U.S. patent application number 11/043375 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for multifunction table.
Invention is credited to Kerosetz, Jay E..
Application Number | 20050178074 11/043375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34840512 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050178074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kerosetz, Jay E. |
August 18, 2005 |
Multifunction table
Abstract
A multifunction table which has a base and a table top having a
flush surface. The table top is attached to the base. The table top
has individual flush mounted fast acting controllers, and a
graphical display screen mounted below the flush surface and
controlled by the flush mounted fast acting controllers. This
multifunctional table can have a rechargeable battery operated
power source, where a recharging device is located within the base
of said table. Additionally the multifunctional table has a
computer integrated into the base. The computer is networkable and
the network can be wireless. This table also has a means accepting
payment where said means for accepting payment is selected from the
group consisting of: bill acceptors, coin acceptors, token
acceptors, credit card acceptors, debit card acceptors and gift
certificate acceptors.
Inventors: |
Kerosetz, Jay E.; (Tega Cay,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT H. HAMMER III, P.C.
3121 SPRINGBANK LANE
SUITE I
CHARLOTTE
NC
28226
US
|
Family ID: |
34840512 |
Appl. No.: |
11/043375 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60541090 |
Feb 2, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.1 ;
52/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2021/0076 20130101;
A47B 2200/0073 20130101; A47F 9/02 20130101; G07F 19/205 20130101;
G07G 1/0018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/036.1 ;
052/027 |
International
Class: |
E04H 014/00; A47F
010/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multifunction table comprising: a base; a table top having a
flush surface, said table top is attached to said base; said table
top having individual flush mounted fast acting controllers, a
graphical display screen mounted below said flush surface,
controlled by said flush mounted fast acting controllers.
2. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising a rechargeable battery operated power source.
3. The multifunctional table according to claim 2 where a
recharging device is located within the base of said table.
4. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising a computer integrated into said base.
5. The multifunctional table according to claim 4 where said
computer is networkable.
6. The multifunctional table according to claim 5 where said
computers are networkable by wireless means.
7. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising a means for accepting payment.
8. The multifunctional table according to claim 7 where said means
for accepting payment is selected from the group consisting of:
bill acceptors, coin acceptors, token acceptors, credit card
acceptors, debit card acceptors and gift certificate acceptors.
9. The multifunctional table according to claim 7 where said means
for accepting payment is located in the table top, or the base, or
both the base and the table top.
10. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising lockable casters mounted to said base.
11. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising means for electronically controlling the orientation of
said graphical display screen.
12. The multifunctional table according to claim 1 further
comprising a plurality of graphical display screens each with and
individual fast acting controller.
13. The multifunctional table according to claim 4 further
comprising a printer in communication with said computer, where
said printer is integral with said multifunctional table.
14. A multifunction table comprising: a base; a table top having a
flush surface, said table top is attached to said base; said table
top having individual flush mounted controllers, a graphical
display screen mounted below said flush surface, controlled by said
flush mounted controllers; and a rechargeable battery operated
power source, mounted within said base.
15. The multifunctional table according to claim 14 where a
recharging device is located within the base of said table.
16. A multifunction table comprising: a base; a table top having a
flush surface, said table top is attached to said base; said table
top having individual flush mounted controllers, a graphical
display screen mounted to maintain said flush surface, controlled
by said flush mounted controllers; a networkable computer
integrated into said table.
17. The multifunctional table according to claim 16 further
comprising: a rechargeable battery operated power source; a
recharging device; where said rechargeable battery operated power
source and said recharging device is located within the base of
said table.
18. A fast acting flush mount controllers comprising: an upper
retaining ring; an elastomeric polymer backed plastic sheet; a
plurality of arcade style pushbutton switches; a lower switch
support member; and where said lower switch support member is
adapted to accept said plurality of arcade style pushbutton
switches which are overlaid with said elastomeric polymer backed
plastic sheet which is connected with a sealant to said upper
retaining ring.
19. A fast acting flush mount controllers according to claim 18
where said elastomeric polymer backed plastic sheet is graphically
printed.
20. A system for providing information and entertainment to patrons
comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of interactive
multifunctional tables where each interactive table contains a
networkable computer; providing a communication network for
transferring data; and connecting said plurality of interactive
multifunctional tables to said communication network through peer
to peer network connections.
21. The system for providing information and entertainment to
patrons according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of:
providing a point of sales terminal where said point of sales
terminal is networkable; and connecting said point of sales
terminal to said communication network and said plurality of
interactive multifunctional tables through peer to peer network
connections.
