Electronic Picture Frame with Thumbnail Scrolling and Multi-Memory Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic picture frames are limited in their ability to display images from diverse memory types and formats, providing a simple and ineffective user experience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic picture frame that displays multiple images in various forms, allowing users to scroll through thumbnail images and enlarge them on a second area, with the option to change scrolling direction and rate based on user commands, and support multiple memory types including SD, CF, and USB formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electronic picture frames display only a single image from a single memory, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and user engagement are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to display images from diverse memory typesVSAvoidcomplexity of supporting multiple memory formats
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic picture frame is designed to support multiple memory types (SD card, CF card, USB device, and embedded memory) through a unified interface. The control unit automatically detects the inserted memory type and manages image display across diverse storage media, making the device versatile without requiring separate specialized hardware for each memory type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between various memory types and the display unit. It receives images from different memory sources, processes them uniformly, and manages the scrolling and display operations, thereby simplifying the integration of multiple memory formats into a single coherent system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the electronic picture frame displays multiple images in diverse forms with scrolling and enlargement, then user engagement increases, but the device complexity and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface for scrolling and enlarging imagesVSAvoidcomplexity of scroll control and display management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system dynamically adjusts between different display modes (thumbnail scrolling, image enlargement, and simultaneous display) based on user input. The scroll control unit responds to user commands to change scrolling direction and rate, while the control unit dynamically selects which image to enlarge and displays it in the second area, creating an adaptive and responsive user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is divided into two distinct areas: a first area for displaying multiple thumbnail images and a second area for displaying an enlarged image. This segmentation allows users to browse thumbnails while simultaneously viewing a larger version of a selected image, enhancing ease of operation without requiring complex switching between different display modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the electronic picture frame provides simple single-image display, then the device complexity is low, but the user engagement and effectiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of image display functionVSAvoidcomplexity of diverse display modes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scroll control unit implements periodic scrolling through the thumbnail images in the first area, automatically advancing through the gallery at set intervals. This periodic action allows users to passively view images over time without continuous interaction, enhancing the effectiveness of the display function by keeping the device engaging even during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple display functions into a single unified interface: thumbnail browsing, image enlargement, scrolling control, and simultaneous display of multiple images. By combining these functions in one integrated system managed by the control unit, the device achieves high productivity and user engagement without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3863273B1Electronic picture frame and image display method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3863273B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3863273B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D
  • EP3863273B1 patent drawingFigure 2E~2G

AI summary

An electronic picture frame and an image display method thereof are provided. In the electronic picture frame, a plurality of images are arranged and displayed on one side of a screen, and among the plurality of images, an image at a particular position is enlarged and displayed. Alternatively, a screen is divided into a plurality of sub-screens, so images stored in each of a plurality of storage areas can be displayed on a respective sub-screen. Accordingly, the images stored in the plurality of storage areas can be displayed on the electronic picture frame in diverse forms.