Sensor system and apparatus

Abstract

A sensor apparatus and method of installation, and a system for controlling at least one electrical device and a method of use of such system. The apparatus comprises a mount adapted to be attached to a support and a sensor element adapted to be detachably connected to the mount. The method of installing a sensor apparatus comprises providing a sensor apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method further comprises the steps of retainably affixing the mount to, or within, the support and detachably connecting the sensor element to the mount. The system for controlling at least one electrical device comprises at least one sensor apparatus, at least one electrical device, and a controller, wherein the at least one sensor apparatus and the at least one electrical device are electrically connected to the controller.

Claims

1. A sensor apparatus, the sensor apparatus comprising: a mount adapted to be attached to a support, wherein the mount is adapted to be located within a hole, gap or void in the support, such that the support surrounds the mount; and a sensor element adapted to be detachably connected to the mount.

2. The sensor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount, or a body of the mount, is substantially cylindrical.

3. The sensor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein each of the first and second connecting elements comprises a compressible and expandable body.

4. The sensor apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first connecting element is adapted to form a seal with the support, wherein the second connecting element is adapted to sealingly engage with or sealingly contact the sensor element, wherein the first connecting element is a flexible, elastic or elastomeric material, wherein the second connecting element is a flexible, elastic or elastomeric material.

5. The sensor apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mount comprises a mount plate.

6. The sensor apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mount plate is substantially disc-shaped or wheel-shaped, and wherein the mount plate comprises a circumferentially arranged flange or shoulder, wherein the first and second connecting elements are arranged on or abutting or the flange or shoulder, and wherein the first and second connecting elements are affixed to the mount plate by a push fit, or pressure fit connection, wherein the mount plate comprises a hole located substantially in a centre of the mount plate and the front face of the mount plate comprises a raised portion arranged around the hole, wherein the raised portion is arranged or configured to be gripped or retained by a tool.

7. The sensor apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mount comprises an end portion at, or near a location distal or opposite from a portion of the mount adapted for receiving or connection with the sensor element, wherein the end portion is adapted to receive a connecting element.

8. The sensor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the mount comprises the connecting element adapted to connect to the end portion, wherein the connecting element comprises a conductive material, and the mount is adapted such that the connecting element, connects the mount plate to the end portion, wherein the mount comprises at least one intermediate portion being translucent, such that the at least one intermediate portion is adapted to diffuse or propagate light towards to the sensor element, wherein the mount is adapted such that rotation of the connecting element in a first direction, moves the end portion towards the mount plate and wherein the first connecting element is adapted such that movement of the end portion towards the mount plate causes compression of the first element between the mount plate and the end portion or the at least one intermediate portion, wherein the first connecting element is adapted such that compression of the first connecting element in an axial direction causes expansion of the first connecting element in a radial direction.

9. The sensor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the end portion comprises an electrical contact, and the connecting element provides electrical connectivity between the mount plate and the electrical contact, wherein the end portion comprises a sensor circuit, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to, of forms part of, the sensor circuit, and the sensor circuit is adapted for capacitive touch sensing.

10. The sensor apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor circuit is adapted to communicate with at least one controller, wherein the at least one controller is adapted to communicate with at least one electrical device, wherein the sensor circuit is adapted to directly, or indirectly, communicate with the at least one electrical device, wherein the sensor circuit operate at a low voltage relative to a voltage of the at least one electrical device.

11. The sensor apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sensor element comprises a sensor probe for a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the sensor element comprises a substantially circular or cylindrical recess, the recess adapted to sealingly engage with the second connecting element by a push fit, or pressure fit connection.

