User interface for height-adjustable tables

The user interface with a rotary encoder and display screen, along with a control system, addresses the need for precise height and lighting customization in adjustable tables, improving user experience and functionality.

JP2026517122APending Publication Date: 2026-05-28MILLERKNOLL INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
MILLERKNOLL INC
Filing Date
2024-05-03
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing height-adjustable tables lack intuitive and customizable user interfaces for precise height adjustment and lighting control, limiting user experience and functionality.

Method used

A user interface featuring a rotary encoder and display screen for fine-tuning table height, along with a control system for adjusting lighting parameters, including a power hub, controller, and actuators, allowing for discrete height adjustments and customizable lighting effects.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise and personalized height adjustment and lighting customization, enhancing user interaction and functionality of height-adjustable tables.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The height-adjustable table includes a work surface, height-adjustable legs coupled to the work surface and supporting the work surface above the floor, and actuators coupled to the height-adjustable legs. The actuators are operable to adjust the length of the height-adjustable legs. The height-adjustable table also includes a user interface coupled to the actuators and having a rotary coder. The rotary coder is rotatable about an axis of rotation to adjust the length of the height-adjustable legs and change the height of the work surface relative to the floor. The rotary coder is rotatable about an axis of rotation by a segment. In response to the rotation of a first segment of the rotary coder, the length of the height-adjustable legs and the height of the work surface relative to the floor adjust by a second segment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 499,875, filed on May 3, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a user interface for an adjustable - height table.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable - height table including a work surface, adjustable - height legs coupled to the work surface to support the work surface above the floor, and an actuator coupled to the adjustable - height legs. The actuator is operable to adjust the length of the adjustable - height legs. The adjustable - height table also includes a user interface coupled to the actuator and having a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is rotatable about a rotational axis to adjust the length of the adjustable - height legs and change the height of the work surface relative to the floor. The rotary encoder is rotatable in discrete amounts about the rotational axis. In response to a first discrete amount of rotation of the rotary encoder, the length of the adjustable - height legs and the height of the work surface relative to the floor are adjusted by a second discrete amount.

[0004] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a control device for adjusting the height of a work surface. The control device includes a frame, a circuit board supported by the frame and having a controller, and a rotary coder supported by the circuit board. The rotary coder is rotatable about a rotation axis to adjust the height of the work surface. The rotary coder includes a base coupled to the circuit board and a stem extending from the base. The control device also includes a knob coupled to the stem of the rotary coder for rotating with it, a display screen adjacent to the knob and supported by the frame and operable to display the height of the work surface, and a light source configured to emit a broad spectrum of colors.

[0005] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a control system for a height-adjustable table. The control system includes a power hub that supplies power to the height-adjustable table, a controller communicating with the power hub, and an actuator communicating with the power hub. The actuator is operable to adjust the height of the table. The control system also includes a light source communicating with the power hub and a user interface communicating with the power hub. The user interface includes switches. The switches are operable to change the parameters of the height-adjustable table.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a height-adjustable table comprising a work surface, an actuator operable to adjust the height of the work surface, and a light source coupled to the work surface. The light source is configured to emit a plurality of different colors. The height-adjustable table also includes a user interface coupled to the light source. The user interface includes a rotary coder. The rotary coder is movable to change the parameters of the light source and the height of the work surface.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a height-adjustable table comprising a work surface, an actuator operable to adjust the height of the work surface, and a user interface having a rotary coder and a display screen. The rotary coder is movable to change the height of the work surface. The display screen is operable to display the height of the work surface.

