FR2903844A1 - DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME COMMUNICANT. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terminal for viewing digital images comprising a screen for presenting a digital image, surrounded by a frame, and an electronic card comprising a connection circuit to a telecommunications network, a data memory for storing the data. received digital image and processing means for presenting the digital image data stored on the screen, and thereby displaying the digital image characterized in that the circuit comprises a processor controlled to process the transport layers of the TCP protocol / IP and the editing of the digital images, without implementing a WEB browser http client software, the circuit further comprising a modulator-demodulator and an access interface to a PSTN telecommunications network.

Description

The present invention relates to the

  field of digital frames for displaying digital photographs.  The general principle of providing in a frame a flat screen for viewing digital images stored in a local memory, or from a computer network or telecommunication is well known.  State of the art For example, US Pat. No. 6,5099,10 describes a method of sharing an object in a network.  The object is selected from a digital media frame coupled to a network.  A recipient is selected to receive the object.  One or more signals are sent to a server coupled to the network, one or more of these signals requesting the server to share the object with the recipient.  The object is identified from the network server in response to receiving one or more of these signals.  The object is then sent to the recipient.  International Patent Application WO01 / 42953 relates to a method and an apparatus for distributing picture mail to a community of frame devices.  This invention includes one or more interconnected frame devices.  Each frame device has a display area (e.g., an LCD) surrounded by a border area patterned to resemble a traditional picture frame.  This border zone can be made of wood, plastic or any other aesthetically pleasing compound.  Each frame device is arranged to connect to an interconnect structure to periodically obtain image data from a centralized archiving service and then display these data according to criteria established by a user. authorized user.  This data archiving service is fed with image data via the image collection process.  In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user may specify filtering criteria which establish that network addresses (e.g., picture mail addresses) are allowed to feed the data archiving service.  These filtering criteria and other information such as the behavior characteristics of each frame device are established and / or managed via an image box.  This image box is located on a server computer and can be obtained by the user on demand.  International application WO2004 / 057855 describes a frame of digital images, the main function of which is to present to a user digital images received from a distant source.  The digital image frame includes: - a screen for presenting a received digital image; a screen support structure that can help the user to decoratively place the frame of digital images in his living environment; an integrated mobile communications receiver comprising a single mobile telecommunications network address and arranged to receive, in a digital image data message, digital image data sent from a remote source via a mobile telecommunications network.  The digital image frame further comprises a data memory for storing the received digital image data; and processing means for presenting the digital image data stored on the screen, and thereby displaying the digital image sent from the remote source.  US Patent No. US6717567 also discloses a communicating frame that can be either connected to a mobile phone via an infrared link or directly to a mobile network of GSM type.  In this last configuration, the frame accepts a SIM card, which presupposes a subscription to a mobile operator.  Thus, photos can be directly addressed by third parties via MMS messages.  For example, a user A having made a snapshot using his mobile phone and not being directly near the frame will be able to send this picture on the frame via the mobile networks.  In all cases, these communicating frames require 15 from the beneficiary, that is to say, the person who can look at the photos on the frame, a number of preparations that can be complicated.  In the case of Wifi or USB frames that connect to the personal computer, it is necessary firstly to have a personal computer with either USB connectivity or Wifi connectivity.  It is then necessary to install on this computer a software allowing to remotely control the frame.  Finally, we need to provide a set of photos that will be shown as a slide show on the frame.  In the case of wireless frames such as the Nokia SU-7 frame or other frames, images or digital photographs should be specifically addressed to the frame.  The content of the frame depends mainly on the latest shipments of 30 pictures made towards the frame.  If the end user is not satisfied with the content of the frame, he must manipulate it to erase some pictures.  On the other hand, he can not recall the photos he deleted a few days ago.  But one of the main problems posed by the 4 wireless frames is that they have to be in a covered area.  In the case of mobile networks (GSM, PCS, CDMA, WCDMA), coverage of the beneficiary's home through the network is not guaranteed.  Someone who would like to offer a frame to someone else to allow him to benefit from his own photos and to animate the frame remotely would therefore be reluctant to do so in the absence of a guarantee of coverage by the mobile network. .  In addition, the coverage of mobile networks may vary depending on the atmospheric conditions, the condition of the vegetation, the state of the network infrastructure.  It is therefore possible that the frame is able to connect one day to the network and the following days unable to do so.  