Method and system for sharing images using a digital media frame

The present invention generally relates to the field of network data distribution. In particular, the present invention relates to sharing data within a network.

The present invention is a partial continuation application of US Patent Application No. 09 / 195,355 filed on November 18, 1998, and a partial continuation application of US Patent Application No. 09 / 405,523 filed on September 23, 1999. Is.

With the rapid development of image representation into a viable consumer electronics business, digital photographs and objects are emerging to meet the demands of image representation. Images are generally captured by a digital camera or digital scanner. A typical digital camera captures an image and stores the captured image information in digital data format. Also, conventional digital scanners scan images such as color photographic film (eg, 35 mm) and convert the scanned image information into object data.

When an image is captured and captured image data is generated, it is often difficult to display the captured image. One traditional approach is to use a personal computer (PC) to display the image. In this approach, the image data is first transferred from an image capture device such as a digital camera to the PC, and the PC displays the image according to the received image data. The problem with this approach is that standard PCs cannot process image data without additional software or hardware to reconfigure the PC.

Another commonly adopted approach is to use image processing equipment such as workstations, minicomputers, or mainframes. Like a PC, the image data must first be transferred to an image processing device, which then processes the image data and then displays the image. This approach presents a PC-like problem in which image processing equipment must be reconfigured before it can process image data. Also, image processing equipment is typically not mobile.

<p> Therefore, it is desirable to have a device such as a simple frame capable of obtaining digital images and other digital objects, displaying those digital images and objects, and sharing those digital images and objects. As can be seen, one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a portable digital media frame (DMF) that allows objects to be shared over a network.</p>

<p> The present invention provides a method of providing an image or information to a digital media frame on a communication network. The digital media frame has a display that includes a plurality of display portions for displaying independent text or graphics. The digital media frame either configures its own mode of operation or is configured so. The operation mode includes an image mode, an information mode, and a combination mode of an image and an information mode. The digital media frame receives one or more selected services. The one or more selected services include at least one of information data and images. Based on the configuration of the operating mode, when the digital media frame is in an operating state, the digital media frame provides the one or more selected services to at least one of the plurality of displays of the digital media frame. Display in the part. The digital media frame further includes a network communication device that receives one or more selected services on the network and a processing block that controls the operation mode of the digital media frame.</p><p> Other features of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.</p><p> The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a figure which shows the connection between a digital media frame ("DMF") and an external input device according to one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure which shows the block diagram of DMF according to one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure which shows the block diagram of DMF according to one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 shows a DMF having a display, a processing unit, and a user input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the data flow of DMF according to one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the data control of DMF according to one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is a figure which shows one Example of the network configuration including DMF.</figref><figref num="8">It is a figure which shows one Example of the structure of DMF.</figref><figref num="9">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the Example of the multi-mode for displaying an image.</figref><figref num="10">It is a figure which shows one Example of the multi-mechanism which accesses a DMF network service.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows one Example which receives data from various devices.</figref><figref num="12">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows one Example of the different mode about DMF.</figref><figref num="13">It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows one Example of the DMF window which executes image data.</figref><figref num="14">It is a figure which shows the example network diagram which shows an example of the service which can be used on a DMF network.</figref><figref num="15">It is a figure which shows the example network diagram which shows one Example of the DMF network and the sharing function of DMF.</figref><figref num="16">It is a figure which shows the exemplary flow diagram which shows the activation of a sharing operation.</figref><figref num="17">It is a figure which shows the exemplary flow diagram which shows the sharing operation.</figref>

Digital media frames (DMF) and methods of sharing objects displayed on DMF using a single sharing operation are disclosed. In the following description, many specific details are described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that no particular details need to be adopted in order to carry out the present invention. In other examples, known materials or methods are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention and minimal display hardware.

DMF allows the user to view at least one object with minimal user intervention. An image is referred to as a photographic image or image, a graphic image, a text image, a data image, or other form of displayable information. DMF is an image and related data (eg, audio, text, etc.) from various external input devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, computers, telephone lines, television cables, and internet servers or other types of networks. ) Can be received. Upon receiving data associated with an image, DMF generates auxiliary information associated with each image and stores the image in memory along with the auxiliary information. DMF then retrieves the data associated with the image along with the auxiliary information from memory and displays the image on the display. DMF may make the audio associated with these images playable or playable. These images are a single frame or video or animation sequence.

