

80. The control device of claim 77, wherein the control circuit is configured to disable the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

81. The control device of claim 77, wherein the ambient light sensitivity level is associated with a second-enter ambient light threshold and a second-exit ambient light threshold; wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

82. The control device of any one of claims 44 to 81, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

83. The control device of any one of claims 44 to 82, further comprising:a plurality of light sources; andan illumination surface configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate an amount of power delivered to the electrical load; andwherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the illumination surface when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

84. A method for controlling an electrical load using a control device, the method comprising:generating a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of ambient light in a space in which the control device is installed, wherein the ambient light is received through a gap formed between an actuation member and a base portion of the control device;determining the ambient light intensity level based on the signal; andcontrolling the electrical load based on the ambient light intensity level.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein the method further comprise:determining the ambient light level when the lighting load is off.

86. The method of claim 85, further comprising:determining whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level; andcontrolling the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode.

87. The method of claim 86, further comprising:not changing from the second mode to the first mode when the lighting load is on.

88. The method of claim 86, further comprising:switching from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below an ambient light threshold.

89. The method of claim 86, further comprising:switching from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold; andswitching from the second mode to the normal first when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold, wherein the second ambient light threshold is greater than the first ambient light threshold.

90. The method of claim 86, further comprising:fading an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising:fading an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode when operating using the second mode.

92. The method of claim 90, further comprising:fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve when operating using the second mode.

93. The method of claim 90, further comprising:fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve when operating using the second mode.

94. The method of claim 90, further comprising:fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve when operating using the second mode.

95. The method of claim 90, further comprising:increasing a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a commanded intensity level when operating using the second mode.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising:receiving the commanded intensity level via the actuation member or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

97. The method of claim 95, further comprising:switching from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

98. The method of claim 90, further comprising:setting a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load when operating using the second mode, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

99. The method of claim 90, further comprising:controlling the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate when operating in the second mode; andcontrolling the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate when operating in the first mode, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

100. The method of claim 90, further comprising:using different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

101. The method of claim 90, further comprising:using a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; andusing a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

102. The method of claim 90, further comprising:filtering the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold when operating in the first mode; andfiltering the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold when operating in the second mode.

103. The method of claim 90, further comprising:entering an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermining whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

104. The method of claim 103, further comprising:adjusting an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot; andsetting the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

106. The method of claim 104, further comprising:controlling one or more light sources of the control device to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

107. The method any of claims 84 to 106, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

108. The method any of claims 84 to 107, further comprising:illuminating the illumination surface using a plurality of light sources of the control device when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

109. At least one computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by at least one control circuit of a control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of ambient light in a space in which the control device is installed, wherein the ambient light is received through a gap formed between an actuation member and a base portion of the control device;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal; andcontrol the electrical load based on the ambient light intensity level.

110. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine the ambient light level when the lighting load is off.

111. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 110, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level; andcontrol the lighting load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode.

112. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:not change from the second mode to the first mode when the lighting load is on.

113. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below an ambient light threshold.

114. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:switch from the first mode to the second mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold; andswitch from the second mode to the normal first when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold, wherein the second ambient light threshold is greater than the first ambient light threshold.

115. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

116. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode when operating using the second mode.

117. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve when operating using the second mode.

118. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve when operating using the second mode.

119. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve when operating using the second mode.

120. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a commanded intensity level when operating using the second mode.

121. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the commanded intensity level via the actuation member or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

122. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

123. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load when operating using the second mode, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

124. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate when operating in the second mode; andcontrol the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate when operating in the first mode, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

125. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

126. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:use a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

127. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique to determine whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold when operating in the first mode; andfilter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique to determine whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold when operating in the second mode.

128. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

129. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 128, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot; andset the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

130. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

131. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:control one or more light sources of the control device to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

132. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 1 to 131, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

133. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 1 to 131, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:illuminate the illumination surface using a plurality of light sources of the control device when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

134. A control device for controlling an electrical load, the control device comprising: a light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; anda control circuit configured to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal;determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level; andcontrol the electrical load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode; andwherein, when the control circuit is operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to use a first filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the second mode; andwherein, when the control circuit is operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to use a second filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the first mode, wherein the second filtering technique is different from the first filtering technique.