[0008] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and consideration of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the table. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a control device for a height-adjustable table, the control device including a user interface having a knob and a display screen. [Figure 3] This is another perspective view of the control device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the control device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the control device circuit board. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the control device. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a plan view of a control device illustrating several knob designs. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the control system to be used in conjunction with the table in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Another schematic diagram of the control system shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the high-level menu structure on the user interface display screen. [Figure 11] This is another schematic diagram illustrating a lighting menu on the user interface display screen. [Figure 12] This is another schematic diagram illustrating the preset settings menu on the user interface display screen. [Figure 13]This is another schematic diagram illustrating a preset access menu on the user interface display screen. [Figure 14] This is another schematic diagram illustrating a unit menu on the user interface display screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Before describing any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the structure and arrangement of components listed in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other embodiments of the present invention are possible and can be carried out or implemented in a variety of ways.

[0011] To avoid cluttering the drawings with reference numbers for different ends, sides, etc., of multiple parts of the table, it is assumed that those skilled in the art will read the disclosure of the present invention with the usual meanings of directional and positional terms in mind. Throughout the disclosure of the present invention, for example, the terms “left,” “right,” “rear,” “front,” “forward,” and “back” are used from the perspective of the table's occupant or user. Terms such as “top” and “bottom” are used for the usual conditions intended for the table. The term “above” means that one component is positioned higher than another component, not necessarily on the same vertical plane. The term “vertically above” means that one component is higher than another and on the same vertical plane. “Below” means that one component is lower than another component, while “vertically below” means that one component is lower than the other component and on the same vertical plane.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a table 10 or desk for supporting a computer, light, and other accessories. The table 10 includes a work surface 14, height-adjustable legs 18 extending therefrom, and feet 22 coupled to the ends of the legs to support the table 10 on the floor or other surface. The illustrated table 10 is a height-adjustable table configured to adjust the height of the work surface 14 relative to the ground. Thus, the legs 18 include a movable part (e.g., a support column) within a support and an actuator 24 (Figure 8) that is actuated to move the movable part relative to the support in order to adjust the height of the table 10. In other embodiments, the height of the work surface 14 may be adjustable in other ways. The illustrated table 10 includes two legs 18, but instead may include fewer or more legs, such as a single leg or four legs. In addition, the work surface 14 may have other configurations (e.g., shape and / or size).

[0013] The table 10 also includes a control device 26 coupled to the work surface 14 for adjusting the height of the work surface 14 and other feature parts of the table 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 26 is typically coupled to the bottom of the work surface 14 adjacent to the front side where a user is expected to sit when seated at the table 10. In other embodiments, the control device 26 can be coupled to the table 10 in other locations. For example, the control device 26 can be coupled to the top of the work surface 14, positioned within the work surface 14, coupled to one of the legs 18, or coupled anywhere on the table 10.

[0014] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the control device 26 includes a mount or frame 30, a user interface 34 supported by the frame 30, and a connector 38. The frame 30 includes a first portion 42 and a second portion 46 extending at an angle to the first portion 42. The first portion 42 includes an upper fastener opening 50 (Figure 3) that is operable to receive a fastener for coupling the control device 26 to the work surface 14. The second portion 46 defines a cavity 54 (Figure 4) for receiving the user interface 34. The user interface 34 includes a display 58 that a user can interact with to control the operation of the table 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 58 is substantially rectangular. In other embodiments, the display 58 may be of other shapes, such as square, triangular, or circular. The connector 38 physically and electrically connects the user interface 34 to a power hub 62 (Figure 8), providing power to the user interface 34 and enabling communication between the power hub 62 and the user interface 34.

