PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11093063-B2
Application Number: US-202016822909-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display system for electronic devices

Abstract:
A system for presenting an electronic device on a display table is disclosed. The system includes a table, a processor, an electronic device, and a cable. The table includes a display screen, and the display screen is operably connected to the processor. The electronic device is disposed on the table and includes a touch screen. The cable connects the electronic device to the processor. The touch screen of the electronic device is configured to display an image that changes in response to an input to the touch screen. The display screen of the table is configured to display an image that changes in response to the input to the touch screen of the electronic device. A change in the display screen image comprises a graphical continuation of a change in the touch screen image.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display system comprising:
 a display screen configured to display moving images; 
 a transparent cover overlaying the display screen, wherein the transparent cover defines a hole; 
 an electronic device disposed over the hole in the transparent cover; and 
 a cable operably connected to the electronic device through the hole, the cable extending over the display screen from the hole to an edge of the display screen. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable is transparent. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable extends over the display screen without blocking an image displayed on the display screen. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable comprises microwires having a diameter that is less than 200 micrometers. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen is a first display screen, and wherein the electronic device comprises a second display screen. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the hole is spaced away from an edge of the transparent cover such that the second display screen overlaps a portion of the first display screen. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen is a first display screen,
 wherein the electronic device is a smart phone or a tablet, 
 wherein the electronic device comprises a second display screen, 
 wherein the electronic device is coupled to the transparent cover such that the second display screen overlaps a portion of the first display screen. 
 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable is configured to provide power and data to the electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a riser coupled to and disposed between the transparent cover and the electronic device. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a circuit board; and 
 a flexible cable having a first end connected to the electronic device and a second end connected to the circuit board, 
 wherein the cable operably connected to the electronic device is connected to the circuit board, and connects to the electronic device via the circuit board and the flexible cable. 
 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen is a first display screen,
 wherein the electronic device comprises a second display screen, 
 wherein the second display screen is a touchscreen, and 
 wherein content displayed on the first display screen is dependent on inputs received via the touchscreen. 
 
     
     
       12. A display system comprising:
 a transparent cover disposed between an electronic device and a display screen, the transparent cover defining a hole disposed over a portion of the display screen; and 
 a cable that extends between the hole and an edge of the transparent cover, wherein the cable is transparent. 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the cable is fixed to the transparent cover along the length of the cable between the hole and the edge of the transparent cover. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the cable is fixed to the transparent cover on a side of the transparent cover between the transparent cover and the display screen. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the cable is configured to provide power and data to the electronic device. 
     
     
       16. A display system comprising:
 a first display screen; 
 a plurality of electronic devices disposed over the first display screen, each of the electronic devices comprising a second display screen, 
 a plurality of risers, wherein each of the risers is disposed between the first display screen and one of the electronic devices, and wherein each of the risers spaces one of the electronic devices away from the first display screen. 
 
     
     
       17. The display system of  claim 16 , wherein graphical elements of moving images displayed on the second display screens appear to move continuously over edges of the second display screens and on to the first display screen to become part of a moving image displayed on the first display screen. 
     
     
       18. The display system of  claim 16 , further comprising a plurality of transparent cables, each of the transparent cables operably connected to one of the electronic devices,
 wherein each of the transparent cables extends over the first display screen. 
 
     
     
       19. The display system of  claim 16 , further comprising a transparent cover disposed over the first display screen between the plurality of risers and the first display screen,
 wherein each of the risers connects one of the electronic devices to the transparent cover. 
 
     
     
       20. The display system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a transparent cover disposed over the first display screen between the plurality of risers and the first display screen, wherein each of the risers connects one of the electronic devices to the transparent cover; and 
 a plurality of transparent cables, each of the transparent cables operably connected to one of the electronic devices, 
 wherein the transparent cover defines a plurality of holes, 
 wherein each of the electronic devices is disposed over one of the holes, and 
 wherein each of the transparent cables extends through one of the holes and at least to an edge of the first display screen. 
 