135. The control device of claim 134, wherein the control circuit is configured to:use a heavy filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

136. The control device of claim 135, wherein the control circuit is configured to not filter the signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

137. The control device of claim 135, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below an enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above an exit ambient light threshold.

138. The control device of claim 134, wherein the control circuit is less likely to exit first mode and enter second mode based on the ambient light intensity level than the control circuit is configured to exit second mode and enter first mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

139. The control device of claim 134, wherein the control circuit is configured to: enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

140. The control device of claim 139, further comprising:a base portion; andan actuation member that is configured to be received in an opening of the base portion such that a gap is formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the light sensing circuit is configured to receive light through the gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion.

141. The control device of claim 140, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and the control circuit is configured to determine the ambient light level when the lighting load is off142. The control device of claim 141, further comprising:a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot;wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to set the ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

143. The control device of claim 142, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

144. The control device of claim 142, further comprising:one or more light sources configured to illuminate the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

145. The control device of claim 144, further comprising:a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot, wherein the diffuser defines an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device; andwherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level;wherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments, and wherein the control circuit is configured to:illuminate a first plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the low level, illuminate a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set tothe medium level, and illuminate a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level.

146. The control device of claim 145, wherein the first plurality of segments comprises a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments comprise a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments comprise a top three segments.

147. The control device of claim 145, wherein the control circuit is configured to set the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member.

148. The control device of claim 145, wherein the control circuit is configured to disable the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

149. The control device of claim 145, wherein the ambient light sensitivity level is associated with an enter ambient light threshold and an exit ambient light threshold;wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below the enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above the exit ambient light threshold.

150. The control device of claim 140, further comprising:a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit.

151. The control device of claim 150, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit.

152. The control device of claim 151, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke.

153. The control device of claim 151, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device.

154. The control device of claim 151, wherein the body of the light conducting structure is oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device.

155. The control device of claim 151, wherein the light conducting structure comprises feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device.

156. The control device of claim 151, wherein the light conducting structure comprises bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

157. The control device of any one of claims 140 to 156, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

158. The control device of claim 134, wherein the control circuit is configured to filter the ambient light intensity level using a digital filter.

159. The control device of claim 134, further comprising:a filter circuit configured to receive the signal from the light sensing circuit and generate a filtered signal, wherein the signal received by the control circuit is the filtered signal.

160. The control device of claim 158 or 159, wherein the control circuit is configured to: periodically sample the signal to determine the ambient light intensity level;store a plurality of samples of the signal in memory of the control device as a digital signal; andfilter the digital signal using a digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level.

161. The control device of claim 160, wherein the control circuit is configured to: configure the digital filter to use a heavy filtering technique when operating in the first mode and configure the digital filter to use a light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

162. The control device of claim 161, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to compare the filtered digital signal to an enter ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is less than the enter ambient light threshold; and wherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to compare the filtered digital signal to an exit ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is greater than the exit ambient light threshold.

163. The control device of claim 162, wherein, to filter the digital signal using the digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level, the control device is configured to:determine if a number of consecutive samples of the plurality of samples are less than the enter ambient light threshold value during a filter time period when operating in the first mode; and determine if at least one sample of the plurality of samples is greater than the exit ambient light threshold value when operating in the second mode.

164. The control device of claim 161, wherein the control circuit is configured to configure the digital filter to not filter the digital signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

165. The control device of claim 160, wherein the control device is configured to determine the ambient light intensity level based on the plurality of samples that were captured when the electrical load is off.

166. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

167. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode.

168. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

169. The control device of claim 168, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the first mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

170. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

171. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to increase afade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a command received via an actuation member of the control device.