Finally, coverage by the mobile network can vary greatly within the same dwelling.  Mobile phone users are often forced to approach windows and openings to receive the signal in good conditions.  The frame will only work in a few locations of the dwelling, or even only one particular room which could cause a great deal of inconvenience to the recipient.  These frames are not suitable when you want to remotely animate a digital photo frame.  In particular, these frames are unsuitable when a techie user who has access to a digital camera, a computer and broadband internet access wishes to share his photos with someone who is not computer literate.  None of these frames allow for example a digital photography enthusiast to send these photos to a senior 30, a population category that remains very little equipped with computers and Internet access.  In addition, these frameworks do not make it easy to promote a family photo heritage.  Problems solved by the invention These various solutions have the drawbacks of requiring a connection to the Internet network for some of them, and for others the need for expensive telecommunication means, involving subscriptions from an operator. mobile phone.  In any case, the use of the frames of the prior art requires good technical skill, whereas the users are often people who are refractory to the art.  The object of the present invention is to provide a simple framework to use, the electronic architecture of which is optimized to reconcile scalable functionalities and simplified ergonomics, with a minimized manufacturing cost.  The invention more particularly relates to a multimedia framework that allows people who have no Internet connection or computer to receive multimedia data streams (Images, sound, video).  To this end, the invention relates, in its most general sense, to a terminal for viewing digital images comprising a screen for presenting a digital image, surrounded by a frame, and an electronic card comprising a circuit for connection to a network. a data memory for storing the received digital image data and processing means for presenting the digital image data stored on the screen, and thereby displaying the digital image characterized in that the circuit comprises a processor controlled to process the transport layers of the TCP / IP protocol and the editing of the digital images, without implementing a WEB navigation client software, the circuit 2903844 6 further comprising a modulator-demodulator and an interface of access to a BTI telecommunications network.  Within the meaning of this patent, we mean by Web browser client software a web browser composed of a web standards rendering engine, a user interface and, incidentally, an extension manager called plugins.  The main function of a web browser is to allow the consultation of available information 10 (resource in the terminology of the Web) on the World Wide Web.  Advantageously, the terminal comprises a memory zone in which an initialization procedure is recorded to trigger the registration of the terminal on a server, consisting in controlling the connection to a server by dialing the telephone number of said server and sending to said server a message including an identifier of the initialized terminal.  According to one variant, the terminal comprises means 20 for periodically activating a connection to said server and for recording new digital files stored on a memory space of the server corresponding to the identifier of said terminal.  According to a particular mode of implementation, the terminal further comprises means for connecting to a public space of a server, for downloading files common to several users.  According to an advantageous variant, the terminal further comprises means for detecting a call from the server to trigger the recording of digital files downloaded by the server.  According to another variant, the terminal further comprises an access interface to a mobile network or, more broadly, wireless.  Preferably, it further includes a USB type universal port interface.  The invention also relates to a system comprising a server and a plurality of terminals according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server comprises a plurality of memory zones each corresponding to the identifier of a terminal. , and means for transferring the digital data stored in the memory area upon activation by the incoming call from a terminal, and means for activating a terminal for downloading the digital data. under the control of said server.  The invention also relates to a multimedia content management method of recording on a server 15 digital data in a memory space associated with an identifier of a terminal according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, to establish a periodic connection between said server and a terminal for downloading all or part of the contents of said memory space in the memory of the corresponding terminal, and loading steps in the memory space of the digital file server from a remote computer equipment .  The invention will be better understood on reading the description of an example of a nonlimiting implementation which follows, illustrated by the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents the block diagram of a terminal according to the invention FIG. 2 represents a schematic view of the architecture of the system according to the invention; FIG. 3 represents the block diagram of the terminal; FIGS. 4 to 6 represent views of navigation diagrams.  The invention relates to a system for consumer and business markets for displaying in a digital frame images and multimedia objects previously stored on a server.  The operation of the system involves a front office equipment, a technical platform, a transport network and terminals.  10 The Front-Office Piloting Equipment consists of a website, allowing administrators (those who offer) to remotely manage many service parameters: 15 - Deposit of photos by the administrator and guests to the user, - Programming a slideshow, - Retouching photos, messages on photos, postcards, etc. , 20 - Choice of editorial services, - Purchase of printing vouchers.  