<p> FIG. 1 shows an example of a connection between DMF and the external input device 100. This connection includes a DMF 102, a camera 110, a personal computer (PC) 112, a cable connector 114 and an internet connector 116. The DMF 102 also has an interface unit 104 and a user input unit 105. The user input unit 105 also has a user input button 106, which is an input device. The interface unit 104 has at least one I / O ("input and output") port, a PC 112, a cable connector 114, and an internet connector 116 that can be connected to the camera 110, using connection cables 120, 122, 124, and 126, respectively. Have. The interface unit 104 can also receive and process both digital and analog image data. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more of these external input devices may be connected to a particular DMF102. It is also clear that equivalent prior art input devices can be connected as well. The digital camera may be a digital still camera or a digital video camera, and the video camera may be an analog video camera.</p><p> The camera 110 can be either a digital or video camera. In one embodiment, camera 110 can transfer captured images directly to DMF using conventional transmission media, such as wireless, cable, or interchangeable media. In another embodiment, the camera 110 first transfers the data associated with the captured image to the computer 112, and the computer 112 subsequently transfers the captured image to the DMF 102. The advantage of using computer 112 as a transfer station between camera 110 and DMF102 is that it performs some functions that DMF102 cannot perform, such as data conversion.</p><p> The computer 112, which may be a PC, workstation, minicomputer or mainframe computer or processor-based system, receives image data from other devices such as a scanner, internet server or camera 110. In receiving the image and related data, the computer 112 may perform some functions before the computer 112 sends the image and related data to the DMF 102. Its features may include, for example, reordering the sequence of images displayed, converting one format of image data format to another format of image data format, editing video, adding audio annotations, and so on. Cable connector 114 includes television and telephone lines. The 20 lines may be light, metal or cordless media. In one embodiment, the interface unit 104 can receive images and related data directly from the cable connector 114. In another embodiment, the interface unit 104 receives images and related data from a transfer station such as computer 112, where cable 114 is connected to computer 112.</p><p> The internet connector 116 is another external input device 100 that allows the DMF 102 to receive images and related data directly from the internet node. In one embodiment, the DMF102 is configured to communicate over the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and interface with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP). It should be noted that the connecting cables 120, 122, 124 and 126 can use conventional optical, electrical or wireless data communication technology.</p><p> FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of DMF102. Block 202 represents an external input device 100, which includes digital and video cameras, scanners, computers, and internet servers. Digital and video cameras include digital video cameras, digital still cameras, analog video cameras and the like. When the image data is captured, the external input device transfers the captured image data to the interface block 204. Block 204 represents the interface unit of DMF102, where the interface unit 104 receives image data from block 202. After receiving the image data, the interface unit checks the format or data format of the protocol used to transfer the image data and further determines if conversion is required. If the DMF is unable to identify and process the originally received data format for the image or image sequence data, conversion to the original DMF data format is required. Once the image or image sequence data format is properly identified, the image and associated data are sent from block 204 to block 206 for processing.</p><p> Block 206 represents a processor or microcontroller, which is the processing unit for DMF102. Block 206 determines where the image and associated data are stored and which sequence of the image should be displayed. Block 206 also generates auxiliary information for each image, which includes color assignment, date and time data of the generated and received image, internet address, image orientation, and the like. Color assignment maps the color distribution of an image from the available color grids according to the color distribution of the image data. The date and time of the generated and received image data indicates the date and time when each image or image sequence was generated and the date and time when each image or image sequence was received by DMF102. The internet address indicates which internet node was used to send the image and related data to the DMF102. In one embodiment, the internet address links to images and other websites related to image sequences. For example, if the image describes the child, the linked website describes the child's family. The audio information includes both the original sound that came with the image data and the edited sound that was generated by the user. Further, the block 206 also receives a control signal from the block 214.</p><p> Block 214 represents a user input unit. In one embodiment, block 214 gives the user some control over how the image should be displayed. Block 214 may be a conventional input device, such as a push button, a screen input device, a remote control input device, or a sound activated input device (including a voice recognition input-output device). The output of block 214 is a control signal from the user indicating how the image should be displayed and is sent to block 206 where block 206 displays the output of block 214 as to how the image should be displayed. Use as input to determine. Block 206 also receives input from block 208.</p><p> Block 208 represents a memory block (or a set of memory blocks), which may be, for example, the following dynamic random access memory ("DRAM"), static random access memory ("SRAM"), read-only memory ("". It may include one or more of ROM "), non-volatile memory, removable non-volatile memory (eg, flash card, etc.), magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape storage, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. In one embodiment, block 206 controls access to block 208. Block 208 also receives data from other blocks, such as block 204 and block 210.</p><p> After block 206, the image and associated data are transferred from block 206 to block 210, where the image and associated data display are prepared. Block 210 represents a display controller. In one embodiment, the block 210 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), an organic luminescent display (OLED), a luminescent polymer (LEP) display, a plasma display, or Various types of display devices, such as silicon-based displays, can be controlled. Block 210 processes the image data by converting the image data display code into a format compatible with the particular display hardware. The block 210 may have a memory for storing the display code. After conversion, block 210 transfers the display code to block 212 along with the display control.</p><p> Block 212 represents a display device, which may be an LCD, CRT, or OLED, LIP display, plasma display, or silicon-based display or image projector. After receiving the display code, block 212 displays the image. It should be noted that blocks 210 and 212 may receive input signals from other blocks, such as block 214, which has a direct input signal to block 210.