172. The control device of claim 171, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

173. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the control circuit is configured to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

174. The control device of claim 134, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating in the second mode, the control circuit is configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate, and wherein, when operating in the first mode, the control circuit is configured to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

175. The control device of any one of claims 134 to 174, further comprising:a plurality of light sources; andan illumination surface configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate an amount of power delivered to the electrical load; andwherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the illumination surface when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

176. The control device of any one of claims 134 to 175, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.Symbology 2 — Method177. A method for controlling an electrical load using a control device, the method comprising:receiving the signal from the light sensing circuit;determining the ambient light intensity level based on the signal;determining whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level, wherein, when operating in the first mode, a first filtering technique is used to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the second mode, and wherein, when operating in the second mode, a second filtering technique is used to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the first mode, wherein the second filtering technique is different from the first filtering technique; andcontrolling the electrical load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode.

178. The method of claim 177, further comprising:using a heavy filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; andusing a light filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

179. The method of claim 178, further comprising:not filtering the signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

180. The method of claim 178, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below an enter ambient light threshold; and wherein, when operating in the second mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above an exit ambient light threshold.

181. The method of claim 177, further comprising:entering an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermining whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

182. The method of claim 181, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and the ambient light level is determined when the lighting load is off.

183. The method of claim 182, further comprising:setting an ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device.

184. The method of claim 183, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

185. The method of claim 183, further comprising:controlling one or more light sources of the control device to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

186. The method of claim 185, further comprising:illuminating an illuminated surface of a diffuser of the control device in a plurality of segments.

187. The method of claim 186, further comprising:illuminating a first plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the low level;illuminating a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the medium level; andilluminating a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level.

188. The method of claim 187, wherein the first plurality of segments comprises a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments comprise a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments comprise a top three segments.

189. The method of claim 187, further comprising:setting the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member.

190. The method of claim 187, further comprising:disabling the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

191. The method of claim 183, wherein the ambient light sensitivity level is associated with an enter ambient light threshold and an exit ambient light threshold;wherein, when operating in the first mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below the enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above the exit ambient light threshold.

192. The method of claim 177, wherein the ambient light intensity level is filtered using a digital filter.

193. The method of claim 177, further comprising:receiving the signal from the light sensing circuit; andgenerating a filtered signal.

194. The method of claim 193, further comprising:periodically sampling the signal to determine the ambient light intensity level;storing a plurality of samples of the signal in memory of the control device as a digital signal; andfiltering the digital signal using a digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level.

195. The method of claim 194, further comprising:configuring a digital filter to use a heavy filtering technique when operating in the first mode; andconfiguring the digital filter to use a light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

196. The method of claim 195, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the method comprises comparing the filtered digital signal to an enter ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is less than the enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the method comprises comparing the filtered digital signal to an exit ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is greater than the exit ambient light threshold.

197. The method of claim 196, wherein, to filter the digital signal using the digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level, the method comprises:determining if a number of consecutive samples of the plurality of samples are less than the enter ambient light threshold value during a filter time period when operating in the first mode; and determining if at least one sample of the plurality of samples is greater than the exit ambient light threshold value when operating in the second mode.

198. The method of claim 195, further comprising:configuring the digital filter to not filter the digital signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

199. The method of claim 194, further comprising:determining the ambient light intensity level based on the plurality of samples that were captured when the electrical load is off.

200. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein the method comprises:fading an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

201. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode.

202. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

203. The method of claim 202, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the first mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

204. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and fading off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

205. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises increasing a fade rate of anintensity level of the lighting load in response to a command received via an actuation member of the control device.

206. The method of claim 205, further comprising:switching from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

207. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises setting a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

208. The method of claim 177, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating in the second mode, the method comprises controlling the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate; andwherein, when operating in the first mode, the method comprises controlling the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

209. The method of any one of claims 177 to 208, further comprising:illuminating an illumination surface of the control device when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

210. The method of any one of claims 177 to 208, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.

211. At least one computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by at least one control circuit of a control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal;determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level, wherein, when operating in the first mode, a first filtering technique is used to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the second mode, and wherein, when operating in the second mode, a second filtering technique is used to determine the ambient light intensity level to determine whether to operate in the first mode, wherein the second filtering technique is different from the first filtering technique; andcontrol the electrical load based on whether the control circuit is operating in the first mode or in the second mode.

212. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:use a heavy filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to determine the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

213. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 212, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:not filter the signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

214. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 212, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:when operating in the first mode, filter the ambient light intensity level using the heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below an enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, filter the ambient light intensity level using the light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above an exit ambient light threshold.

215. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:enter an ambient light sensitivity programming mode to allow a user to adjust an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

216. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 215, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and the ambient light level is determined when the lighting load is off.

217. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 216, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:set an ambient light sensitivity to one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device.

218. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 217, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

219. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 217, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:control one or more light sources of the control device to illuminate the slider slot to indicate which one of the plurality of light sensitive levels is set based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

220. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 219, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:illuminate an illuminated surface of a diffuser of the control device in a plurality of segments.

221. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 220, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:illuminate a first plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the low level;illuminate a second plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the medium level; andilluminate a third plurality of segments when the ambient light sensitivity level is set to the high level.

222. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 221, wherein the first plurality of segments comprises a bottom three segments, the second plurality of segments comprise a middle three segments, and the third plurality of segments comprise a top three segments.

223. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 221, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:set the ambient light sensitivity level based on an actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member.

224. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 221, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:disable the second mode based on an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

225. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 207, wherein the ambient light sensitivity level is associated with an enter ambient light threshold and an exit ambient light threshold;wherein, when operating in the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to filter the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below the enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above the exit ambient light threshold.

226. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 201, wherein the ambient light intensity level is filtered using a digital filter.

227. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 201, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit; andgenerate a filtered signal.

228. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 227, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:periodically sample the signal to determine the ambient light intensity level;store a plurality of samples of the signal in memory of the control device as a digital signal; andfdter the digital signal using a digital fdter to determine the ambient light intensity level.

229. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 228, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:configure a digital filter to use a heavy filtering technique when operating in the first mode; andconfigure the digital filter to use a light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

230. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 229, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to compare the filtered digital signal to an enter ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is less than the enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to compare the filtered digital signal to an exit ambient light threshold value to determine if the ambient light level is greater than the exit ambient light threshold.

231. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 230, wherein, to filter the digital signal using the digital filter to determine the ambient light intensity level, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine if a number of consecutive samples of the plurality of samples are less than the enter ambient light threshold value during a filter time period when operating in the first mode; and determine if at least one sample of the plurality of samples is greater than the exit ambient light threshold value when operating in the second mode.

232. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 229, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:configure the digital filter to not filter the digital signal when using the light filtering technique when operating in the second mode.

233. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 228, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine the ambient light intensity level based on the plurality of samples that were captured when the electrical load is off.

234. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the second mode as compared to when operating in the first mode.

235. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the first mode.

236. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the controldevice, cause the at least one control circuit to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

237. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 236, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

238. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and fading off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

239. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to a command received via an actuation member of the control device.

240. The method of claim 29, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the command received via the actuation member.

241. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on a commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

242. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 211, wherein the electrical load comprises a lighting load, and wherein, when operating in the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a second fade-on rate; andwherein, when operating in the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to control the intensity level of the lighting load to turn on the lighting load using a first fade-on rate, wherein the second fade-on rate is slower than the first fade-on rate.

243. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any of claim 211 to 241, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:illuminate an illumination surface of the control device when the electrical load is off to provide a nightlight feature.

244. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any of claim 211 to 241, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.Symbology 4245. A control device for controlling a lighting load, the control device comprising: an actuation member;a slider actuator comprising a slider knob that is movable along a slider slot; anda control circuit configured to control an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of the slider knob along the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to enter an advanced programming mode and, when in the advanced programming mode, adjust one or more operating characteristics of the control device to one or more discrete levels based on one or more corresponding, discrete positions of the slider knob along the slider slot.

246. The control device of claim 245, further comprising:one or more light sources configured to illuminate the slider slot; andwherein the control circuit is configured to control the one or more light sources to illuminate the slider slot to indicate a selected operating characteristic of the one or more operating characteristics.