     
     
       21. A method for operating an electronic device disposed over a display screen, the method comprising:
 sending at least one of power or data to an electronic device disposed over a first display screen via a transparent cable disposed over the first display screen, 
 wherein the electronic device comprises a second display screen, and wherein the second display screen overlaps a portion of the first display screen. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the electronic device is attached to a transparent cover disposed over the first display screen, and wherein the transparent cable is attached to the transparent cover. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the cable comprises microwires, the method further comprising modifying a signal from the electronic device for sending over the microwires of the cable. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23 , wherein modifying the signal comprises lowering the voltage of the signal. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the electronic device is attached to the transparent cover,
 wherein the second display screen is a touchscreen, and 
 wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving input from the touchscreen; and 
 displaying content on the first display screen, where the content is based on the input.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/131,685, filed Sep. 14, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/137,869, filed Apr. 25, 2016. Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a display table and specifically to a display table that interacts with devices presented thereon. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Display tables may be used, for example, in a retail setting to present products to consumers and to showcase features of those products. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems, apparatuses, and methods related to display tables that interact with devices presented thereon. A system for presenting an electronic device on a display table may include a table including a display screen, a processor operably connected to the display screen, an electronic device including a touch screen on the table, and a cable that connects the electronic device to the processor. The touch screen of the electronic device may display an image that changes in response to an input to the touch screen. The display screen of the table may display an image that changes in response to the input to the touch screen of the electronic device. A change in the display screen image may include a graphical continuation of a change in the touch screen image. 
     In some embodiments, the change in the touch screen image is different based on a characteristic of the input. In some embodiments, the characteristic is a force of the input, a frequency of the input, a location of the input, a size of the input, a direction of the input, or any combination of these characteristics of the input. 
     In some embodiments, the system also includes a circuit board on a back side of the electronic device and a flexible cable having a first end connected to the electronic device and a second end connected to the circuit board. The cable that connects the electronic device to the processor may do so by connecting the circuit board to the processor. 
     In some embodiments, the system also includes a second electronic device including a touch screen on the table and a second cable that connects the second electronic device to the processor. The touch screen of the second electronic device may display an image that changes in response to an input to the touch screen of the second electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the display screen image changes in response to the input to the first electronic device and the input to the second electronic device. In some embodiments, the cable is transparent. In some embodiments, the touch screen image and the display screen image are both images of water. In some embodiments, the input creates a visual effect of a moving graphical element in the touch screen image. In some embodiments, the moving graphical element appears to continue from the touch screen image onto the display screen image. In some embodiments, the moving graphical element depicts ripples (e.g., ripples in water). In some embodiments, the touch screen image is an image of an object. In some embodiments, the input causes the image of the object to move. 
     In some embodiments, a display table may include a display screen disposed horizontally, a support structure vertically supporting the display screen, a transparent cover overlaying the display screen and forming a top surface of the table, an electronic device disposed on the transparent cover, and a cable that operably connects the electronic device and the display screen. The transparent cover may define a hole therethrough and may be configured to support the electronic device at a location of the hole. The hole may provide a conduit for the cable. 
     In some embodiments, the cable is transparent. In some embodiments, the cable passes over the top of the display screen without blocking an image displayed on the display screen. In some embodiments, the transparent cover defines eight holes. In some embodiments, the display table also includes a processor configured to control the display screen. 
     In some embodiments, the support structure may include an outer frame, a plurality of ribs disposed within the outer frame, a pair of rails supported by the ribs configured to extend from a first length to a second length, and a display cart disposed on the pair of rails. The display screen may be disposed on the display cart. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section view of the display table of  FIG. 3  along line IV-IV according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top view of an electronic device on a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a bottom perspective view of an electronic device for presenting on a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a bottom perspective view of an electronic device on a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-section view of an electronic device on a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top perspective view of a circuit board on a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a partially exploded view of a display table according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     Retailers may use display tables to present products to consumers. In addition, display tables may be used to provide an opportunity for the consumer to interact with a product more intimately than when a product is less accessible (e.g., in a box on a shelf). Thus, the retailer can showcase features of a product, such as electronic devices, presented on a display table. It is desirable to provide a display table that interacts with electronic devices to better facilitate showcasing features of the presented electronic devices. 
