User interface for home automation system

A method of actuating a user interface, comprising:

• receiving a pressure application at one of a plurality of transparent keys, each of the keys overlying a corresponding one of a plurality of region of a liquid crystal display, each of the keys defining a separate tactilely-distinguishable touch area, each of the keys being independently cantileverable;
• the pressure application cantilevering the one from the plurality of keys;
• the cantilevered one from the plurality of keys engaging one from a plurality of switch elements, each of the switch elements disposed proximal to a corresponding one of the plurality of regions of the liquid crystal display, and each of the switch elements operatively cooled to a microprocessor, and
• the engaged one from the plurality of switch elements transmitting a signal to the microprocessor.

A user interface, comprising:

• a display having a plurality of display regions each for generating images;
• a plurality of switch elements each having a first position and a second position, wherein the switch is depressable to change between the first and second positions, and wherein each of the plurality of switch elements provides a first tactile feedback to positively indicate the first position and a second tactile feedback to positively indicate the second position;
• and
• a plurality of transparent keys defining a corresponding plurality of touch areas each corresponding to and covering one of the plurality of display regions, wherein each of the plurality of keys is independently cantileverable and engageable with one of the plurality of switch elements to cause the change between the first and second positions and to transmit the first and second tactile feedback to a user.

A user interface, comprising:

• a display having a plurality of display regions each for generating images;
• a plurality of switch elements each having a first position and a second position, wherein the switch is depressable to change between the first and second positions, and wherein each of the plurality of switch elements provides a first tactile feedback to positively indicate the first position and a second tactile feedback to positively indicate the second position;
• a rigid transparent member having a central portion and a plurality of transparent keys, each key defining a corresponding one of a plurality of touch areas each corresponding to and superimposed over one of the plurality of display regions, each of the keys being independently cantileverable, and wherein each of the plurality of keys is engageable with one of the plurality of switch elements to cause the change between the first and second positions and to transmit the first and second tactile feedback to a user;
• wherein the plurality of touch areas are tactilely distinguishable from one another;
• a mounting device for supporting the display, the switch elements and the transparent member, wherein the central portion of the transparent member is supported by the mounting device such that each of the plurality of keys is cantilevered about the central portion for engagement with one of the plurality of switch elements.

An automation system, comprising:

• at least one controlled system;
• a host computer in communication with the controlled system, wherein the host computer provides signals for controlling the controlled system;
• a user interface in communication with at least the host computer for controlling the controlled system, wherein the user interface comprises:
• a display having a plurality of display regions each for generating images;
• a plurality of switch elements disposed proximal to the plurality of display regions, wherein each of the plurality of switch elements provides tactile feedback to positively indicate the activation and release of the switch element;
• and
• a rigid transparent member having a plurality of keys each defining a corresponding one of plurality of tactilely-distinguishable touch areas each corresponding to and covering one of the plurality of display regions, and wherein each of the plurality of keys is independently cantileverable and engageable with one of the plurality of switch elements to activate the switch element and to transmit the tactile feedback to a user;
• and
• a mounting device for supporting the display, the switch elements and the transparent member, wherein the transparent member is supported by the mounting device such that each of the plurality of keys is cantileverable for engagement with one of the plurality of switch elements.