12. A system for controlling at least one electrical device, the system comprising: at least one sensor apparatus according to claim 1; at least one electrical device; and a controller; wherein the at least one sensor apparatus and the at least one electrical device are electrically connected to the controller.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor apparatus is adapted to receive a low voltage supply and the at least one electrical device is adapted to receive a high voltage supply, wherein the at least one electrical device comprises at least one light source, wherein the at least one electrical device is adapted to be actuated by the controller.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the controller stores information relating to the at least one sensor apparatus in a memory, wherein the information relating to the at least one sensor apparatus comprises at least one of: historical information relating to previous usage or settings of the at least one sensor apparatus or the at least one light source; current information relating to previous usage or settings of the at least one sensor apparatus or the at least one light source; calibration data relating to relating to previous usage or settings of the at least one sensor apparatus or the at least one light source; wherein the controller is adapted to use the information relating to the at least one sensor apparatus to determine what to communicate with the at least one electrical device based on a signal received from the at least one sensor apparatus.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the controller is adapted to control dimming of the at least one light source based on signals received from any one or more of a plurality of sensor apparatuses, wherein in use, the controller is located in the proximity of one of the at least one sensor apparatuses, the controller is located in the proximity of one of the at least one electrical devices.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein the controller provides, or controls, a high voltage power supply to the at least one electrical device and wherein the controller is adapted to provide a low voltage to a sensor circuit, wherein the controller is adapted to communicate with the at least one electrical device and to communicate with or receive a signal from the at least one sensor apparatus, wherein the controller is adapted to communicate with the at least one electrical device based on the signal received from the at least one sensor apparatus.

17. A method of installing a sensor apparatus, wherein the method comprises: providing a sensor apparatus, wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a mount and a sensor element, the mount is adapted to be attached to a support, and the mount is adapted to be located within a hole, gap or void in the support, the sensor element is adapted to be detachably connected to the mount; retainably affixing the mount within the support, such that the support surrounds the mount; and detachably connecting the sensor element to the mount.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method comprises the step of: locating the mount within the hole in the support; rotating a connecting element in the mount until a radial expansion of a first connecting element forms a seal with the support; gripping or restraining a mount plate during rotation of the connecting element in the mount, such that the connecting element rotates relative to the mount plate; and releasably connecting the sensor element to the mount comprises applying a pushing force to the sensor element, the force acting to push the sensor element against the mount.

19. A method of use of a system for controlling at least one electrical device, wherein the method comprises: providing a system, wherein the system comprises at least one sensor apparatus, the at least one electrical device and a controller, the sensor apparatus comprises a mount and a sensor element, the mount is adapted to be attached to a support, the mount is adapted to be located within a hole, gap or void in the support, such that the support surrounds the mount, the sensor element is adapted to be detachably connected to the mount, the at least one sensor apparatus and the at least one electrical device are electrically connected to the controller; touching a sensor element to actuate the at least one electrical device; wherein actuation of the at least one electrical device comprises: switching on or switching off the at least one electrical device; adjusting or configuring, e.g. adjusting a power supply to, the at least one electrical device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises the step of: touching the sensor element for a first duration, wherein a first duration of touching the sensor element is in the region of 1 second; and touching the sensor element for a second duration, wherein a second duration of touching the sensor element is in the region of 1 second; wherein touching the sensor element for a first or second duration actuates the at least one electrical device, wherein a degree of actuation of the at least one electrical device is related.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) These and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

(2) FIG. 1a an isometric, exploded view of a mount according to a first embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 1b an isometric view of the assembled mount of FIG. 1a;

(4) FIG. 2 a side view of the mount of FIG. 1b;

(5) FIG. 3 a front view of the mount of FIG. 1b;

(6) FIG. 4 a rear view of the mount of FIG. 1b;

(7) FIG. 5a an isometric, exploded view of a housing for a controller according to an embodiment of the invention;

(8) FIG. 5b an isometric view of the assembled housing of FIG. 5a in an in use configuration;

(9) FIG. 6a an exemplary representation of a sensor element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 6b a further representation of the sensor element of FIG. 6a;

(11) FIG. 7a an exemplary representation of a sensor element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 7b a further representation of the sensor element of FIG. 7a;

(13) FIG. 8 a cross-sectional view of a wall, with the mount of FIG. 2 mounted in the wall;

(14) FIG. 9 the mount of FIG. 8 with a sensor element attached;

(15) FIG. 10 the apparatus of FIG. 9, with a cross sectional view of the sensor;

(16) FIG. 11 a representation of a controller for controlling at least one electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 12 a representation of a system for controlling three electrical devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

(18) FIG. 13 a representation of a sensor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(19) Referring firstly to FIGS. 1a and 1b of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a mount for a sensor apparatus, generally denoted 5. The mount 5 is adapted to be retainably affixed to, or within, a support (not shown). The support may be or may comprise a structure such as a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a door, e.g., a surface thereof.

