Waterproof touch panel display unit with integrated speaker and passive radiator

Abstract

A touch panel display unit includes a housing, at least one connecting structure, at least one audio output transducer, and a passive radiator. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side has a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface. The connecting structure is coupled to the second side of the housing and configured to couple the housing to a first surface. The audio output transducer is configured to emit sound waves. The passive radiator is configured to enhance sound waves of the audio output transducer.

Description

WATERPROOF TOUCH PANEL DISPLAY UNIT WITH INTEGRATED SPEAKER ANDPASSIVE RADIATORFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof touch panel display unit with an integrated speaker and a passive radiator.BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In some applications, for example, in home devices, touch-sensitive display screens (touch displays) or other input elements having surfaces provided to be touched (touch surfaces) to control functions of the home devices. Such devices, however, are not suitable for certain environments (e.g., wet environments such as a bathroom), which inhibits the user from bringing and operating the device into the environment.

[0004] These issues with display devices, among other issues with display devices, are addressed by the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, a touch panel display unit is provided. The touch panel display unit includes a housing, at least one connecting structure, at least one audio output transducer, and a passive radiator. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface. The connecting structure is coupled to the second side of the housing and is configured to couple the housing to a first surface. The audio output transducer is configured to emit sound waves. The passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer.

[0007] In variations of the touch panel display unit of the above paragraph, which can be implemented individually or in any combination: the touch panel display unit further includes a sealing member disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing; the connecting structure is a suction cup; the connecting structure is removably coupled to the second side of the housing; the connecting structure includes a plurality of connecting structures spaced apart from each other and removably coupled to the second side of the housing; a support stand coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position in which the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to support the housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface, the support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures; a cover including a plurality of openings coupled to the housing and covering the passive radiator and the audio output transducer; the force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface, the operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface; one or more microphones configured to eliminate reflected sound waves based on an algorithm or receive one or more voice commands, the voice commands control operations of the touch panel display unit; and the touch surface is coated with a combination of one or more repellant chemical and physical properties, the touch surface is at least one of an LCD display, an OLED display, and a QLED display.

[0008] In another form, a touch panel display unit is provided. The touch panel display unit includes a housing, at least one connecting structure, a sealing member, at least one audio output transducer, and a passive radiator. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface. The connecting structure is coupled to the second side of the housing and is configured to couple the housing to a first surface. The sealing member is disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing. The audio output transducer is configured to emit sound waves.The passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer. The force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface. The operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface.

[0009] In variations of the touch panel display unit of the above paragraph, which can be implemented individually or in any combination: the connecting structure is a suction cup; the connecting structure is removably coupled to the second side of the housing; the connecting structure includes a plurality of connecting structures spaced apart from each other and removably coupled to the second side of the housing; a support stand coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position in which the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to support the housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface, the support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures; the support stand extends outward past the plurality of connecting structures when moved to the deployed position; a cover including a plurality of openings coupled to the housing and covering the passive radiator and the audio output transducer; ; one or more microphones configured to eliminate reflected sound waves based on an algorithm or receive one or more voice commands, the voice commands control operations of the touch panel display unit; and the touch surface is coated with a combination of one or more repellant chemical and physical properties, the touch surface is at least one of an LCD display, an OLED display, and a QLED display.

[0010] In yet another form, a touch panel display unit is provided. The touch panel display unit includes a housing, a plurality of connecting structures, a support stand, a sealing member, at least one audio output transducer, and a passive radiator. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface. The connecting structures are coupled to the second side of the housing and is configured to couple the housing to a first surface. The support stand is coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position inwhich the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to support the housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface. The support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures. The sealing member is disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing. The audio output transducer is configured to emit sound waves. The passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer. The force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface. The operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface. The force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface. The operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface.