</p><p> In addition, there is a power block (not shown) that has both AC and DC power supplies. In one embodiment, a DC battery backup power supply is used to prevent memory loss due to AC power disconnection.</p><p> FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the DMF structure 300, which includes an image input block 301, an image processing block 310, and an image display block 340. The image input block 301 captures the image and related data, and transfers the captured image data to the image processing block 310. The image processing block 310 identifies the format of the image data and stores the identified image data. The image processing block 310 further attaches auxiliary information to each image and transfers the image data to the image display block 340. The image display block 340 displays an image according to the received image data.</p><p> The image input block 301 has an analog input unit 302 and a digital input unit 304. The analog input unit 302 is an analog input device such as a video camera, and can generate analog image data according to the captured image. When the analog image data is generated, the analog input unit 302 transfers the analog image data to the image processing block 310. The digital input unit 304 is a digital input device such as a digital camera and can generate object data according to the captured analog image. After the object data is properly generated, the digital input unit 304 transfers the object data to the image processing block 310.</p><p> The image processing block 310 includes an analog module 312, a digital module 314, a processing block 320, a user input unit 322, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 330, a partially volatile memory unit 332, and a read-only memory (ROM) 334. And has an internal bus 318. The analog module 312 has an analog receiver circuit and a synchronization circuit. The analog receiver circuit receives analog image data from the image input block 301. After receiving the analog image data, the synchronization circuit performs an analog-to-digital conversion and subsequently synchronizes the converted image data to generate the image data. After the data is received and synchronized, the analog module 312 drives the object data onto the internal bus 318.</p><p> In one embodiment, the digital module 314 has a digital receiver circuit and a conversion circuit (not shown). In one embodiment, the digital receiver circuit receives digital image data from the image input block 301. For example, digital image data may be supplied by a flash card inserted through an interface (not shown) within the image input block 301. Upon receiving the object data, the conversion circuit determines whether the image data needs to be converted. If the data format of the input image data is a different data format, conversion is required. A heterogeneous data format is a data format or protocol in a format that DMF cannot execute. In one embodiment, DMF has a plurality of original data formats and is also capable of recognizing a plurality of heterogeneous data formats. Therefore, the heterogeneous data format of the image data must be converted to the original data format before the image data is executed for display. After the image data has been properly received and transformed, the digital module 314 drives the object data onto the internal bus 318.</p><p> The internal bus 318 connects the processing unit 320, the DRAM 330, the non-volatile memory 332, the ROM 334, the analog module 312, and the digital module 314. In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 is used to control the internal bus 318, such as during bus use and issuing a bus permit signal. It should be noted that other forms of bus connection and bus control are also possible.</p><p> In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 connects the internal bus 318, the user input unit 322, the DRAM 330, the non-volatile memory 332, and the ROM 334. The processing unit 320 performs functions including image size scaling, color space conversion, image filtering, image decoding, image data compression / decompression, and the like. In another embodiment, the processor in the processing unit 320 is configured to determine the sequence of images to be displayed. The processor also controls variable time intervals between images or time transition formats. The interval transition time indicates the time interval between the current image and the next image to be displayed. Image transition is a mechanism that hides the current image while gradually moving to the next image. In one embodiment, the image transition moves the current image and the next image in one direction so that the current image moves out and the next image moves in.</p><p> In another embodiment, the processing unit 320 maps the colors of the image from the available color grid according to the color attributes of the image data. The processing unit 320 further generates auxiliary information for each image, which includes color assignment, date and time of generated and received image data, internet address, audio information, image orientation, and the like. But it may be.</p><p> Further, in another embodiment, the processing unit 320 can receive a predetermined sequence of images to be displayed from an external input device 100 such as a computer. Further, the sequence of images to be displayed can be modified by a control signal from the user, such as a pause signal from the user input unit 322. The processing unit 320 also manages a low power management circuit to save power consumption on AC power disconnection.</p><p> The processing unit 320 is further configured to control memory access. The memory device includes DRAM 330, non-volatile memory 332, ROM 334, magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape storage, and the like. In one embodiment, the non-volatile memory 332 is a flash memory and is used to prevent memory loss due to power loss. The processing unit 320 controls the memory by using the control bus 336 which carries various control signals. In another embodiment, the processing unit 320 uses an internal bus 318 to issue control signals, such as bus permission and bus in-use signals, to control memory access.</p><p> In one embodiment, the sequence of images to be displayed is a function of where the image data should be stored in memory. In this embodiment, the image display block 340 fetches the next image data from a predetermined physical memory location. In another embodiment, the sequence of images to be displayed can be reordered by the processing unit 320. In yet another embodiment, the sequence can be further modified by the user using the user input unit 322.</p><p> In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 controls the internal bus 318 and the control bus 336. While control bus 336 is used for control signals, internal bus 318 is used for data. It should be noted that the internal bus 318 and the control bus 336 can be combined into one signal bus. In another embodiment, the internal bus 318 has a bus controller that controls bus access.</p><p> The user input unit 322 is an input device such as a push button switch, a touch screen input device, a remote control device, or a voice activation input device (speech recognition input-output device). In one embodiment, the user input unit 322 provides the user with display controls such as fast forward, rewind, and pause functions. The fast forward feature allows the user to see the next image, and the rewind feature allows the user to see the previous image.</p><p> When the image data is properly identified and ordered, the processing unit 320 drives the image data along with auxiliary information onto the internal bus 318. In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 uses a private bus (not shown) between the processing unit 320 and the display controller 342 to transfer image data. Upon receiving the image data, the image display block 340 prepares to display the image in response to the image data and auxiliary information.