(20) The mount 5 is substantially cylindrical, e.g. around an axis X thereof.

(21) The mount 5 comprises a first connecting element 10. The first connecting element 10 comprises a compressible body. The first connecting element 10 is adapted to form a seal with the support (not shown).

(22) The first connecting element 10 is a sealing element.

(23) The mount 5 comprises a second connecting element 15. The second connecting element 15 comprises a compressible body. The second connecting element 15 is adapted to sealingly engage with the sensor element 120, 140 (FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b). The second connecting element 15 is a sealing element. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 comprise a flexible material. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 are O-rings. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 comprise a non-conductive material.

(24) The mount 5 comprises a mount plate 20. The mount plate 20 is electrically conductive. One would appreciate that in embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the mount plate 20 may comprise an aluminium alloy or stainless steel for resistance to corrosion.

(25) The mount plate 20 is substantially circular when viewed along axis X. The mount plate 1 is substantially disc-shaped.

(26) The mount plate 20 comprises a circumferentially arranged flange 25. As shown in FIG. 1b, and more clearly in FIG. 2, the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 are arranged on the mount plate 20. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 are arranged around the mount plate 20. The first connecting element 10 is arranged on a first side of the mount plate 20 and the second connecting element 15 is arranged on a second side of the mount plate 20. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 are arranged on the flange 25. The first connecting element 10 is arranged on a first side of the flange 25. The second connecting element 15 is arranged on a second side of the flange 25. The first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 are affixed to the mount plate 20 by a push fit/interference connection, e.g. by being stretched over a portion of the mount 5 or mount plate 20 near or adjacent the flange 25. One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 15 may be affixed to the mount plate 20 by other means, such as adhesive, or the like.

(27) The provision of the holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f permits light from an indicator LED 30 located within an end portion 35 of the mount 5, to pass through the mount plate 20. Further, the light may be diffused by an intermediate portion 70.

(28) The mount plate 20 comprises a further hole 40. The further hole 40 is located substantially in a centre of the mount plate 20. The hole 40 extends from a front face of the mount plate 20 to a rear face of the mount plate 20. The further hole 40 is provided to receive a screw 45. The further hole 40 permits the mount plate 20 to be connected to an end portion 35, as will be described below.

(29) The front face of the mount plate 20 comprises a raised portion 50. The raised portion is arranged around the further hole 40. The raised portion 50 comprises a plurality of substantially flat edges 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, 55f (FIG. 3). The raised portion 50 comprises a polygon. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the raised portion 50 comprises a substantially hexagonal shape. One would appreciate that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the raised portion 50 may comprise any other shape that is adapted to be gripped or retained by a tool, such as a spanner, a wrench or the like.

(30) The mount 5 may comprise an end-portion 35. The mount 5 comprises the end-portion 35 at, or near a location distal or opposite from a portion of the mount adapted for receiving or connection with the sensor element 120, 140. The end portion 35 is substantially cylindrical. The end portion 35 comprises a threaded portion 60. The end portion 35 is adapted to receive the screw 45.

(31) The mount 5 comprises the screw 45 adapted to connect to the end portion 35. One would appreciate that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the screw 45 may instead be a bolt, or the like. The screw 45 comprises a conductive material, such as a metal or metal-alloy.

(32) The mount 5 comprises the intermediate portion 70 between the end portion 35 and the mount plate 20. The intermediate portion 70 is substantially cylindrical. The intermediate portion 70 is adapted to receive the screw 45. One would appreciate that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, there may be no intermediate portion and the end portion 35 may abut the first connecting element 10 directly. Further, in embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the intermediate portion 70 may be translucent or transparent, such that the intermediate portion 70 is adapted to diffuse or propagate light from the indicator device 30.