[0015] Referring to Figure 4, the user interface 34 includes a rotatable knob 66 ​​or switch, a faceplate 70, an adhesive layer 74, a display screen 78, a positioning bracket 82, and a circuit board 86. The knob 66 ​​includes a base 90 and a cap 94 supported by it. In some embodiments, the base 90 and the cap 94 are formed as a single unit. In other embodiments, the base 90 and the cap 94 are formed as separate units. The base 90 can be made of a light-transmitting material such as polycarbonate. Thus, the base 90 can form a light pipe. The cap 94 includes a pattern of a transparent portion 98 on its front side, which allows light coming from within the cavity 54 of the frame 30 to extend through the transparent portion 98. In some embodiments, the transparent portion 98 may be an opening extending through the cap 94. In other embodiments, the transparent portion 98 may include a film such as glass or plastic that allows light to pass through. Referring to Figure 7, the pattern of the transparent portion 98 can be varied. For example, the pattern of the transparent portion 98 can be a crosshair pattern, a ring, a logo, initials, etc. Thus, the knob 66 ​​and / or cap 94 can be interchangeable with other knobs 66 and / or caps having transparent portions 98 with different patterns. In some embodiments, the cap 94 can be made through additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing. In yet another embodiment, the cap 94 can be made from a soft texture material such as thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0016] Referring again to Figure 4, each of the faceplate 70, adhesive layer 74, and positioning bracket 82 includes a circular opening 102 for receiving the knob 66. The faceplate 70 is made from a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The adhesive layer 74 is positioned between the positioning bracket 82 and the faceplate 70 and includes a second opening 106 for receiving the display screen 78. The adhesive layer 74 includes adhesive on both sides for bonding the faceplate 70 to the positioning bracket 82. The adhesive layer 74 also prevents the faceplate 70 from contacting the display screen 78 and the positioning bracket 82 to prevent the positioning bracket 82 from scratching the faceplate 70 or the display screen 78. The positioning bracket 82 includes a recess 110 for receiving and supporting the display screen 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the display screen 78 is a 1.3-inch monochrome organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. In other embodiments, the display screen 78 may be a screen of other size and type. For example, the display screen 78 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and / or a color screen. The display screen 78 is configured to display the height of the work surface 14 relative to the ground. The display screen 78 is also configured to display other information, as will be discussed in more detail below. Referring to Figure 3, the annular ring 114 of the base 90 is exposed between the faceplate 70 and the cap 94. The annular ring 114 allows light to pass through from within the cavity 54 of the frame 30.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, circuit board 86 includes a rotary encoder 118 or a switch, a light source 122, and a controller 126 (FIG. 8). The rotary encoder 118 includes a base 130 coupled to the circuit board 86 and a stem 134 extending therefrom. The stem 134 is coupled to rotate with the knob 66. The stem 134 and the knob 66 are operable to rotate continuously 360 degrees about the axis of rotation 138 to adjust the height of the work surface 14. The stem 134 and the knob 66 are also axially depressible along the axis of rotation 138 relative to the base 130. The rotary encoder 118 can include a disk having a plurality of detents. The detents provide tactile feedback (e.g., clicks) to the user when the user rotates the knob 66. The rotation of the knob 66 between adjacent detents defines a first discrete amount of movement with respect to the rotary encoder. In addition to this, the rotation of the knob 66 between adjacent detents corresponds to a second discrete change in the height of the work surface 14. On the other hand, the rotation of the knob 66 between adjacent detents provides tactile feedback to the user regarding the discrete change in the work surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 122 is a red green blue (RGB) light emitting diode (LED) capable of generating a wide spectrum of colors (e.g., red, blue, green, yellow, orange, etc.). In other embodiments, the light source 122 can be other types of LEDs or lights. The light emitted by the light source 122 extends through the light pipe and the transparent portion 98 of the knob 66 and is observable by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 86 includes a single light source 122. In other embodiments, the circuit board 86 may include more than one light source. Further, the light source 122 is a separate light source from any light that the display screen can generate. The controller 126 is in electrical communication with the rotary encoder 118, the display screen 78, and the light source 122 as described below.

[0018] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate schematic diagrams of a control system 142 for controlling the operation of the table 10. The control system 142 includes a power hub 62, a user interface 34, a plurality of lights or light strips 146 supported on the table 10, a controller 150 for the light strips 146, and actuators 24 (e.g., motors) for each of the legs 18. The controller 150 is electrically connected to the light strips 146 to control their operation. In some embodiments, the light strips 146 may be supported on the bottom side of the work surface 14 to illuminate an area below the work surface 14. In other embodiments, the light strips 146 may be supported along the legs 18 or the edge of the work surface 14. In yet another embodiment, the light strips 146 may not be supported by the table 10 but may be positioned adjacent to the table 10. The light strips 146 may include a plurality of RGB LEDs similar to the light source 122 discussed above. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a single row or in an array.

