Abstract: A modular lighting control system is disclosed for lighting control, modular home electronic devices and home networking of modular electronic devices. The system includes a switch module having one or more magnets, a wireless power transmission coil, an infrared light transmitter and an infrared light receiver and a user interface module having one or more wireless power reception coils, one or more magnets, an infrared light emitter and an infrared light detector. The user interface module can be removably attached to and powered by one or more of the switch modules and communicate with one or more of the switch modules without any mechanical attachment or electrical connection on either the switch module or the user interface module.

Abstract: A modular lighting control system is disclosed for lighting control, modular home electronic devices and home networking of modular electronic devices. The system includes a switch module having one or more magnets, a wireless power transmission coil, an infrared light transmitter and an infrared light receiver and a user interface module having one or more wireless power reception coils, one or more magnets, an infrared light emitter and an infrared light detector. The user interface module can be removably attached to and powered by one or more of the switch modules and communicate with one or more of the switch modules without any mechanical attachment or electrical connection on either the switch module or the user interface module.

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).