Patent ID: 12239246

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on,” and the meaning of “on” may include “on” and “in,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

The terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

The present invention comprises systems and methods related to a smart dining table for automating and streamlining all food ordering processes in restaurants and meeting customer needs and interests from food ordering to delivery to payment directly on the table through a smart table interface.

FIG.1illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary smart dining table in accordance with the present disclosure. The smart dining table100may comprise a robust table frame108as its base structure, providing stable support from the ground level. According to some embodiments, table frame108may be designed to provide connections and/or housing for power supply components or other hardware components of the table100(see, e.g.,FIGS.4A-4C). The design, dimensional configurations, and materials used for making the table frame108may vary depending on a plurality of factors such as preferences of a particular restaurant, height of the chair(s), design choices, availability of material, skill and style of manpower, etc.

The smart dining table100may further comprise an interactive interface102on top of the table frame108. As discussed herein, the interface102may be configured to provide various functionalities for automating and streamlining the customer experience from food ordering to delivery directly through the table. The interface102may comprise a casing (see, e.g.,FIGS.4B and5B) to house internal circuitry and other hardware components of the table100. Additionally or alternatively, the table frame108may be designed to provide an expanded mounting surface and/or housing for one or more components of interface102. The interface102may be affixed to the table frame108or it may be detachable, as per user requirements. For instance, the interface102may comprise a mounting means (see e.g.,FIG.5B) which enables the user to attach and detach the interface102to/from the table frame108. This may be advantageous, for example, in embodiments where the interface102comprises a rechargeable power supply (see, e.g.,FIG.5C).

The interface102may comprise one or more touch-sensitive screens104for interacting with one or more users. The touch-sensitive screen104may be configured to simultaneously receive independent inputs from a plurality of users. For example, if four persons are seated around the table100, each person may independently provide touch-based inputs to the interface102simultaneously by interacting with one or more portions of the touch-sensitive screen104. Touchscreen technologies used for receiving touch-based inputs via the touch-sensitive screen104may include, for example, capacitive touch screen, resistive touch screen, infrared touch screen, surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch screen, optical imaging display, or the like.

According to an embodiment, touch-sensitive screens104may comprise one or more of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) Display, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting display (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) Display, a Micro Light Emitting Diode (MicroLED) Display, a Quantum Dot Display, a Miniature Light Emitting Diode (Mini-LED) display, a Laser Phosphor Display (LPD), an Electronic Ink (E-Link) Display, a Holographic Display, a Plasma Display, or the like.

The smart dining table100may further comprise an antimicrobial surface106on top of the interactive interface102. The antimicrobial surface106may have properties that enhance hygiene by ensuring the surface of the table remains clean and safe for human contact. For example, the antimicrobial surface106may be configured with properties that help prevent biofilm formation, reduce the microbial load of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, or the like.

According to some embodiments, the antimicrobial surface106is a glass surface which has been treated with one or more antimicrobial agents. For instance, a glass surface may be treated with one or more antimicrobial agents during the manufacturing stage or during the post-production stage. During the manufacturing stage, antimicrobial agents may be integrated into the glass itself by applying a liquid form of the antimicrobial agent to the glass surface and curing using heat or UV light to form a durable coating. During the post-production stage, existing glass surfaces may be treated with antimicrobial coatings through spraying or dipping processes, or adhesion may be used to ensure the antimicrobial layer adheres strongly to the glass, maintaining effectiveness over time. According to some embodiments, the antimicrobial agents used for maintaining hygiene on the table may include one or more of silver ions, copper ions, or other metal ions known for their antimicrobial properties.

The antimicrobial surface106may be affixed to or otherwise operably coupled with the interactive interface102to optimize interaction with the patron(s). According to some embodiments, the antimicrobial surface106may be connected to or coextensive with one or more touch-sensitive screens104of the interface102in order to enable hygienic touch-based interaction with restaurant patrons. Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial surface106may be affixed directly onto the table frame108.