22. A system for orientation and control of a graphical display
screen for a plurality of patrons comprising the steps of:
providing a graphical display screen providing a computer control
unit connected to said graphical display screen; providing a
plurality of controllers connected to said computer control unit;
providing a first algorithm capable of changing an orientation of
the graphical display screen based on an input from a controller
where said first algorithm is stored within said computer control
unit; and controlling the orientation of said graphical display
screen by a first patron selecting the orientation of said
graphical display screen through a controller by activating said
first algorithm and where a subsequent patron can change the
orientation of said graphical display screen through another
controller by activating said first algorithm.
23. The system for orientation and control of a graphical display
screen according to claim 22 further comprising the steps of:
providing a second algorithm capable of controlling order and
duration of inputs from a controller where said second algorithm is
stored within said computer control unit; controlling the
orientation of said graphical display screen by a first patron
selecting the orientation of said graphical display screen through
a controller by activating said first algorithm and being given a
predetermined time by said computer control unit and said second
algorithm in which to take an action; and waiting said
predetermined time before a subsequent patron can change the
orientation of said graphical display screen or take an action
through input to a controller.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application claims the Priority of the Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/541,090 filed Feb. 2, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Owners of bars, restaurants, and other food service related
businesses, typically sit their patrons together at tables placed
at various locations within each establishment. These
establishments can increase their revenues by providing fee-based
video amusement or multiplayer electronic gaming entertainment that
is embedded within their tables for patrons who wait for service or
for their orders to arrive. In addition, these same tables are also
capable of incorporating convenient graphical based ordering and
payment systems. With a computer, monitor, bill acceptor, and a
magnetic card reader all built into the table, these types of
systems are possible.
[0003] With typical high power consuming electronic devices such as
a computer and monitor built into a table, the table's placement
within an establishment becomes limited to locations that are
permanently positioned against walls or otherwise near one of an
establishment's AC power receptacles. Furthermore, such a table is
not normally moved in an effort to join another table for
accommodating a larger single group of patrons without
disconnecting the table's power cord or using an extension cord.
More often than not, such electronic tables are not moved at all in
order to prevent AC power cords or extension cords from having to
be stretched across a busy floor or undesirably upward towards the
ceiling, as would be the case for a table with such electronic
devices onboard and its location placed out in open floor space
away from any wall or electrical outlet.
[0004] A more desirable type of table with an embedded computer,
monitor, and other electronics should be such that no AC power
cords are required to be plugged into an electrical outlet during
operating hours when patrons are generally present. Instead, all
the electronics of the table can be powered by a safe alternative
power source such as one or more large deep-cycle batteries that
are attached to the table. The electronics may run in either AC
mode with a power inverter or in direct DC mode using DC compatible
electronic devices. At the end of the business day, a table's
on-board computer controlled charging unit can fully recharge the
table's batteries overnight.
[0005] Applicant is aware of the following U.S. patents and
applications concerning customer ordering systems and amusement
table devices and the like:
[0006] McKee, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,360 dated Jun. 17, 2003,
entitled Smart Table. The McKee patent discloses a central
processing system which uses remote sensors to detect the presence
of a restaurant customer.
[0007] Ragsdale-Elliot, et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,835 dated Oct.
21, 2003, entitled Wireless Maitre D' System for Restaurants. The
Ragsdale-Elliot system utilizes a touch screen wireless
communication kiosk device solely independent of the table for
which it is mounted on. This type of device utilizes tabletop area
and can potentially be an obstruction. As a standard touch screen
device, this system is unable to allow fast simultaneous
multiplayer interaction on the same screen during game play.
[0008] Alex et al., U.S. patent application Publication No. US
2004/0193610 A1 dated Sep. 30, 2004, entitled Digital Interactive
Network Appliance and System. The Alex patent discloses a central
processing system which is in communication with individual input
devices located at different tables throughout a restaurant. These
input devices are capable of taking orders and accepting payment
for services as well as providing paid for entertainment such as
video games and audio and video entertainment options.
[0009] Unlike the Instant Application these kiosks devices are
either table top or wall mounted and not integral to the table, let
alone flush mount. These kiosks must be powered by AC power source
which reduces options for table placement as it requires them to be
located at position having an electrical outlet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A multifunction table which has a base and a table top
having a flush surface. The table top is attached to the base. The
table top has individual flush mounted fast acting controllers, and
a graphical display screen mounted below the flush surface and
controlled by the flush mounted fast acting controllers. This
multifunctional table can have a rechargeable battery operated
power source, where a recharging device is located within the base
of said table. Additionally the multifunctional table has a
computer integrated into the base. The computer is networkable and
the network can be wireless. This table also has a means accepting
payment where said means for accepting payment is selected from the
group consisting of: bill acceptors, coin acceptors, token
acceptors, credit card acceptors, debit card acceptors and gift
certificate acceptors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing will become more readily apparent by referring
to the following detailed description and the appended drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table with embedded
electronics and multiplayer game controls in accordance with the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a semi-exploded perspective view of the table with
the locations of certain embedded electronic components shown.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of a fast-action game
controller that remains flush with a table surface.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an aerial view of the table displaying the
graphical menu system with adjustable orientation for patrons
sitting on all sides of a table.
