GB2454001A

GB2454001A - Digital image selection according to predefined policy

Info

Publication number: GB2454001A
Application number: GB0721019A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adiel Benayahu; David Ezra
Original assignee: VANTAGE DIAGNOSTICS Ltd
Current assignee: VANTAGE DIAGNOSTICS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-25
Filing date: 2007-10-25
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Also published as: GB0721019D0

Abstract

A system for digital image selection comprises an interface module adapted to interface 402 with a storage device, for example a digital camera, and to access 404 digital images stored on the device. Control logic reads timestamp data 406 associated with digital images stored on the device and selects, based on a predefined policy 408, digital images for transfer. The images may be transferred to a computer or server. The predefined policy may comprise selecting images not previously transferred, selecting images having the latest timestamp, selecting temporally clustered images or selecting images of a predetermined size range.

Description

DIGITAL IMAGE SELECTION

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to selection of digital images based on a policy.

BACKG ROUND

Digital cameras are consistently replacing old, film cameras. Digital cameras store taken photographs as digital files (often referred to as "digital photographs", "digital photos", "digital pictures" or "digital images') instead of capturing them onto a photographic film, thereby eliminating the need to develop the film in order to see the photograph.

Besides the elimination of the costly film development process, digital photography also paved the way to more advanced uses of photographs. For example, digital images may be transmitted electronically, within seconds, to distant locations around the world. Prior to the digital photography age, photographs needed to be developed, printed and then physically shipped via mail, so that a substantial amount of time lapsed before a remote recipient could receive them. Today, digital images can be sent by email, uploaded to websites and/or otherwise transmitted, all within moments of being taken.

Commonly, when a digital image is taken, it is automatically stored on a non-volatile memory of the digital camera, such as a flash memory card. Then, it is often manually transferred by a user to a personal computer (or to another computerized device) for further operations, such as storage, viewing, editing, transmission in an email message and/or uploading to a website. Digital cameras usually interface with personal computers or other computerized devices using methods and devices such as: a) a data cable, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a FireWire cable; b) wirelessly, such as using Bluetooth and/or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) wireless technologies; or c) by extracting the memory device (such as a flash memory card) from the camera and reading it using a card reader associated with the computer.

The image transfer is often handled by a software application adapted to copy and/or move the digital images from the camera's memory to the personal computer and/or to another computerized device. Some operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Vista, include built-in functionality for fetching digital images from a digital camera.

U.S. patent 7,215,833, Tepera et al., discloses a method of matching a digital camera image to a database using a timestamp device. U.S. patent 6,741,864, Wilcock et al., discloses associating image and location data. European patent 1,324,228, Myojo et al., discloses an index image creating device. U.S. published application 2001/0016849, Squibbs et al., discloses associating recordings and auxiliary data. U.S. published application 2007/0109598, Clark et al., discloses a method and apparatus for managing image display in a digital image display apparatus. U.S. published app1ication 2006/02033 12, Van Dc Sluis et al., discloses enriched photo viewing experience of digital photographs. Similarity- based methods to cluster digital photos by time and image content are disclosed in M. Cooper, J. Foote, A. Girgensohn, L. Wilcox, Temporal Even! Clustering for Digital Photo Collections, I ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications and Applications (TOMCCAP) n.3, 269 (2005).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for digital image selection, comprising an interface module adapted to interface with a storage device and to access digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device; and control logic adapted to read timestamp data associated with digital images stored on the non-volatile memory of the storage device and to select, based on a predefined policy, digital images for transfer. Optionally, the storage device is a digital camera. Additionally or alternatively, the system comprises an image transfer module adapted to initiate transfer of selected digital images to a computer associated with said storage device.

In some embodiments, the image transfer module is further adapted to compress selected digital images. Optionally, the control logic is further adapted to associate selected images with a software application on the computer associated with said storage device. Optionally, the interface module is further adapted to delete at least selected images stored on the non-volatile memory of said storage device, after said transfer is performed. Optionally, the image transfer module is further adapted to upload digital images to a remote server.

