A large actuation area switching device includes a housing for holding a switch, means for compression and at least three slotted hinges. Functionality can be implemented within a virtual universe to create a data feed when a trigger event occurs. The calculated output speed is used for controlling adjustment of the speed of the transmission input shaft to the speed of the transmission output shaft, or the calculated output speed, is used for checking the plausibility of a value of the output speed as determined by the sensors. The electrodes are connected in a conductive manner to the outputs of an alternating current source whereby the alternating frequency of the alternating current provided for the electrical supply of the plasma discharge is selected between 10 kHz and 80 kHz.