247. The control device of claim 246, further comprising:a diffuser located adjacent the slider slot, wherein the diffuser defines an illumination surface when illuminated via the one or more light sources of the control device;wherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the illuminated surface in a plurality of segments, and wherein the control circuit is configured to:illuminate a first subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a first operating characteristic, illuminate a second subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a second operating characteristic, and illuminate a third subset of the plurality of segments when the selected operating characteristic is a third operating characteristic.

248. The control device of claim 247, wherein the first subset of the plurality of segments comprises a bottom three segments, the second subset of the plurality of segments comprises a middle three segments, and the third subset of the plurality of segments comprises a top three segments.

249. The control device of claim 247 or 248, further comprising:a tunnel structure located between the one or more light sources and the diffuser, wherein the tunnel structure comprises a plurality of apertures that are configured to cause the illumination surface to illuminate a plurality of segments.

250. The control device of any of claims 247 to 249, wherein the plurality of segments are illuminated along the slider slot.

251. The control device of claim 245, further comprising:a base portion; anda light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light through a gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; andwherein the control circuit is configured to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off; anddetermine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

252. The control device of claim 251, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.

253. The control device of claim 252, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the control device comprise an ambient light sensitivity of the control device; andwherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether to operate in the normal mode or the dark mode based on the ambient light intensity level and the ambient light sensitivity of the control device.

254. The control device of claim 252, wherein the ambient light sensitivity is one of a plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels, wherein the plurality of ambient light sensitivity levels comprise a low level, a medium level, and a high level.

255. The control device of claim 252, wherein the control circuit is configured to switch from the normal mode to the dark mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is below a first ambient light threshold; andwherein the control circuit is configured to switch from the dark mode to the normal mode when the lighting load is off and the ambient light intensity level is above a second ambient light threshold, wherein the second ambient light threshold is greater than the first ambient light threshold.

256. The control device of claim 252, wherein the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level according to a slower fade time period when operating in the dark mode as compared to when operating in the normal mode.

257. The control device of claim 252, wherein, when operating using the dark mode, the control circuit is configured to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on or turning off using a slower fade rate than when operating using the normal mode.

258. The control device of claim 252, wherein, when operating using the dark mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

259. The control device of claim 258, wherein, when operating using the normal mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

260. The control device of claim 252, wherein, when operating using the dark mode, the control circuit is configured to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and configured to fade off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

261. The control device of claim 252, wherein the control circuit is configured to disable the control device from operating in the dark mode in response to an actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member.

262. The control device of claim 245, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the control device comprise an intensity control mode and a color control mode.

263. The control device of claim 245, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the control device comprise a normal operating mode and a commissioning mode that is used to associate the control device with a remote control device.

264. The control device of claim 245, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the control device comprise a normal operating mode and an advanced programming mode.

265. The control device of claim 245, wherein the one or more operating characteristics comprises one or more fade rates; andwherein, when placed in an advanced programming mode, the control circuit is configured to set a fade rate of the one or more fade rates for turning on or turning off the lighting load from a present intensity level to a commanded intensity level.

266. The control device of claim 245, wherein the one or more characteristics of the control device comprise a low-end intensity level of the lighting load or a high-end intensity level of the lighting load; andwherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the low-end intensity level or the high-end intensity level of the lighting load based on the position of the slider knob along the slider slot.

267. The control device of any one of claims 245 to 266, further comprising:a base portion; anda light sensing circuit that is configured to receive light through a gap formed between the actuation member and the base portion, and generate a signal that indicates an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; andwherein the control circuit is configured to:receive the signal from the light sensing circuit;determine the ambient light intensity level based on the signal when the lighting load is off; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

268. The control device of claim 267, further comprising:a light conducting structure that is configured to conduct the ambient light that enters the control device via the gap to the light sensing circuit.

269. The control device of claim 267, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a body that defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is directed towards the gap between the actuation member and the base portion, and wherein the second surface is directed towards the light sensing circuit.