[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0012] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a touch panel display unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2A is a side view of the touch panel display unit of FIG. 1 including a support stand in a deployed position;

[0015] FIG. 2B is a side view of the touch panel display unit of FIG. 1 including the support stand in a stowed position;

[0016] FIG. 3A is a back view of the touch panel display unit of FIG. 1 including connecting structures coupled to a casing of the touch panel display unit;

[0017] FIG. 3B is a back view of the touch panel display unit of FIG. 1 including one row of connecting structures detached from the casing of the touch panel display unit;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel display unit of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing components of an example touch panel display unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a touch panel display unit that includes a housing, at least one connecting structure, at least one audio output transducer, and a passive radiator. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side has a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface. The connecting structure is coupled to the second side of the housing and configured to couple the housing to a first surface. The audio output transducer is configured to emit sound waves. The passive radiator is configured to enhance sound waves of the audio output transducer.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a touch panel display unit 100 may be used in various applications where the touch panel display unit 100 may be mounted toa structure (e.g., movable structure or stationary structure) or portable as will be described in more detail below. The touch panel display unit 100 may be an all-in-one system that includes a casing or housing 108, one or more audio signal receivers 110 (FIG. 1 ), at least one audio output transducer 112 (FIG. 1), a plurality of connecting structures 114 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B), one or more passive radiators 116 (FIGS. 1 and 5), and a controller 118 (FIG. 5). In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may include one or more components such as an audio source unit (e.g., a hard drive and processor for locally storing and playing music files), a light source (e.g., light emitting diodes), auxiliary input ports (e.g., for connecting an MP3 player, phone, or memory stick), and auxiliary output ports (e.g., to go to an external amplifier for a subwoofer or additional speakers). In one or more embodiments, the auxiliary input and output ports may be used to connect multiple audio systems together.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may include a volume-up button 117a, a volume-down button 117b, and a play / pause button 117c for controlling media (e.g., sound and / or visual effects) provided by the touch panel display unit 100. For example, the volume-up button 117a, the volume-down button 117b, and the play / pause button 117c are collectively referred to as “media keys”. As another example, the media keys are configured to increase the volume emitting from the audio output transducers 112 (e.g., via the volume-up button 117a), decrease the volume emitting from the audio output transducers 112 (e.g., via the volume-down button 117b), or play / pause content displayed upon the touch screen 122 (e.g., via the play / pause button 117c).

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 is configured to enter a number of different media modes that can affect the functionality of the touch panel display unit 100. For example, a karaoke mode allows a user to interact with the touch panel display unit 100 via the one or more audio signal receivers 110, the audio output transducers 112, the touchscreen 122, or a combination thereof. As another example, the karaoke mode may display words associated with a song that prompts the user to voice corresponding words aloud for the audio signal receivers 110 to register. As yet another example, the audio output transducers 112 are configured to play a sound (e.g., an instrumental sound associated with the song) during the karaoke mode. It isunderstood that the touch panel display unit 100 is configured to enter any media mode using the one or more audio signal receivers 110, the audio output transducers 112, and / or the touchscreen 122. A music mode, an audiobook mode, and / or a game mode are non-limiting examples of other media modes the touch panel display unit 100 can provide to the user. For example, the game mode allows for the user to engage with the touchscreen 122 to participate in a game displayed on the touchscreen 122 while sounds associated with the game are emitted from the audio output transducers 112. As another example, the music mode allows for the user to listen to sounds (e.g., a song) emitted from the audio output transducers 112. As yet another example, the audiobook mode allows for the user to read text displayed upon the touchscreen 122.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may include a first input device 119 (e.g., a power button) for powering the touch panel display unit 100 between an ON or OFF mode. The first input device 119 may be a button, knob, dial, or switch, for example, located on the casing 108. For example, the first input device 119 is configured to switch the entire functionality of the touch panel display unit 100 ON or OFF such as switching the audio output transducers 112 and / or a touchscreen 122 associated with the touch panel display unit 100 ON or OFF. In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may also include a second input device 121 (e.g., a display button) for powering a display module (e.g., the touchscreen 122) of the touch panel display unit 100 between an ON or OFF mode. The second input device 121 may be a button, knob, dial, or switch, for example, located on the casing 108. As an example, the touchscreen 122 may be a high-definition display module and / or can include a functionality wherein the touchscreen 122 is engageable by the user via capacitive touch, as is further discussed herein. As another example, the second input device 121 is configured to switch the touchscreen 122 ON or OFF.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may include a battery or a battery pack 120, or be configured to receive one or more removable batteries. An example of a suitable battery pack 120 is a lithium ion battery pack, but other types of batteries may be used.

