Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 50 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. In this particular report we briefly cover an Apple Retail Store Fixture/Display that introduces a new 'Dynamic Input Block' that will allow users to scan gaming QR codes to assist users download a game or to get information about a game and more. Apple was also granted design patents for AirPods Max and Beats earbuds. And as always, we wrap up this week's granted patent report with our traditional listing of the remaining granted patents that were issued to Apple today.

Apple Retail Store Game Display with Dynamic Input Block

Apple's granted patent regarding an Apple retail store display fixture specifically designed for promoting Arcade Games with a new Dynamic Input Block.

The display fixture comprises of a display surface, dynamic input blocks disposed along the display surface, and a display screen positioned on the display surface next to the dynamic input blocks. Each of the dynamic input blocks displays content associated with a product. In response to a user interaction with one of the dynamic input blocks, the display screen displays content related to the product associated with the content displayed by the one dynamic input block. The content and associated products displayed on the dynamic input blocks automatically change in response to an external input.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a display fixture for showcasing digital games in a retail environment. The display fixture includes dynamic input blocks, each associated with a different digital game, and each of the dynamic input blocks displays dynamic content associated with its associated digital game. The display fixture further includes a display screen positioned next to the dynamic input blocks. Upon a user selection of one the dynamic input blocks, the content of the selected dynamic input block changes to second content associated with its associated digital game, and the display screen displays third content associated with the associated digital game. At least one of the dynamic input blocks can be used to control at least a portion of the third content.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a product showcase system for showcasing products available for purchase in a retail environment. The product showcase system includes a display fixture including a display surface and dynamic input blocks that are distinct from one and other and are disposed along the display surface. Each of the dynamic input blocks is associated with a different purchasable product and is configured to display a first content and a second content. The first content and the second content are related to the purchasable product associated with their respective dynamic input block. The first content and the second content are different from each other. The first content is a default display of its respective dynamic input block. In response to a user interaction with one of the dynamic input blocks, the first content displayed on the interacted-with dynamic input block is replaced with the second content.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a product showcase system for showcasing products in a retail environment. The product showcase system comprising a display fixture including a display surface and dynamic input blocks shaped as buttons and arranged in a matrix along the display surface. Each dynamic input block includes a display configured to variably display first and second content associated with one or more of the products in response to user interaction; a lens that protrudes through and out from the display surface such that a perimeter face of the lens is visible, wherein the perimeter face is configured to emit light to highlight the respective dynamic input block; and a sensor configured to detect the user interaction. The product showcase system further comprising a display screen positioned on the display surface next to the matrix. The display screen is configured to display content related to the one or more products associated with the dynamic input blocks.

Apple's patent FIG. 2 below illustrates a perspective view of an example product showcase system for larger Apple retail stores; FIG. 3 shows a front view of the product showcase system; and FIG. 6 shows user interaction with the dynamic input block of the product showcase system.

As noted in patent FIG. 6 above, one or both of the selected dynamic input block 18a or display screen #16 may include a QR code in the content such that the user (e.g., using their own device) can find out more about the game or even download the game. Thereafter, the user can select a different icon and learn about additional gaming applications. 

Apple's patent FIG. 10 below shows an example isolated dynamic input block of a product showcase system.

More specifically, Apple's patent FIG. 10'S Input block #411 represents a multiple piece construction that may include electronics #460 and lens #462. The electronics may include a computer with a display screen #461 that a user may interact with, such as an iPhone or iPad.

Further, lens #462 may be provided over part or all of electronics. The lens may be a translucent (e.g., transparent) structure of any shape and may have sufficient thickness to protrude through and out from a display surface disposed around lens 462. The lens may be made of, for example, glass, acrylic, plastic, or any other suitably-transmissive material.

The electronics and lens together may bring the dynamic input block to life for the user, i.e., to trigger the user's curiosity and promote interaction with the dynamic input block.

The Lens and/or electronics include a touch sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor or other sensor such as a thermal sensor) that detects a user's touch. The lens and/or electronics may signal to attract a user to the input block and/or to enhance the impression that input block is a real-life icon that is analogous to a digital icon.

The patent further notes that if a retailer wants to feature a certain type of product, say, game-related applications, the retailer may update the product showcase system so that each dynamic input block appears as an icon for and is associated with a different game-related application. Further, the call to action from the dynamic input blocks may be dynamically updatable. For example, a displayed QR code may be updatable.

As with most Apple patents, it's made clear that while the patent figures may focus on one element, such as promoting games using the dynamic input block, the invention could be expanded to other Apple product displays in the future promoting music, television, health, fitness and more.

Using gaming as an example, display fixture 12 may include products used in gaming such as phones, tablets, controllers, games, applications, subscriptions and the like.

For more details on this invention, review granted patent # US 11553805 B2.

Apple Inventors

• Jean-Marc Gady: Sr. Creative Director. Designer - In-store experience / global 3DVM design / Apple Retail, Channel, Special projects.
• Kameron Gad: Creative Director - MarCom 3DVM Retail
• Jake Nelson: 3D Development Manager at Apple
• Adrian Magrina: 3D Production Manager – Marcom
• Stephen Yustiono: Senior Art Director

Key Granted Design Patents

In January 2021, Patently Apple covered a design patent series published in Hong Kong for Apple's AirPods Max and case. Today the U.S. Patent Office granted Apple a design patent for the AirPods Max under #D975,672 S as presented in-part below. Apple was also granted a patent for Beats Fit Pro Earbuds as presented below.

Today’s Remaining Granted Patents