Patent attributes
An apparatus for interfacing with a control system, and in particular a home automation system. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an integrated LCD touch screen and motion sensor. The motion sensor is used to illuminate a backlight to the touch screen when a person approaches the apparatus. The sensitivity of the motion sensor may be adjusted through a graphical user interface displayed on the touch screen. In addition, the backlighting may be adjusted so that the illumination is at a specific level with the screen is on, i.e., when the motion sensor has been tripped, and a specific level when the screen is off. The apparatus may further comprise an IR receiver for receiving commands via a remote. In addition, the apparatus may be powered from a local bus or an external power supply. The apparatus may comprise a communications port for receiving customized pages from a computer.
