Configurable networked user interface and switch pack

A configurable network switch pack, comprising:

• a switch housing;
• a plurality of arrays of inductive coils, wherein each array comprises at least a first coil for detecting an object for identification and at least a second coil for detecting an object for actuation, each array configured for interfacing without contact with at least two switches, wherein the arrays are arranged in a pattern in a planar manner on a substrate within the housing;
• a plurality of switches located above the printed circuit board, each switch located above a particular array and each switch comprising at least one object for identification and at least one object for actuation for being sensed by at least two different coils in the particular array above which it is located;
• a microcontroller connected to the plurality of arrays;
• and
• a multiplexing circuit connecting each of the arrays with the microcontroller, wherein the multiplexing circuit is configured for sequentially interfacing each array with the microcontroller to determine an identification and a position of each switch using the at least two objects, and wherein the microcontroller is programmed for the identification of each switch by a pattern of the coils that are activated by at least one of the at least two objects and wherein the position of each switch is determined by a pattern of the coils that are activated by at least the other of the at least two objects.

A configurable network switch pack, comprising:

• a switch housing;
• a plurality of arrays of proximity sensors, wherein each array comprises at least a first proximity sensor for detecting an object for identification and at least a second proximity sensor for detecting an object for actuation, each array configured for interfacing without contact with at least two different switches, wherein the arrays are arranged in a pattern in a planar manner on a printed circuit board within the housing;
• a plurality of switches located within the housing above the printed circuit board, each switch above a particular array and each switch further comprising at least one means for identification and at least one means for actuation for interfacing with the proximity sensors of the particular array above which it is located;
• a microcontroller connected to the plurality of arrays;
• an oscillator connected to the proximity sensors and configured for activation of the proximity sensors;
• and
• a multiplexing circuit connecting each of the arrays with the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is configured to determine an identification and a position of each of the plurality of switches.

A configurable network switch pack, comprising:

• a switch housing;
• a printed circuit board comprising a plurality of arrays of proximity sensors located in a planar manner on the board, wherein each array comprises at least a first proximity sensor for detecting an object for identification and at least a second proximity sensor for detecting an object for actuation, the board further comprising a microcontroller, an oscillator, and a circuit for sequentially connecting the microcontroller with the arrays of sensors;
• a plurality of switches configured for interfacing with the plurality of arrays, each switch located above one of the plurality of arrays;
• and
• a first device for identification and a second device for actuation located on each of the plurality of switches, the devices configured for detection by the sensors without contacting the sensors, and each switch configured so that a change of position of the switch alters a position of at least the device for actuation.

A method of using a switch pack, the method comprising:

• configuring a switch pack having at least two switches, each switch located above an array of proximity sensors and configured for contactless operation, the switch pack comprising a substrate on which each array of proximity sensors is located in a planar manner and wherein each array comprises at least a first proximity sensor for detecting an object for identification and at least a second proximity sensor for detecting an object for actuation;
• exciting at least one proximity sensor from the array of proximity sensors;
• determining an identification of each switch by detecting a presence of at least one identification indicator from each switch;
• determining a position of at least one switch by detecting and sensing at least one actuation indicator from the at least one switch;
• and
• operating a device selected from the group consisting of a vehicle, a piece of equipment, or machinery by using an output from the switch pack for the at least one switch.