[0019] As described above, the user interface 34 is electrically connected to the power hub 62 through the connector 38. Similarly, the controller 150 is also electrically connected to the power hub 62 through a similar connector 38. In addition to this, each of the motors 24 of the legs 18 is also connected to the power hub 62 through the connector 38. Therefore, the user interface 34, the controller 150, the power hub 62, and each of the motors 24 communicate with each other. In other words, the user interface 34, the controller 150, the power hub 62, and each of the motors 24 are configured to send signals to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the power hub 62 is a local interconnect network (LIN) bus that receives power from an external power source 154 (e.g., a battery or a wall electrical outlet) through an AC / DC converter. Generally, the controller 126 is configured to receive user input from the rotary encoder 118 when the knob 66 is rotated or depressed and send a signal to the power hub 62. Depending on the input, the power hub 62 relays this signal to the actuator 24 to change the height of the work surface 14 or to the controller 150 to change parameters of a light strip 146 such as color or brightness as will be described in more detail below.

[0020] Controllers 126 and 150 can be implemented as microprocessors. In other embodiments, controllers 126 and 150 can be implemented as microcontrollers (with memory on the same chip). In other embodiments, controllers 126 and 150 can be implemented using multiple processors. In addition, controllers 126 and 150 can be implemented partially or entirely as, for example, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and memory may be unnecessary or can be modified accordingly. Memory may include non-temporary computer-readable memory that stores instructions accepted and executed by controllers 126 and 150 to perform the functions of Table 10 described herein. Memory may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as read-only memory and random-access memory.

[0021] While using the table 10, the user can interact with the user interface 34 to adjust the height of the table 10 or the parameters of the light source 122 and the light strip 146. To change the height of the table 10, the user can rotate the knob 66 ​​in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to raise the height of the work surface 14. Alternatively, the user can rotate the knob 66 ​​in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to lower the work surface 14. As the knob 66 ​​is rotated, the stopper provides tactile feedback to the user. In addition, as the knob 66 ​​is rotated between adjacent stoppers, the rotation encoder 118 communicates a signal to the controller 126 to raise or lower the work surface 14 by a small fraction. For example, rotating the knob 66 ​​between adjacent stoppers increases or decreases the height of the table 10 by 0.1 inches, 1 centimeter, or 2 millimeters. In other words, rotating the knob 66 ​​between adjacent stoppers increases or decreases the height of the table by a fractional amount. In other words, this division can be in the range between 0.05 inches and 0.5 inches. Furthermore, this division can be in the range between 0.1 inches and 0.25 inches. When the knob 66 ​​is rotated between adjacent stoppers, the controller 126 sends a signal to the power hub 62, which then relays this signal to the actuator 24 of the leg 18 to raise or lower the work surface 14 by the determined division. Meanwhile, when the knob 66 ​​is rotated between adjacent stoppers, the controller 126 communicates with the display screen 78 to change the height displayed on the display screen 78 by a fine division (for example, from 28.1 inches to 28.2 inches or from 713 millimeters to 716 millimeters). The user can rotate the knob 66 ​​until the work surface 14 is at the desired height or until the display screen 78 displays the desired height of the work surface 14. In some embodiments, there may be a delay between the time the user rotates the knob 66 ​​and the time the power hub 62 sends a signal to the motor 24 to raise the work surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the work surface 14 can move within a range of 24 inches to 35 inches or 610 millimeters to 889 millimeters.In other embodiments, the work surface 14 can move within a range of 24 inches to 47 inches or 610 millimeters to 1194 millimeters.