The table100may optionally comprise one or more trim elements110on the perimeter of interface102. Trim elements110may be affixed to interface102and/or table frame108, or they may be detachable as per user requirements. Trim elements110may be applied for aesthetic purposes, for instance, to cover or enclose components of the interface102. Additionally or alternatively, one or more trim elements110may be configured to enable user interaction with the interface102. For example, one or more trim elements110may be designed to support placement of one or more input/output devices in accordance with the present disclosure. The design, dimensional configurations, and materials used for making trim elements110may vary depending on a plurality of factors such as preferences of a particular restaurant, design of the interface102and/or the table frame108, availability of material, skill and style of manpower, etc.

According to some embodiments, the interactive interface102or the table frame108may be designed to comprise one or more trim elements110.

According to some embodiments, the interface may comprise multiple touch-sensitive screens for receiving touch-based inputs and displaying outputs. For example, referring toFIG.2, a smart dining table200in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise an interactive interface202comprising two distinct touch-sensitive screens204A and204B. Each of the touch-sensitive screens204A and204B may configured to independently receive inputs from and display outputs to one or more users. For example, each of the touch-sensitive screens204A and204B may be configured to interact with one or more patrons on a particular side of the table200.

The smart dining table200may further comprise an antimicrobial surface206coupled at least with touch-sensitive screens204A and204B in order to provide hygienic interaction with the interface202. The smart dining table200may further comprise a table frame208as its base structure, providing structural support for the interface202.

FIG.3illustrates certain variations in the configuration of the smart dining table in accordance with the present disclosure. For instance, whileFIGS.1and2depict examples of a smart dining table having a square-shaped top,FIG.3illustrates an example of a smart dining table having circular top. Similarly, the top of the table may be rectangular, triangular, rhomboid, oval, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, decagonal, freeform, trapezoidal, round-cornered, convertible shape, or the like.

The interface302may be designed to fit a table300of any shape. In some cases, the table frame308may be expanded to encompass a portion of the top of the table300, and the interface302may be designed to fit into the table frame308accordingly. The antimicrobial surface306may similarly be designed to cover the breadth of the interface302and/or the breadth of the table frame308. Alternatively, the antimicrobial surface306may be designed to cover one or more portions of interface302, such as the portions of the interface302comprising the touch-sensitive screen306and/or other input/output devices of the table300.

The optional trim elements310may also be designed to fit the shape of the interface302and/or the table frame308. According to some embodiments, the interactive interface302or the table frame308may be designed to comprise the one or more trim elements310.

FIGS.4A-4Cfurther illustrate components of a smart dining table in accordance with the present disclosure. The smart dining table400may comprise an interactive interface402on top of a table frame408. The interactive interface402may be affixed to table frame408in a substantially permanent manner, or it may be detachable as per user requirements. The table400may comprise one or more touch-sensitive screens404and an antimicrobial surface406.

The table400may further comprise one or more cameras412for enabling image- and/or video-based communication between the interface402and one or more users. For instance, one or more cameras412may be positioned on the table such that one or more patrons at the table may independently communicate with interface402. Cameras402may be affixed to the interface402, as shown, or may be affixed elsewhere on the table400. One or more cameras412may also be detachable as per user requirements.

The smart table400may further comprise one or more payment devices414to enable users to complete payments directly at the table400. Payment devices414may comprise one or more contact-based payment devices, contactless payment devices, or combined contact-based and contactless payment devices. Payment devices414may be affixed to the top of the interface402, as shown, or may be affixed elsewhere on the table400such that they are accessible to users at the table. For instance, one or more payment devices414may be affixed on the perimeter of interface402or on the table frame408. In some embodiments, one or more payment devices414may be detachable as per user requirements.

Each payment device414may be configured to receive one or more forms of payment from users. For example, a payment device414may be configured to receive one or more forms of contact-based payment such as cash deposits, credit/debit card payments, pin-based transactions, magnetic stripe card payments, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, a payment device414may be configured to receive one or more forms of contact-less payment including: contactless debit/credit cards, such as cards equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology; payments through mobile wallets, such as Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay; QR code based payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay; NFC-enabled tap-to-pay transactions; Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) payments; Bluetooth payments including Beacons, Poynt, or the like; Biometric payments including Amazon One; and other online payment gateways including Paypal, Stripe, Square, or the like.

