Touch screen control device with speakers

A touch screen control device is described herein with integrated speakers. Each of the left and right speakers are mounted on respective side walls such that their long axis is substantially vertical, and the bulk of the speaker, which is contained within the frame of touch screen control device, faces inwardly, in a substantially horizontal direction, so that a minimal amount of depth is needed to mount touch screen control device.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Aspects of the embodiments relate generally to touch screens that can be used to control different automated systems in both commercial and residential environments, and more specifically to systems, methods, and modes for a touch screen control device that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile.

Background Art

Other wall mounted touch screen control devices exhibit a protruding profile due to placement of speakers. Such devices are unsightly and can be obtrusive.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for systems, methods, and modes for a touch screen control device that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for a touch screen control device that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, a substantially slim, unobtrusive wall mounted touch screen control device is provided comprising a touch screen interactive display, a plurality of hard buttons arranged in a substantially vertical manner, one or more integrated side-wall mounted speakers, and a chamfered side wall.

According to aspects of the embodiments, a controller for use in controlling one or more controllable devices is provided, comprising: a cubic enclosure, the cubic enclosure including a front surface that is a substantially flat planar surface, a left and right side, a top and bottom side, and a rear surface; an interactive display panel disposed on the front surface of the controller, wherein the front surface is adapted to provide access to the display panel; a circuitry enclosure attached to the rear surface of the controller, the circuitry enclosure adapted to enclose controller circuitry, and is further adapted to interface with a junction box located in the wall, such that the controller is removably attachable to the junction box; and a plurality of chamfered surfaces formed on the rear surface, the chamfered surfaces adapted to provide a removing function for the controller, when it is desired to remove the controller from the junction box.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of the plurality of chamfered surfaces comprises an angled surface that is formed at an angle of about 18° from the rear surface.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of the plurality of chamfered surfaces comprises an angled surface that is formed at an angle that ranges from about 10° to about 26° from the rear surface.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the ratio of width of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 12.07, and wherein the ratio of height of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 7.80.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the ratio of width of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 16.21, and wherein the ratio of height of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 10.12.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the ratio of width of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 21.61, and wherein the ratio of height of the controller to the depth of the controller is about 13.78.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the controller further comprises a mounting bracket adapted to provide a mounting surface to the controller, and wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to interface with both the circuitry enclosure and the junction box.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the mounting bracket comprises: a substantially planar portion adapted to interface with, and mount to, the junction box; and a three dimensional cubic portion of substantially similar size and dimension to the circuitry enclosure such that the circuitry enclosure fits in a removably attachable manner to the three dimensional cubic portion.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the mounting bracket comprises: a plurality of substantially planar surfaces orthogonal to the substantially planar portion, wherein each of the substantially planar surfaces orthogonal to the substantially planar portion comprises a spring loaded dimple mount, each of the plurality of spring loaded dimple mounts including a dimpled protrusion, and each of the plurality of dimpled protrusions is adapted to fit within a respective one of a dimpled recess located on a corresponding surface of the circuitry enclosure, such that an interaction between each of the dimpled protrusions within the dimpled recesses causes the controller to be retained to the mounting bracket that is attached to the junction box.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the chamfered surfaces provide access to a device to pry the controller out of and away from the junction box.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of the chamfered surfaces is adapted to be used by one or more fingers of a user to remove the controller from the junction box.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the controller further comprises one or more speakers, each of the one or more speakers located on either or both of a right side and left side of the controller, and wherein each of the one or more speakers comprises a long axis and a short axis, and further wherein the long axis of the speaker is substantially parallel to each of the left and right sides of the controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which aspects of the embodiments are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the aspects of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The detailed description that follows is written from the point of view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood that generally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to various subsystems and not limited to only a particular device or class of devices used for control, such as touch screen control devices with a substantially thin wall mounting profile and integrated speakers.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further still, it should be apparent to those of skill in the art that while certain items in the drawing Figures have been denoted “top,” “bottom,” “left side,” right side,” and the like, such spatial indicators are or can be arbitrary, and are done for the purposes of making it easier for the reader to understand and visualize the aspects of the embodiments and are not to be construed in a limiting manner.