[0022] Figures 10 to 14 illustrate the operation of the user interface 34 between the use of the knob 66 ​​and the display screen 78. Referring to Figure 10, when the knob 66 ​​is rotated or pressed, the display screen 78 is illuminated and lights up, and the display screen 78 shows the current height of the table 10. The user can switch the display screen 78 to the settings screen by pressing the knob 66 ​​once. Once in the settings screen, the user can rotate the knob 66 ​​to move between several menu screens (e.g., A1, B1, C1, D1). As shown in the figure, the several menu screens include the illumination screen A1, the preset screen B1, the unit screen C1, and the home menu screen D1. Pressing the knob 66 ​​while in one of the menu screens moves to the adjustment screens (e.g., A2, B2, C2), where the user can adjust the settings of the table 10. When the knob 66 ​​is pressed while the lighting screen A1 is displayed, the display screen 78 switches to the first adjustment screen A2. When the knob 66 ​​is pressed while the preset screen B1 is displayed, the display screen 78 switches to the second adjustment screen B2. When the knob 66 ​​is pressed while the unit screen C1 is displayed, the display screen 78 switches to the third adjustment screen C2. When the knob 66 ​​is pressed while the home screen D1 is displayed, the display screen 78 switches back to the screen that displays the height of the table 10.

[0023] Referring to Figure 11, while the display screen 78 is showing the first adjustment screen A2, rotation of the knob 66 ​​cycles through the selector icon 158 between the color slide icon 162, the brightness slide icon 166, the colorless icon 170, and the return icon 174. When the selector icon 158 is on the desired icon, the user can adjust the setting by pressing the knob 66. Rotation of the knob 66 ​​after selecting the color slide icon 162 adjusts the color of the light source 122 and the light strip 146. When the knob 66 ​​is rotated, the rotary encoder 118 sends a signal to the controller 126, which then sends a signal to the power hub 62. The power hub 62 then communicates this signal to the controller 150 of the light strip 146 to change the color of the light strip 146 based on user input. In other embodiments, the controller 150 may be electrically connected to the user interface 34, allowing the controller 126 to send a signal to the controller 150 of the light strip 146 to change the color of the light strip 146. Similarly, the controller 126 communicates this signal to the light source 122 to change its color based on user input. The light source 122 then emits light of that color through the transparent portion 98 and the annular ring 114 of the knob 66. The light source 122 and the light strip 146 can change between a variety of colors on the color spectrum. In the illustrated embodiment, the light strip 146 and the light source 122 emit the same color. In other embodiments, the light strip 146 and the light source 122 can emit different colors. Rotating the knob 66 ​​after selecting the brightness slider icon 166 changes the brightness of the light strip 146 and the light source 122 in a manner similar to that described above. Rotating the knob 66 ​​after selecting the colorless icon 170 cycles the light source 122 and the light strip 146 between various preset colors (e.g., red, blue, green). After the desired settings for the light strip 146 and light source 122 have been selected, the user can press knob 66 ​​to save the settings and exit the first adjustment screen A2.

[0024] Referring to Figure 12, while the display screen 78 is showing the second adjustment screen B2, rotating the knob 66 ​​cycles the selector icon 158 between the three preset icons (i.e., P1, P2, P3) and the return icon 174. When the selector icon 158 is on one of the preset icons, pressing the knob 66 ​​switches the display screen 78 to the save screen B3. While the save screen B3 is displayed, the user can rotate the selector icon 158 between the "yes" icon and the "no" icon. When the knob 66 ​​is pressed while the "yes" icon is on, the current height of the work surface 14 is saved as a preset setting that can be selected by the user, as described below. The preset setting is then stored in the memory of the controller 126. Furthermore, pressing the knob 66 ​​while the "yes" icon or the "no" icon is on returns the display screen 78 to the second adjustment screen B2.