     The following disclosure relates to a display table for presenting products. Display tables according to some embodiments of the present invention may be used in any kind of retail store. For example, display tables may be configured for, but not limited to, an electronics store. Moreover, display tables are not limited to retail stores and may be used in other settings and locations. For example, display tables may be used in an interactive museum or other setting in which items and content are to be displayed thereon. 
     In some embodiments, a display table includes a display screen. Electronic devices presented on the table may include a touch screen and may be operably connected to the display screen of the table. Thus, an image on the touch screen and an image on the display screen may be associated. More specifically, the image on the touch screen may be the image that would be showing on the display screen at the location of the electronic device if the electronic device was not disposed on the table at that location. Put differently, the image on the touch screen is a continuation of the image on the display screen surrounding it. The display screen thus acts as an extension of the touch screen, which may better facilitate showcasing features of the electronic device or other content. 
     In some embodiments, the images on the display screen and the touch screen may change in response to an input on the touch screen, such as a user&#39;s finger contacting the touch screen. For example, a change in the display screen image may include a graphical continuation of a change in the touch screen image, so that the effect of the input on the touch screen appears to continue onto the display screen surrounding it. A graphical continuation may be an image that extends visually uninterrupted between the display screen and the touch screen, except for interruption due to physical components of the electronic device, such as a border around the touch screen. For example, in the case where the touch screen and the display screen together show a graphical representation of water, an input on the touch screen may form the epicenter of a graphical representation of a ripple in the water. The ripple may begin on the touch screen, and continue onto the display screen. The changes may vary based on characteristics of the input. For example, one or more of the force, frequency, location, size, direction, and duration of the input may determine how the images change. 
     In some embodiments, the display table may also provide a tactile and/or audial output in response to the input. The tactile and/or audial output may vary based on characteristics of the input. For example, one or more of the force, frequency, location, size, direction, and duration of the input may determine the type of tactile and/or audial output that occurs in response to the input. The characteristics of the input that determine how the images change may be the same as or different than the characteristics of the input that determine the type of tactile and/or audial output. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device and the display screen may be operably connected by a cable. The cable may pass through a hole in a transparent cover of the display table that overlays the display screen. The cable may extend between the transparent cover and the display screen and may be transparent to minimize blocking the image on the display screen. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     A display table  100  according to some embodiments may present one or more electronic devices  200 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-4 . In some embodiments, for example, display table  100  may present two, four, six, eight, ten, or more electronic devices  200 . While  FIGS. 1 and 2  show ten electronic devices  200 , in some embodiments, display table  100  may support more or fewer than ten electronic devices  200 . Electronic device  200  may be, but is not limited to, a smart phone, tablet, portable media device, or laptop. 
     According to some embodiments, display table  100  includes a support structure  105 , a display screen  160 , and a transparent cover  120 . In some embodiments, support structure  105  elevates display screen  160  and transparent cover  120  to be at least two feet above the floor. In some embodiments support structure  105  includes side panels  110  that enclose a lower table structure. In other embodiments, support structure may include a typical table with a horizontal frame or platform supported by four legs. Other suitable structure for supporting a table may also be used in some embodiments. 
     Side panels  110 , according to some embodiments, may form outer panels of display table  100 . In some embodiments, display table  100  comprises four side panels  110 . In some embodiments, four side panels  110  form a rectangular prism. Thus, two side panels  110  may be longer than two other side panels  110 . In some embodiments, side panels  110  enclose other parts of support structure  105  and/or circuitry within display table  100  to conceal them from a consumer&#39;s view. In some embodiments, side panels  110  are disposed immediately adjacent to outer edges of display screen  160  (see  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, side panels  110  are disposed less than 1 inch from outer edges of display screen  160 . In such embodiments, display screen  160  and transparent cover  120  may appear to form substantially the entirety of an upper surface of display table  100  (e.g., greater than 90% of the upper horizontal surface (e.g., the surface within side panels  110 )). 