In some embodiments, the image transfer module is further adapted to keep a record of the transfer of selected digital images to the computer associated with the storage device, and the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images not previously transferred to said computer associated with said storage device.

In some embodiments, the predefined policy comprises selecting a predefined number of digital images having the latest timestamp data.

In some embodiments, the predefined policy comprises selecting temporally clustered digital images.

In some embodiments, the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images of a predefined size range.

There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for selecting digital images, comprising interfacing with a storage device and accessing digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device; and reading timestamp data associated with digital images stored on the non-volatile memory of the storage device and selecting, based on a predefined policy, digital images for transfer. Optionally, the storage device is a digital camera. Additionally or alternatively, the method further comprises initiating transfer of selected digital images to a computer associated with said storage device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises compressing selected digital images. Optionally, the method further comprises associating selected images with a software application on the computer associated with said storage device.

Optionally, the method further comprises deleting at least selected images stored on the non-volatile memory of said storage device, after said transfer is performed.

Optionally, the method further comprises uploading digital images to a remote server.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises keeping a record of the transfer of selected digital images to the computer associated with the digital camera; and the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images not previously transferred to said computer associated with said digital camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Examples illustrative of embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to figures attached hereto. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed below.

Fig. I schematically shows a block diagram. in accordance with an

embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematicaily shows an architecture diagram, in accordance wjlh an

embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically shows digital images, in accordance with an embodiment

of the disclosure; and

Fig. 4 schematically shows a flow chart, in accordance with an embodiment of

the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An aspect of some embodiments of the disclosure relates to providing a system, optionally fully-automatic, for digital image selection. The system interfaces with an image storage device such as a digital camera, and selects digital images stored on it for a later transfer, such as a transfer to a computer associated with the storage device.

The selection is based on a predefined policy which can be customized to suit various needs.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a system for digital image selection (hereinafter "system") 100 includes an interface module 102, control logic 104 and optionally an image transfer module 106. Interface module 102 interfaces with a storage device storing digital images (hereinafter "images"), and control logic 104 selects, based on a predefined policy, digital images for transfer.

In an embodiment, the storage device is a digital camera. Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary configuration 200 involving system 100 of Fig. I. Configuration includes a digital camera 202, which is either a stand-alone camera used mainly for taking pictures, or a multi-purpose electronic device such as a handheld computer or a mobile phone comprising a built-in or a connected digital camera. System 100 optionally resides in digital camera 202, either as a software application, a hardware element or a combination thereof. Optionally, system 100 resides in non-volatile memory 204 of digital camera 202 and/or in another internal memory (not shown) of the digital camera.

Digital camera 202 comprises an image sensor (not shown) for converting a visual image composed of light reflected from objects into electric signals. Common types of image sensors are Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and an Active Pixel Sensor (APS), sometimes referred to as a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

Digital camera 202 further includes a non-volatile memory 204, such as a flash memory card, adapted to store, images 206 taken by the camera. A non-volatile memory is a memory capable of holding data even when not connected to a power source. Additionally or alternatively, digital camera 202 may use other types of non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic and/or an optical memory.

Digital camera 202 further includes an interface unit 208 adapted to interface with a computer 210. Computer 210 may be any type of a computerized device, such as a desktop computer, a workstation, a server, a handheld computer, a portable computer (often referred to as a "laptop"), a cellular phone or the like. Optionally, system 100 resides in computer 210, either as a software application, a hardware element or a combination thereof.

Interface unit 208 may be adapted to interface with computer 210 in a number of ways. For example, it may interface with computer 210 wirelessly, such as using Bluetooth andlor Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) wireless technologies. Additionally or alternatively, interface unit 208 may interface with computer 210 using a data cable, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a FireWire cable. Another method for interfacing may include extracting non-volatile memory 204 from digital camera 202 and coimecting it to a card reader 212 associated with computer 210. Card reader 212 is optionally adapted to read andlor write data, such as digital images 206, from and/or to a memory card (such as non-volatile memory 204) of the type used in digital camera 202. The association of card reader 212 with computer 210 may be wired and/or wireless, optionally using technologies such as those used with interface unit 208 and/or other technologies.