[0025] Referring to Figure 13, the user can press and hold knob 66 ​​to select one of the preset settings. After a certain duration (e.g., 2 seconds), one of the preset icons will appear on the display screen 78. If the user continues to press knob 66 ​​for an additional predetermined duration (e.g., 1 second), another of the preset icons will appear on the display screen 78. If the user continues to press knob 66, the display screen 78 will cycle through all the preset icons. If the user releases knob 66 ​​when the desired preset icon is displayed, the display screen 78 will switch to prompt screen E1. While prompt screen E1 is displayed, the user can rotate knob 66 ​​to cycle through the selector icon 158 between the icons for selecting and canceling a preset setting. When the user selects a preset setting, the controller 126 of the user interface 34 communicates with the motor 24 via the power hub 62 to adjust the height of the work surface 14 to the selected preset setting. If the cancel icon is selected, the display screen 78 will return to the height display. If the knob 66 ​​is pressed for a longer predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds), the display screen 78 will display the reset screen F1. The user can then cycle the selector icon 158 between the "yes" icon and the "no" icon to decide whether or not to reset the user interface 34 to its default settings.

[0026] Referring to Figure 14, while the display screen 78 is on the third adjustment screen C2, the rotation of the knob 66 ​​cycles the selector icon 158 between the unit icon and the return icon 174. The toggle 178 illustrates which unit the currently displayed unit is set to. Pressing the knob 66 ​​on one of the unit icons sets the display screen 78 to display the height of the work surface 14 in that unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the display screen 78 can display the height of the work surface 14 in either inches or centimeters. After using the user interface 34, the display screen 78 is turned off after a predetermined period of inactivity.

[0027] Providing a user interface to a height-adjustable table gives the user control over the table height. A user interface including a rotary coder allows for fine-tuning of the table height to personalize and customize the user experience. Similarly, the user interface allows the user to customize the color of the light emitted by the table to their preferences. In some embodiments, the control system 142 may include a wireless communication device that communicates with a wireless communication device on an external device. For example, interaction with the user interface 34 can control the operation of external components such as external lights or external display screens. In yet another embodiment, the user interface can be used with a fixed table that does not include height-adjustable legs.

[0028] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent embodiments of the present invention described.

[0029] Various features of the disclosure of the present invention are listed in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 10 tables 14 Work surface 18 legs 22 base 26 Control devices

Claims

1. Work surface and, Height-adjustable legs connected to the work surface and supporting the work surface above the floor, An actuator coupled to the height-adjustable leg and capable of operating to adjust the length of the height-adjustable leg, A user interface coupled to the actuator and including a rotary encoder, wherein the rotary encoder is rotatable around a rotation axis to adjust the length of the height-adjustable leg and to change the height of the work surface relative to the floor, the rotary encoder is rotatable in increments around the rotation axis, and in response to rotation of the rotary encoder by a first increment, the length of the height-adjustable leg and the height of the work surface relative to the floor adjust by a second increment, Height-adjustable table including

2. The user interface is the table according to claim 1, which includes a display screen.

3. The table according to claim 2, wherein the display screen is an OLED screen.

4. The table according to claim 2, wherein the display screen is operable to display the height of the work surface relative to the floor.

5. The table according to claim 1, wherein the rotating coder is rotatable 360 ​​degrees around the axis of rotation to adjust the height of the work surface.

6. The table according to claim 1, wherein the second division amount is between 0.1 inches and 0.25 inches.

7. The table according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is supported by the work surface.

8. The user interface also includes a knob coupled to the rotary coder for rotation with it, according to claim 1.

9. The table according to claim 8, wherein the knob is pressable axially along the axis of rotation to change the operating parameters of the table.

10. The aforementioned knob includes a light pipe, The user interface further includes a light source configured to emit light through the light pipe. The table according to claim 8.

11. The table according to claim 10, wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode configured to emit a broad spectrum of colors.

12. The table according to claim 1, wherein the rotating coder includes a plurality of stoppers that provide haptic feedback to the user.

13. The first division amount is determined by the rotation of the rotating coder between adjacent stoppers, Rotation between adjacent return stops provides haptic feedback to the user. The table according to claim 12.

