KR200255869Y1 - Electronic image displayer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic picture frame, comprising: a display unit for displaying an image file; A display housing surrounding the display unit; A memory in which at least one basic image file is stored; A memory interface for recording an image file in the card-type memory or reading an image file from the card-type memory; A memory slot formed on one side of the display housing to detachably mount the card type memory; And a processor which checks whether the card-type memory is installed in the memory slot and displays the basic image file on the display unit when the card-type memory is not installed. As a result, an electronic picture frame which is inexpensive and portable and can download and display an image file from a PC is provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, unlike conventional photo frames, various image files can be easily displayed and stood up and enjoyed.

Description

Electronic picture display {Electronic image displayer}

The present invention relates to an electronic picture frame capable of displaying an image file.

As data compression technology and communication technology have developed, transmission of digital image files through the Internet has become possible. Recently, with the development of communication technology, image files having a relatively large data size are freely transmitted compared to text. In particular, the type and number of image files that can be downloaded through the Internet using a web browser is infinite. The spread of digital electronic products such as digital cameras is also increasing. Digital image data obtained by a digital camera can be transferred to a PC hard drive and displayed on a monitor.

However, since PCs are mainly used to search for information, play games, or perform office work by connecting to the Internet, it is virtually impossible to use them for displaying images at all times or for a long time. In addition, not only desktops, but notebook computers are still not easy to carry due to their size and weight. Of course, portable notebooks have been developed and sold, but the smaller they are, the more expensive they are, so they are not suitable for simply storing and displaying image files.

On the other hand, desktop photo frames that can display their favorite images and photos, such as family photos in a frame is widely used. However, the number of pictures that can be viewed through the desktop picture frame is limited. Moreover, if you want to see another picture, there is a need to replace the existing picture with a new picture.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic picture frame that is portable and can store and display various image files.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic picture frame that can download and display an image file from a PC.

1 to 3 is an external view of an electronic picture frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

4 is a functional block diagram of the electronic picture frame of FIGS.

5 is a detailed outline view illustrating the USB interface 6 and the USB cable 16 of FIG. 4;

6 is a detailed outline view illustrating the smart media card interface 7, the smart media card 17, the compact flash card interface 8, and the compact flash memory card 18 of FIG. 4.

7 and 8 are various outline views of the electronic picture frame of FIGS.

9 to 14 are reference diagrams for explaining the function of the menu screen of the electronic picture frame,

15 is a reference diagram for explaining a sliding method of an electronic picture frame;

16 is a connection diagram of the electronic picture frame 100 and the PC 200 according to the present invention,

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the PC 200 and the electronic picture frame 100 of FIG. 16.

The object is, according to the present invention, a display unit for displaying an image file; A display housing surrounding the display unit; A memory in which at least one basic image file is stored; A memory interface for recording an image file in the card-type memory or reading an image file from the card-type memory; A memory slot formed on one side of the display housing to detachably mount the card type memory; And a processor which checks whether the card-type memory is installed in the memory slot and displays the basic image file on the display unit when the card-type memory is not installed.

The electronic picture frame may include a universal serial bus (USB) interface; And a USB cable connector connected to a USB port provided on the computer.

The image file is preferably downloaded from the computer through the USB cable connector and the USB cable as the download program running on the computer is operated.

The electronic picture frame may include: a support part having a center hole formed to be gripped on the ground; And a pedestal for supporting the display housing by including a coupling unit rotatably coupling the display unit and the support unit.

The memory interface includes a smart media card interface and a compact flash card interface, and the card-type memory includes a smart media card and a compact flash card.

The processor reads a predetermined image file from the memory or card type memory and displays the image file on the display device. The processor reduces the plurality of image files stored in the memory or card type memory and simultaneously displays the image file on the display unit. More preferably, the horizontal and vertical axes of the display screen displayed on the display unit can be switched.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1, 2 and 3 is an external view of an electronic picture frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a front view of the electronic picture frame in a standing state, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic picture frame seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic picture frame viewed from the back side.