     In some embodiments, display screen  160  may have a length and a width that is slightly less than a length and a width of the rectangular prism formed by side panels  110 . Thus, display screen may be configured to fit within the space bordered by side panels  110 . In some embodiments, display screen  160  may be a 98-inch display screen (i.e., a diagonal of the display screen is 98 inches) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Other sizes or aspect ratios of display screens may also be used. For example, display screen  160  may be, but is not limited to, an 84-inch, a 79-inch, or a 65-inch display screen (i.e., a diagonal of the display screen is 84, 79, or 65 inches). Other aspect ratios may also be used. For example, display screen  160  may have, but is not limited to, an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 21:9. In some embodiments, display screen  160  may be a liquid crystal display screen. Other types of display screens may be used. For example, display screen  160  may be, but is not limited to, a cathode ray tube display screen, a light-emitting diode display screen, an organic light-emitting diode display screen, an electroluminescent display screen, or a plasma display panel. 
     Transparent cover  120 , in some embodiments, overlays display screen  160 . In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  is supported by side panels  110  (e.g., on a top edge thereof, see  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, display screen  160  is visible through transparent cover  120 . In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  forms a top surface of display table  100 . In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  is formed of glass. In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  is formed of plastic. In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  has a hole  125  therethrough. In some embodiments, an electronic device  200  is disposed over hole  125 . In some embodiments, transparent cover  120  has multiple holes  125 . For example, transparent cover  120  may have two, four, six, eight, ten, or more holes  125 . An electronic device  200  may be disposed over each hole  125 . 
     In some embodiments electronic devices  200  disposed on display table  100  may be operably connected to a hub  180 . In some embodiments, electronic devices  200  are connected to hub  180  via a cable  300 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, hub  180  is disposed within display table  100  surrounded by side panels  110  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). In other embodiments, hub  180  may be located in other places. For example, hub  180  may be located remotely from display table  100 . Hub  180 , according to some embodiments, operably connects to display screen  160 . In some embodiments, hub  180  controls display screen  160 . Hub  180  may control display screen  160  based at least in part on one or more signals received from electronic devices  200 . In some embodiments, hub  180  includes a processor. In some embodiments, hub  180  is a computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer). 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  200  and display screen  160  may interact (e.g., to provide an immersive experience using electronic device  200  on the background of display screen  160 , to provide related content between electronic device  200  and display screen  160 , or to showcase features of electronic device  200 , such as a 3D touch feature of electronic device  200 ). 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  200  comprises a touch screen  260  (i.e., a display screen that displays a visual output and accepts input through contact). In some embodiments, touch screen  260  displays an image. In some embodiments, touch screen  260  displays a moving image. In some embodiments, display screen  160  is not a touch screen. In some embodiments, display screen  160  displays an image. In some embodiments, display screen  160  displays a moving image. In some embodiments, the display screen image corresponds to the touch screen image. For example, the touch screen image may show what the display screen image would show at the location of electronic device  200  if electronic device  200  was not disposed at that location. Thus, in some embodiments, the display screen image comprises a continuation of the touch screen image. For example, in some embodiments, the touch screen image and the display screen image together comprise an image of water, such as a pond surface. 
     In some embodiments, the touch screen image changes in response to an input to the touch screen  260 . In some embodiments, the change in the touch screen image depends on characteristics of the input. Thus, the change in the touch screen image may be different based on the characteristics of the input. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the input may include, for example, force, frequency, location, size, direction, or duration of the input. In some embodiments the touch screen image is not a representation of input controls, such as buttons, dials, text boxes or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, in some embodiments, the touch screen image comprises an image of an object  262  (e.g., a fish). In some embodiments, absent an input, object  262  is stationary. In response to an input to the touch screen  260 , the image of object  262  may move. In other embodiments, object  262  may appear to move even without an input. For example, object  262  may appear to move at a speed X without any input to touch screen  260 . In some embodiments, an input of a short duration with a minimal force, such as a tap, may increase the speed of object  262  to 2×. In some embodiments, an input of longer duration of varying forces may increase the speed of object  262  to a speed within the range of 2×-9×. In some embodiments, an input of short duration with great force may increase the speed of object  262  to a speed of up to 14×. While  FIG. 6  shows object  262  as a fish, any other object  262  may be used, including, but not limited to, animals, vehicles, balls, or other moving objects. In addition, multiple objects  262  may be displayed and similarly interacted with. 