270. The control device of claim 269, wherein the body has a rectangular shape.

271. The control device of claim 269, wherein the second surface of the body is curved to direct ambient light towards the light sensing circuit.

272. The control device of claim 269, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to contact a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device to bias the body against an upper edge of the yoke.

273. The control device of claim 269, wherein the light conducting structure comprises a spring arm that is configured to bias the body of the light conducting structure from an upper edge and a lower edge of an opening of a yoke of the control device.

274. The control device of claim 269, wherein the body of the light conducting structure is oriented at an angle with respect to a plane of a yoke of the control device.

275. The control device of claim 269, wherein the light conducting structure comprises feet that are configured to extend through an opening between a yoke of the control device and an enclosure frame of the control device.

276. The control device of claim 269, wherein the light conducting structure comprises bumpers that are configured to abut an enclosure back cover of the control device to locate the second surface proximate to the light sensing circuit.

277. The control device of any of claims 267 to 276, wherein the gap is defined along an upper end of the actuation member.

278. The control device of any of claims 267 to 277, wherein the light sensing circuit comprises a photosensor.

279. The control device of any of claims 245 to 278, wherein the slider knob is configured to move in discrete increments along the slider slot.

280. The control device of any of claims 245 to 278, wherein the slider knob is configured to move in continuously along the slider slot.

281. A method for controlling a lighting load with a control device, the method comprising:determining whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode;controlling the lighting load based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or in the second mode; andreceiving a command indicating a commanded intensity level;wherein a first date rate is used to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from a present intensity level to the commanded intensity level when operating in the first mode, and a second fade rate is used to fade the intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from the present intensity level to the commanded intensity level when operating in the second mode.

282. The method of claim 281, further comprising:fading the intensity level of the lighting load when turning off the lighting load from the present intensity level to off according to a different fade rate when operating in the first mode as compared to when operating in the second mode.

283. The method of claim 281, wherein the second fade rate is slower than the first fade rate.

284. The method of claim 281, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

285. The method of claim 284, wherein, when operating using the first mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

286. The method of claim 281, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises fading on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and fading off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

287. The method of claim 281, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises increasing a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

288. The method of claim 287, further comprising:switching from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

289. The method of claim 281, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises setting a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

290. The method of claim 289, further comprising:setting the fade-on time to the minimum fade-on time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

291. The method of claim 289, further comprising:adjusting an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device, wherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

292. The method of claim 281 , wherein, when operating using the second mode, the method comprises setting a fade-off time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading off the lighting load, wherein the fade-off time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

293. The method of claim 292, further comprising:setting the fade-off time to the minimum fade-off time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

294. The method of claim 292, further comprising:adjusting an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device, wherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

295. The method of any one of claims 281 to 294, further comprising:determining an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; anddetermining whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

296. The method of claim 295, further comprising:receiving a message comprising the ambient light level.

297. The method of claim 295, further comprising:receiving the signal from a light sensing circuit; anddetermining the ambient light level based on the signal.

298. The method of claim 297, further comprising:determining the ambient light level based on the signal when the lighting load is off.

299. The method of claim 297, further comprising:receiving light through a gap formed between an actuation member of the control device and a base portion of the control device; anddetermining the ambient light level based on the light received through the gap.

300. The method of claim 295, further comprising:using different fdtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

301. The method of claim 300, further comprising:using a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; andusing a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

302. The method of claim 295, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the method comprises filtering the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

303. The method of any one of claims 281 to 302, wherein the command is an on command, an off command, or a toggle command.

304. The method of any one of claims 281 to 303, further comprising:receiving the command in response to an actuation of an on actuator, an off actuation, or a toggle actuator of the control device.

305. The method of any one of claims 281 to 303, further comprising:receiving the command in a message received via one or more wireless signals.

306. The method of any one of claims 281 to 303, further comprising:receiving the command in response to a message received from an occupancy sensing circuit.

307. The method of any one of claims 281 to 306, further comprising:determining whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on a timeclock schedule.

308. The method of claim 307, further comprising:determining a present time, and determine to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on present time and one or more event times associated with the timeclock schedule.