1, 2 and 3, the electronic picture frame includes a main body for displaying an image file, and a pedestal for supporting the main body. The main body has a display housing 10 surrounding the rectangular display portion 2. One side of the display housing 10 is provided with a plurality of function keys 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 for receiving a user input. The key includes a selection key 11, direction keys 12 and 13, a cancel key 14, and a power key 15. The select key 11 is used to call a menu screen and to select a menu. The arrow keys 12 and 13 are used to move the cursor displayed on the display screen of the display unit 2 forward or backward or to switch the display screen. The cancel key 14 is used to cancel the function selection. The display unit 2 is implemented with a TFT LCD according to the present embodiment, but may be implemented with other display devices such as other PDPs. The display housing 10 may be made of various materials such as metal, plastic, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pedestal supports the main body so that the main body can be erected to view the image file displayed on the display unit 2. Furthermore, when the main body is not upright, it has a structure that is folded for easy carrying and storage. To this end, the pedestal has a support portion 40 and a coupling portion 30 for rotatably coupling the support portion 40 and the display housing 10 landed on the ground. Since the coupling part 30 and the support part 40 are rotatable with each other, the pedestal may support the main body in the vertical or horizontal direction according to the direction of the picture. In addition, the inclination angle formed with the bottom surface when the main body is standing is also adjustable. The base portion 40 has a rectangular ring shape in which a center hole is formed so that a user can easily grip it. The coupling method of the coupling part 30 and the support part 40 may be implemented in various ways. For example, the base portion 40 and the coupling portion 30 may be unevenly coupled to be rotatable.

4 is a functional block diagram of an electronic picture frame according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic picture frame includes a processor 1, a display unit 2, a key input unit 4, a sound output unit 5, a memory 3, a USB interface 6, and a smart media card interface 7. ), And a compact flash card interface 8.

As described above, the key input unit 4 receives a user input through the plurality of function keys 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 and transmits the user input to the processor 1. The processor 1 displays a menu screen, retrieves an image file, or displays a selected image file in response to a user input. The sound output unit 5 transmits sound data provided from the processor 1.

The smart media card interface 7 and the compact flash card interface 8 are card-type memory interfaces according to the present embodiment, each of which is provided with a slot for inserting the smart media card 17 or the compact flash card 18. . The smart media card 17 and the compact flash card 18 are detachably mounted in a card type memory slot provided in the main body 10, as shown in FIG. Before and after the smart media card 17 or the compact flash card 18 is mounted, the electronic photo frame is turned off to protect the data recorded on the card. In particular, when the compact flash card 18 is removed from the card type memory slot, the eject lever 18a is pressed to eject the compact flash card 18. When the smart media card 17 is removed, the card can be easily removed by pressing once in the direction in which the card is inserted. The smart media card 17 and the compact flash card 18 are card type memories that are currently most widely employed in electronic products such as digital cameras. The electronic picture frame according to the present invention supports this, thereby enhancing the compatibility with various electronic products and promoting user convenience.

The USB interface 6 is an example of a serial communication interface connected with a PC (not shown) according to the present embodiment. Most PCs have two USB ports. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic picture frame according to the present embodiment is connected to the USB port of the PC through the USB cable connector 16 connected to the USB interface 6 to download various image files from the PC. Will be. Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial port of particular interest with the release of Windows 98. USB has been supported since Windows 95 and is supported by most Pentium II motherboards, but with the release of Windows 98, it is more reliable. In particular, USB supports data transfer speeds of 12 Mbps, which is sufficient to receive image files. It also supports plug-and-play so you can recognize it even when connected while using a PC.