The smart dining table400may further comprise one or more sensors416for detecting conditions in the surrounding environment. According to some embodiments, sensors416may be light sensors configured to detect the intensity and/or color of the surrounding light. The sensors416may be located on table frame408near the interface402, or they may be integrated into the interface402.

The smart dining table400may further comprise one or more wireless charging ports418for charging electronic devices such as cell phones or tablets.

Referring toFIG.4B, the smart dining table400may further comprise a casing402A which houses the internal circuitry of the interface402. The casing402A may further be designed to support placement of one or more components of the table400, as discussed herein.

The table400may further comprise one or more microphones420for capturing audio inputs from one or more users. For example, one or more microphones420may be positioned on the table400to receive voice-based inputs from patrons seated around the table.

Smart dining table400may further comprise one or more interface status indicators422configured to continuously measure and display the voltage, the charge and discharge current, the energy consumed, the remaining battery capacity, or the like.

Smart dining table400may further comprise one or more power switches424that operate one or more power modes of the interface. For example, a power switch424may activate one or more functions such as ON/OFF, sleep mode, low-energy mode, or the like.

Referring toFIG.4C, smart dining table400may further comprise one or more wired charging ports426for charging electronic devices. Wired charging ports416may comprise, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports.

Smart dining table400may further comprise one or more wired internet connection ports428to provide hardwired internet access for electronic devices. Additionally or alternatively, smart dining table400may comprise one or more wireless internet connection ports (not shown) to provide wireless internet access to patrons.

Smart dining table400may further comprise one or more speakers430for providing audio output. For example, one or more speakers may be positioned on the table to deliver audio output from interface to one or more persons at the table. Speakers430may be affixed to the table frame408or they may be integrated into the interface402.

Smart dining table400may further comprise one or more doors432for enabling access to the components within the table400. For example, one or more doors432may allow access to the internal circuitry and/or hardware components of the interface402and/or the table frame408.

The table400may further comprise one or more vents434for cross ventilation and outflow of heat generated by the electronic components fitted inside the table400.

The table frame408may be fitted with one or more conduits436for enabling connection between one or more components and/or housing of one or more components of the table400. For example, a conduit436may be utilized to channel one or more power cords for supplying power to the interface402. Additionally or alternatively, a conduit436may be utilized to house a backup power supply connected to the interface402.

FIGS.5A-5Cillustrate components of a detachable smart dining table interface, in accordance with the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.5A, a detachable interactive interface500may comprise one or more components similar to those discussed with reference toFIGS.4A-4C, such as one or more touch-sensitive screens504, an antimicrobial surface506, one or more cameras512, one or more payment devices514, one or more sensors516, and one or more wireless charging ports518.

Referring toFIG.5B, detachable interactive interface500may further comprise casing502A, one or more microphones520, one or more power switches524, one or more wired charging ports526, one or more speakers530, and one or more vents534.

The detachable interactive interface500may further comprise mounting means538for securely attaching the interface500to a table frame (not shown). For example, a mounting means538may be coupled with corresponding hardware on a table frame in order to securely fasten the interface to the table frame.

The detachable interactive interface500may further comprise one or more power supply ports540. The power supply port540may enable a wired power supply connection to the interface500. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply port540may enable recharging of an embedded battery pack of the interface500.

Referring toFIG.5C, the detachable interactive interface500may further comprise an embedded power supply542. The embedded power supply542may be, for example, a rechargeable battery pack which may be charged by connecting the interface500to a power source via power supply port540.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the interactive interface of the smart dining table may be configured to concurrently communicate with a plurality of patrons. The interface may be configured to receive touch-based, voice-based inputs, or both from one or more patrons simultaneously and processing the inputs concurrently to provide simultaneous results to the one or more patrons. For example, if four patrons are seated around a table, each person may independently provide touch-based inputs to the interface and may receive respective outputs simultaneously. The interface may be configured to accept input and/or provide output on a small part of the display screen or on the entire display screen, as per user requirements.