List of Reference Numbers for the Elements in the Drawings in Numerical Order

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.100Touch Screen Wall (TSW) Assembly102Touch Screen Control Device with Speakers (Touch Screen Device (TSD))104Mounting Bracket106Electrical Junction Box108Mounting Screws110Mounting Screw Receptacles202Front Surface204Right Side206Top208Left Side210Bottom212Rear Surface214Speaker216Display Panel218Display Panel Frame (Frame)220Camera222Microphone (Mic)224Light Sensor302Substantially Planar Portion304Circuitry Enclosure306Engagement Clip308Dimpled Mounting Recess310Recessed Planar Portion312Top Chamfered Surface314Left Side Chamfered Surface316Bottom Chamfered Surface318Right Side Chamfered Surface404Ethernet Port406Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port1102Top of Circuitry Enclosure1104Bottom Left of Circuitry Enclosure1106Bottom Right of Circuitry Enclosure1108Top Right of Circuitry Enclosure1110Bottom Right of Circuitry Enclosure1112Left Side of Circuitry Enclosure1114Rear Surface of Circuitry Enclosure1302Top Side of Mounting Bracket1304Bottom Side of Mounting Bracket1306Left Side of Mounting Bracket1308Right Side of Mounting Bracket1310Rear Surface of Mounting Bracket1312Mounting Holes of Mounting Bracket1314First Electronics Enclosure Cage (First Cage)1316First Vertical Surface of First Cage1318Second Vertical Surface of First Cage1320Horizontal Surface of First Cage1322First Electronics Enclosure Wall1324Second Electronics Enclosure Wall1326Dimpled Mounting Protrusion1328Second Electronics Enclosure Cage (Second Cage)1330Vertical Surface Second Cage1332Horizontal Surface Second Cage1334Spring Loaded Dimple Mount
List of Acronyms Used in the Specification in Alphabetical Order

The following is a list of acronyms used in the specification in alphabetical order.LCD Liquid Crystal DisplayLED Light Emitting DiodeMic MicrophoneTSD Touch Screen DeviceTSW Touch Screen WallUSB Universal Serial BusH HeightW WidthD DepthIEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic EngineersPoE Power over EthernetCat5 Category 5 Ether

The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of a touch screen control device that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

For over 40 years Creston Electronics Inc., has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. In addition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life to those who work and live in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations. Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of the embodiments described herein, as embodied as touch screen control device100that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile, can be manufactured by Crestron Electronics Inc., located in Rockleigh, N.J., which can be marketed and sold under the name of “TSW-XX60 Wall Mount Touch Screen Family.”

FIG. 1illustrates a front isometric view of wall mounted touch screen control device assembly (assembly)100according to aspects of the embodiments. Assembly100comprises touch screen control device (touch screen device (TSD))102, mounting bracket104, electrical junction box (box)106, mounting screws108, and mounting screw receptacles110according to aspects of the embodiments. Box106can be a conventional junction box, known to those of skill in the art, or can be a specially built junction box, but in either case, in this use, it provides a means for mounting TSD102to the wall in a substantially secure but readily and relatively easily removable manner, as described below.

FIG. 2illustrates a front isometric view of TSD102with integrated speakers214,FIG. 3illustrates a left side rear isometric view of TSD102,FIG. 4illustrates a right side view of TSD102,FIG. 5illustrates a front view of TSD102,FIG. 6illustrates a left side view of TSD102,FIG. 7illustrates a top view of TSD102,FIG. 8illustrates a bottom view of TSD102,FIG. 9illustrates a rear view of TSD102, andFIG. 10illustrates a right side rear isometric left view of TSD102, all according to aspects of the embodiments.

