In some examples, a first keyboard includes a plurality of light-sensing electrodes, where individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes correspond to individual keys of the first keyboard. The first keyboard includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes. A second keyboard comprised of light-transmitting material may be placed on top of the first keyboard. The second keyboard may include a plurality of keys, with individual keys including a keycap having opaque material attached to a bottom surface and a scissors mechanism to lower the opaque material when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the keycap. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations including determining that the opaque material is obstructing light to a first particular light-sensing electrode of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes and sending a signal indicating a selection of a first key corresponding to the first particular light-sensing electrode.

A mains electrical power outlet assembly; said power outlet assembly including at least one power outlet socket; said power outlet assembly including at least one sensing module, operating a power switching module and a microprocessor; said sensing module including a sensor responsive to proximity to said sensor of selected objects; proximity of a said selected object switching status of a said power outlet socket from a current state to another state.

There is provided an electrical socket apparatus 200 comprising a slot 210 for receiving a pin 310 of a corresponding electrical plug 300. The apparatus 200 comprises a light sensor 212 arranged relative to the slot 210 and configured to receive light emitted by a light source 312 of a said electrical plug 300. The slot 210 is movable to a position in which the slot 210 is aligned with the pin 310 of a said electrical plug 300 on the basis of light emitted by a light source 312 of a said electrical plug 300 and received by the light sensor 212.

A method for controlling operation of a power switch includes obtaining, by one or more processors of a power switch, data indicative of one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes determining, by the one or more processors, a control action based at least in part on the data indicative of the one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes implementing, by the one or more processors, the control action.

A method for automated dispensing of a fluid. The method includes providing a light pulse to a location proximate a dispensing outlet from which said fluid will be dispensed, sensing a light received from that location, where the sensed light includes at least one of an ambient light or a reflection of said light pulse, generating a signal corresponding to the sensed light, generating a transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal if the reflection of the light pulse is determined and pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to said TTL signal.

The device has an input element, which can be used for resetting the device. The input element has at least one first photodiode arranged in series to at least one second photodiode. A voltage is applied over the photodiodes. When the user blocks light to only the second photodiode, the voltage at the interconnection between the photodiodes changes, which can be used to trigger the input element. The input element has low power consumption and high reliability.

A mobile device for determining a handling condition of the mobile device and a method of use thereof. One embodiment of the mobile device includes: at least one left capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a left side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, at least one right capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a right side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, an accelerometer disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect an orientation of the mobile device, an ambient light proximity sensor disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect a proximity of a user's head, and a processor operable to execute an application configured to gain access to and employ the hold condition, the orientation, and the proximity of the user's head to determine a handling condition.

A switch operating device (100) configured to operate a switch (103) with four possible types (111 to 114) of non-tactile translational gestures performed with a heat emitting part (115). A gesture sensor (1) is adapted to detect heat emitted by the part while performing one of the translational gesture types. Four pixels (21 to 24) are arranged next to each other and output a signal (51 to 54) per pixel, wherein the signal has a signal deflection (58) corresponding to the temporal intensity curve of the heat detected by the thin film of the corresponding pixel. A signal processing unit (101) determines the performance of the translational gesture types from the temporal succession of the signal deflections (58). An actuator (104) is controlled by the signal processing unit and operates the switch when one of the translational gesture types is determined.

Switch operating device (100) with: a gesture sensor operating a switch (103) with a non-tactile push-gesture performed with a heat emitting part. The gesture has an approach phase (111) during which the part approaches the sensor, a waiting phase (113) during which the part remains proximate to the sensor, and a withdrawal phase (112) during which the part is moved away from the sensor. The sensor detects heat emitted by the part with at least one pixel and outputs per pixel a signal (51 to 54) with signal deflections (56, 57) corresponding to a temporal intensity curve of heat detected by the pixel while the gesture (115) is performed. A signal processing unit (101) which determines performance of the gesture from a temporal succession of signal deflections. An actuator (104) is controlled by the signal processing unit and operates the switch when the gesture is performed.

A mobile device for determining a handling condition of the mobile device and a method of use thereof. One embodiment of the mobile device includes: at least one left capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a left side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, at least one right capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a right side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, an accelerometer disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect an orientation of the mobile device, an ambient light proximity sensor disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect a proximity of a user's head, and a processor operable to execute an application configured to gain access to and employ the hold condition, the orientation, and the proximity of the user's head to determine a handling condition.