The platform which is at the heart of the service makes it possible to store and secure an unlimited quantity of digital photographs, to enhance them (corrective or creative image processing) and to send them to the frames.  The platform also manages the editorial services and transmits the printing orders to the partner manufacturers.  The platform comprises the following main elements: - Storage servers, 30 - Communication servers, - Databases, - Payment software.  The transport network is of the RTC type used at the low rate and, optionally, the terminal is equipped with means of communication via a mobile network such as GSM, EDGE, UMTS or any other type of wireless or wired network.  5 Terminals have the appearance of a conventional photographic frame with wooden posts and a mat, and are self-contained (once plugged into the telephone jack and the mains, the terminal works by itself; saves itself on the platform when it is turned on for the first time).  The terminal The digital photo frame according to the invention is an electronic device comprising a flat screen, an electronic card and communication interfaces.  The frame is equipped with a TFT LCD screen, but it can use any flat screen technology (LCD CSTN, OLED, FED) or a backlight device inserted in a housing that can be hooked to the wall or 20 to stand vertically on a piece of furniture.  The electronic board consists of an ARM9 core processor, volatile RAM memory, non-volatile Flash memory and a V90 type modem.  Once received by the frame, the images are stored in electronic JPEG format or any other format suitable for photography and the digital image within the flash memory.  Thus, images are stored locally and permanently in the frame.  In normal operation, the processor will search the flash memory for the images 30 for display on the flat screen.  The RAM is requested both to execute the code of the embedded application and to prepare the images before they are displayed on the screen.  In particular, the processor solicits RAM memory resources to make successive copies of each image for complex transitions between the images such as fades, slips, and other dynamic animations.  The communication interfaces are reduced to a RJ11 port to accommodate a conventional PSTN telephone line and a USB port to accommodate all kinds of devices and communication modules such as WiFi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module or other .  In future versions, the frame will be able to accommodate other communication modules either via the USB port as external peripherals or directly on the electronic card.  The photo frame has the external appearance of a frame 15 for silver-based photos which it symbolically repeats the main constituent elements: -Baguette, - Passe-partout, - Marie-Louise, 20 - Display area of the image.  In one of its versions, the wand and mat can be customized with colors and materials different from the original version.  In one version, the wand and the master key incorporate electronic devices that allow them to change color.  For example, the wand may comprise a light tube illuminated by a diode which changes color according to the instructions transmitted by the electronic card.  This frame whose schematic diagram is represented in FIG. 1 forms an autonomous terminal comprising a screen (1), an electronic card (2) and ports and interfaces.  The targeted users' target is mainly centered around the over 60s who have neither a computer nor the Internet.  In principle, the frame will be bought by a close of these users having all the digital array: computer, broadband Internet access, digital camera etc.  The framework will then be offered to parents and relatives who have no other way to benefit from the digital image.  In addition to the still image, the frame will be able to handle short video sequences similar to those produced by digital cameras and short sound sequences.  Adapting the color and patterns of the pad and the mat to the content of the slide show One of the difficulties with digital picture frames is that the colors of the wand and the mat may not be suitable for the image that is being displayed.  One of the peculiarities of the frames surrounding the silver photos is that the wand and the mat can be chosen to magnify the photo.  Users of frames for silver photography generally pay great attention to the adequacy between the 25 colors of the stick and the mat, and the image to be framed.  However, in the case of a slide show, it is difficult to find a stick color and boilerplate that benefits any kind of image.  The recipient is therefore obliged to default to colors that are likely to marry any type of image, which can be frustrating.  In one of its versions, the frame is provided with a stick and a mat whose color and patterns 2903844 12 can be controlled electronically.  Before the display of the image, the embedded application of the frame reads the numerical index of the frame which contains, as explained below, information on the graphic content of the image: dominant color, contrast, presence or absence of characters etc.  The application then analyzes the numerical index and modifies the color and pattern of the wand and the master key concomitantly by following a lookup table.  For example, the presence of a blue cast in the photo may lead to the matting becoming cream colored and the navy colored baguette.  These look-up tables are delivered periodically to the framework by the platform according to service-specific criteria.  15 Stand-alone terminal Powered by the platform, the framework works autonomously.  The setting of the screen 20 (brightness, contrast) and many other parameters are made either from the platform or from the frame itself.  In the case where the adjustment is made on the platform, the modified parameters are delivered to the frame with the update of the images.  The beneficiary of the cadre does not necessarily need to intervene on the framework.  