[0029] The casing 108 includes one or more panels that form a watertight compartment that houses the audio signal receiver 110, the audio output transducer 112,the passive radiator 116, and the battery pack 120. The casing 108 includes a front side or first side 108a and a rear side or second side 108b opposite the front side 108a. The front side 108a includes the touch surface or touchscreen 122 that is configured to be displaced relative to the casing 108, for example, in response to a force acting on the touchscreen 122. As an example, the force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touchscreen 122. As another example, a controller (e.g., a controller 118 as shown in FIG. 5) can determine (e.g., detect) the change in capacitance. As yet another example, the operations of the touchscreen 122 can be controlled based on a conductive object (e.g., a finger or stylus) applying the force on the touchscreen 122. The touchscreen 122 may be at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and a quantum light-emitting diode (QLED) display, for example. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 122 is flush with a front surface 124 of the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 122 is offset relative to the front surface 124 of the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 122 is made of a non-conductive material such as glass or plastic, for example. In the example illustrated, the touchscreen 122 is transparent. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 122 may be opaque. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 122 may be coated with one or more of repellant chemical and physical properties such as an Oleophobic coating, for example.

[0030] The casing 108 further includes a support stand 126 movably coupled to the rear side 108b and configured to support the touch panel display unit 100. In the example illustrated, the support stand 126 is rotatably coupled to the rear side 108b of the casing 108 via a hinge. Stated differently, the support stand 126 is rotatably coupled to the rear side 108b of the casing 108 between a deployed position in which the support stand 126 extends from the casing 108 and is configured to engage a surface to support the touch panel display unit 100 in an upright position on the surface and a stowed position in which the support stand 126 engages the casing 108 and is inhibited from supporting the casing 108 on the surface. In the example illustrated, the support stand 126 is positioned between two connecting structures 114 of the plurality of connecting structures 114. In one or more embodiments, the support stand 126 may be disposed inanother arrangement relative to the connecting structures 114. In the example illustrated, the support stand 126 extends along a portion of the rear side 108b of the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the support stand 126 may extend along an entire rear side 108b of the casing 108 (e.g., extends from one side of the rear side 108b to another opposing side of the rear side 108b).

[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, a sealing member 128 is located along a periphery of the casing 108 and may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. In one or more embodiments, the sealing member 128 may take the form of an O-ring or gasket. In this way, the sealing member 128 may inhibit fluid and debris from entering into a cavity housing components of the touch panel display unit 100 (i.e., the casing 108 is waterproof). In one or more embodiments, the sealing member 128 may be location between first and second panels of the casing 108.

[0032] With reference back to FIG. 1 , the audio signal receivers 110 may be wireless receivers for receiving audio signals, such as radio signals, Bluetooth® signals, Wi-Fi signals, for example. In one or more embodiments, the audio signal receivers 110 may be microphones or a microphone array. The audio signal receivers 110 may be located near or at the front side 108a of the casing 108 and may surround the touchscreen 122. However, it is understood that the audio signal receivers 110 may be located at any location associated with the touch panel display unit 100. One or more of the audio signal receivers 110 may be configured to: eliminate reflected sound waves based on an algorithm or receive one or more voice commands as will be described in more detail below. The one or more voice commands control operations of the touch panel display unit 100. For example, the algorithm can be configured to determine a presence of any echoes, reverberations, and / or unrelated sounds associated with the incoming audio signals. As another example, the algorithm can cause a filtration of the audio signals, wherein the audio signals are filtered through an adaptive filter. The adaptive filter is a machine learning model that is configured to dynamically learn what sounds may correspond to an echo, a reverberation, and / or unrelated sounds by comparing the incoming audio signals to its learned model, for example. As yet another example, the filtration of the audio signals can result in reduction of the echoes, reverberations, and / or unrelated sounds. However, in an instance wherein residual echoes, reverberations,and / or unrelated sounds are still present after the audio signals have been filtered, a postprocessing protocol may further attenuate any remaining echoes, reverberations, and / or unrelated sounds.