</p><p> The image display block 340 includes a display unit 350, a display controller 342, and a memory buffer 344. In one embodiment, the display unit 350 is an LCD. In another embodiment, the display unit 350 is a CRT. In yet another embodiment, the display unit 350 is a silicon-based display. After receiving the image and related data, the display controller 342 generates an image display code in response to the image data and auxiliary information. The display unit 350 subsequently receives a display code for the image from the display controller 342 and displays the image. In one embodiment, the display controller 342 stores a set of display codes in the memory buffer 344. In one embodiment, the display controller 342 stores a set of display codes in the non-volatile memory 332 or DRAM 330.</p><p> It should be noted that the display controller 342 can be integrated in the display unit 350 or in the processing unit 320. Further, the image processing block 310 and the image display block 340 may also be integrated in a single integrated circuit (IC).</p><p> With reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment is shown in DMF400. The DMF400 has a display 402, a user input device 410, and a processing unit 406. The display 402 displays an image according to the received image data. The processing unit 406 executes the above-mentioned image processing function. The user input device 410 is an input device that allows the user to change the currently displayed image and related data.</p><p> The user input device 410 has a return button 420, a pause button 422, and a feed button 424. The return button 420 allows the user to view previously displayed images, while the forward button 424 allows the user to view the next sequential image. The pause button 422 freezes the currently displayed image until a release command is issued upon subsequent activation of the pause button 422. In another embodiment, the user input device 410 does not include the pause button 422 and the image is displayed for a predetermined time period set by the user before the next image is displayed. This predetermined time period can be set in DMF or a network server.</p><p> In one embodiment, the user input device 410 may include a button confirming the selection, for example, an "ok" button. It should be noted that the input device may include other logic that performs similar functions as provided by the buttons described above, without leaving the scope of the invention. For example, a toggle switch may be used instead of the button.</p><p> In another embodiment, the user input device 410 may be integrated with the display 402 and the input is made through a conventional touch screen input device. In yet another embodiment, the input can be made through a conventional voice activated input device, such as a voice recognition input / output device. In yet another embodiment, the input is made from a computer using a conventional port connection.</p><p> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the data flow in the DMF400. The image display process starts at block 501. The process proceeds to block 502, where the interface unit of the DMF400 receives the image data. Image data is captured by an image capture device, such as a digital or video camera. Upon receiving the image data, the interface unit 301 confirms whether the image data is in the digital data format or the analog data format. If the image data is in analog data format, the interface unit converts the analog data format to digital data format. If the image data is in digital data format, analog to digital conversion ("A / D") is not required.</p><p> After block 502, processing proceeds to block 504, where the image data is accumulated in a predetermined or specially ordered sequence of images. Before moving on to the next block, the process determines if a conversion is required. Conversion is required if the DMF400 identifies that the data format of the image data is a heterogeneous data format. Therefore, the heterogeneous data format must be converted to the original data format of DMF before the image data can be further processed. After the image data has been properly accumulated and converted, the process proceeds to the next block.</p><p> The process proceeds from block 504 to block 506, where images and related data are stored in memory. In one embodiment, the location of the accumulated image data determines the sequence of images displayed. After block 506, processing proceeds to block 508, where the image data is transformed to display the code. In one embodiment, block 508 determines the interval transition time and various forms of image transition. The interval transition time indicates the time interval between the current image and the next image to be displayed. Image transition is a mechanism that hides the current image while gradually moving to the next image. In one embodiment, the image transition moves the current image and the next image in one direction so that the current image moves out and the next image moves in. In another embodiment, the image transition fades out the current image while fading in the next image. After block 508, processing proceeds to block 510, where the image data is displayed according to the image data and auxiliary information. The process ends at block 512.</p><p> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a controlled data flow of the DMF600. The image display process begins at block 602. The process proceeds from block 602 to block 604, where the interface unit of DMF receives image data which may be captured by an image capture device, such as a digital or video camera. Upon receiving the image data, the process proceeds to block 606, where the process identifies whether the image data is in analog or digital data format. If the image data is in analog format, processing proceeds from block 606 to block 608. At block 608, the process converts the analog data format to the digital data format. After the conversion, the process proceeds from block 608 to block 614, where image data is accumulated.</p><p> If the image data is not in analog format, this indicates that the image data is in digital format and processing proceeds from block 606 to block 610. At block 610, processing checks to see if the object data needs to be converted to a DMF-recognizable digital data format. If the digital data format of the image data is recognizable, processing proceeds from block 610 to block 614.</p><p> If the image data is in a heterogeneous data format, processing proceeds from block 610 to block 612, where the conversion is performed. For example, when the original data format is JPEG and the image data is a foreign data format (for example, GIF, TIFF, BMP, PICT, PCX, etc.), the conversion from the foreign data format to JPEG is executed. To. In block 612, the heterogeneous data format of the input image data is converted to the original data format of DMF. In one embodiment, DMF has several original formats, which reduces the frequency of conversion. In other embodiments, DMF is capable of identifying multiple heterogeneous data formats. After conversion, the process proceeds from block 612 to block 614, where images and related data are accumulated.</p><p> In one embodiment, the image and associated data are stored in a non-volatile memory device, such as a flash memory, to prevent memory loss due to power disconnection. In another embodiment, a portable battery power source is used to prevent memory loss due to power disconnection. In yet another embodiment, the image and associated data are stored in a magnetic storage medium, such as, for example, magnetic disk storage or magnetic tape storage, in order to prevent memory loss. After block 614, processing moves to block 618, where auxiliary data is attached to each image.