Stored value digital picture frame

Abstract

The present invention is a stored value digital picture (or digital image) frame, and a method for sensing a stored value digital picture frame. It integrates the functionality of a stored value card, or a gift card, into a digital picture frame. The stored value digital picture frame may include an attachment device for attaching the frame to a keychain or keyring. The method includes sensing an account identifier from an account identifying device included in the frame, associating the identifier with an account, and taking some action involving the account. The action might be reading the account balance, initializing the balance with an amount, increasing the balance, or decreasing the balance.

1 . A stored value digital frame, comprising:
 a) an electronic digital picture frame, including a screen;   b) an account identifying device, included in the frame, that associates the stored value digital frame with a stored value account;   c) tangible digital image storage within the stored value digital frame, of size sufficient to store a plurality of digital images; and   d) logic, embodied in some combination of hardware, and software instructions stored in software storage, that upon a receipt of a previously specified signal, will cause a digital image, which is stored in the image storage, to be displayed on the screen.   
     
     
         2 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 e) a control whereby a user can cause the stored value digital frame to perform a function involving a digital image that is stored in the image storage.   
     
     
         3 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a menu control, a next item control, and a previous item control. 
     
     
         4 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 e) an attachment device, connected to the picture frame, whereby a keychain or keyring can be attached to the picture frame.   
     
     
         5 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 f) a keychain or keyring attached to the attachment device.   
     
     
         6 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 e) a communication port.   
     
     
         7 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 6 , wherein, under control of the logic, the communication port recharges a battery in the stored value digital frame when the communication port is connected to a power source. 
     
     
         8 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 6 , wherein, under control of the logic, the stored value digital frame transfers a digital image into or out of the image storage through the communication port. 
     
     
         9 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 6 , wherein the communication port is a USB port, a mini-USB port, or a micro-USB port. 
     
     
         10 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic digital picture frame will fit in a box having dimensions 100 by 80 mm by 15 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 e) space on a surface that displays advertising information.   
     
     
         12 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 11 , wherein the advertising information is in accord with a brand trademark. 
     
     
         13 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 11 , wherein the advertising information includes an aspect of shape of the electronic digital picture frame that is in accord with a trademark associated with a brand. 
     
     
         14 . The stored value digital frame of  claim 11 , wherein the advertising information includes an aspect of color of the electronic digital picture frame. 
     
     
         15 - 17 . (canceled)