[0033] The audio output transducers 112 are electrically coupled to an audio output port and are configured to emit sound waves. In the example illustrated, the audio output transducers 112 are sealingly engaged with the casing 108 (i.e., inhibiting fluid and debris from entering casing 108) and may be located at the front side 108a of the casing 108 (e.g., below the touchscreen 122). In one or more embodiments, the audio output transducers 112 may be located at the rear side 108b of the casing 108 or any other suitable location where the audio output transducers 112 may emit sound waves for the user of the touch panel display unit 100. In the example illustrated, the audio output transducers 112 are in the form of speakers (e.g., miniature speakers). In one or more embodiments, the audio output transducers 112 may be an array of conventional speakers and / or an array of directional speakers. For example, directional speakers may be used to mitigate the distribution of the emitted sound waves and direct the emitted sound waves to a particular location.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the connecting structures 114 are removably coupled to the rear side 108b of the casing 108 and may be configured to couple the casing 108 to a surface. In the example illustrated, the connecting structures 114 are suction cups that may couple the touch panel display unit 100 to a wall (e.g., a bathroom wall). In this way, a user of the touch panel display unit 100 may use or operate the touch panel display unit 100 in a wet environment such as a shower without having to hold onto the touch panel display unit 100. In one or more embodiments, the connecting structures 114 may be other structures that may couple the touch panel display unit 100 to a surface (e.g., a vertical or inclined surface) such that the touch panel display unit 100 is supported by the surface.

[0035] In the example illustrated, one or more connecting structures 114 are removably coupled to a bar 130 that is, in turn, removably coupled to the casing 108. In the example illustrated, the bar 130 including the connecting structures 114 may be rotatably coupled to the casing 108 via a hinge 132. In this way, the casing 108 may be rotatable relative to the connecting structures 114 once the connecting structures 114 arecoupled to the surface of the environment (e.g., a wall of a bathroom). In one or more embodiments, the bar 130 including the connecting structures 114 may be slid into a groove or recess of the casing 108, thereby coupling the connecting structures 114 to the casing 108 (e.g., inhibiting the bar 130 from being removed from the casing 108). In the example illustrated, the touch panel display unit 100 includes a plurality of bars 130. That is, one bar 130 including the connecting structures 114 may be located at an upper portion of the casing 108 and another bar 130 including the connecting structures 114 may be located at a lower portion of the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the touch panel display unit 100 may include only one bar 130 including the connecting structures 114. It should be understood that when the support stand 126 is moved to the deployed position, the support stand 126 extends outward past the connecting structures 114 (FIG. 2A). In the example illustrated, the support stand 126 is coupled to the rear side 108b of the casing 108 at a location between two of the bars 130 including the connecting structure 114. In or more embodiments, the support stand 126 may be located at other portions of the casing 108 relative to the connecting structures 114. The bar 130 and connecting structures 114 coupled thereto form a connecting assembly.

[0036] With reference back to FIG. 1 ,the passive radiator 116 is disposed within the casing 108 and is configured to enhance sound waves of the audio output transducers 112. Stated differently, the passive radiator 116 is sealingly engaged with the casing 108 (i.e., inhibiting fluid and debris from entering casing 108) and may improve low frequency output of the audio output transducers 112. In one or more embodiments, the passive radiator 116 may be supported by the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the passive radiator 116 may be supported by a baffle enclosure (not sure) disposed within the casing 108. The passive radiator 116 and the audio output transducers 112 may both be supported by the baffle enclosure and may be located adjacent each other. In one or more embodiments, the passive radiator 116 may include non-metallic materials such as ceramic or porcelain, for example. In one or more embodiments, the passive radiator 116 may be formed of other materials. In one or more embodiments, the passive radiator 116 may include a radiator mass (not shown) and a radiator suspension (not shown) coupling the radiator mass with an opening of the baffle enclosure. The radiator mass may be tungsten, for example, and the radiator suspensionmay include rubber or any suitable resilient material. In one or more embodiments, one or more speakers may be encased within the casing 108. For example, the passive radiator 116 is configured to improve the sound emitted from the one or more speakers. It is understood, therefore, that the passive radiator 116 can be powered by the air pressure (e.g., vibrations) generated by the one or more speakers. As another example, the passive radiator 116 may be a speaker unit, wherein the one or more speakers are encased therein.

[0037] The touch panel display unit 100 may include one or more electrical components 140 (FIG. 4) such as one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) having one or more integrated circuits attached thereto. In one or more embodiments, the electrical components 140 may be disposed between the touchscreen 122 and the battery pack 120. The touch panel display unit 100 may also include a cover 142 coupled to the casing 108. The cover 142 includes a plurality of openings formed therein. In one or more embodiments, the cover 142 may be removably coupled to the casing 108, thereby allowing the passive radiator 116 and the audio output transducers 112 to be cleaned.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 5, the controller 118 is communicatively coupled to (e.g., via a communication bus) the audio signal receivers 110, the audio output transducers 112, the first input device 119, the second input device 121 and the touchscreen 122, and may monitor and control operations of the audio signal receivers 110, the audio output transducers 112, the first input device 119, the second input device 121 and the touchscreen 122 based on data received. In one example, the controller 118 is in communication with the audio signal receivers 110, the audio output transducers 112, the first input device 119, the second input device 121 and the touchscreen 122 using a wired or wireless communication protocol (e.g., a Bluetooth®-type protocol, a cellular protocol, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)-type protocol, a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol, among others). In another example, the controller 118 is configured to centrally control an operation of the touch panel display unit 100 and may be disposed therein. However, it is understood that the controller 118 may be externally located relative to the touch panel display unit 100.