[0016] FIG. 5 is diagram displaying the basics of a local wireless
network in two separate locations that are tied together by a wide
area network via the Internet.
[0017] FIG. 6 is diagram displaying the basics of the screen
orientation program and user management system.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an aerial view of an alternate embodiment of the
table displaying multiple graphical display screens for each patron
sitting on all sides of a table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The invented multifunction table 10, FIG. 1, has a base 15
and a table top 20 where the table top has a flush surface. The
table top is attached to the base. The shape of the tabletop 20
shown in FIG. 1 is square, but any tabletop shape could be
effectively utilized. The table top has individual flush mounted
fast acting controllers 25. The fast acting controllers are defined
as controllers capable of quickly processing inputs sent to them.
These controllers are distinguished from touch screen input
devices, that while flush, they are incapable of quickly processing
input commands. A graphical display screen 30 is viewable from the
table top. This graphical display screen 30 is either mounted so
that it is flush with the tabletop or the graphical display screen
30 mounted below the flush surface as shown in FIG. 2 and has a
transparent protective cover 55 which is mounted flush with the
table and covers the graphical display screen 30. It has been found
that a thin framed liquid crystal display (LCD) works well for the
graphical display screen, but the invention is not limited to this
type of display. The invention will also work with the plasma
monitor, or a DLP monitor, though the LCD and plasma monitors offer
advantage of being thinner and more easily integrated into the
table. In another embodiment of the invention a cathode ray tube
CRT monitor may also be used as the graphical display screen. If a
CRT monitor is used it may be either a conventional or a flat
screen monitor. The graphical display screen 30 is controlled by
the flush mounted fast acting controllers 25.
[0020] The multifunctional table 10, in another embodiment, has a
rechargeable battery operated power source 35, where the
rechargeable battery operated power source 35 is located in the
base 20 of the table. An advantage of having a rechargeable battery
operated power source is that when in operation the tables can be
placed anywhere within the establishment and are not bound to be
located near a power outlet. Further it allows more flexibility in
movement and grouping of the tables. While any type of battery can
be used in this application it has been found that an absorbed
glass matt AGM lead acid battery works well in this application. An
advantage of using AGM cells is that these batteries do not leak,
they are substantially dry, and they do not produce dangerous
levels of hydrogen gas during recharging. AGM batteries are
available in the United States under the brand names Odyssey,
Concord and Lifeline. An example of which is the Concord Sun
XTender battery. For this type of application multiple deep-cycle
batteries may be employed. Types of batteries that can be used
other than lead acid batteries include but are not limited to
lithium rechargeable batteries, nickel cadmium NiCd batteries and
nickel metal hydride NiMH batteries. The rechargeable battery
operated power source 35 can be recharged using an external
recharging unit or, in another embodiment of the invention, a
recharging device 40 is located within the base 20 of the table 10.
When using the integrated recharging device 40, a plug can be
fitted to the charging receptacle 90. For either the external
recharging device or the internal unit the use of a smart charger,
which can prevent overcharging of the battery provides added
flexibility in operation while reducing the need to mind the unit
during the recharging cycle. While the battery and recharging unit
can be placed anywhere within the table, the batteries tend to be
heavy and there placement low in the base of the table, behind a
removable vent panel 85, which helps in the stability of the table
overall.