Referring now interchangeably to Figs. I and 2, interface module 102 of system 100 interfaces between computer 210 and digital camera 202 for accessing digital images 206 stored on non-volatile memory 204 of the digital camera.

Optionally, non-volatile memory 204 is extracted from digital camera 202, so that interfacing is performed between computer 210 and card reader 212 used for accessing the non-volatile memory. Interfacing may include accessing, reading from andlor writing onto non-volatile memory 204 of digital camera 202, using a connectivity protocol associated with a manner in which the digital camera andlor card reader 212 is interfaced with computer 210. For example, if digital camera 202 and computer 210 interface using a USB cable, then interface module 102 may interface according to a connectivity and/or data transfer protocol set by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc., the standardizing body of USB. Similarly, interface module 102 may interface using another wired or wireless technology, such as Fire Wire, Bluetooth and WiFi.

Control logic 104 of system 100 reads timestamp data of digital images 206 stored on non-volatile memory 204. Timestamp data is digital code commonly incorporated within computer files, including digital images such as digital images 206. Timestamp data may indicate the date and/or the time in which a computer file is created, accesses and/or modified. In the case of digital images stored on a digital camera, timestamp data often indicates the date and the time an image was taken. A timestamp is usually encoded invisibly within the image file, but may occasionally be used for placing a visible date and/or time mark on an image.

A timestamp for digital images is commonly implemented in Exif (Exchangeable image file format) code incorporated within the images, although a timestamp may additionally or alternatively be incorporated within an image but not in association with Exif code. Exif is specified in JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) standard CP-345 1, entitled "Exchangeable image file format for digital still cameras: Exif Version 2.2". Standard CP-345 I defines a set of data objects associated with an image, that can be incorporated within the image file. For example, it defines data objects such as an exposure setting, a focal length, a timestamp and a camera model-all relating to a camera used for recording the image. Timestamp according to the CP-345 I standard is of a format YYYY:M/vf:DD HH.MM.SS, wherein YYYY is a year denoted in four digits, MM is a month denoted in two digits, DD is a day denoted in two digits, I-IH is an hour denoted in two digits according to a 24-hour clock, MM is minutes denoted in two digits and SS is seconds denoted in two digits. For example, a timestamp datum may be 2007:09.23 1 7:0005.

Control logic 104 of system 100 further selects digital images for transfer, based on a predefined policy. Referring now to Fig. 3, in an embodiment, the predefined policy includes selecting, from images 206, a predefined number of images having the latest timestamp. Hence, this policy is referred to herein as "TEMP-NUMBER". To demonstrate, we shall assume that a first image 302 has a timestamp of 2007.0923 170100, a second image 304 has a timestamp of 20070923 /7.0200, a third image 306 has a timestamp of 2007.09.23 17:03.00, a fourth image 308 has a timestamp of 2007.09.23 17.04:00, and a fifth image 310 has a timestamp of 2007.09.23 17:05.00. If the predefined number is set to 3, then third image 306, fourth image 308 and fifth image 310 are selected, since they have the latest timestamps, of the images present. This policy may be appropriate, for example, when only a set number of latest images are regarded as relevant by a user. This may apply if a known number of images are taken in an event.

In an embodiment, the predefined policy includes selecting, from images 206, 1 5 images that are temporally clustered. Optionally, the term "temporally clustered" refers to images taken during a predefined time frame. Hence, this policy is referred to herein as "TEMP-FRAME". For example, if the predefined time frame is the last 30 minutes, and the current lime is 2007.09.23 17:33:01, then fourth image 308 and fifth image 310 are selected, since they were taken in the last 30 minutes. This policy may be appropriate, for example, when only images taken within a certain time frame are regarded as relevant by a user. This might happen when the user wishes to select images taken in a specific event or a in cluster of adjacent events.