(33) The mount 5 is adapted such that the screw 45 connects the mount plate 20 to the end portion 35. The mount 5 is adapted such that the screw 45 mates with the end portion 35. The mount 5 is adapted such that the screw 45 is adapted to rotate freely in the further hole 40 of the mount plate 20.

(34) The mount 5 is adapted such that rotation of the screw 45 in a first direction, moves the end portion 35 towards the mount plate 20. The mount 5 is adapted such that movement of the end portion 35 towards the mount plate 20 causes a compressive force to be applied to the first connecting element 10 in a direction parallel to the axis X. The mount 5 is adapted such that movement of the end portion 35 towards the mount plate 20 causes compression of the first connecting element 10 between the mount plate 20 and the intermediate portion 70. One would appreciate that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, if there is no intermediate portion 70 then the mount 5 may be adapted such that movement of the end portion 35 towards the mount plate 20 causes compression of the first connecting element 10 between the mount plate 20 and the end portion 35.

(35) The first connecting element 10 is adapted such that movement of the end portion 35 towards the mount plate 20 causes compression of the first connecting element 10 between the mount plate 20 and the intermediate portion 70. The screw 45 is adapted to be rotated by an Allen key, a screwdriver, or the like, wherein rotation in the first direction causes the end portion 35 to move towards the mount plate 20.

(36) The first connecting element 10 is adapted such that compression of the first connecting element 10 in an axial direction cause expansion of the first connecting element 10 in a radial direction. The first connecting element 10 is adapted such that compression of the first connecting element 10 in a direction along the axis e.g. the longitudinal axis X of the mount 5, causes expansion of the first connecting element 10 in a direction radial to the axis X.

(37) As such, the mount 5 may be retained in the hole in the support (not shown) by the first connecting element 10. In use, the mount 5 is located in the hole in the support (not shown) and the screw 45 rotated until the expansion of the first connecting element 10 in a direction radial to the axis X forms a seal with the support.

(38) The end portion 35 comprises an electrical contact (not shown). The screw 45 provides electrical connectivity between the mount plate 20 and the electrical contact. The screw 45 comprises at least a portion of the sensor probe.

(39) The end portion 35 comprises a sensor circuit (not shown). The electrical contact is electrically connected to, or forms part of, the sensor circuit.

(40) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the assembled mount 5 of FIG. 1b. A plurality of contacts 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d protrude from a rear face 90 of the end portion 35. The contacts correspond to supply lines VCC and VCC+, to a control signal and to an LED control signal, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 12. The plurality of contacts 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d are electrically connected to the sensor circuit (not shown) inside the mount 5.

(41) FIG. 3 shows a front view of the assembled mount 5 of FIG. 1b. The raised portion 50 comprises a plurality of substantially flat edges 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, 55f.

(42) FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the assembled mount 5 of FIG. 1b, more clearly showing the plurality of contacts 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d protruding from a rear face 90 of the end portion 35.

(43) FIG. 5a shows an oblique, exploded view of an exemplary housing for a controller, generally denoted 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The housing 100 comprise an upper section 105 and a lower section 110. The housing 100 is adapted to house the controller 315 (FIG. 12). The assembled housing, as shown in FIG. 5b, comprises a plurality of outlets 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d. The outlets 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d are adapted to permit cables, wires or the like to extend from the controller to the sensor apparatus and/or the at least one electrical device and/or a power supply.

(44) FIGS. 6a and 6b show representations of an exemplary sensor element, generally denoted 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sensor element or touch plate as a convex side and an opposite concave side and is substantially bean-shaped. One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, the sensor element 120 may be a different shape, size of colour from that shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, and may be of may comprise portions being substantially square, circular, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped, curved, concave, convex, or the like.

(45) In the embodiment shown, the sensor element 120 comprises a conductive material. The sensor element 120 is a portion of a probe for a capacitive touch sensor, wherein the screw 45 is also a portion of the capacitive touch sensor.

(46) The sensor element 120 comprises a substantially circular recess 125. The recess 125 is adapted to sealingly engage with the second connecting element 15. The sensor element 120 releasably connects to the mount 5 by a pressure fit connection with the second connecting element 15.