Referring now toFIG. 1, TSD102comprises front surface202, which is comprised of display panel (display)216, and frame218. Display216is typically a flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD), the use of which in touch panels is substantially ubiquitous in currently available displays, but, as those of the skill in the art can appreciate, the aspects of the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, there are light emitting diode (LED) back-lit LCD displays, and also LED displays in use as well. TSD102further comprises right side204, top206, left side208, and bottom210. In addition, there is also rear surface212, and located on both right and left sides respectively, first and second speakers214a,b, though none or only one speaker214can be included in TSD102according to aspects of the embodiments. As can be seen inFIG. 2, TSD102has a width W, height H, and depth (or thickness) D. According to aspects of the embodiments, TSD102is substantially flat and planar, and has dimensions of W that are many multiples of the depth D, and dimensions of H that are also many multiples of the depth D (but not as many as in regard to the width W). According to aspects of the embodiments, H can range from about 3.649″ to about 6.451″, W can range from about 5.560″ to about 10.114″, and D, which can also be considered the distance from the wall upon which TSD102is mounted to the front panel, is about 0.468″, and can range from about 0.4212″ to about 0.5148″, according to aspects of the embodiments.

TSD102also further includes chamfered edges on the right, left, top, and bottom sides, and which are shown more clearly in other Figures (see, e.g.,FIG. 6, described in greater detail below). Also shown inFIG. 2are camera220, and mics222a,b, and light sensor224; as those of skill in the art can appreciate, camera220can provide many different uses: security, communications through video “chat” services such as Skype®, among others (including video conferencing). The output of camera220can be shown on the same TSW assembly100, or can be sent to other TSWs100, via H.264 IP steam. Camera220can also be used to take snapshots, or photos, which can then be used for many different applications such as badges, identity cards, and the like. Mics222a-cprovide a means for a user to communicate through voice alone, or in conjunction with camera220, through an audio/video interface, and speakers214can reproduce sounds such as voice, music, tones, beeps, whistles, among other types. Speakers214a,bcan also be stereo speakers, and can provide intercom capability when used with mics222a,b. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, TSD102can conform to ITU-T Recommendation P.340: Transmission Characteristics and Speech Quality Parameters of Hands-Free Terminals. Further still, TSD102can support 16 KHz audio playback.

According to aspects of the embodiments, light sensor224can be further included. Such light sensor224can be used to automatically adjust the back-light illumination level of TSD102based on room brightness.

FIG. 3illustrates a left side rear perspective (or isometric) view of TSD102according to aspects of the embodiments. InFIG. 3, it can be seen that TSD102comprises substantially planar portion302, circuitry enclosure304(which is described in greater detail inFIGS. 11-15, along with mounting bracket104), an optional engagement clip306(which can be used to facilitate securing of TSD102to box106), a plurality of dimpled mounting recesses308, recessed planar portion310(which, as its name implies, is a slightly recessed planar area surrounding circuitry enclosure304, and is generally rectangular in shape in these aspects of the embodiments), top chamfered surface312a,b, left side chamfered surface314a,b, bottom chamfered surface316, and right side chamfered surface318a,b, according to aspects of the embodiments.

According to aspects of the embodiments, the chamfered surfaces (312,314,316, and318) are formed at about an angle of θ1(shown inFIG. 6) from rear surface212, which is about 18°, and which can range from about 10° to about 26° according to aspects of the embodiments. Because of their location about the perimeter of TSD102, the chamfered surfaces provide a means for relatively easy removal of TSD102from junction box106. That is, the chamfered surfaces312,314,316, and318provide a means for a user to insert their finger or fingers in order to pry TSD102from its mounting bracket104that will remain secured to box106. The mounting of TSD102to bracket104and box106is described in greater detail below in regard toFIGS. 11-15.

As can be seen in the Figures, the chamfered surfaces312,314,316,318, are formed along an outer portion that surrounds a periphery of a rear surface of TSD102. The outer portion has a certain, predefined width that can vary from between about a first distance to about a second distance. As can be further seen inFIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the chamfered surfaces312,314,316,318that comprises the outer portion of the rear surface of TSD102includes a majority of the outer portion. The chamfered surfaces312,314,316,318provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to TSD102, as well as facilitating installation of TSD102into mounting bracket104and then into junction box106according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 4illustrates a right side view of TSD102, and in this view both Ethernet port404(which can be an RJ45 type receptacle, as those of skill in the art can appreciate) and universal serial bus (USB) port406can be seen on the right side of circuitry enclosure304according to aspects of the embodiments. Ethernet port404can be used to connect an Ethernet cable to TSD102, for both data communications and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) purposes; that is, one cable, an Ethernet cable, can connect to TSD102and communication data and commands to and from TSD102to different devices, and carry power to TSD102using known PoE techniques.