14. A control device for adjusting the height of the work surface, Frame and, A circuit board supported by the aforementioned frame and having a controller, A rotary coder supported by the circuit board, the rotary coder being rotatable about a rotation axis to adjust the height of the work surface, and comprising a base coupled to the circuit board and a stem extending from the base, A knob coupled to the stem of the rotary coder to rotate together with it, A display screen, supported by the frame adjacent to the knob and operable to display the height of the work surface, A light source configured to emit a broad spectrum of colors, A control device that includes this.

15. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the light source is coupled to the circuit board adjacent to the rotary coder.

16. The aforementioned knob includes a light pipe, The light source is configured to emit light through the light pipe. The control device according to claim 14.

17. The control device according to claim 16, wherein the rotating coder partially extends through the light pipe.

18. The control device according to claim 16, wherein the knob includes an annular ring that allows light to be emitted from the light source.

19. The control device according to claim 16, wherein the knob includes a pattern of transparent portions that allow light from the light source to be emitted.

20. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode.

21. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the light source is a light source separate from the display screen.

22. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the knob is made of polycarbonate.

23. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the display screen is an OLED screen.

24. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the controller communicates electrically with the rotary coder, the display screen, and the light source.

25. The control device according to claim 14, further comprising a positioning bracket supporting the display screen.

26. A control system for a height-adjustable table, A power hub that provides power to the height-adjustable table, The controller communicating with the aforementioned power hub, An actuator communicating with the power hub, the actuator being operable to adjust the height of the table, A light source communicating with the aforementioned power hub, A user interface communicating with the power hub, the user interface including a switch that can be operated to change the parameters of the height-adjustable table, A control system including a control system.

27. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the parameters include one or more selected from the group consisting of the height of the adjustable table, the brightness of the light source, and the color of the light source.

28. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the switch is a rotary coder.

29. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the light source is a light strip including a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

30. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the light source is supported on the bottom side of the table.

31. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the power hub is a local interconnection network (LIN) bus.

32. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the controller, the actuator, the light source, and the user interface are each connected to the power hub using a connector.

33. The control system according to claim 26, wherein the light source is a first light source, and the control system further comprises a second light source configured to communicate with the power hub and emit light of a plurality of different colors.

34. Work surface and, An actuator that can be operated to adjust the height of the work surface, A light source coupled to the work surface, configured to emit a plurality of different colors, A user interface coupled to the light source, the user interface including a rotary encoder that is movable to change the parameters of the light source and the height of the work surface, Height-adjustable table including

35. The table according to claim 34, wherein the parameters of the light source include the brightness of the light source, the color of the light source, or both.

36. The table according to claim 34, further comprising a knob coupled to the rotary encoder and rotatable and pressable around a rotation axis, wherein the user interface further includes

37. The aforementioned light source is a first light source, The user interface further includes a second light source configured to emit a plurality of different colors. The table according to claim 34.

38. The table according to claim 37, wherein the rotating coder is also movable to change the parameters of the second light source.

39. The table according to claim 37, wherein the light source is positioned on the bottom surface of the work surface, and the second light source is positioned within the cavity of the user interface.

40. The table according to claim 34, wherein the light source is a light strip including a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

41. Work surface and, An actuator that can be operated to adjust the height of the work surface, A user interface comprising a rotating coder and a display screen, wherein the rotating coder is movable to change the height of the work surface, and the display screen is operable to display the height of the work surface; Height-adjustable table including

42. The table according to claim 41, wherein the display screen is separate from the rotating coder.

43. The table according to claim 41, wherein the display screen is an OLED screen.

44. The table according to claim 41, wherein the rotating coder includes a plurality of stoppers that provide tactile feedback to the user.

45. The table according to claim 41, wherein the rotating coder is rotatable about a rotation axis to change the height of the work surface.

46. The table according to claim 45, wherein the rotating coder is rotatable 360 ​​degrees around the axis of rotation.