According to an embodiment, the interface may be configured to present one or more sections or windows for simultaneously interacting with multiple patrons at the table. For example, referring toFIG.1, touch-sensitive display104may be divided into four sections, each section for interacting with a patron seated at a corresponding side of the table100. Each section of a touch-sensitive screen may be configured to independently receive touch-based inputs from a respective patron seated at the table. The interface may be configured to concurrently process simultaneous inputs on the multiple sections of the touch-sensitive screen and to independently display respective outputs to each patron via the respective sections.

The smart dining table interface may further be configured to concurrently receive and process one or more voice-based inputs from one or more patrons at the table. For example, referring toFIG.1, a microphone may be near each of the four sides of the table100in order to independently capture simultaneous voice-based inputs from a respective patron seated around the table100. The interface may be configured to concurrently process simultaneous voice-based inputs, along with any touch-based inputs, and to independently provide respective outputs to each patron. For example, the interface may simultaneously deliver audio output and/or display output in response to input from one or more patrons.

According to an embodiment, the technology used for enabling voice-based communications on the interface102may be Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Text to Speech (TTS), Speech to text (STT), Voice Biometrics, Voice Command Interfaces, and Voice User Interface (VUI).

The smart dining table may be configured with a number of functionalities and features for automating and streamlining the restaurant dining experience. As previously discussed, the interface may receive touch-based inputs, voice-based inputs, or both from one or more patrons at the table, and provide outputs to the patrons in one or both of audio and visual formats. The interface may process inputs from patrons in order to provide automated, real-time assistance in the food selection and ordering process. The interface may further facilitate placing a food order and provide notifications regarding the status of a food order. The interface may further offer a variety of entertainment options to improve patrons' experience while seated at the table. The interface may further enable patrons to complete payments while seated at the table.

FIG.6illustrates an exemplary configuration of components of an interactive smart dining table interface in accordance with the present disclosure. The interactive interface600may comprise a feedback module602configured to provide automated assistance to users in food selection and customization of menu. As a basic example, a patron seated at the table may say “I would like to order a pizza.” The interface600may receive the spoken input through one or more microphones on the table, and may use its voice recognition system to convert the patron's spoken input into text. The feedback module602may parse the text generated by the voice recognition system to identify the term “pizza” as a keyword, and check the available menu for matching items. According to an embodiment, the feedback module602may apply a series of if-else conditions to parse the input and match it with available products and menu items. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback module602may employ natural language processing techniques to parse the input and match it with available products and menu items.

The feedback module602may provide one or more outputs corresponding to the matching menu items in response to input by one or more patrons. Continuing the above example, feedback module602may output a list of menu items corresponding to the term “pizza” for display to the patron. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback module may provide audio output corresponding to the matching menu items. According to an embodiment, the feedback module602may pass a text-based list of matching items to a Text-to-Speech converter of the voice recognition system to generate a spoken response to the patron. For example, the interface may provide a voice output listing the available types of pizza and prompting the patron for a selection. The voice output may be provided concurrently with a corresponding display on one or more touch-sensitive screens.

The feedback module602may further guide the user through available customization and/or add-on options. For example, in response to the patron selecting a type of pizza, the feedback module602may match the selection with available customization options. For example, the feedback module may identify and output a list of additional toppings for selection by the patron. Once the patron completes the order, the feedback module may output a confirmation of the order to the patron and may optionally direct the patron to other available menu items. For example, the interface may display the ordered item on the screen and speak a response such as, “You have ordered a pizza. Would you like to add anything else?”

The feedback module602may be trained by standard Artificial Intelligence-based machine learned neural network methods for enabling automated assistance on food selection and customization of menu. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback module602may be trained using deep neural networks based on large language models that are trained using a large amount of internet data and fine-tuned as per restaurant requirements. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback module602may be configured to employ active learning techniques to improve menu suggestions based on inputs and outputs processed by the interface.