As those of skill in the art can appreciate, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard for PoE requires category 5 (Cat5) cable or higher for high power levels, but can operate with category 3 cable if less power is required. Power can be supplied in common mode over two or more of the differential pairs of wires found in the Ethernet cables, and comes from a power supply within a PoE-enabled networking device such as an Ethernet switch, or can be injected into a cable run with a mid-span power supply. A mid-span (PoE) power injector is an additional PoE power source that can be used in combination with a non-PoE Switch. Mid-span devices currently available operate in accordance with two IEEE standards: those operating in accordance with IEEE 802.3af provide about 15.4 watts per port (or link), and those operating in accordance with IEEE802.3 at (PoE Plus) can provide to about 25.5 watts per port.

USB port406can be used to connect a USB cable to TSD102; however, according to aspects of the embodiments, a user can also use USB port406to connect a flash drive to TSD102in order to transfer data between TSD102and the flash drive; that is, users can download programs to TSD102to provide up-to-date changes and capabilities, or to retrieve data in some circumstances. Through implementation of Ethernet port404and USB port406there is built in redundancy for data gathering and program/application downloading.

As seen inFIGS. 2-4, 6, and 10, each of the left and right speakers214a,bare mounted on respective side walls such that their long axis is substantially vertical, and the bulk of the speaker, which is contained within the frame of TSD102, faces inwardly, in a substantially horizontal direction, so that a minimal amount of depth is needed to mount TSD102according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 11illustrates a rear view of circuitry enclosure304for use with TSD102. Circuitry enclosure304includes top1101, bottom right side1104, bottom left side1106, top right side1108, bottom right side1110, left side1112, and rear surface1114.FIG. 12illustrates an isometric view of circuitry enclosure304in which Ethernet port404and USB port406are seen located on bottom right side1110. Located on top right side1108is dimple mounting recess308c; dimple mounting recesses308a,bare located on left side1112.

Circuitry enclosure304is manufactured as an integral component of TSD102according to aspects of the embodiments, though it could be a separate component that could be attached to rear surface212in other aspects of the embodiments. Circuitry enclosure304provides the means for mounting TSB102to junction box106such that TSD102is substantially parallel with the wall upon which it is mounted, and, because of its relative thinness compared to other wall mount controllers, is mounted relative close to the surface of the wall. In use, circuitry enclosure304is inserted into mounting bracket104that has been screwed to, or attached in some substantially similar manner, junction box106according to aspects of the embodiments. Insertion of circuitry enclosure304can only be done in one orientation because of the substantially matching “L” shapes of circuity enclosure304and mounting bracket104. Further, as will be explained in greater detail in regard toFIGS. 12-15, the spring loaded dimpled mounting protrusions1326a-cof mounting bracket104fit into dimpled mounting recesses308a-cto retain TSD102to mounting bracket104and junction box106according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 13illustrates a rear view of mounting bracket104for use with TSD102according to aspects of the embodiments. Mounting bracket (bracket)104comprises top side1302, bottom side1304, left side1306, right side1308, and rear surface1310. Rear mounting surface is substantially planar except in the portions as described below. Also part of bracket104are a plurality of mounting holes1312, first electronics enclosure wall1322, and second electronics enclosure wall1324, the latter two of which are located such that they fit about the walls of circuitry enclosure304. Two sub-assemblies are also included as part of bracket104: first electronics enclosure cage (first cage)1314, and second electronics enclosure cage (second cage)1328. First cage1314comprises first vertical surface of first cage1316, second vertical surface of first cage1318, horizontal surface of first cage1320, and spring loaded dimple mount1334c, upon which is mounted dimpled mounting protrusion1326c. The assembly of the parts of first cage1314are such that they will fit about only one particular portion of circuitry enclosure304; that which is comprised of the surfaces of top right1108, and bottom right1106; that is, the right side of circuitry enclosure304according to aspects of the embodiments.