In addition, the frame connects either programmatically in pull or push mode, or on the initiative of the beneficiary when he wishes to initiate an update of the frame images, or again at the initiative of an authorized user of the frame. account.  In summary, in its normal operation, the frame does not need to be manipulated by the recipient.  It is therefore autonomous and is therefore perfectly suited to technophobic beneficiaries.  In particular, it is appropriate for senior recipients for whom the handling of electronic devices can be both a source of anxiety and a feeling of failure.  Fig. 3 Schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the frame.  The heart of the terminal forming the frame is constituted by a flat screen (50) connected to a power supply (51) of the backlight, and by a processor (52) of the Heart ARM type 9.  This processor receives information via a V90 RTC modem (53) connected to an RJ 11 jack (54), and optionally an ADSL modem (55) also connected to an RJ 11 jack (56).  It is also connected to a USB port (57).  A RAM memory (58) allows the recording of the command files and a FLASH memory (59) is for the recording of image and video files.  The circuit may optionally include a Digital / Analog adapter (60).  The control means accessible by the user are constituted by a wheel (61) with a pressure validation function for example.  They can also consist of three function keys.  The circuit may further include an infrared interface for the remote control (62).  The power supply is provided by a block (63) 220 V / 12 V / 3.3 V connected to a power outlet (64) and, in one of its versions, to a battery (65).  30 Frame Operation The box has only three controls for forward and backward scrolling and activation.  The first two commands are realized in the form of two independent electromechanical and capacitive knobs, or in the form of a single rotary or linear command detecting the direction of movement of the user's finger.  The third command is in the form of an electromechanical or capacitive button.  The three controls can be grouped as a single member such as a click wheel for controlling the scrolling by rotary displacement of the wheel and to activate the third function by a radial support on the wheel.  The operation of these commands is illustrated by the attached block diagrams.  According to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the successive commands scroll through functions that can be activated by the third command, in the form of a drop-down menu.  In the basic version, the terminal is connected to a low speed PSTN telecommunications network.  Optionally, the terminal can be connected to a mobile network of GSM, CDMA, EDGE, UMTS, or more generally to a wireless network or, finally, to any other type of network, including 25 wired.  It is autonomous: once plugged into the telephone jack and the sector, the terminal works by itself; in addition, it registers itself on the platform when it is lit for the first time).  The frame is a terminal whose main function is to display images, whether photos or images.  It can also play short video sequences of the type that are produced by digital cameras.  Finally, the frame can play short 2903844 sound sequences (maximum 5 minutes).  Platform 5 The platform is made up of storage servers and communication servers.  As input, communication servers are responsible for acquiring the images.  These images can pass through any telecommunications network.  They can transit via the Internet, mobile network or any other unidirectional or bidirectional telecommunication network that remains to be invented.  In its standard version, the platform is particularly powered by images via a website.  Those authorized to manage the account use a computer or mobile phone equipped with an Internet browser to access the website.  Once identified and thanks to the interface presented by their Internet browser, they can download digital images to the platform.  The platform automatically resizes the images to match the storage format and display format on the frame.  On the storage servers, the photos and images of each user account are archived in electronic format within databases.  Each account can accommodate between hundreds and thousands of images depending on the format, or even unlimited storage.  Each image is assigned a numerical index which is described below.  The images may be processed by software if necessary before being stored in order to correct graphic defects (red eyes, poor contrast, lack of color).  They are then automatically stored on the platform from the digital index, but the persons authorized to manage the account can administer the way the images are presented in the account.  They can create different thematic directories where they come to archive the images.  This facade storage does not significantly impact the archiving structure within the platform which is based on the digital index.  The images are finally secure, that is to say that the databases are duplicated using redundant servers that will prevent any loss of data in the event of a machine incident.  In parallel, secure power supplies prevent servers from crashing.  In general, any provision is made to make it impossible to lose any data and to keep the images of each account.  These images are then relayed by communication servers to each frame according to the setting assigned to the account.  Images can be relayed in several ways that are described later.  Numerical index The platform hosts various software programs capable of analyzing the technical characteristics of the images stored therein.  The size and the date of manufacture of the file are thus automatically analyzed.  It is anticipated that these softwares will also help to better understand the graphical content of images by analyzing the following elements: • dominant colors, • contrasts, • presence or absence of characters.  The platform makes use of these elements and any other element that could be provided by the persons authorized to access the platform and to deposit photographs and images.  When depositing an image on the platform, the applicant may for example give it a more or less explicit title, associate a theme and a sub-theme.  