GB2349261A

GB2349261A - Desk or wall mounted display unit with moving images

Info

Publication number: GB2349261A
Application number: GB9911513A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Alexander Gunn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-21
Filing date: 1999-05-19
Publication date: 2000-10-25
Also published as: GB9911513D0; GB9908969D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic display or photo-frame, free standing or wall mounted. It will be self-contained with sufficient memory to store several images and have the capability to display the held digital images or messages on the screen in a series. The images may be displayed randomly or sequentially providing an opportunity to show animated images. Incorporating other electronic devices, for example clock, calculator, message display or sound reproducer or other device could be done. The electronic display may incorporate read-outs from the aforementioned devices either within or alongside the image displayed.

Description

Self-contained display unit with changing images The invention relates to a self-contained electronic display or photo-frame, free standing or wall mounted to enable electronic images to be displayed in a sequence, other electronic devices may be incorporated.

Displays on computers such as screen savers are common place. Many people also make use of photo-frame around desks and in the home. The novel idea behind this invention is to combine a series of images in a photo-frame, the images being held in the memory of the device. This enables the viewer to have a steady stream of images which can be viewed randomly or sequentially as the viewer requires. The device would be self-contained and use the minimum of power. The added advantage for a photo-frame to be powered is to enable other devices to be incorporated. These would essentially, but not exclusively, be other useful desktop items. The invention is not limited to desks but could be wall mounted, this type could display advertisements or some other information.

The invention will be a photo-frame incorporating a flat or slightly curved screen display similar to that used by computers and televisions. It should be of a size comparable to conventional photo-frames. The main difference being the invention will be simpler in operation retrieving information in the form of images, text or sound from an internal memory source. It would then display the information in the form specified by the operator of the device.

The simpler operation enables lower power to be used extending life of batteries.

The object of this invention is to produce a desk or wall mounted display, giving a clear and changing set of images. It is envisaged that the device display personal photographs, messages, business (like an office notice board) or sales information.

Images could be changed on request or at set times in pre-set or random combinations. In a sequential display of images an animated effect could take place. The number of images would only be limited by the size of the memory. A minimum is likely to be around twelve. Sound or text may be added.

The essential elements are the clear display, the memory, input device.

Display could be flat liquid crystal display, or some other flat screen technology. Display may be completely flat or have a gentle curve. Screen to be of good colour and quality, and large enough to show images clearly at appropriate distances. For example smaller display for desktop use, with larger screen for displaying more information.

Memory to be sufficient to store multiple images and text, it is intended that solid state memory be employed to limit moving parts. Solid state devices will give the device extra robustness and lower power usage. Small discdrives as used in computers may also be used. Memory for storage of digital images could be solid state, internal hard-drive, internal 3.5"flopp+Z-drix e or CD-ROM. All w ould be suitable and all have different advantages. Flops discs are widely available and images are readily available for loading onto these discs, it is however limited in capacity. Solid state memory is also limited in capacity at present but would give the photo-frame robustness. CD ROM and internal hard-drives have larger capacity but they would be required to be loaded from an external source. Other methods of image capturing such as DVD or Hi-8 cartridges could also be used upgrades and modifications to cover any future developments should also be included.

The circuits), for the device could be contained in the base, in the frame or a combination of both. The overall effect is to have the display as the main feature and other elements such as the input and setting devices to be concealed or unobtrusive.

Input device to import images from a computer, scanner, digital camera or other device. Inputting of data could come from an external source such as a computer, scanner or digital camera via a PCNICIA slot or other port and loaded onto the internal memory. Or taken from a 3.5" floppy disc or CD ROM which is inserted into the device.

Processing of images and displaying them on the screen should be done with the minimum possible micro processing chip-sets, this will reduce power usage and enable circuitry to be as small as possible. (N. B. Chips of high processing speeds would only be required if images were to be altered or many images were to be used-for animated display for example). The aim of the device is to be self-contained.

Battery and/or mains power. Buttons, switches or dials to enable operator of device to select random or sequential change of image.

Non-essential elements of the device could be; The device could also be used as a monitor to receive images from a computer, camera or other device but this is secondary to its function since these items already exist. Ports for such connections may be part of the device.

Incorporation of other electronic devices such as a light, clock, calculator, diary or some other device. The display for calculator or clock for example could be displayed alongside image on screen, either could be sw itched on or off in turn if required.

Several examples of the invention are shown in figures 1 to 5. This is by no means the limit of the combinations. The essential element to all is the incorporation of the flat screen, which acts as a photo-frame.

Figure 1. Shows the proposal for the standard desk mounted device. Note text could be displayed within the image.

Figure 2. A device incorporating a calculator with the display on the same screen as the image. Calculator display could be switched off when not in use.

Figure 3. Incorporation of clock as digital display or small analogue display.

Figure 4. Image has clock display set within it on the screen.

Figure 5. Show s possible wall mounted device. This may be larger than desk display and onl) limited in size by flat-screen technology.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 An electronic display to shou photographic images clearly in a sequence, of low power output and robustness to be used as a photo frame, being self-contained with memory for image storage.
2 An electronic display as Claim 1 having a memory sufficient to carry many digital images.
3 An electronic screen display as Claim 2 where images to be displayed in a sequential or random order.
4 An electronic screen display as Claim 1 to Claim 3 where sequential display may allow animation of images.
5 An electronic display as Claims 1 to 4 where input of images is from computer, scanner, digital camera or other device.
6 An electronic display as Claim 5 which incorporates other electronic devices such as calculator, clock, message display, or sound reproduction.
7 An electronic display as in Claim 6 which will enable outputs from the other devices to be displayed on the same screen as the main image, or separate screen which is an integral part of the device.