[0039] The touch panel display unit 100 of the present disclosure including the touchscreen 122, the passive radiator 116 and the connecting structures 114, forexample, improves the functionality of the touch panel display unit 100 such as in water environments.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an operating environment that facilitates the performance of the one or more systems and methods described herein. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein can be implemented using a computing device 602. For example, the computing device 602 can be a personal computer, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a server, a workstation, a mainframe, a wearable computer, a supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it is understood that the aforementioned examples of the computing device 602 is non- exhaustive and the computing device 602 can be any type of processing or computing device. The computing device 602 generally includes a processor 604, a display adapter 606, one or more input / output port(s) 608, one or more input / output component(s) 610, a network adapter 612, a power supply 614, and a memory 616. However, it is understood that the computing device 602 can include any additional components therein and is not required to include any of the listed components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or more input / output port(s) 608, the one or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, the power supply 614, and the memory 616).

[0041] The processor 604 is configured to provide instructions to the computing device 602 so that the computing device 602 can process one or more tasks including the implementation of a software program to perform one or more operations as described in more detail herein. It is also understood that the computing device 602 may include any number or processors 604 therein. The display adapter 606 can be a graphics card or a video board that provides the computing device 602 with a capability to display content on a display device 618. For example, the display device 618 can be any screen, monitor, and / or light-emitting component associated with any of the personal computer, the desktop, the laptop, the tablet, the hand-held computer, the server, the workstation, the mainframe, the wearable computer, the supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it is understood that the aforementioned examples of the display device 618 is non-exhaustive and that the display device 618 can be any type of device capable of providing a visual display.

[0042] The input / output port(s) 608 provide a number of interfaces (e.g., sockets) for one or more cables to connect to the computing device 602. It is understood that there may be any number of input / output port(s) 608 on the computing device 602. For example, the input / output port(s) 608 provides a means for the computing device 602 to receive signals and / or data from an external device connected to the computing device 602 via the one or more cables. As another example, the input / output port(s) 608 provide a means for the computing device 602 to send signals and / or data to an external device connected to the computing device 602 via the one or more cables. The input / output component(s) 610 can include one or more components that support the input / output port(s) 608 such as, but not limited to, a switch, a push button, a pressure mat, a float switch, a keypad, a radio receive, or a combination thereof.

[0043] The network adapter 612 can be any type of network interface controller that is configured to provide a means for communicating over a network 620 with another computing device, such as a remote computing device 622. For example, the remote computing device 622 can be a user device such as a cellular-phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a combination thereof. The power supply 614 is configured to convert alternating high voltage current (e.g., AC) into direct current (e.g., DC) to provide regulated power to the other components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or more input / output port(s) 608, the one or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, and the memory 616) of the computing device 602.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, and in an instance wherein the computing device 602 represents the touch panel display unit 100, the computing device 602 is configured as an internet-capable device enabled to communicate with any other internet of things (loT) devices such as the remote computing device 622 or any other device. For example, the computing device 602 is configured to communicate with any of the other loT devices using the wireless communication protocol such as a Wi-Fi-type protocol. As another example, because of the computing device’s 602 internet-capability, the user is provided with an ability to navigate the internet or communicate with any of the other loT devices based on the network 620, which can be a Wi-Fi network. It is understood that the computing device’s 602 internet functionality expands beyond theuser simply being able to navigate the internet as the user is indeed able to access the entire breadth of internet-based capabilities via the computing device 602.

[0045] Additionally, the memory 616 can be a mass storage device and / or a system memory such as a hard disk drive, a memory card, a solid-state drive, random access memory (RAM), or a combination thereof. The memory 616 is configured to provide storage for instructions and data associated with the operation of the computing device 602. The memory 616 can generally include an operating system 624, acoustic- related software 626, and acoustic-related data 628. For example, the operating system 624 is configured to manage and / or process any of the data and / or instructions associated with the acoustic-related software 626 and / or acoustic-related data 628, as described in more detail herein.