The depositor will also be encouraged to put the image in one of the already created folders which will allow to associate folder and subfolder to the photo.  The platform finally uses elements that relate to the life of the service.  If a photo has already been sent to the frame, it is stamped accordingly.  The number of times it has been transmitted can also be archived as well as the authorized person from where the photo comes.  All of this information, but not exclusively, is compiled within a digital index which is then associated with the photo or image.  This index may have to change in its form as the successive uses of the image, but each image always keeps a numerical index.  Platform Internal Search Engine This digital index is primarily used to make it easier for users to find a particular photo or gather photos to form slideshows.  A search engine internal to the platform allows those authorized to access the account that is linked to each frame to search for 30 photos in particular.  For example, a user can search on the date of completion of the image file, selecting all images made between date A and date B.  The user will be able to combine this search with information about the title, the topic, 2903844 18 the subtheme on the file, the subfolder, the person who sent it, the date it was sent etc.  The user may also from drop-down menus perform searches on the visual content selecting for example 5 all images with dominant blue or all images containing at least one character.  Each account of the platform is thus assimilated to a personal bank of images.  The numerical index associated with the internal search engine then allows each person authorized to use the account attached to each frame to best exploit and with the greatest ease the many images that have been stored on the platform.  The invention may be associated with an on-board software that will be delivered by the platform to a telecommunication terminal via the telecommunication network to which said terminal is connected, said terminal benefiting from a communication terminal. in addition to Bluetooth connectivity.  Once activated, the embedded software will use the telecommunication network to which said terminal is connected to connect to the platform of the invention.  Once activated, the embedded software will also trigger a voice recognition feature.  The terminal user can thus control any type of service via voice commands.  These services will be delivered to the terminal by the network to which it is connected.  Upon receipt of the controlled content, the software of the invention will take control of the Bluetooth functionality of the terminal and test the environment using Bluetooth signals to determine if a frame as described in the present invention is found. near the terminal.  If one of these frames is near the terminal and is also turned on and equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the frame will respond to the signals of the terminal 5 indicating its availability to receive information.  The software of the invention will then use the terminal to send via Bluetooth link to the frame the content received from the platform.  In particular, the invention may be associated with a mobile phone provided with the software of the invention.  Having started the software on his mobile phone and being close to the frame, a user authorized to access the platform can thus order services by voice command.  Once received on the mobile phone, the content related to the service will be immediately and automatically sent to the frame for display.  Thus, a user can pronounce the weather word corresponding to the weather service of the platform.  The platform will then deliver to the mobile phone an image corresponding to the weather of the location where the mobile is located.  Once received by the mobile, this weather image will be automatically sent to the frame via Bluetooth for immediate display on the screen.  In this way, the users of the platform will be able to order services based on still or moving images, benefiting from a display surface much larger than that available on their mobile phone.  In addition, users who have difficulty mastering information technology, and in particular Seniors, will be able to order easily by simple voice command many services that will be displayed within an aesthetically pleasing setting.  2903844 20 Personalization of the streams transmitted to the frame To allow the operation of a light terminal, the platform comprises content aggregation means 5 configurable from the control equipment.  This feature is to perform on the server content including user-specific data and generic data, to prepare a file or sequence of custom files that is transmitted to the terminal for simplified processing from the frame.  Slide Show Programming The digital index and the search engine are used to program slideshows with flexibility and ease.  If the platform gives authorized users the ability to precisely choose each photo to be inserted in a future slideshow, it greatly facilitates the remote animation of the frame.  Rather than schedule a slideshow for each day in detail, the authorized user can program sequences.  It can for example decide that all the slideshows delivered to the frame will be random, every day.  He may decide that slideshows will be random within a certain category (theme, subtopic, folder, subfolder).  It can search for all the pictures whose title contains a particular word and then select the ones that suit it so that they can be displayed on the frame in a later slideshow.  It can be programmed that such day will be displayed randomly images whose title contains at least one particular word.  He can select for each day of the week pictures chosen randomly among a color cast.  2903844 21 This research and programming is done through an Internet browser.  Each field other than the numerical index corresponds to an input window or a drop-down menu.  The user chooses in a combined way several criteria and allows the search engine to search the image database.  