</p><p> At block 618, the process aligns the images and attaches auxiliary information to each image. In one embodiment, the alignment of the images can be continuous according to the order of the memory locations where the image data is stored. In other embodiments, the alignment of the images is predetermined. Auxiliary information includes, for example, information such as color assignment, date and time of the image generated, internet address information, audio, image orientation, location of the online version of the image, and the like.</p><p> After attaching the auxiliary information, the process proceeds from block 618 to block 616, where the image data is stored in the memory buffer together with the auxiliary information. A memory buffer is a small and fast memory device that provides fast memory access for displaying images and related data. In one embodiment, the memory buffer is a non-volatile memory device to prevent memory loss due to power disconnection. In another embodiment, the memory buffer is a standard random access memory with a backup portable power supply to prevent memory loss. After block 616, processing moves to block 620, where the output from the memory buffer can be selected for display.</p><p> At block 620, processing further receives signals from blocks 624 and 622. Block 624 contains an input control signal from the user, while block 622 contains image data for the last displayed image. At block 624, the process receives user input indicating that it wants to pause the current image. In other embodiments, the user input is used as one of many combinatory logic inputs for selecting the next image.</p><p> When the image data is selected, the process proceeds from block 620 to block 630, where the image is displayed. When the current image is displayed, the process proceeds from block 630 to block 622, where the current image is accumulated. In one embodiment, block 622 stores image data for only one image, which is the last displayed image. In another embodiment, block 622 stores image data for recently displayed image sets.</p><p> In one embodiment, DMF has an image mode and an information mode. The DMF image mode displays a predetermined sequence of images, graphics and related data, and the DMF information mode displays information or sets of data such as news, financial data, advertisements, etc. .. A third mode of combination of image and information modes is formed, with DMF dedicating part of the screen to displaying images, while other parts of the screen are assigned to displaying information. It should be noted that other forms of display modes may exist, but they are not important to the understanding of the present invention.</p><p> As mentioned above, DMF can transmit and receive information via a network such as the Internet. Information in various categories available on the Internet is also available in DMF. Thus, in one embodiment, DMF can display information in several categories when in information mode. For example, such categories can include news, sports, entertainment, financial data, and so on. However, in order to display multi-category information in information mode, DMF must be configured or configured to handle multiple sets of information. In one embodiment, the information mode of DMF is set through the DMF server, as described in detail below.</p><p> FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the network configuration 700. Configuration 700 includes DMF701, PC712, PC708, DMF714, entity 716, DMF server 720, and Internet 718. Various conventional connecting cables, such as cable 730-738, are used to provide device communication over the Internet 718. For example, cable 730 is a telephone line. The DMF701 also has a display 702, a base 704 and a network communication device 710. The display 702 and the base 704 are connected using a connecting device 703. In one embodiment, the connecting device 703 is a cable. In another embodiment, the connecting device 703 is a conventional cordless connecting device. In addition, the base 704 has an interface circuit 706, which is used to receive information and transmit information to other devices.</p><p> The network communication device 710 is a modem or a cordless modem such as a cellular modem. In one embodiment, the network communication device 710 is a one-way communication device, such as, for example, some form of paging communication device. In another embodiment, the network communication device 710 is a two-way communication device, which can facilitate interactive communication between the devices. In one embodiment, DMF701 uses a cellular modem that communicates with PC712, DMF714 and entity 716 or DMF server 720.</p><p> The PC712 is, for example, a personal computer and can communicate with the DMF701 via the Internet 718. The DMF714 is another digital media frame that can communicate directly with the DMF701 via the Internet 718. For example, the DMF714 may use the Internet 718 as a network transmission means for sending a set of images to the DMF701. Further, the entity 716 may be a group or group of devices, which may include multiple DMFs and PCs. In an embodiment, DMF 701 includes child access any device connected to the network can be a.</p><p> The DMF server 720 is a network server that provides DMF network services to DMF devices connected to the network. In one embodiment, the DMF server has a system 722 and a user profile database 724. DMF network services provide user and data services that can be used to configure DMF. In one embodiment, the DMF network service supplies a DMF web page. The use of DMF web pages allows users to select or customize the services received by DMF from DMF network services. In this embodiment, the DMF web page lists images in multiple categories that the user can subscribe to. Alternatively, the DMF web page may list a number of commercially available content categories, and the user can select the listed content for viewing on DMF. Commercially available content can be retrieved from commercial websites that provide information such as stock market news, sports news and weather forecasts. When the user completes the selection, the DMF network service generates a user profile and stores the selected category within the user profile. The user profile can later be used as the default setting for the corresponding DMF.</p><p> In one embodiment, the DMF network service is responsible for maintaining the user profile database 724. In this embodiment, the user profile database 724 resides in the DMF server 720. It should be noted that the user profile database 724 can be located on other network servers as long as the DMF network service can access the network server through the network. The user profile database 724 can be modified using either DMF710, PC712, or any other device that has direct access to the DMF server website. The user can also verbally call the DMF network service provider to tell the DMF network service, which represents the new user DMF settings. A more detailed description of accessing the DMF network service will be given later.</p><p> Other methods of setting DMF are also possible. For example, DMF701 can be set by PC708 or PC712. The DMF701 may also include configuration software that allows the DMF701 to configure itself. It should be noted that other methods of configuring the DMF701 are possible, but they are not necessary to understand the present invention.</p><p> FIG. 8 shows an example of DMF structure 800. The DMF802 has an information mode 804 and an image mode 850. Information mode 804 displays information data such as stock trading news. Image mode 850 displays a sequence of images and associated data previously received and stored in memory.