(47) One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention the sensor element 120 may be non-conductive, or at least have a non-conductive outer surface. In such a configuration, the mount plate 20 and screw 45 form the capacitive touch sensor probe and the sensor element 120 is sufficiently thin that the capacitive touch sensor probe is capable of detecting the proximity of a conductive object, i.e. a finger touching the sensor element.

(48) In further embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, the sensor element 120 may comprise a conductive portion, and/or, a surface of the sensor element 120 may be at least partially conductive. For example, the sensor element may comprise conductive veins and/or wires and/or elements embedded within and/or upon the sensor element 120.

(49) FIGS. 7a and 7b show another representation of an exemplary sensor element, generally denoted 140, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(50) In this embodiment, the sensor element has a curved contact surface defining substantially parallel edges. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the sensor element 140 comprises a substantially circular recess 145. The recess 145 is adapted to sealingly engage with the second connecting element 15. The sensor element 140 releasably connects to the mount 5 by a pressure fit connection with the second connecting element 15.

(51) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a support 95, with the mount of FIG. 2 mounted in the support 95. The first connecting element 10 of the mount 5 is adapted to form a seal with the support 95. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the support 95 is a portion of a wall.

(52) FIG. 9 shows the mount of FIG. 8 with a sensor element 130 attached. As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 10, which shows the apparatus of FIG. 9 with a cross sectional view of the sensor element 130, the second connecting element 15 is adapted to sealingly engage with the sensor element 130.

(53) In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the intermediate portion 70 is shown as translucent, such that the intermediate portion 70 is adapted to diffuse and/or propagate light from the indicator device 30 towards to the sensor element 130. The sensor element 130 comprises a base section 132, wherein light from the indicator device 30 may be diffused through the base section 132. Such an arrangement may advantageously result in a perceived glow around the sensor element 130, which may be used to indicate a mode of operation or status of the apparatus.

(54) FIG. 11 shows a representation of a controller, generally denoted 160 for controlling at least one electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller 160 is adapted to receive the high voltage power supply. In the exemplary embodiment shown, such a high voltage power supply is represented as an AC power supply 180, shown by Live and Neutral power supply lines denoted L and N. The AC power supply is rectified by rectifier 165. Rectifier 165 also comprises components and/or shielding to enhance electromagnetic compatibility of the supply. The resultant DC power supply comprises a bulk capacitor 170 to compensate for any fluctuations or dips in the high voltage power supply 190. The high frequency voltage converter 195 performs DC to DC conversion, to step the supply down to a low voltage in a range suitable for use by a low voltage microprocessor based system. A low voltage rectifier 200 provides a stable low voltage supply to the microprocessor 210. The microprocessor 210 of the controller 160 is adapted to communicate with at least one electrical device. The controller 160 is adapted to communicate with and/or receive a signal from at least one sensor apparatus 230. The controller 160 is adapted to configure, adapt and/or communicate with at least one electrical device based on a signal received from at least one sensor apparatus 230.

(55) An exemplary specification for a controller 160 is provided in Table 1 below. One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, individual components of the specification may differ from those shown in the exemplary embodiment described in Table 1.

(56) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 0/10 V Dimming Control Box Electronic Parameter Conditions min. Typ. Max. Unit Input Votage Range 198 220-240 264 Vac Input Frequency 50 60 Hz Output Source Current Dim+/Gnd 0.6 mA Output Sink Current Dim+/Gnd 100 mA Pout 0.5 W Surge Withstand L-N 1 kV Dim Open voltage No Load 10 10.5 Vdc Ta 20 40 C. Pin.max 1 W Start-Up Delay @230 Vac 0.5 1 s Load Life @Ta Max. 50000 hr Protection Dim Shortage Auto Recovery PCB Dimension Diameter*Thickness 40*1 40.5*1.2 mm Features 1. Connect max. 2 Touch Sensors(HTCAA00I) 2. Control Touch Sensor LED Light Off while Lamps on, instead, LED Light on while Lamps off 3. Receiving Touching Signal and control LED Drivers(Lamps) behaviors. 4. Dimming Source and Sink current is related to the limitation of Max, amount of drivers/not wattage related).