309. The method of claim 307, further comprising:determining to operate in the first mode during a first time window of the timeclock schedule, and determining to operate in the second mode during a second time window of the timeclock schedule.

310. The method of claim 309, the first time window and the second time window are based on sunrise and sunset times.

311. The method of any one of claims 281 to 310, further comprising:receiving the commanded intensity level via an actuation member of the control device or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

312. The method of any one of claims 281 to 310, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.

313. At least one computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by at least one control circuit of a control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode;control the lighting load based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or in the second mode; andreceive a command indicating a commanded intensity level;wherein a first date rate is used to fade an intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from a present intensity level to the commanded intensity level when operating in the first mode, and a second fade rate is used to fade the intensity level of the lighting load when turning on the lighting load from the present intensity level to the commanded intensity level when operating in the second mode.

314. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:fading the intensity level of the lighting load when turning off the lighting load from the present intensity level to off according to a different fade rate when operating in the first mode as compared to when operating in the second mode.

315. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein the second fade rate is slower than the first fade rate.

316. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve.

317. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 316, wherein, when operating using the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

318. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to fade on an intensity level of the lighting load using a quadratic curve, and fading off the intensity level of the lighting load using a linear curve.

319. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to increase a fade rate of an intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

320. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 319, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:switch from a quadratic curve to a linear curve to increase the fade rate of the intensity level of the lighting load in response to the received command.

321. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to set a fade-on time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading on the lighting load, wherein the fade-on time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

322. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 321, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:set the fade-on time to the minimum fade-on time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

323. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 321, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device, wherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

324. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 313, wherein, when operating using the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to set a fade-off time to at least a minimum fade-on time when fading off the lighting load, wherein the fade-off time is based on the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.

325. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 324, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:set the fade-off time to the minimum fade-off time when the commanded intensity level is less than a threshold intensity level.

326. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 324, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:adjust an intensity level of the lighting load based on a position of a slider knob of the control device along a slider slot of the control device, wherein the position of the slider knob along the slider slot indicates the commanded intensity level.

327. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 324, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine an ambient light intensity level of in a space in which the control device is installed; anddetermine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on the ambient light intensity level.

328. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 327, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive a message comprising the ambient light level.

329. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 327, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the signal from a light sensing circuit; anddetermine the ambient light level based on the signal.

330. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 329, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine the ambient light level based on the signal when the lighting load is off.

331. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 297, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive light through a gap formed between an actuation member of the control device and a base portion of the control device; anddetermine the ambient light level based on the light received through the gap.

332. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 327, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:use different filtering techniques to process the ambient light intensity level based on whether the control device is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

333. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 332, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:use a heavy filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the first mode; anduse a light filtering technique to process the ambient light intensity level when operating in the second mode.

334. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 327, wherein, when operating in the first mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to filter the ambient light intensitylevel using a heavy filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is below a second-enter ambient light threshold; andwherein, when operating in the second mode, the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to filter the ambient light intensity level using a light filtering technique when determining whether the ambient light intensity level is above a second-exit ambient light threshold.

335. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 334, wherein the command is an on command, an off command, or a toggle command.

336. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 335, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the command in response to an actuation of an on actuator, an off actuation, or a toggle actuator of the control device.

337. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 335, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the command in a message received via one or more wireless signals.

338. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 335, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the command in response to a message received from an occupancy sensing circuit.

339. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 338, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on a timeclock schedule.

340. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 339, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine a present time, and determine to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on present time and one or more event times associated with the timeclock schedule.

341. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 339, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:determine to operate in the first mode during a first time window of the timeclock schedule and determine to operate in the second mode during a second time window of the timeclock schedule.

342. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 341, the first time window and the second time window are based on sunrise and sunset times.

343. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 342, wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the at least one control circuit of the control device, cause the at least one control circuit to:receive the commanded intensity level via an actuation member of the control device or via one or more messages received from a remote control device, a system controller, or an external sensor.

344. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 313 to 342, wherein the first mode is a normal mode, and wherein the second mode is a dark mode.

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