[0021] Additionally the multifunctional table 10 has a computer
control unit 45 integrated into the table. Computer control unit as
defined here comprises a central processing unit CPU, at least one
fast access mass storage units, such as a hard drive or flash
memory, and memory. The computer control unit also has connections
for connecting the computer with the other devices incorporated
within the table, such as but not limited to the fast acting
controllers 25 and graphical display screen 30. The fast acting
storage unit allows for video games, order taking programs and the
like to be stored at each individual table. The computer is
networkable and the network can be wireless. Computer as used
herein is defined as a unit comprising: a central processing unit,
memory, mass storage device, input device and output device. The
central processing unit is the heart of the computer, the component
that actually executes instructions, an example of which is a
Pentium III chip by Intel. Memory enables a computer to store, at
least temporarily, data and programs. An example of memory is
random access memory or RAM and read only memory or ROM. A mass
storage device allows a computer to permanently retain large
amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include disk drives,
tape drives and hard drives. Input device is the conduit through
which data and instructions enter a computer. Examples of input
devices are keyboards, a mouse or a controller. An output device
lets one see what the computer has accomplished. Examples of output
devices include display screens and printers. In one embodiment an
exhaust fan vent 95 is located within the base 20. The advantage of
this type of system is that an establishment can initially buy just
one table for trial purposes and if it works well other tables can
be added and each table can be set up individually or as
network.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention the table 10 also has
a means accepting payment 50 where the means for accepting payment
is selected from the group consisting of: bill acceptors, coin
acceptors, token acceptors, credit card acceptors, debit card
acceptors and gift certificate acceptors. The multifunctional
table's 10 means for accepting payment can be located in the table
top, or the base, or both the base and the table top. In FIG. 1
shows one embodiment with a card reader 65 in the table top 15. In
another embodiment two card readers can be deployed each in a
chamfered edge where it is readily accessible by two patrons
simultaneously. In another embodiment the table can be fitted with
a bill acceptor, a coin acceptor, a token acceptor or any
combination thereof. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment with a means for
accepting payment positioned behind a security cash door 70 located
in the column 75 which is positioned behind where the face 80 of
the means for accepting payment is located within the security door
70.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention the table 10, the
computer control unit can be connected to a printer that is
integral to the table. For this type of application any type of
printer can be used. Example include thermal, dot matrix, ink-jet,
laser. This feature could provide a patron with a receipt of
payment after payment is tendered to the table.
[0024] In order to facilitate mobility, the multifunctional table
10, in one embodiment, has lockable casters 60 mounted to the base.
These casters allow the tables to be easily wheeled to any location
within an establishment. Additionally, when the batteries in the
table 10 need a charge the table can be wheeled to an outlet or
charging room then wheeled back into operation.
[0025] The fast acting flush mount controller 25, FIG. 2, is
comprised of an upper retaining ring 85, FIG. 3, an elastomeric
polymer backed plastic sheet 90, a plurality of arcade style
pushbutton switches 95 and a lower switch support member 100. The
elastomeric polymer backed plastic sheet in one embodiment has
graphics printed on them to facilitate use. The lower switch
support member may be a molding as shown in FIG. 3, or it may be an
integral part of the table. Where the lower switch support member
100 is adapted to accept the plurality of arcade style pushbutton
switches 95 which are overlaid with the elastomeric polymer backed
graphically printed plastic sheet 90 which is connected with a
sealant to said upper retaining ring 85. Examples of the arcade
style pushbutton controller is a "HAPPS" top of the line Arcade
Pushbutton with "cherry" brand microswitch, or a leaf switch
pushbutton with a leaf switch button base, both available from
Centsible Amusements at www.centsibleamusements- .com.
[0026] In one of the embodiments of the present invention each
sitting position may have a plurality of flush mount controllers,
FIG. 2, 205 and 210. This feature is useful if the table is
equipped with advanced video games in many cases a single control
may be insufficient to control both movements and operations (such
as firing) which may have to be done simultaneously dependant on
the speed of the game.
[0027] In operation the multifunction table is capable of
performing several functions. It can be used by patrons of an
establishment to place food and drink orders as well as provides
options for the patrons at the table to pay for the order through
use of credit cards or by inserting the money into the table. The
table also can provide pay for play entertainment as video games,
trivia, videos, music and other types of entertainment or
information. It is also possible for an establishment to choose to
only provide some of these services while leaving others inactive.
The pay for play feature provides an additional revenue source for
say a restaurant which can charge for video games as well as food
and beverage.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, the multifunction table's graphical
menu system 105 allows patrons to play games, order food or drinks,
review their bill, and pay for all charges they may have occurred.
The menu system 105 can adjust its orientation in predetermined
increments, based on the shape and layout of the table, to appear
upright for any patron 110 who touches their respective controller
25 while none of the other controllers 25 are currently activated.
With a table of the configuration found in FIG. 4, the adjustment
may be in 90-degree increments. The menu system 105 permits other
patrons to change the visual orientation by pressing their
dedicated fast acting controller 25 at any time after a software
timer has elapsed and provided that no other controllers 25 are
active. The current position within the menu system 105 for any
patron 110 is indicated by a cursor 115 that highlights a
predetermined graphical area on the graphical display screen
30.