(57) FIG. 12 shows a representation of an exemplary system, generally denoted 300, for controlling three electrical devices 305a, 305b, 305c according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 comprises two sensor apparatuses 310a, 310b, and a controller 315. The two sensor apparatuses 310a, 310b and three electrical devices 305a, 305b, 305c are electrically connected to the controller 315. One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, there may be more electrical devices, such as four, five or more, or fewer electrical devices such as one or two. One would also appreciate that there may be only a single sensor apparatus, or there may be three of more sensor apparatuses.

(58) Each apparatus 310a, 310b is adapted to receive a low voltage supply 320a, 320b, 325a, 325b, denoted VCC+, VCC. Each apparatus 310a, 310b is adapted to provide a control signal 330a, 330b to the controller 315. Each apparatus 310a, 310b is adapted to receive and/or transmit an LED control signal 335a, 335b to/from the controller 515.

(59) Each electrical device 305a, 305b, 305c is adapted to receive a high voltage supply 340N, 340L.

(60) Each electrical device 305a, 305b, 305c comprises at least one LED light source 350a, 350b, 350c. In other embodiments, each electrical device may comprise a motor.

(61) Each electrical device 305a, 305b, 305c comprises driver circuitry, wherein the driver circuitry comprises a TRIAC LED driver.

(62) Each electrical device 305a, 305b, 305c is adapted to be supplied by a high voltage power supply 340N, 340L relative to a voltage of a power supply 320, 325 to the sensor circuit 360a, 360b. In an exemplary embodiment, each TRIAC LED driver may have a frequency of substantially in the range of 50 to 60 Hz and a voltage substantially in the range of 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V.

(63) Each electrical device 305a, 305b, 305c is adapted to be actuated, e.g. switched on, switched off and/or dimmed, by the controller 315.

(64) The controller 315 is adapted to receive a high voltage power supply 390L, 390N. The controller provides, and controls, the high voltage power supply 340L, 340N to the electrical devices 305a, 305b, 305c. The controller 315 is adapted to provide a low voltage 320, 325 to the sensor circuit 360a, 360b.

(65) Each sensor circuit 360a, 360b comprises at least one touch sense controller or the like. The sensor circuit 360a, 360b is adapted to detect and/or measure relative changes and/or durations of electro-static charges, such as electro-static charges present at a sensor element 395a, 395b.

(66) Each sensor circuit 360a, 360b comprises an indicator device 400a, 400b. The indicator devices 400a, 400b comprise an LED. The at least one indicator device may provide an indication, i.e. illuminate or dim the LED, when a relative change in electro-static charge is detected and/or for the duration of that change.

(67) The sensor circuit operates at a low voltage 320a, 325a, 320b, 325b relative to a voltage of the electrical devices 340L, 340N. Tithe sensor circuit operates at a DC voltage. The DC voltage may be around 5V, 3.3V, 1.8V, or the like.

(68) An exemplary specification for a sensor circuit 360a, 360b is provided in table 2 below. One would appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, individual components of the specification may different from those shown in the exemplary embodiment described in Table 2.

(69) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Customized Touch Sensor Electronic Parameter Conditions min. Typ. Max. Unit Input Votage Range 4.5 5 5.5 Vdc Working Current LED off 0.1 mA LED on 10 20 mA Wiring Distance 10 cm Ta 20 40 C. Pin.max 1 W Start-Up Delay @5 Vdc 0.1 0.2 s Load Life @Ta Max. 50000 60000 hr PCB Dimension Diameter*Thickness 16*2 16.5*2.1 mm Features 1. Transmit touch signal to control box(HDCIE001S010VA) 2. Avoid Wiring doser to High Voltage 3. The sensitive is accoring to the shape of the metal. Keep the touch pad from high voltage.

(70) FIG. 13 shows a representation of a sensor circuit, generally denoted 440, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor circuit comprises a Touch Detector Integrated Circuit 450. The circuit node 455 is connected to the sensor probe 45. Circuit node 460 is an output control signal to the controller 315. One would appreciate that, while in exemplary embodiments of the present invention output control signal may be a pulse width modulated signal, in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the output control signal may adhere to any appropriate communications protocol.

(71) It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention here before described are given by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of thereof in any way.