The authorized user also chooses the different transitions of the slideshow and the time of display of the photos.  10 The platform offers many transitions: cross-fading, sliding, swirling with fast motion or slow motion, gradual image enlargement, and so on.  Transitions may also be randomly selected, but the user may decide to associate precise transitions and precise display times with a given slideshow.  Messages can also be attached to each image and in a version of the frame, these messages are parameterized differentially from the image.  At a photo of a skier, the message A us the powder! can for example be attached.  An effect is then associated with the text.  For example, the message may scroll from left to right in the photo and then fade before the image disappears.  In this way, slideshows are made by the platform for transmission to the frame.  The choice and setting of the slideshow is done on the platform 30 through a graphical interface much more easily and quickly than if it had been done on the frame.  The authorized user may also decide to subscribe to editorial services.  An editorial service can be reduced to a mere image.  For example, the weather can be summarized as a map of the place in question on which are placed pictograms (clouds, sun, etc.). ).  In general, any information can be arranged in a pleasant way to the eye by integrating graphic elements (drawings, photos).  The user may decide to have images delivered at regular intervals with editorial content.  Finally, the user can request that photos of art, news or any other image having aesthetic or informative value be delivered at more or less regular intervals.  It is possible to extract these images from the slideshow.  In one of its versions, the frame is provided with channels.  The recipient then chooses the channel he wishes to display: - slide show, 20 - favorite photo, - art photo, - news photo, - editorial services, etc.  25 Transferring Images to the Frame Images are relayed to the frame in different ways.  In its first version, the frame can automatically connect to the platform via the switched telephone network (PSTN).  It initiates itself a low-speed data connection via its integrated modem.  It is programmed to call at certain times predefined by the platform.  In general, the frame calls the platform at night when the line is unlikely to be solicited.  In this case, the frame uses for this purpose an NTS number (Network Translation Service) which conceals the destination number and makes it possible to carry out differentiated pricing.  Depending on the subscription subscribed by the subscriber or even the lack of subscription subscription, the number called by the frame is a so-called green number (no billing for the caller but billing for the called party), an indigo number (shared billing) or a premium rate number (billing allowing the called party to generate an income).  For example, if the person who bought the frame has subscribed to a subscription including telephone calls, then the frame will always call the platform every night via a toll-free number.  Once the frame is identified by means of a serial number or any other means, the platform makes available to the frame a possible updating of images.  If this update is available, the frame downloads via the telephone line the images and other data intended for it and sends in parallel statistics on its use and a list of the technical problems encountered in the operation of the frame.  If no update is available, the frame merely sends to the platform statistics on its use and a statement of the technical problems encountered in the operation of the frame.  In any case, the calls are routed either to a centralized platform or to a local relay of the platform depending on the state of development of the platform.  It is the provider operator of the NTS number that performs the routing.  30 If no subscription has been subscribed, possibility may be given to the beneficiary of the frame (the person who has the frame in his home) to initiate himself a call to the platform.  In this case, the call will be overtaxed by using an NTS number to return a portion of the revenues to the system operator.  In general, the frame can use any NTS number to connect to the platform and update itself.  But the platform can also send calls to the frame.  Authorized users can thus trigger a call that will launch the platform to the frame according to the invention and which will eventually be billed to the account.  In one of its versions, the frame is indeed equipped with a modem capable of detecting and differentiating an incoming call.  The call of the platform uses a signaling data that makes it not detected by the recipient's phone.  If the line is available and the frame connected, the modem picks up and commits a communication between the frame and the platform.  The frame thus receives the images and data that are intended for it.  If the line is busy or the frame disconnected, then the platform pauses the call and retries a few minutes later.  After several attempts, either the platform is able to initiate a communication with the frame, or it is impossible for him to join the frame.  In this case, the data for the frame is saved for transmission to the next update.  The frame can also connect to other telecommunications networks via its USB port.  The devices are connected to the USB port so

  to offer the framework a different connectivity.

30 A Wifi module can be plugged into the USB port and the frame can be connected to a computer with a Wifi terminal. In this case, the frame can be addressed by the platform if the computer connected to the Wifi terminal, and which serves as a gateway, is turned on. In this way, the platform can more regularly send updates to the frame. As in the previous case when the platform tries to call the frame and it is not connected to the telephone line, the platform can attempt to send updates to the frame. If it can not connect to the frame, then the platform retains the updates for future delivery.