</p><p> The information mode 804 further has a graphic representation portion 806 and a text representation portion 808. The graphic representation portion 806 displays an image, while the text representation portion 808 displays text or characters. The graphic representation portion 806 is further divided into a photo portion 810 and a video portion 812. Photograph part 810 contains a still image, and video part 812 contains a moving image. The photo portion 810 can be further divided into a private block 814 and a public block 816. Private block 814 refers to, for example, individual photographs for which an individual produces a photograph for personal use. The graphic representation portion 806 may include an audio portion 805 including an audio clip. For example, the audio clip may include sound or audio annotations about the photo contained in the photo portion 810.</p><p> The video block 812 can also be divided into a news part 818 and an advertising part 820. The news part 818 refers to a video, such as a part of a videotape from a news reporter. Advertising portion 820 refers to marketing, which may be an interactive commercial advertisement.</p><p> The text representation portion 808 has an advertising portion 822 and an information portion 830. Advertising part 822 refers to commercial marketing and information part 830 provides useful information such as weather and stock trading news. The advertising portion 822 is further divided into a standard portion 824 and an interactive portion 826. Standard part 824 refers to a commercial message that uses words or text. Interactive Part 826 refers to commercial messages that use text interactively, such as online purchases.</p><p> The information portion 830 further includes a stock portion 832, a news portion 834, and a shopping portion 836. In one embodiment, the stock portion 832 uses text to refer to stock trading news, and the shopping portion 836 uses textual representation to refer to online shopping. The news portion 834 is further divided into a weather channel 838 and a news summary channel or headline news 840. Weather channel 838 uses text to reference the weather forecast, while news summary channel 840 summarizes the news. It should be understood that any portion of the information frame 804 and the image frame 850 can also be superposed to produce a frame that appears as a combination of information and images. For example, the image frame 850 may have a text representation portion 851 and an audio representation portion 852, which may be the same as the audio representation portion 805. As another example, the information portion 830 may include an image or photographic portion, which may be the same as the photographic portion 810. It should be noted that other categories or parts are possible, but they are not necessary for the understanding of the present invention.</p><p> FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 showing an example of a multi-mode for displaying an image. Block 902 shows the steps to set the display sequence to data mode. At block 904, the process determines if the image signal is activated. When the image signal is activated, it indicates that the image mode is set, and the image mode is set in block 906. At block 908, the process displays an image according to the display mode. After block 908, the process ends.</p><p> FIG. 10 shows an example of a mechanism 1000 showing a plurality of mechanisms for accessing a DMF network. The mechanism 1000 has a PC1050, a DMF1052, a telephone 1054, a server 1062, and a DMF network server (DNS) 1059, and all the devices are connected to each other via the network 1056. The network 1056 may be the Internet or other network structure. DNS1059 supports DMF network service 1058, which provides data execution. In one embodiment, DM1 network service 1058 includes a user profile database, which may be physically located on DNS 1059, server 1060, or server 1062. To access the user profile, the user uses the PC1050, DMF1052, or telephone 1054 to access the user profile through the DMF network service 1058.</p><p> In one embodiment, the user uses the telephone 1054 to start the DMF network service 1058. Once the DMF network service 1058 is started, it allows users to use services such as reconfiguring DMF. For example, when the DMF1052 needs to be reconfigured, the DMF network service 1058 will serve the DMF webpage and allow the user to select an option from the DMF webpage to configure the DMF1052. To do. Note that communication between DMF1052 and DMF network service 1058 is performed as network 1056.</p><p> In another embodiment, from DMF1052, a request to DMF network service 1058 can be initiated via a direct connection. A direct connection is a cable or modem directly connected between DNS 1059 and DMF 1052. Network 1056 is an alternative connection between DNS 1059 and DMF 1052.</p><p> PC1050 can also be used to request DMF network service 1058 for DMF1052. In one embodiment, DMF network service 1058 services DMF1052 directly after receiving the request. In another embodiment, the DMF network service 1058 serves the DMF1052 through PC1050. It should be noted that other methods required for DMF network service 1058 are possible, but they are not necessary for the understanding of the present invention.</p><p> FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 showing an embodiment of receiving data from various devices. The process starts at the start block and proceeds to block 1002, where the process receives the data. At block 1004, the process checks to see if the data came from the camera. If block 1004 is false, processing proceeds to block 1008. However, if block 1004 is true, this indicates that the data was sent from the camera, and processing is at block 1006, using the camera interface program to receive the data. The camera interface program, without limitation, involves identifying the format of the protocol used to send the code from the camera and, if necessary, translating the code into the original language.</p><p> In block 1008, the process checks to see if the data came from the PC. If block 1008 is false, processing moves to block 1012. On the other hand, if block 1008 is true, this indicates that the data was sent from the PC, processing moves from block 1008 to block 1010, where the data is received. At block 1012, the process checks to see if the data came from the internet connector. If block 1012 is false, the process loops to the end block, where the process ends.</p><p> However, if block 1012 is true, this indicates that the data came from the internet connector, processing proceeds to block 1014, where processing tests whether the communication is two-way communication. .. In the case of two-way communication, interactive communication is possible. If block 1014 is false, this indicates that the communication is one-way, processing moves to block 1018, where the DMF one-way procedure is read to receive the data. For example, some forms of paging communication mechanisms are one-way communication devices, and interactive communication is not allowed. After block 1018, the process moves to the end block, where the process ends.</p><p> On the other hand, if block 1014 is true, this indicates that the communication is two-way or one-way or more communication, processing moves to block 1016, where the DMF two-way interactive program handles the data. Call for. After block 1016, the process moves to the end block, where the process ends.</p><p> FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 showing examples of different modes for DMF. The flowchart 1200 shows a registration mode, a menu change mode, and an execution mode. The process begins at the start block and proceeds to block 1202 to test if it is in registration mode. If block 1202 is true, this indicates that it is in registration mode, processing proceeds from block 1202 to block 1204, where processing generates a user profile. After block 1204, the process moves to block 1206, where the process sets the menu and stores the menu in the corresponding user profile. Processing ends after block 1206.