The processor 1 stores the image file received from the USB interface 6 in the smart media card 17 or the compact flash card 18. At this time, the processor 1 may convert the received image file into another format and store it if necessary. In addition, when sound is attached to the image file, DSP (Digital Signal Processing) required for storing / reproducing is performed so that the sound data and the image data are output to the sound output unit 5 and the display unit 2, respectively. In addition, the processor 1 displays a menu screen on the display unit 2 in response to a call via the key input unit 4, and displays the memory 3 or card type on the basis of the user input received through the key input unit 4. The image file stored in the smart media card 17 or the compact flash card 18, which is a card-type memory mounted in the memory slot, can be retrieved and displayed. In particular, the processor 1 checks whether the card-type memories 17 and 18 are mounted in the card-type memory slot and displays the basic image file stored in the memory 3 on the display unit 2 when it is not mounted. More specific search and display functions of the processor 1 will be described later.

The memory 3 stores a control program for performing a control function to be executed by the processor 3. In addition, at least one basic image file is stored. The sound output unit 5 transmits a sound when the sound is attached to the image file or when the image file is changed to another image file and displayed.

Hereinafter, the control of the processor 1 and the operation of the electronic picture frame will be described in detail.

<Slide-show>

When power is first applied to the electronic picture frame, the processor 1 performs a slide-show sequentially showing basic image files stored in the memory 3 or the card-type memories 17 and 18 at a predetermined time interval. That is, image files stored in the memory 3 or the card-type memories 17 and 18 are displayed on the display screen in the specified order. On the other hand, if the power key 15 is pressed for a few seconds (set to 2 seconds in this embodiment), the power is turned off.

<Menu Screen Call>

When the select key 11 is pressed, a menu screen on which a menu icon is arranged is displayed as shown in FIG. 9, and a cursor is positioned on a predetermined menu icon. By pressing the direction keys 12 and 13, the cursor is positioned on the desired menu icon and the selection key 11 is pressed to perform the corresponding function. Each function of the menu icon is as follows. However, the number of menu icons, the display order, and the display method may be variously changed.

1. Protect / Unprotect Picture icon:

Referring to FIG. 10, an image file protection / unprotection function is to prevent a user from accidentally deleting an image file. If the image file is already protected, the menu screen displays Unprotect Picture instead of Protect Picture.

2. Delete Picture icon:

Referring to FIG. 11, the image file deleting function is for deleting image files stored in the memory 3 or the card-type memories 17 and 18. FIG. When requesting the deletion, a confirmation screen for confirming the deletion once again is displayed. In this case, when the user presses the select key 11, the currently displayed image file is deleted, and when the cancel key 14 is pressed, the screen returns to the previous state.

3. Slide Order icon:

12, the slide setting function is for setting the display order of image files. When the slide setting function is executed, an inquiry screen is displayed asking whether to display the image file stored in the memory 3 or the image file stored in the card-type memories 17 and 18. When the required function is selected using the arrow keys 12 and 13 and the select key 11 is pressed, the slice-show is restarted according to the designated function.

4. Display Duration icon:

The display time of the image file is collectively set by the duration setting function. As shown in FIG. 13, when the screen duration setting function is executed, a selection screen displaying a settable time (5 seconds / 10 seconds / 1 minute / 5 minutes / 30 minutes) appears. The user selects a desired time using the direction keys 12 and 13 and then presses the selection key 11 to store the setting. Thus, the slide-show is resumed according to the changed contents.

5. Set Sleep Mode icon:

The sleep mode setting function allows the electronic frame to operate automatically at regular intervals even if the user does not perform a specific operation. As shown in FIG. 14, when the sleep mode setting function is executed, a setting screen displaying current time, display start time, display finish time, and sleep mode on / off is displayed. appear. The user sets the time unit (hour, minute 10 unit, minute 1 unit, AM / PM) and the sleep mode on / off by using the arrow keys 12 and 13. However, even if the time is set, if the sleep mode off is selected, the sleep mode does not operate.

6. Preview icon:

The preview function reduces the currently stored image file into a small frame format and simultaneously shows some or all of them on one screen. The desired image file can be selected using the direction keys 12 and 13. If you want to enlarge the reduced image file, place the cursor on the desired image file and press the Select key (11). To return to the initial screen of the preview, press the select key 11 and press the cancel key 14 to move to the slide-show.