     In some embodiments, an input to touch screen  260  may create other visual effects in addition to or instead of the effects related to object  262 . In some embodiments, an input to touch screen  260  may create a moving graphical element  264 , such as, but not limited to, ripples. For example, a tap may create a moving graphical element  264  originating from the location of the input. In some embodiments, a size of moving graphical element  264  may vary based on a characteristic of the input. For example, an input of greater force may create a bigger moving graphical element  264  than an input of relatively lesser force. In addition, an input of greater force may create additional images, such as the appearance of water drops hitting a water surface, along with moving graphical element  264 . 
     In some embodiments, the display screen image may also change in response to the input to touch screen  260 . In some embodiments, the change in the display screen image depends on characteristics of the input. Thus, the change in the display screen image may be different based on the characteristics of the input. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the input may include, for example, force, frequency, location, size, direction, or duration of the input. For example, in some embodiments, moving graphical element  264  on touch screen  260  may appear to continue onto display screen  160 . Thus, in some embodiments, the input that created moving graphical element  264  on touch screen  260  also creates moving graphical element  164  on display screen  160 . The change in the display screen image may comprise a graphical continuation of the change in the touch screen image. 
     In some embodiments, the display screen image may change in response to inputs to touch screens  260  from multiple electronic devices  200 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, moving graphical elements  264  may be created on multiple electronic devices  200 , which may create multiple graphical elements  164  on display screen  160 . In some embodiments, multiple graphical elements  164  may interact with each other on display screen  160  at intersection point  162 . In some embodiments, a touch screen image from one electronic device  200  may change in response to an input to a touch screen  260  on a different electronic device  200 . For example, as moving graphical element  164  on display screen  160  (created in response to an input on electronic device  200 ) approaches a second electronic device  200 , the touch screen image on the second electronic device  200  may change to include a moving graphical element  264  on its display screen  260 . Thus, the change in a touch screen image may also be a graphical continuation of the change in a display screen image. 
     While  FIG. 6  shows moving graphical elements  264  and  164  as ripples, any other moving graphical element  264  and  164  may be used. For example, in some embodiments, moving graphical elements  264  and  164  comprise light patterns, lightning, bubbles, balloons, and so on. 
     Although only a few examples are given herein, the characteristics of force, frequency, location, size, direction, or duration may all be similarly used to affect the changes in the touch screen image and the display screen image. For example, moving graphical elements  264  and  164  may comprise ripples and, based on the direction of the input, may create the same visual effect as caused in water by skipping stones. 
     According to some embodiments, in addition to or instead of visual responses to an input, there may be tactile and/or audial responses. In some embodiments, electronic device  200  may vibrate in response to an input. The vibration may vary depending on a characteristic of the input. For example, the vibration may increase in intensity or duration as the force of the input increases. The vibration may also vary, for example, depending on the location, duration, or size of the input. In some embodiments, electronic device  200 , or other portion of display table  100  may output a sound based on an input to touch screen  260 . The sound may vary depending on a characteristic of the input. For example, the sound may be louder with an input of greater force. In some embodiments, the pitch of the sound may differ depending on the force of the input. Other qualities of the sound may also differ depending on one or more characteristics of the input, including force, location, duration, or size of the input. 
     In some embodiments, a riser  210  is disposed on a back side of electronic device  200 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 . In some embodiments, riser  210  includes padding  215 . In some embodiments, padding  215  of riser  210  provides a resilient, distributed connection between transparent cover  120  and riser  210 . 
     In some embodiments, riser  210  elevates electronic device  200  relative to transparent cover  120  and creates space for a printed circuit board  230 . In some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  is disposed on the back side of electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  is disposed within riser  210 . In some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  is disposed adjacently above transparent cover  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     Printed circuit board  230 , according to some embodiments, is connected to electronic device  200  with a flexible cable  220 . In some embodiments, flexible cable  220  includes a first end  222  that connects to electronic device  200  and a second end  224  that connects to printed circuit board  230 . In some embodiments, flexible cable  220 , when connected to electronic device  200  and printed circuit board  230 , conforms to a surface of electronic device  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , for example, so that only a small portion of flexible cable  220  is visible to avoid interfering with the visibility of display screen  160 . In some embodiments, first end  222  comprises a connector that is configured to interface with a port in electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, first end  222  comprises a connector that is configured to interface with a port of electronic device  200  that typically receives power and/or sends and receives data. In some embodiments, second end  224  comprises a universal serial bus connector. In some embodiments, second end  224  is configured to interface with a universal serial bus port  232  disposed on printed circuit board  230 . In some embodiments, second end  224  is soldered directly to printed circuit board  230 . Other electrical connections may also be used for the interface between flexible cable  220  and either electronic device  200  or printed circuit board  230 . 