</p><p> If block 1202 is false, this indicates that it is not in registration mode and processing moves from block 1202 to block 1208. At block 1208, the process checks for menu change mode. DMF includes a menu, which is used to configure DMF when displaying information under information mode. If block 1208 is true, this indicates a menu change mode, processing proceeds to block 1210, where the menu is updated.</p><p> If block 1208 is false, processing proceeds to block 1212 and checks for run mode. While in run mode, DMF pulls a menu from the corresponding user profile and sets the display screen according to the menu. If block 1212 is true, this indicates run mode and processing proceeds to block 1214. At block 1214, the process retrieves the menu from the corresponding user profile. At block 1216, the information mode of DMF is set according to the menu. After block 1216, the process ends. If block 1212 is false, the process moves to the end block, where the process ends. It should be noted that Flowchart 1200 may include more than one mode.</p><p> FIG. 13 is a flowchart 1300 showing an example of a DMF window for data execution. In one embodiment, the DMF network service 1058 employs a DMF window to manage the user profile database. Processing starts at the start block and proceeds to block 1302. At block 1302, the process starts a DMF window. In block 1304, the DMF window arranges a portion of the screen identified as DMF storage and uses an icon or thumbnail to list the image files stored in DMF under DMF storage. Thumbnails are reduced pictures that represent images. In block 1306, the DMF window further arranges a second part of the screen identified as overall storage, where various image files are listed using icons or thumbnails. In one embodiment, the image files listed under global storage are available for DMF.</p><p> In block 1308, the DMF window allows the user to add an image to DMF by moving the corresponding icon or thumbnail from the overall storage (part of the screen) to the DMF storage (other part of the screen). Make it possible. For example, the user can click the icon and drag the icon from the portion of the screen recognized as overall storage to the portion of the screen recognized as DMF storage. In block 1310, the DMF window allows the user to remove an image from DMF by removing the corresponding icon or thumbnail from the DMF storage. For example, the user can click on a thumbnail that represents the image to be deleted and drag the thumbnail into the Recycle Bin.</p><p> FIG. 14 is an exemplary network diagram showing an embodiment of a service that can be used on the DMF network. In one embodiment, DMF1440, 1445, 1450 or 1455 can access DMF network 1435 by dial-up connection by connecting DMF to a telephone line. The DMF network 1435 may be a private, proprietary network with its own network equipment. DMF network 1435 may allow connections from the Internet. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other network equipment, such as wireless networks and cellular networks, may also be used to allow DMF to connect to DMF networks without leaving the scope of the invention. is there. As mentioned above, DMF1455 can operate independently without being connected to DMF network 1435.</p><p> In one embodiment, the DMF network 1435 connects to the connected DMFs 1440, 1445 and 1450 with various online services such as, for example, online photo 1405, stock quote 1410, weather information 1415, news 1420, entertainment 1425, etc. And supply information from content providers. The information may have one or more objects, such as images, video, audio, text, and the like.</p><p> In another embodiment, the format of the information received from the plurality of content providers is converted to the original formats of DMF1440, 1445, 1450, and 1455. In another embodiment, the DMF network server 1430 needs to reorganize the information received from content providers and online services so that the information can be displayed on DMF1440, 1445, 1450, and 1455. .. To receive information, DMF owners may customize their user profiles to subscribe to these services. In one embodiment, the DMF owner may make a purchase request for a product related to the information received by DMF. For example, the information displayed on DMF may be a list of objects related to the online catalog, and the DMF owner may select one or more of them using the control buttons on DMF. You may purchase the object. In one embodiment, the DMF network may enable a special promotional code that encourages the DMF owner to make a purchase. The DMF owner may make the same purchase using a PC (not shown) connected to the DMF network. For example, the DMF owner may sign on to the DMF network using the only user or member identifier associated with the account in the DMF network.</p><p> Each DMF is uniquely identified within the DMF network. The DMF may be assigned a unique identifier when the DMF is manufactured. For example, the only identifier may be a string of 10 binary digits stored in the ROM chip in DMF and is known to the DMF network, or the only identifier may be the DMF serial number and the DMF's. Identified to the DMF network by the owner. This allows the DMF to be self-authenticated when communicating with the DMF network server. The unique identifier for each DMF is associated with the unique account in the DMF network. For example, when a new account is set up in the DMF network for a new member who owns DMF, the DMF serial number is specified. This allows the DMF to be registered with the DMF network and the DMF network to be aware that this particular member also owns a DMF with a particular serial number. Not all members of the DMF network own DMF, but each member of the DMF network is assigned to a unique account. Each account may be assigned to an inbox that receives objects sent by other members. Each account may be assigned to a storage space that stores objects.</p><p> In one embodiment, when DMF is registered with the DMF network, the DMF owner needs to provide the credit card information stored with the account. If the credit card information has already been provided, the DMF owner does not need to provide the credit card information each time a purchase request is made. This helps prevent the credit card information from being intercepted when it is transferred across the DMF network.</p><p> The information displayed on the DMF can be personalized to reflect what the DMF owner prefers to receive from the DMF network. FIG. 15 is an exemplary network diagram showing a DMF network. Each DMF1505, 1510, 1520, 1525 or 1530 is associated with an account. Each account contains a user profile stored in the user profile database 1540. A user profile contains specific information in a specific DMF. The user profile may include control data or filters that select the information that the DMF network sends to DMF1505, 1510, 1520, 1525, and 1530. The user profile can be updated by signing on to the DMF Network Services website using a computer (PC) 1545. The DMF Network Services website is managed by the DMF Network Server 1535, which accesses the user profile database 1540.