10 A Bluetooth module can be connected to the USB port. Thus, any electronic device with Bluetooth connectivity can, when placed near the frame, send images and data to the frame. For example, a photophone (mobile phone with a camera) with Bluetooth connectivity can send a digital photo to the frame that will eventually be inserted into the current slideshow if the memory space allows it. .

An ADSL modem can be connected to the USB port. In this way, if the recipient of the frame has an ADSL connection, the updates to the frame can be transmitted more quickly. As described for a PSTN connection, either the frame initiates the communication or the platform initiates the communication. In both cases, if the communication could not be established, then updates to the frame are retained for transmission at a later date.

30 A GSM or 3G modem can be connected to the USB port. These modems are sold by companies such as Telit or Wavecom. These are communicating modules that connect electronic devices to mobile networks, whether second-generation (GSM etc.) or 2903844 26 third generation (3G etc.). Thus, the frame can be connected to a mobile network. These networks now offer the possibility of establishing a permanent connection for the data. If the reception of the operator signal permits, the platform can transmit data at regular intervals. In contrast to fixed networks, from the moment a mobile terminal is turned on and in reception area, the network identifies that it is present on the network. Users of mobile terminals therefore do not need to signal to the network that the terminal is connected to the network since the terminal is signaled automatically. Consequently, as soon as the frame equipped with its modem is switched on and in the coverage area, the platform is informed by the signaling of the mobile operator and the platform can therefore start transmitting scheduled updates by the authorized users. . It is also envisaged to remove the wired connection to the frame in the case where the RTC network is used. This is thanks to the CPL technology or the DECT technology. In these cases, the USB port accommodates either a CPL module or a DECT module. The frame can finally be fed with images and data 25 by means of a USB key. A user having physical access to the frame can connect a memory support running on a USB interface (USB key) and download directly on the frame images and data.

The frame can connect to a telecommunications network in order to acquire the data intended for it. It can work in pull or push mode. In pull mode, the frame itself initiates the connection in search of images and data for it.

2903844 27 If no update is intended for him, then the framework merely transmits to the platform statistical data and a statement of technical problems. In push mode, the platform attempts to establish communication with the frame. If it does not succeed, it can try again several times (setting of the platform). If at the end of the number of tests specified by the platform, it has still not managed to establish a communication with the frame, the images and data intended for the frame will be saved for a certain time for possibly being transmitted to the user. occasion of a subsequent connection if it takes place. This asynchronous operating mode makes it possible to dissociate the parameterization and the loading of digital photographs on the platform from a control equipment, and on the other hand the repercussions on the target terminal and to prevent the unavailability of one of the equipment from occurring. hinders the general operation.

Claims (5)

  1 - Terminal for viewing digital images comprising a screen for presenting a digital image, surrounded by a frame, and an electronic card comprising a connection circuit to a telecommunications network, a data memory for storing the image data received digital and processing means for presenting the digital image data stored on the screen, and thus display the digital image characterized in that the circuit comprises a processor controlled to process TCP / IP transport layers and the editing of the digital images, without implementing a WEB navigation http client software, the circuit further comprising a modulator-demodulator and an access interface to an RTC telecommunications network. 2 - Terminal for viewing digital images according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a memory area in which is recorded an initialization procedure for triggering the registration of the terminal on a server, consisting of controlling the connection to a server by dialing the telephone number of said server and sending to said server a message including an identifier of the initialized terminal. Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for periodically activating a connection to said server and recording new digital files recorded on a terminal. memory space of the server corresponding to the identifier of said terminal 2903844. Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for connecting to a public space of a server, for downloading files common to several users. Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for detecting a call from the server to trigger the recording of digital files downloaded. by the server. Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an access interface to a wireless network. 7 ù Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a USB type universal port interface. 8. Terminal for viewing digital images according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises three commands only for forward and backward scrolling and activation. 9 - System comprising a server and a plurality of terminals according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server comprises a plurality of memory areas each corresponding to the identifier of a terminal. , and means for transferring the digital data stored in the memory area upon activation by the incoming call from a terminal, and means for activating a terminal for downloading the digital data. under the control of said server. 10 ù Multimedia content management method of recording on a server digital data in a memory space associated with an identifier of a terminal according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, to establish a periodic connection between said server and a terminal for downloading a portion or all the contents of said memory space in the memory of the corresponding terminal 15, and loading steps in the memory space of the digital file server from a remote computer equipment, these steps being decorrelated with respect to saving files to the server.