Abstract: An element of a building automation system is described that comprises a multifunctional system integrator contained in a standard receptacle gang box for outlets. The system provides enhanced safety and security, power metering, power control, and home diagnostics. The module can include an AC to DC power supply, a bidirectional solid state dimmer switch, a microprocessor, a communications subsystem and sensors that are controlled by the internal microprocessor. The module includes a user interface for programming and control. The apparatus replaces existing outlet receptacles with a familiar flush but elegantly updated and seamlessly integrated faceplate.

Abstract: AC-driven light-emitting diode systems and methods are provided for driving LED devices (e.g., LED lighting) using AC power. For example, an integrated circuit includes a first power line and a second power line configured for connection to AC power, and a plurality of LED stages, wherein each LED stage comprises multiple serially-connected LED devices, switches connected to inputs and outputs of the LED stages. The integrated circuit further includes switch control circuitry configured to control the switches to selectively connect one or more of the LED stages to the first and second power lines to empower the LED stages with the AC power.

Abstract: An apparatus in an illustrative embodiment comprises at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The processing device is configured to receive power consumption data relating to at least one monitored device, and to classify the monitored device based at least in part on the power consumption data. The processing device is further configured to select a power policy for the classified device, and to control application of power to the classified device in accordance with the selected power policy. For example, controlling application of power to the classified device in accordance with the selected power policy may comprise determining contextual information for the classified device, generating a control signal based at least in part on the contextual information and the selected power policy, and transmitting the control signal to at least one node of a node network. Other illustrative embodiments include methods and computer program products.

Abstract: An apparatus in an illustrative embodiment comprises at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The processing device is configured to obtain an identifier of a first node of a set of nodes deployed at a building or other structure, to associate the first node with a user account, to obtain an identifier of a second node of the set of nodes, and to associate the second node with the first node and the user account. Associating the first node with the user account may comprise, for example, establishing an association between the first node and the user account without the processing device having access to a network connection. Additionally or alternatively, the identifier of the first node may be sent to a backend server over a network connection, with configuration information for the first node being received from the backend server in response thereto.

Abstract: The invention is a predictive analysis system. The predictive analysis system analyzes one or more sensed signals automatically to predict various sensor states, or otherwise generate one or more actionable predicted tasks. The system is comprised of one or more sensors and/or processors coupled to a network. Sensor signals may indicate safety or power conditions for urgent or emergency response, or device configuration such as a locked door or turned on coffee pot. A sensor array is installable in residential or commercial structures to sense residential or building real-time conditions or embodied in vehicle or remote application accessible for mobile sensing. Further, the predictive analysis system uses sensor states to predict the needs of proximate individuals and delivers targeted advertisements according to the needs of the individuals.

Abstract: An element of a building automation system is described that comprises a multifunctional system integrator contained in a standard receptacle gang box for outlets. The system provides enhanced safety and security, power metering, power control, and home diagnostics. The module can include an AC to DC power supply, a bidirectional solid state dimmer switch, a microprocessor, a communications subsystem and sensors that are controlled by the internal microprocessor. The module includes a user interface for programming and control. The apparatus replaces existing outlet receptacles with a familiar flush but elegantly updated and seamlessly integrated faceplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel approach for the protection of electrical circuits from ground faults and parallel and series arc faults in a fully solid-state circuit configuration. Solid-state circuits and methods of use are described that provide the key functions of low-voltage DC power supply, mains voltage and current sensing, fault detection processing and high voltage electronic switching.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is described that includes a thin protective cover layer on a sensor glass layer with receive circuitry between the thin protective cover layer and the sensor glass layer. In an implementation, a fingerprint sensor assembly includes a controller; a metal layer configured to be electrically coupled to the controller; a transmit layer electrically connected to the metal layer and the controller; a sensor glass layer, where the transmit layer is disposed on a first side of the sensor glass layer, and where the transmit layer is electrically coupled to the controller; a receive layer disposed on a second side of the sensor glass layer, where the receive layer is electrically coupled to the controller; and a protective cover layer disposed on the receive layer.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is described that includes a thin protective cover layer on a sensor glass layer with receive circuitry between the thin protective cover layer and the sensor glass layer. In an implementation, a fingerprint sensor assembly includes a controller; a metal layer configured to be electrically coupled to the controller; a transmit layer electrically connected to the metal layer and the controller; a sensor glass layer, where the transmit layer is disposed on a first side of the sensor glass layer, and where the transmit layer is electrically coupled to the controller; a receive layer disposed on a second side of the sensor glass layer, where the receive layer is electrically coupled to the controller; and a protective cover layer disposed on the receive layer.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is described that includes a thin protective cover layer on a sensor glass layer with receive circuitry between the thin protective cover layer and the sensor glass layer. In an implementation, a fingerprint sensor assembly includes a controller; a metal layer configured to be electrically coupled to the controller; a transmit layer electrically connected to the metal layer and the controller; a sensor glass layer including at least one through-glass via, where the transmit layer is disposed on a first side of the sensor glass layer, and where the transmit layer is electrically coupled to the at least one through-glass via; a receive layer disposed on a second side of the sensor glass layer, where the receive layer is electrically coupled to the at least one through-glass via; and a protective cover layer disposed on the receive layer.