Optionally, the term "temporally clustered" refers to images taken in one event, a fact which may be inferred from the temporal clustering of images. Hence, this policy is referred to herein as "TEMP-EVENT". An "event" may be associated with an essentially specific location and/or time, such as a birthday party occurring at a certain restaurant or a doctor's appointment at her clinic. To demonstrate, we shall now assume that first image 302 has a timestamp of 2007.09.23 10.01:00, second image 304 has a timestamp of 2007:09:23 1002.00, third image 306 has a timestamp of 2007.09.23 10:08:00, fourth image 308 has a timestamp of 2007:09.23 12 45:00, and fifth image 310 has a timestamp of 2007:09.23 12:5200. It is apparent that first, second and third images 302, 304, 306 were taken within minutes of one another, possibly in a same event. After the last image in this sequence (third image 306) was taken, two hours and 37 minutes elapsed before the next image, fourth image 308, was taken. This substantial intermission implies that fourth image 308 was already taken at a different event. Fifth image 308 was taken seven minutes after fourth image 308, possibly in a same event. Therefore, first, second and third images 302, 304, 306 may be referred to as belonging to one temporal cluster, while fourth and fifth images 308, 310 may be referred to as belonging to another temporal cluster.

As may be inferred from the example, differentiation between temporal clusters according to the TEMP-EVENT policy is performed, for example, by comparing lengths of intermissions between images and determining that an intermission which is substantially longer than an average of preceding intermissions, marks a border 10,between two adjacent temporal clusters.

Formally presented, the TEMP-EVENT policy may mark a border between two adjacent temporal clusters, if i, �= c i1,. . . , 1,, ; wherein i,, is a length of an flh intermission in a set of images, c is a coefficient larger than I and is an average length of intermissions preceding the th intermission but not including any intermissions associated with or preceding a previous temporal cluster. The coefficient c is used for defining a sensitivity of the policy. The closer c is to 1, the more sensitive the policy is, and the likelihood that two or more temporal clusters actually represent one event is relatively high. The larger c is than 1, the less sensitive the policy is, and the likelihood that two or more temporal clusters actually represent one event is relatively low. Optionally, according to the TEMP-EVENT policy, control logic 104 (Fig. 1) selects images of a latest temporal cluster. Additionally or alternatively, control logic 104 selects images of one or more other temporal cluster(s).

In an embodiment, the predefined policy includes selecting, from images 206, images that are within a predefined size range. Hence, this policy is referred to herein as "SIZE-RANGE". Digital camera 202 may have multiple modes of operation for taking pictures in different sizes ("resolutions"). Image resolution is usually measured in megapixels (MP), a unit that refers to a million pixels. For example, an image taken in a 3MP mode includes approximately 3 million pixels (approximately-since some digital cameras use inaccurate resolution denominations). It may be desired to select images based on their resolutions. An image's resolution is essentially expressed in its file size, so a resolution and a file size are two parameters closely correlated (although sometimes not perfectly). Therefore, according to policy SIZE-RANGE, images within a predefined size (resolution, file size or both) range are selected. For example, the size range may be between 2.9MP and 3.IMP, for selecting images that are approximately of a 3MP resolution. The size range may define a bottom or a top limit. For example, all images larger than 4MP may be selected, or all images smaller than 6MP may be selected. The predefined size is not necessarily defined by MP-it may be defined by a file size as well. By way of example, all images weighing between 4 mega bytes (MB) and 4.5MB may be selected.

Optional image transfer module 106 is adapted to initiate transfer of images selected according to policies TEMP-NUMBER, TEMP-FRAME, TEMP-EVENT and/or SIZE-RANGE, from non-volatile memory 204 of digital camera 202 to computer 210 (Fig. 2).

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, then control logic 104 of system may select digital images for transfer, based on a policy hereinafter referred to as "NOT-TRANS". NOT-TRANS optionally includes selecting images that were not previously transferred to computer 210 (Fig. 2), according to a record kept by image transfer module 106. If previous image transfer operations occurred in the past, the record optionally includes a journal of these operations, including information such as the date and time of these operations and/or references to images transferred. The references may include parameters such as an image name, an image size and/or other parameters uniquely identifying an image.