In some embodiments, the feedback module602may be connected to a database of menu items, ensuring that the conditional logic is always up to date with the latest offerings. The database may be stored locally on one or more memory units of the interface600, or it may be accessed remotely by interface600through a network.

The interface600may further an order management module604configured to place and monitor food orders. The order management module604may be integrated with the operational workflow of restaurant staff, which helps in order processing, programmed alarming, and two-way communication between patron(s) and the restaurant staff. As previously discussed, the interface may receive touch-based inputs, voice-based inputs, or both indicating a desire by one or more patrons to order one or more menu items. The order management module604may process the received input(s) in order to place the order with the restaurant staff. For example, the order management module604may be configured to be in network communication with a restaurant's ordering system in order to communicate food orders and updates.

According to some embodiments, the order management module604may comprise an internal clock which is linked to the restaurant's ordering system. Once an order is placed by a patron, the clock may be monitored concurrently with signals from the restaurant's ordering system in order to provide status updates to one or more patrons at the table. For example, the interface600may output an alarm to inform the patron that the food is ready or that the food is halfway prepared. Likewise, the two-way communication may enable patrons to enquire about the delay in delivery of food, the status of food, or anything else related to the restaurant, restaurant staff, or food order.

According to an embodiment, the order management module604is connected to at least one camera, at least one microphone, and at least one speaker on the table to enable two-way communication between patron(s) and the restaurant staff as and when required.

According to some embodiments, the interface600may further comprise a notification module606for providing real-time updates on the order status and estimated time of arrival of the food items. In some embodiments, the real-time updates on the order status and the estimated time of arrival of the food items may be provided via a display on the table. In other embodiments, the real-time updates on the order status and the estimated time of arrival of the food items may be provided via one or more speakers on the table. In some embodiments, both audio and visual outputs may be provided by the notification module606.

According to an embodiment, the notification module outputs notifications based on signals received from the order management module604. For example, the status of a food order may be updated by the order management module604based on real-time inputs from the restaurant's staff using an integrated restaurant ordering system such as a Point of Sale (POS) device or an Admin Application. Each time the staff updates the order status (e.g., order received, preparing, ready for pickup) via a restaurant ordering system, the order management module604may responsively update the status of the order at the interface600. The notification module606may monitor updates by the order management module604and responsively output the updates to the patron(s). Further, the delivery time of the food may be calculated based on the average preparation time of the ordered dishes and the current kitchen load. This information may be dynamically updated and displayed by the notification module606.

According to an embodiment, the smart table interface600may further a payment module608that includes a plurality of payment methods, operable for enabling the patron(s) to complete payments directly from the table. The payment module608may communicate with one or more payment processing services over a network. The plurality of payment methods in the payment module608enables both contact-based payments and contact-less payments. For example, payment module608may be configured to process one or more contact-based payment methods such as cash deposits, credit/debit card payments, pin-based transactions, magnetic stripe card payments, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, payment module608may be configured to process one or more contact-less payment methods such as contactless debit/credit cards like cards equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology; payments through mobile wallets like Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay; QR code based payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay; NFC enabled tap to pay transactions; Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) payment; Bluetooth payments like Beacons and Poynt; Biometric payments like Amazon One; other online payment gateways like Paypal, Stripe, and Square. According to an embodiment, payment module608may be configured to communicate with one or more payment devices affixed to the table in order to receive payment from a patron.

According to an embodiment, the interface600may further comprise a leisure module610that includes a set of interactive applications operable by the patron(s) for elevating their experience by offering entertainment and interaction options. The leisure module610may comprise one or more educational apps such as Amazon Kindle, dictionary, and learning games; entertainment apps which offer music, movies, live/recorded shows, and/or serials; social media apps; informative apps like tracking apps, weather information display apps, calendar, calculator; or the like.

According to an embodiment, the leisure module610is connected to one or more cameras, microphones, and/or speakers on the table in order to enable the patron(s) to interact with the set of interactive applications in any suitable manner.

