Multimedia, multiuser system and associated methods

Abstract

A table system includes a touch screen integrated in a table top, a computer system in communication with the touch screen, the touch screen being configured to serve as a primary input to the computer and to display multiple active sections at different orientations corresponding to different seating locations on the table top simultaneously, and a secondary screen, located away from the touch screen, in communication with the computer system, the secondary screen being configured to continuously display media files stored on the computer system at a single orientation and to be viewed from the different seating locations simultaneous with use of the touch screen, the touch screen configured to display representations of media files to be displayed on the secondary screen and to serve as selection input for the media files.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A multiuser, multi-interface computing surface, comprising:
 a computer; and   a touch screen including a continuous touch detection surface and a display, the touch detection surface configured as a primary input to the computer, the computer being configured to:   divide continuous touch detection surface into at least two simultaneously active sections, touches in the at least two simultaneously active sections having independent effects within the at least two simultaneously active sections, each simultaneously active section having an independent interface configured to select distinct applications in each simultaneously active section, each distinct application running separately in each active section,   control the display to display an initial configuration,   perform a first action in response to a first touch in a first section of the at least two simultaneously active sections of the touch screen,   perform a second action in response to a second touch in a second section of the at least two simultaneously active sections of the touch screen without affecting the first action, even when the first and second touches are simultaneous, and   perform a third action in response to a first touch on the continuous touch detection surface, the third action reconfiguring at least one of a number and orientation of the at least two continuously active sections.   
     
     
         22 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the first touch is on a numerical value. 
     
     
         23 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the third touch is on an icon. 
     
     
         24 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 23 , wherein the icon represents a number. 
     
     
         25 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 23 , wherein the icon represents a mathematical operator. 
     
     
         26 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the third touch is on an application requiring more users than active sections presently on the display. 
     
     
         27 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the third touch closes an active section. 
     
     
         28 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the distinct applications are different applications. 
     
     
         29 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the distinct applications include at least one of ordering an item, a game, and viewing photographs or videos. 
     
     
         30 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein the computer is configured to return the display to the initial configuration after a period of inactivity on the touch screen. 
     
     
         31 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 21 , wherein, each section has button functions responsive to a touch gesture that will select an application within that section from a list or icons. 
     
     
         32 . The multiuser, multi-interface computing surface of  claim 31 , wherein the third touch is on at least one item or icon.