7. Link to PC icon:

The download function is used to receive an image file from a PC or to upgrade a control program stored in the memory 3. When the download function is executed, the display screen is turned off and waiting for a command from the PC. In this state, the USB cable connector 16 is connected to the USB port and the USB interface 6 provided in the PC, and the image file is downloaded to the electronic frame by executing a download program on the PC. When the download of the image file from the PC is completed, the electronic frame is activated again. Pressing the cancel key 14 in the download standby state cancels the standby state and returns to the previous state. A detailed description of the download will be given later.

Meanwhile, in order to give an interesting effect to the image file displayed on the electronic picture frame, it may be set to be displayed as follows when one image file is slid to another image file. In more detail, the adopted method is as follows.

15A is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of displaying an image file by using a scroll left method. Referring to FIG. 15A, it can be seen that a predetermined image file is scrolled to the left.

FIG. 15B illustrates a method of displaying an image file by using a scroll right method. Referring to FIG. 15B, a predetermined image file is scrolled to the right.

15C illustrates a method of displaying an image file by using a scroll down method. Referring to FIG. 15C, a predetermined image file is scrolled down.

15D illustrates a method of displaying an image file by using a scroll up method. Referring to Fig. 15D, a predetermined image file is scrolled up.

15E illustrates a method of displaying an image file in a vertical wipe out method. Referring to FIG. 15E, a predetermined image file is displayed while being unfolded from the center to the left and right in the vertical direction of the display screen.

15F illustrates a method of displaying an image file by a vertical wipe in method. Referring to FIG. 15F, a predetermined image file is displayed while being unfolded from left to right in the vertical direction of the display screen.

FIG. 15G illustrates a method of displaying an image file by a horizontal wipe out method. Referring to FIG. 15G, a predetermined image file is displayed while spreading up and down from the center in the horizontal direction of the display screen.

FIG. 15h illustrates a method of displaying an image file by a horizontal wipe in method. Referring to FIG. 15H, a predetermined image file is displayed while being stretched from the top to the center in the horizontal direction of the display screen.

15I illustrates a method of displaying an image file in a fade out & fade in method. Referring to FIG. 15I, a predetermined image file is faded out on a display screen, and then another image file is faded in and displayed.

15J illustrates a method of displaying an image file in a mosaic manner. Referring to FIG. 15J, a predetermined image file is displayed in a mosaic manner on a display screen. In addition to the above-described method, various sliding methods may be employed.

Next, a method of downloading an image file from the PC to the electronic picture frame by executing the download program according to the present invention on the PC will be described in detail.

16 is a connection diagram of the electronic picture frame 100 and the PC 200 according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, the USB interface 6 of the electronic picture frame 100 is connected to the USB port 36 provided in the PC 200 by the USB cable connector 16.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the PC 200 and the electronic picture frame 100 of FIG. 16. However, the electronic picture frame 100 displays only components necessary for explanation in the block diagram of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 17, the PC 200 may include a processor 31 such as a Pentium, a memory 33, a storage unit 34 implemented as a hard disk, a flash memory, an input device 35 such as a keyboard, a mouse, And a USB port 36. It may also be provided with an internet connection 32 for internet access.

The operating system 30 and the download program 300 are mounted in the memory 33. In particular, the operating system 200 manages the download program 300 by being loaded and executed for the first time in the memory 33. The download program 300 may be distributed through a recording medium such as a CD or provided through an Internet server to be executed in the PC 200. The download program 300 may include an interface module, a transmission module, and a deletion module.