The smart table interface600may further comprise a power management module612configured for managing and optimizing the power inflow and outflow of the interface. The power management module612may be configured to be in communication with external power sources, rechargeable power sources, or both. Power management module612may monitor the state of one or more power sources of the smart table interface in order to optimize power management in real-time.

According to some embodiments, the power management module612may facilitate external charging through electric ports. In some embodiments, the power management module612may comprise battery-based backup power sources which may be recharged as per requirement. In some embodiments, both externally powered and rechargeable backup power sources may be deployed.

According to some embodiments, the power management module612may further comprise an energy management unit incorporating one or more detection devices and one or more modes of operation for saving power outflow. For example, a detection device may include one or more of sensors on the table and modes of operation may include one or more of a sleep mode and a full-power mode, wherein the sleep mode may be activated during non-operational hours responsive to a detection of a lower level of light intensity, and wherein the interface may quickly resume to full-power operation responsive to a detection of a higher level of light intensity.

According to an embodiment, the smart dining table interface600may further comprise a processing unit614configured to control and manage the overall operation of the interface. The processing unit614may be responsible for processing all inputs and outputs of the interface600including touch-based inputs, voice-based inputs, camera inputs, sensor inputs, and the like. The processing unit614may further be configured to execute one or more modules of the interface600and/or manage data communication between the one or more modules of interface600.

According to an embodiment, the interface600may provide ambient lighting that may be adjustable based on the time of the day and/or the current ambiance settings of the surroundings. The feature of ambient lighting in the interface serves in power management and conservation of the interface's power, reduces eye strain by maintaining an appropriate brightness level for different lighting conditions, and ensures that the interface is always readable regardless of the surrounding lighting conditions, thus improving the overall user experience.

According to an embodiment, one or more light sensors on the table may be integrated with the power management module612and the processing unit614for functionalizing adjustable ambient lighting. The processing unit614may apply adaptive lighting algorithms to analyze data from the ambient light sensors to dynamically adjust the interface display. For example, the processing unit614may monitor and adjust the screen brightness and/or color temperature of the interface display responsive to detected ambient conditions, wherein the programmed goal may be to provide optimal visibility and/or to reduce eye strain based on the current lighting conditions.

In some embodiments, the interface's backlighting, typically provided by LED displays, may be automatically adjusted in real-time. This can involve changing the brightness levels and sometimes the color temperature of the LED display to match the ambient light.

According to an embodiment, when an ambient light sensor detects low light conditions, the screen brightness may be reduced to prevent glare and eye strain. Conversely, in bright conditions, the brightness may be increased to improve visibility.

In some embodiments, the color temperature of the interface may also be adjusted based on the color temperature of the ambient environment. In an instance, in cooler, bluish light environments, the interface may adopt a cooler color temperature. In warmer, yellowish light environments, the interface may shift to a warmer color temperature.

A person having skill in the art should appreciate the fact that the placement of all the aforementioned different embodiments on and within the interactive interface may vary in each smart dining table based on end-user requirements. For example, the microphone, the camera, the speakers, the payment methods, the charging ports, the internet connection ports, the interface status displays, and the ON/OFF switches, may be anywhere on the circumference, or anywhere on the top side, or anywhere on the bottom side of the table frame. Likewise, one or more modules for executing functionalities of the smart dining table interface may be located anywhere within the interface.

The detailed description of the invention and the accompanying examples provided herein are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention may be practiced in a variety of forms and configurations beyond those explicitly disclosed, including but not limited to different combinations of hardware and software components, different computing environments, and different system architectures. The specific embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

For instance, one or more components of the disclosed system may be implemented in various computing environments. According to some embodiments, the smart table interface may include a processor and a memory. The processor may be any type of general or specific-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other type of processing unit. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to perform the functions described herein.

The memory may include any type of computer-readable storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), or any other type of storage device. The memory stores program instructions and data used by the processor to perform the functions described herein.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify, adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.