1. Dynamic Location-Based Signage

Apple's patent application 20120296777 covered below is titled "Dynamic Location-Based Signage." Dynamic signage systems are provided for a sales environment such as the Apple Store. A dynamic signage device, which turns out to be an iPad, is associated with promoting a product to a customer in an interactive manner.

The device could automatically check for updated product information and modify its display based on the updated product information. Management of multiple dynamic signage devices could be coordinated within and across stores, and an interactive floor-map creation system incorporating dynamic signage devices could facilitate changing the associations between products and dynamic signage devices.

Apple's patent FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a dynamic signage system that are present at Apple's retail stores.

2. Docking Station for Providing Digital Signage

Apple's patent application 20120293924 titled "Docking Station for Providing Digital Signage," relates to a docking station with a recessed region for mounting an iPad flush with an upper surface of the docking station for the purposes of providing digital signage.

Apple's patent application 20120296777 is titled "Dynamic Location-Based Signage. Apple's Patent FIG. 12 shown below illustrates a product home screen while patent FIG. 13 illustrates a feature-information screen.

3. Connector with Locking Mechanisms

Apple's patent application 20120295462 titled "Connector with Locking Mechanisms," relates to a specialized 30 pin connector of a cable that could be used to facilitate various security-related features and other functionalities as they relate to a retail environment such as the Apple Store.

Apple states that these embodiments shown below enable improved user experiences within retail environments. More specifically, by integrating security support with other functionalities (e.g., power transmission) into a single connector, embodiments could allow the number of required connectors and cables needed in a retail display to be reduced.

When you compare the great job that Apple has done to reduce the "security feature bulk" behind a device when compared to handsets secured at Best Buy, for example, you're able to experience the care that Apple has taken to ensure that users are able to get their hands around a device like an iPhone  or iPod touch without constantly fighting with the huge metal security clasps present on smartphones at Best Buy. The consumer experience is 100% better at the Apple Store.

Apple's patent FIG. 4C and 4D illustrate top and angled views of the exemplary male plug connector.

Apples patent FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate the engagement of a male plug connector to a female receptacle connector.

Apple's patent FIGS. 8B and 8C shown below illustrate a bottom and angled view of the exemplary unlocking tool.

4. Low Profile Male Connector

Apple's patent application 20120295487 is titled "Low Profile Male Connector." Apple's invention relates to a low profile male connector adapted to be fully insertable into an electronic device and contoured to match an outer surface of the electronic device.

Apple's patent FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate a digital signage system including a cable assembly.

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