[0029] In operation the first patron 110 to touch the appropriate
controller 190 will have the menu oriented to be readable to that
patron as shown in FIG. 4. The system for orientation and control
of the graphical display screen comprises a graphical display
screen, a computer control unit connected to the graphical display
screen 30, a plurality of controllers 25 connected to said computer
control unit 45, a first algorithm capable of changing an
orientation of the graphical display screen based on an input from
a controller where the first algorithm is stored within the
computer control unit 45. Orientation of the graphical display
screen is controlled by the first patron selecting the orientation
through a controller by activating the first algorithm. A
subsequent patron 195 can change the orientation of the graphical
display screen through another controller 200 by activating said
first algorithm.
[0030] In one of the embodiments of the present invention the
patron which has selected the orientation of the graphical display
screen has a predetermined amount of time in which to take an
action, such as choosing one of the displayed menus. This system
for orientation and control of the graphical display screen further
comprises a second algorithm capable of controlling order and
duration of inputs from a controller where said second algorithm is
stored within said computer control unit. The first patron
selecting the orientation of said graphical display screen controls
both the orientation and duration of time that patron has to choose
from the menu options. When this patron uses the controller to
activating the first algorithm they are given a predetermined time
by a second algorithm, also stored in the computer control unit, in
which to take an action. Any subsequent patron must wait the
predetermined time before change the orientation of said graphical
display screen or take an action through input to a controller. If
that patron takes no action the table will rotate the menu to
another patron who has requested the menu or it will cycle in a
predetermined pattern until a patron requests it by the use of the
controller. If no requests are made by patrons the table is capable
of cycling ads, screen savers, announcements or the like or the
table can go into a sleep mode until it is called again. The
subroutines related to orientation are set forth in FIG. 6.
[0031] Each table unit can be embedded with a wireless network node
to allow multiple tables to play games and communicate with one
another, over a single location's 165 local wireless network 125.
As shown in FIG. 5, multiple tables 130 and 135 are free to
communicate with each other via a wireless transmission 145. Each
table can also transmit order and payment information 150 to a
location's point of sale (POS) system 140 for the recording of such
information. A separate computer or printer can replace a POS
system 140 to record all table transactions in the event an
establishment does not have such a system. Tables 155 and 160 in
another location 170 running its own local wireless network 175 and
POS system 180 can communicate with the tables 130 and 135 located
in a separate location via a wide area network and the Internet 185
to provide a multi-location game and communication network between
all tables. For security reasons, the recording of table order and
payment information is generally reserved for the local POS system
in which the tables are located. Software and hardware encryption
schemes can be used to protect the information being
transferred.
[0032] In another embodiment of the invention the multifunctional
table 10 may be configured with multiple smaller individual
graphical display screens 120, FIG. 7 each with their own fast
acting controllers 25. This configuration allows each patron 110 to
play their own video game or to simultaneously perform independent
tasks such as ordering and playing a pay for play video game.
[0033] Another embodiment of the invention is a multifunction table
having a base, a table top having a flush surface, where the table
top is attached to the base. The table top has individual flush
mounted controllers. These controllers may be of a conventional
touch type or they may be the fast acting controllers 25 described
above. This embodiment has a graphical display screen mounted to
maintain the flush surface of the table, and is controlled by the
flush mounted controllers. This embodiment may have either a large
graphical display 30 screen or small individual graphical display
screens 120 each controlled by individual flush mounted
controllers. This embodiment has a networkable computer integrated
into the table. This embodiment can also have a rechargeable
battery operated power source and a recharging device where the
rechargeable battery operated power source and the recharging
device are located within the base of the table. This embodiment
may also have any of the other features described above including a
means for accepting payment, a printer, lockable casters and
mutiple controller means for each seating position.
[0034] Another embodiment of the invention is a multifunction table
having a base, a table top having a flush surface, where the table
top is attached to the base. The table top has individual flush
mounted controllers. These controllers may be of a conventional
touch type or they may be the fast acting controllers 25 described
above. This embodiment has a graphical display screen mounted to
maintain the flush surface of the table, and is controlled by the
flush mounted controllers. This embodiment may have either a large
graphical display 30 screen or small individual graphical display
screens 120 each controlled by individual flush mounted
controllers. This embodiment has a rechargeable battery operated
power source, mounted within the base. This embodiment can also
have a recharging device where the recharging device is located
within the base of the table. This embodiment may also have any of
the other features described above including a means for accepting
payment, a printer, networkable computer, lockable casters and
multiple controller means for each seating position.
[0035] The invented table can also be set up so that even if it has
one large monitor as shown in FIG. 2, it could be configured so
that the monitor is divided into 4 quadrants as shown in FIG. 4,
but each of those quadrents are oriented to be viewable to the
patron seated at that position. This configuration allows more than
one person to order at the same time, or that each person at the
table could play a game, such as trivia, at the same time.
* * * * *
References