     Cable  300 , according to some embodiments, provides power and data to electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  comprises an interface  234  with cable  300 . In some embodiments cable  300  comprises a circuit board interface  310  configured to connect to interface  234  of printed circuit board  230 . In some embodiments, cable  300  provides for two-way communication between electronic device  200  and hub  180 . In some embodiments, cable  300  comprises miniature wires, such as microwires having a diameter in the range of 1 to 200 micrometers. For example, cable  300  may comprise miniature wires having a diameter that is less than 200 micrometers, less than 150 micrometers, less than 100 micrometers, or less than 50 micrometers. According to some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  modifies a signal from electronic device  200  so that it may be sent over the miniature wires of cable  300 . In some embodiments, printed circuit board  230  is configured to convert the voltage of a signal from a higher voltage to a lower voltage and/or from a lower voltage to a higher voltage. For example, printed circuit board  230  may convert the voltage from 120, 60, 48, or 36 volts to 24, 12, 5, or 1.5 volts, or vice versa. 
     In some embodiments, cable  300  is transparent. In some embodiments, only a portion of cable  300  is transparent (e.g., any portion that could otherwise be visible through transparent cover  120 ). In some embodiments, cable  300  extends from printed circuit board  230 , through hole  125  of transparent cover  120 , between display screen  160  and transparent cover  120 , and around an edge of display screen  160  into display table  100  to hub  180 . In some embodiments, cable  300 , while passing over display screen  160 , does not interfere with the visibility of display screen  160  to consumers. In some embodiments, cable  300  is adhered to a bottom surface of transparent cover  120 . In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in addition to side panels  110 , support structure  105  includes base  130 , ribs  140 , rails  150 , and display cart  170 . Base  130 , according to some embodiments, may form a bottom portion of support structure  105 . According to some embodiments, base  130  is shaped like a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, base  130  has smaller dimensions than the rectangular prism formed by side panels  110 . In some embodiments, base  130  is raised slightly from the floor by legs  132 . In some embodiments, display table  100  comprises four legs  132 . In some embodiments, side panels  110  are disposed above base  130 . According to some embodiments, base cover  134  connects side panels  110  with base  130 . 
     In some embodiments, ribs  140  are disposed within side panels  110 . In some embodiments, two, four, six, eight, or more ribs  140  are disposed within side panels  110 . According to some embodiments, each rib  140  is spaced equally apart. In some embodiments, ribs  140  are attached to side panels  110 . In some embodiments, ribs  140  are attached to base  130 . According to some embodiments, ribs  140  accommodate rails  150 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 . 
     Rails  150 , according to some embodiments, may be telescoping rails. In some embodiments, rails  150  are extendible from a first configuration of a first length to a second configuration of a second length. In some embodiments, display cart  170  is disposed on rails  150 . Display cart  170  may be configured to support display screen  160 . In some embodiments, rails  150  may be used to move display screen  160  from a closed position to an open position, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  shows display table  100  in a partially exploded view (transparent cover  120  is exploded up) with display screen  160  in an open position. Thus, in some embodiments, display screen  160  may be moved into the open position for maintenance or replacement of display screen  160 , or other parts or circuitry disposed within display table  100 , without removing transparent cover  120 . Upon completion of maintenance or replacement, display screen  160  may be returned to the closed position. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. For example, in some embodiments, electronic device  200  may wirelessly connect to hub  180 . In some embodiments, electronic device  200  is not limited to a location of hole  125 . Thus, display table  100  and/or electronic device  200  may be equipped with position sensors. The position sensors may determine where electronic device  200  is located relative to display screen  160  and communicate the position of electronic device  200  to hub  180 . Based on this determination, hub  180  may determine where an input to touch screen  260  is located relative to display screen  160 . Hub  180  may communicate with electronic device  200  and/or display screen  160  to ensure that the touch screen image and the display screen image correspond appropriately. 
     The detailed description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200318
Publication Date: 20210817
Grant Date: 20210817
Priority Date: 20160425
Inventors: BRUGGER, ALICE MARLIN
FINGER, TRACEY ADAM
HAMAGUCHI, DANIEL SATORU
LIU, YANG
MICHALSKE, STEVEN CHARLES
VICENTE, ISRAEL PASTRANA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A47F11/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0601", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/0076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/0076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F11/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0601", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/0076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0601", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F11/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 60088485