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, it is optionally adapted to compress selected digital images. Compression may decrease an amount of memory needed for storing a digital image, andlor decrease a utilization of a data channel through which an image is transferred. Compression is optionally performed according to compression methods such as JPEG, DEFLATE, LZW and ZIP. The compression may include degrading an image's visible quality for decreasing its size, or compressing the image without degrading its visible quality.

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, it is optionally adapted to associate selected images with a software application on computer 210 (Fig. 2). The term "associate" optionally means supplying selected images to a software application for processing, referring a software application to a storage location of selected image and/or the like. For example, image transfer module 106 may associate selected images with a data logging application used for saving records of information, including images. The software application may also be a program used for accessing data on the network, such as a web browser used for accessing information from the Internet. In this case, the term "associate" optionally means associating selected images with the data access program, such as the web browser, which in turn interacts with an Internet server to which images are optionally transferred. Image transfer module 106 optionally contains data identifying a software application with which images are to be associated. Optionally, image transfer module 106 requests user input in regard to an application with which images are to be associated.

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, then interface module 102 of system 100 is optionally adapted to delete at least selected images stored on non-volatile memory 204 of digital camera 202 (Fig. 2). The term "delete" may refer to a permanent erasure of images, an erasure of images which is reversible and/or a marking of images for future deletion. Deletion is optionally performed after selected images are transferred to computer 210. Deletion is useful, for example, if images are confidential and there is a chance of them being disclosed to an unwanted party if left on non-volatile memory 204 of digital camera 202. Deletion may include, other than selected images, also non-selected images stored on non-volatile memory 204.

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, it is optionally adapted to upload selected images to a remote server 214 (Fig. 2). Remote server 214 may be any computerized device accessible by computer 210 through a data channel and/or network. For example, remote server 214 may be a server connected to the Internet and accessible by computer 210. Uploading may be performed either automatically or manually, letting the user control parameters such as what image(s) to transfer, where to store them on remote server 214 and/or the like.

If optional image transfer module 106 exists, it is optionally adapted to assign unique identifiers to selected images. Digital cameras often store images with sequential file names, according to a regularity set by a camera's manufacturer. These file names may, in some cases, not be enough for uniquely identifying an image and/or for associating an image with a person, an event or the like. An identifier may be, for example, a file name identifying an image. Most computer files, and images among them, are stored having a file name followed by a period and an extension which commonly comprises three characters. For example, birlhdayparty.jpg may be a file name of an image having a.jpg extension, a common extension for images. The term "unique" may refer to an identifier which allows for distinguishing an image from other images stored in a same memory and/or in associated locations. For example, images of persons may bear ID numbers of the persons as their file names. If multiple images of one person exist, each may be provided with an additional identifier, to distinguish it from other image(s) of the same person. Additionally or alternatively, an identifier of a camera user and/or of a user of a sothvare application on computer 210 may be implemented in the file name. A file name may then include one or more elements of a user name, a photographed person identifier, an image number and the like. For example, an image taken by user "Joe", of a person named "Jane", may be named joe Jane OOI.jpg. It should be noted that some elements of this exemplary format may be omitted and others may be added.

In an embodiment, the storage device with which interface module 102 interfaces is computer 210 (Fig. 2), which is optionally associated with, a digital camera. System 100 of Fig. 1 may operate from computer 210 which is associated with digital camera 202, from a second computer 216 associated with computer 210, and/or from remote server 214. Control logic 104 (Fig. 1) may be adapted to select images stored in a non-volatile memory of computer 210, based on a policy such as TEMP-NUMBER, TEMP-FRAME, TEMP-EVENT, NOT-TRANS and/or SIZE-RANGE.