</p><p> In one embodiment, the user profile may include multiple shared groups or shared lists. Each shared list may contain one or more aliases associated with potential recipients with whom members want to share information. Any member of the DMF network can have a shared list regardless of whether the member owns DMF. For example, a user profile associated with DMF1505 has three shared lists, each of which contains an entry that references a recipient. Each of the entries in the shared list may be an identifier (eg, another name) for a member of the DMF network, the email address of a recipient who is not a member of the DMF network, or the address of a recipient who does not have an email address. For example, the third shared list for DMF1505 contains an entry for PC1545 to indicate the email address for the recipient. Other expressions of the recipient can also be used. Each shared list may be associated with a shared list alias, and the shared list alias is sent to DMF during the synchronization operation between the DMF network and DMF.</p><p> In one embodiment, DMF is configured to be synchronized with the DMF network on a periodic basis. For example, a synchronization occurs whenever at least 4 hours have passed since the previous synchronization. This is because DMF can operate independently without having to be connected to DMF network at any time, and DMF will not be connected to DMF network for a long time. In another embodiment, the DMF can be synchronized with the DMF network whenever the DMF is connected to the DMF network or when directed by the DMF owner.</p><p> When a synchronization operation occurs, the DMF sends (eg, uploads) to the DMF network all the objects loaded into the DMF from the external device from the previous synchronization. These objects are then stored in the storage space allocated to the account associated with DMF. The DMF network then sends (eg, downloads) objects to DMF that are stored in the same storage space but not sent to DMF. These may include objects sent to the account by other members of DMF after the last synchronization. This process of synchronization may occur first with the DMF upload or first with the DMF download. Both the account and storage space associated with DMF are viewed as online virtual image frames, and processing synchronization allows DMF and its corresponding online virtual image frames to have the same object.</p><p> The shared list may be generated or edited using PC1545 by updating the user profile. The shared list may be generated over the phone by calling an authorized customer service agent with a DMF network. The customer service agent can then update the user profile of the calling member. In one embodiment, the member may select one of the shared lists as the default shared list. The DMF network then uses the default sharing list when members want to share the objects displayed on DMF. For example, members may share the object currently displayed on DMF by activating the sharing feature using a single action. The currently displayed object is automatically shared or delivered to recipients in the default shared list.</p><p> In another embodiment, the user needs to select one or more shared lists from the valid shared lists. FIG. 16 is an exemplary flow diagram showing activation of the sharing operation. At block 1605, the member indicates that a shared operation will be performed on DMF. This can be done, for example, by pressing a share button or by a user input mechanism that activates the shared logic in DMF. In block 1610, DMF displays the available objects in DMF. This object may be displayed as a thumbnail image on the selected screen. This allows members (eg, DMF owners) to select one or more objects to be shared. Selected objects are displayed with indicators, such as checkmarks or thick boundaries, to distinguish them from other unselected objects. When the member completes the selection, DMF displays the list of available shares previously generated by the member. In block 1615, the member may select a plurality of shared lists, in which case the recipients in the plurality of shared lists receive the selected objects. In block 1620, the DMF network sends a copy of the selected object to each recipient identified in the selected shared list.</p><p> FIG. 17 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of an operation performed within block 1620 of FIG. When the DMF network receives a shared signal from DMF, the DMF network server determines if there are already shared objects in the network, as shown in block 1705. For example, a network server searches for an object in the storage space associated with the DMF owner's account in the DMF network. The object is found in storage space because it was sent by DMF during one of the previous sync operations. The object is found in storage space because it was sent to the DMF owner by another member of the DMF network. When an object is found in storage space, the flow proceeds to block 1725, and the object is delivered to one or more recipients. However, when the object is not found in the storage space, the DMF network requires the DMF to send the object from the DMF, as shown in block 1710. This happens when the object is transferred from the external device to DMF after the last synchronization. In block 1715, the DMF sends the object to the DMF network, where the object is stored in the storage space associated with the DMF owner's account, as shown in block 1720. At block 1725, the object is sent to the recipient.</p><p> DMF owners can share objects on DMF with any member of the DMF network, including DMF owners and non-DMF owners. The DMF owner can also share the object with any non-member of the DMF network, for example, a member of the Zing network at www.Zing.com. Similarly, a non-DMF owner who is a member of a DMF network can share objects in the associated storage space (eg, virtual frames) with any DMF owner and non-DMF owner, including non-members of the DMF network. This capability allows all potential DMF owners to join the DMF network and take advantage of DMF network services before acquiring DMF. PC1545 in FIG. 15 may be used by DMF owners and non-DMF owners to manage objects in online virtual image frames from a network browser. When a non-DMF owner obtains DMF, the DMF serial number or DMF's only identifier is registered in the DMF network through the non-DMF owner's current account.</p><p> In one embodiment, when the entry in the shared list is an address (eg, a non-member address), the object is in the proper format, using traditional postal methods, such as the US Post Office. Sent to the recipient. For example, if the shared object is an image, a postcard is sent to the recipient. If the entry in the shared list is an email address (eg, a non-member email address), a copy of the object is sent to the recipient using the email address. Instead, a link to the DMF network is sent to the recipient using the email address. The recipient then accesses the object by selecting the link. For example, when the network is the Internet, a uniform resource locator (URL) for the object is sent to the recipient. When the entry in the shared list is the identifier of a member in the DMF network, the object is sent to the recipient's inbox.</p><p> Referring to FIG. 4, the user input device 410 of DMF 400 may also include a logic or mechanism that allows the DMF owner to activate the shared function. The logic or mechanism that executes the sharing function may be, for example, a button, a toggle switch, or the like. Activating this shared functional logic allows DMF owners to share objects with DMF and non-DMF members.</p><p> In the above detailed description, the methods and devices of the present invention have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it is clear that various modifications and modifications can be made to it without departing from the broad intent and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are therefore considered descriptive rather than restrictive.</p>

100 external input device 104 interface unit 105 Input section 106 buttons 110 camera 112 Computer 114 cable 114 cable connector 116 Internet connector 120 cable 402 display 406 units 410 input device 420 button 422 Pose button 424 button 1054 phone 1056 network 1058 DMF network service 1060 server 1062 server