[0046] Furthermore, a system bus 630 is also included within the computing device 602 that is configured to couple each of the various components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or more input / output port(s) 608, the one or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, the power supply 614, and the memory 616) of the computing device 602. It is also understood that each of the components of the computing device 602, and the functionality associated with each of the components of the computing device 602, may be implemented within the remote computing device 622. While the operating environment illustrated within FIG. 6 depicts a particular configuration associated with at least the computing device 602, the network 620, and the remote computing device 622, it is understood that the operating environment may be configured in any way.

[0047] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word “about” or "approximately" in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

[0048] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0049] In this application, the term “controller” and / or “module” may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components (e.g., op amp circuit integrator as part of the heat flux data module) that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0050] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer- readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0051] The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0052] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A touch panel display unit comprising: a housing including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface; at least one connecting structure coupled to the second side of the housing and configured to couple the housing to a first surface; at least one audio output transducer configured to emit sound waves; and a passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer.

2. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1, further comprising a sealing member disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing.

3. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , wherein the at least one connecting structure is a suction cup.

4. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , wherein the at least one connecting structure is removably coupled to the second side of the housing.

5. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , wherein the at least one connecting structure includes a plurality of connecting structures spaced apart from each other and removably coupled to the second side of the housing.

6. The touch panel display unit of Claim 5, further comprising a support stand coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position in which the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to supportthe housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface, the support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures.

7. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , further comprising a cover including a plurality of openings coupled to the housing and covering the passive radiator and the at least one audio output transducer.

8. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , wherein the force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface, and wherein the operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface.

9. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , further comprising: one or more microphones configured to: eliminate reflected sound waves based on an algorithm; or receive one or more voice commands, wherein the one or more voice commands control operations of the touch panel display unit.

10. The touch panel display unit of Claim 1 , wherein the touch surface is coated with a combination of one or more repellant chemical and physical properties, and wherein the touch surface is at least one of an LCD display, an OLED display, and a QLED display.

11. A touch panel display unit comprising: a housing including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface;at least one connecting structure coupled to the second side of the housing and configured to couple the housing to a first surface; a sealing member disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing; at least one audio output transducer configured to emit sound waves; and a passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer, wherein the force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface, and wherein the operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface.

12. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , wherein the at least one connecting structure is a suction cup.

13. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , wherein the at least one connecting structure is removably coupled to the second side of the housing.

14. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , wherein the at least one connecting structure includes a plurality of connecting structures spaced apart from each other and removably coupled to the second side of the housing.

15. The touch panel display unit of Claim 14, further comprising a support stand coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position in which the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to support the housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface, the support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures.

16. The touch panel display unit of Claim 15, wherein the support stand extends outward past the plurality of connecting structures when moved to the deployed position.

17. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , further comprising a cover including a plurality of openings coupled to the housing and covering the passive radiator and the audio output transducer.

18. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , further comprising: one or more microphones configured to: eliminate reflected sound waves based on an algorithm; or receive one or more voice commands, wherein the one or more voice commands control operations of the touch panel display unit.

19. The touch panel display unit of Claim 11 , wherein the touch surface is coated with a combination of one or more repellant chemical and physical properties, and wherein the touch surface is at least one of an LCD display, an OLED display, and a QLED display.

20. A touch panel display unit comprising: a housing including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a touch surface configured to control operations of the touch panel display unit in response to a force acting on the touch surface; a plurality connecting structures coupled to the second side of the housing and configured to couple the housing to a first surface; a support stand coupled to the housing and movable between a deployed position in which the support stand extends from the housing and is configured to engage a second surface to support the housing in an upright position on the second surface and a stowed position in which the support stand engages the housing and is inhibited from supporting the housing on the second surface, the support stand position between two connecting structures of the plurality of connecting structures;a sealing member disposed along a periphery of the housing and configured to inhibit fluid from entering into the housing; at least one audio output transducer configured to emit sound waves; and a passive radiator configured to enhance sound waves of the at least one audio output transducer, wherein the force corresponds to a detection of a change in capacitance between one or more electrodes associated with an electrostatic field of the touch surface, and wherein the operations of the touch panel display unit are controlled based on a conductive object applying the force on the touch surface.

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