In an embodiment, the storage device with which interface module 102 interfaces is a computerized device having a non-volatile memory adapted to store digital images, or a stand-alone non-volatile memory adapted similarly. For example, the storage device may be a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a portable flash drive or the like.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart schematically showing a method 400 of selecting digital images for transfer, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In a block 402, interface module 102 (Fig. 1) interfaces with a storage device such as digital camera 202, computer 210 (both of Fig. 2) and/or another computerized device. In a block 404, interface module 102 (Fig. 1) accesses digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device. In a block 406, control logic 104 (Fig. 1) reads tirnestamp data of digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device.

In a decision block 408, one or more policy(ies), such as TEMP-NUMBER, TEMP-FRAME, TEMP-EVENT, NOT-TRANS and/or SIZE-RANGE are employed in regard to the stored digital images, and ills determined whether at least one digital image complies with the at least one policy. If no images comply with the at least one policy, method 400 ends in a block 410.

In a block 412, if at least one digital image complies with the at least one policy, control logic 104 (Fig. 1) selects the digital image(s) for transfer.

Optionally, in a block 414, optional image transfer module 106 (Fig. 1) initiates transfer of selected digital images to computer 210, remote server 214 and/or second computer 216 (both of Fig. 2).

Optionally, in a block 416, one or more additional operations are performed.

Optionally, selected digital images are compressed 418. Optionally, selected digital images are deleted 420 from the nonvolatile memory. Optionally, selected digital images are associated 422 with a software application. Optionally, selected digital images are uploaded 424 to. remote server 214 (Fig. 2). Optionally, selected digital images are assigned 426 with a unique identifier.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words "comprise" "include" and "have", and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

1 5 The invention has been described using various detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments may comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the invention that are described and embodiments of the invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons with skill in the art.

It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the claims and that the claims be interpreted to include all such variations and combinations.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A system for digital image selection, comprising: an interface module adapted to interface with a storage device and to access digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device; and control logic adapted to read timestamp data associated with digital images stored on the non-volatile memory of the storage device and to select, based on a predefined policy, digital images for transfer.
2 The system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a digital camera.
3. The system according to any of claims 1-2, further comprising an image transfer module adapted to initiate transfer of selected digital images to a computer associated with said storage device.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the image transfer module is further adapted to compress selected digital images.
5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the control logic is further adapted to associate selected images with a software application on the computer associated with said storage device.
6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the interface module is further adapted to delete at least selected images stored on the non-volatile memory of said storage device, after said transfer is performed.
7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the image transfer module is further adapted to upload digital images to a remote server.
8. The system according to any of claims 3-7, wherein the image transfer module is further adapted to keep a record of the transfer of selected digital images to the computer associated with the storage device; and wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images not previously transferred to said computer associated with said storage device.
9. The system according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting a predefined number of digital images having the latest timestamp data.
10. The system according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting temporally clustered digital images.
11. The system according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the predeuined policy comprises selecting digital images of a predefined size range.
12. A method for selecting digital images, comprising: interfacing with a storage device and accessing digital images stored on a non-volatile memory of the storage device; and reading timestamp data associated with digital images stored on the non-volatile memory of the storage device and selecting, based on a predefined policy, digital images for transfer.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the storage device is a digital camera.
14. The method according to any of claims 12-13, further comprising initiating transfer of selected digital images to a computer associated with said storage device.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising compressing selected digital images.
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising associating selected images with a software application on the computer associated with said storage device.
17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising deleting at least selected images stored on the non-volatile memory of said storage device, after said transfer is performed.
18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising uploading digital images to a remote server.
19. The method according to any of claims 14-18, further comprising keeping a record of the transfer of selected digital images to the computer associated with the digital camera; and wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images not previously transferred to said computer associated with said digital camera.
20. The method according to any of claims 12-18, wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting a predefined number of digital images having the latest timestamp data.
21. The method according to any of claims 12-18, wherein the predeuined policy comprises selecting temporally clustered digital images.
22. The method according to any of claims 12-18, wherein the predefined policy comprises selecting digital images of a predefined size range.