Abstract: A mobile device configured to authenticate a user, an authentication system, and method for use of the mobile device and authentication system are described that include a biometric sensor, a touchscreen sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor, where the biometric sensor, the touchscreen sensor, and/or the fingerprint sensor are coupled to a controller configured to authenticate a computing device user. In implementations, the mobile device that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an authentication device, including a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric information from the user; and a fingerprint sensor configured to receive fingerprint information from the user; and a controller configured to authenticate the user, where the authentication device, including the biometric sensor and the fingerprint sensor, is coupled to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine an approximate position of an object utilizing mutual-capacitance sensing capabilities during a first mode of operation and determining one or more attributes of the object utilizing self-capacitance sensing capabilities during a second mode of operation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a touch panel controller configured to operatively couple to a touch panel sensor. The touch panel sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes and at least one sense electrode. A plurality of nodes are formed at the intersections of the plurality of drive electrodes and the at least one sense electrode. The touch panel controller is configured to determine an approximate position of an object performing a touch event over the touch panel sensor during the first mode of operation and to determine one or more attributes of the object during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is described that includes a thin protective cover layer on a sensor glass layer with receive circuitry between the thin protective cover layer and the sensor glass layer. In an implementation, a fingerprint sensor assembly includes a controller; a metal layer configured to be electrically coupled to the controller; a transmit layer electrically connected to the metal layer and the controller; a sensor glass layer including at least one through-glass via, where the transmit layer is disposed on a first side of the sensor glass layer, and where the transmit layer is electrically coupled to the at least one through-glass via; a receive layer disposed on a second side of the sensor glass layer, where the receive layer is electrically coupled to the at least one through-glass via; and a protective cover layer disposed on the receive layer.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel that includes dielectric structures formed therein to modify capacitive coupling within the touch panel is disclosed. In one or more implementations, the capacitive touch panel includes elongated drive electrodes arranged next to one another and elongated sensor electrodes arranged one next to another across the elongated drive electrodes. The capacitive touch panel also includes a dielectric structure positioned over a sensor electrode to modify capacitive coupling within the capacitive touch panel.

Abstract: A hybrid pen device and methods are described that include using active and passive technologies in a single hybrid pen. In implementations, the hybrid pen device includes an electronic pen assembly, including a pen body having a distal end and a proximal end, an electronic coil housed within the pen body in the proximal end, the electronic coil configured to be placed proximate to a touch screen device, an electronic switch housed within the pen body, the electronic switch configured to periodically activate a signal, and a battery electronically coupled to the electronic coil and the electronic switch.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine an approximate position of an object utilizing mutual-capacitance sensing capabilities during a first mode of operation and determining one or more attributes of the object utilizing self-capacitance sensing capabilities during a second mode of operation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a touch panel controller configured to operatively couple to a touch panel sensor. The touch panel sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes and at least one sense electrode. A plurality of nodes are formed at the intersections of the plurality of drive electrodes and the at least one sense electrode. The touch panel controller is configured to determine an approximate position of an object performing a touch event over the touch panel sensor during the first mode of operation and to determine one or more attributes of the object during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a digital-to-charge converter (“DQC”) are disclosed. A DQC may include a converting circuit configured to receive a first digital signal indicative of a voltage across a capacitor coupled to an output pin of the digital-to-charge converter and to determine a present charge of the capacitor based at least in part on the first digital signal. The DQC may also include an error determining circuit coupled to the converting circuit, wherein the error determining circuit is configured to receive a second digital signal indicative of a target charge via an input pin of the digital-to-charge converter and to determine a difference between the target charge and the present charge. The DQC may further include a correction circuit coupled to the error determining circuit and configured to control a programmable current source to produce an analog signal at the output pin in response to the determined difference.

Abstract: A method for gesture recognition in an optical system using a touchless slider is shown. The touchless slider has first and second reference points positioned along an axis in an optical system. The method includes obtaining a plurality of first and second reflectance values by measuring an amplitude of light reflected from an object relative to the first and second reference points, respectively, wherein each first and second reflectance value corresponds to a different point in time. The plurality of first and second reflectance values are compared to identify a plurality of ratio values between the first and second reflectance values, wherein each of the plurality of ratio values corresponds to one of the points in time. At least one of a position and a direction of movement of the object relative to the first and second reference points is determined based on the identified plurality of ratio values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a digital-to-charge converter (“DQC”) are disclosed. A DQC may include a converting circuit configured to receive a first digital signal indicative of a voltage across a capacitor coupled to an output pin of the digital-to-charge converter and to determine a present charge of the capacitor based at least in part on the first digital signal. The DQC may also include an error determining circuit coupled to the converting circuit, wherein the error determining circuit is configured to receive a second digital signal indicative of a target charge via an input pin of the digital-to-charge converter and to determine a difference between the target charge and the present charge. The DQC may further include a correction circuit coupled to the error determining circuit and configured to control a programmable current source to produce an analog signal at the output pin in response to the determined difference.

Abstract: A method for detecting touch locations on a capacitive array includes the steps of scanning for at least one touch location on an entire capacitive array using a first sensing circuitry and detecting the at least one touch location with the first sensing circuitry. A smaller portion of the capacitive array is determined responsive to the detection of the at least one touch location. The at least one touch location is scanned only within smaller portion of the capacitive array using a second sensing circuitry. The at least one touch location is detected with the second sensing circuitry and output for use.