Abstract: A novel remote control system and method is disclosed which includes a user control and a control module. The system employs one or more cellular telephones as the user control which reduces the cost of the system. Further, by employing the inherent functionality of the cellular telephone, novel modes of interacting with the control module and the target devices it is connected to can be achieved. In the case of the cellular telephone being a smartphone, more advanced modes of interacting with the control module and the target devices can be achieved. Examples of target devices controlled by the system and method include, without limitation, electric garage door openers, lighting systems, thermostats, alarm systems, etc.

Abstract: A touch sensitive control interface for a controlled device includes a panel defining an interface area configured to selectively input command instructions of an operator of the device. The panel includes a primary touch sensor portion configured to receive an activation signal and a secondary touch sensor portion configured to receive a contamination signal. The primary and secondary touch sensor portions are normally isolated from one another, and the primary and secondary touch sensor portions are coupled to one another upon a presence of a contaminant such that the primary touch sensor portion senses the contamination signal.