The interface module causes the user interface screen to be displayed on the PC 100 when the download program 300 is installed and executed on the PC 200, and provides image file information or control commands to be downloaded or deleted from the user through the user interface screen. Receive input. The transmission module transmits the image file to the electronic frame 100 through the USB cable connector 16 based on the image file information received through the interface module. The deletion module deletes the image file selected for download to the electronic frame 100 from the list based on the image output date information or language information input from the user through the interface module. The search module executes a search for the image file stored in the PC 200. The search keyword input form may be provided in a user interface screen by the interface module or in a separate search window displayed by the search module.

When the download process by the download program 300 is described from the user's point of view, the user clicks the ADD button provided with the IMAGE TO SEND window provided on the user interface screen, specifies a path of an image file to be transmitted to the electronic frame 100, and then Select the image file and click the OPEN button. Thus, the selected image file is displayed in the IMAGE TO TRANSFER window. On the other hand, since the download program 300 and the electronic frame 100 support the DRAG AND DROP function, the user can drag the image file to the IMAGE TO SEND window. If you want to delete some or all of the selected image files for downloading to the electronic frame 100, select and click the image files to be deleted and press the DELETE button to delete them. When the SEND button is pressed, the selected image file is transmitted to the electronic picture frame 100.

In addition, the download program 300 is stored in the memory 3 of the electronic frame 100 to download the upgrade program to the electronic frame 100 so as to upgrade a control program (not shown) executed by the processor 1. It allows you to. The user downloads the upgrade program from the server (for example, www.jayteam.co.kr) using the PC 200 to upgrade the control program of the electronic frame 100. On the other hand, the "electronic frame upgrade" button is provided on the user interface screen displayed by the interface module. When this button is clicked, the upgrade program is downloaded to the electronic frame 100.

Specifications of the electronic picture frame implemented as an example according to the present invention are as follows.

Processor : Strong Arm Processor,

Operating System: Custom operating system in upgradable flash memory

Storage: Compact Flash or Smart Media 3.3V and 5V Smart Media are supported

File System: MS-DOS compatible

File Format: JPEG / JFIF and Exif (.JPG)

Resolution: 800 x 480 logical resolution. Larger pictures are automatically scaled to fit screen

Color Depth: 65536 colors

Serial Connection: USB

Power: DC 12V (Regulated) @ 1.8A

AC adapter: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, DC 12V

Out Dimensions: 204 x 150 x 33 mm (w / h / d)

Mass: 800g

Environment: 0-35 ° C, 32-85 ° F, 40-65% RH (non-condensing)

Accessories: USB cable for PC, digital link software CD-ROM

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an electronic picture frame which is inexpensive and easy to carry but can download an image file through a PC. In addition, since the card-type memory used in various electronic devices, such as a digital camera, can be inserted as it is and display an image file, compatibility is high. Furthermore, unlike a picture frame, which can only be seen in a single photo, it is possible to display and display various image files in various ways.

Claims (7)

A display unit for displaying an image file; A display housing surrounding the display unit; A memory in which at least one basic image file is stored; A memory interface for recording an image file in the card-type memory or reading an image file from the card-type memory; A memory slot formed on one side of the display housing to detachably mount the card type memory; And And a processor which checks whether the card-type memory is installed in the memory slot and displays the basic image file on the display unit when the card-type memory is not installed. The method of claim 1, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface; And It also includes a USB cable connector that connects to a USB port on your computer. And the image file is downloaded from the computer through the USB cable connector and the USB cable as a download program running on the computer is operated. The method of claim 1, A support portion which is landed on the ground and has a center hole formed to be gripped; And a pedestal for supporting the display housing by including a coupling unit rotatably coupling the display unit and the support unit. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The memory interface includes a smart media card interface and a compact flash card interface, The card-type memory is an electronic picture frame, characterized in that it comprises a smart media card and a compact flash card. The method of claim 1, And the processor reads a predetermined image file from the memory or the card-type memory and displays the image file on the display device. The method of claim 5, And the processor provides a preview function by reducing a plurality of image files stored in the memory or a card-type memory and simultaneously displaying them on the display unit. The method of claim 5, The processor is characterized in that the image file can be displayed by switching between the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the display screen displayed on the display unit.