Second cage1328comprises vertical surface second cage1330, horizontal surface second cage1332, and spring loaded dimple mounts1334a,b, upon which are mounted dimpled mounting protrusions1326a,b. The assembly of the parts of second cage1328are such that they will fit about only one particular portion of circuitry enclosure304; that which is comprised of the surfaces of bottom left1104, and left side1112; that is, the left side of circuitry enclosure304according to aspects of the embodiments.

Referring now toFIG. 14, which illustrates a view along lines B-B inFIG. 13of mounting bracket104according to aspects of the embodiments, first cage1314can be seen including spring loaded dimple mount (dimple mount)1334c. According to aspects of the embodiments, dimple mount1334ccontains dimpled mounting protrusion1326c, which, as shown and described below in regards toFIGS. 16 and 17, is designed to fit within dimpled mounting recess308cthat is located on top right surface1108of circuitry enclosure304. According to aspects of the embodiments, the enclosure of dimpled mounting protrusion1326cby dimpled mounting recess308c(along with a substantially similar arrangement and enclosure by dimpled mounting recesses308a,bof dimpled mounting protrusions1326a,b) retains TSD102by bracket104. Dimple mount1334ccan be attached to first cage1314by means of ultra-sonic welding, arc-welding, soldering, or by glues, or mechanical means of attachment such as screws, nuts and bolts, among other means of attachment.

Referring now toFIG. 15, which illustrates a view along lines A-A inFIG. 13of mounting bracket104according to aspects of the embodiments, second cage1328can be seen including spring loaded dimple mounts (dimple mount)1334a,b. According to aspects of the embodiments, dimple mounts1334a,bcontains dimpled mounting protrusions1326a,b, which, as shown and described below in regards toFIGS. 16 and 17, is designed to fit within dimpled mounting recesses308a,bthat is located on left side surface1112of circuitry enclosure304. According to aspects of the embodiments, the enclosure of dimpled mounting protrusions1326a,bby dimpled mounting recesses308a,bretains TSD102by bracket104. Dimple mounts1334a,bcan be attached to second cage1328by means of ultra-sonic welding, arc-welding, soldering, or by glues, or mechanical means of attachment such as screws, nuts and bolts, among other means of attachment.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate the insertion of circuitry enclosure304into mounting bracket104according to aspects of the embodiments. InFIG. 16, rear surface1114of circuitry enclosure304, along right side1108, is being forced against dimpled mounting protrusion1326cas TSD102is being forced into mounting bracket104. Spring loaded dimple mount1334cis being forced in the direction of arrow A. Once circuitry enclosure304of TSD102has been inserted a predefined distance into mounting bracket104(FIG. 17), dimpled mounting recess308cbecomes co-located with dimpled mounting protrusion1326c(dimpled mounting protrusion1326cfits within a hole in vertical surface second cage1330), and the spring action of spring loaded dimple mount1334ccauses it to move in the direction of arrow B such that dimpled mounting protrusion1326cfits within dimpled mounting recess308c; a substantially similar process occurs on the other side of mounting bracket104and circuitry enclosure304, between dimpled mounting protrusions1326a,b, and dimpled mounting recessed308a,baccording to aspects of the embodiments.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, magnets can be used to secure TSD102to either mounting104, or in the absence of mounting bracket104, TSAD102can be mounted directly to junction box106, if the latter were made of a ferromagnetic material. According to further aspects of the embodiments, such magnets can include rare earth type magnets.

According to aspects of the embodiments, a table mount kit accessory can be used with TSD102. The table mount kit allows TSD102to be placed onto a tabletop surface, such as on a conference room table for commercial applications, or on a bedside/chairside table for residential applications. The table mount kit can include a substantially non-slip surface on the table-contacting face that prevents TSD102from sliding across the table when a user presses display panel216. In addition, a swivel assembly can be used that allows TSD102and table mount kit to be permanently secured to the table, where it can then also be rotated. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, a user can adjust the tilt angle of TSD102. According to aspects of the embodiments, the tilt range can range from about 35° to about 50° from the horizontal.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the aspects of the embodiments are directed towards systems, methods, and modes for a touch screen control device that has integrated within it one or more speakers, but yet which maintains a substantially thin mounting profile.

The disclosed embodiments provide for a touch screen control device with integrated speakers and a substantially thin mounting profile. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Alternate Embodiments

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments.