Intelligent digital image storage for an electronic camera

An image memory card detachably connectable to an electronic camera of the type that generates image signals corresponding to captured images and provides the image signals to an output connection on the camera for storage in the memory card, said image memory card comprising:

• an algorithm memory for storing a plurality of algorithms for processing the image signals;
• a signal interface for transmitting the image signals between the card and the output connection on the camera according to a predetermined interface specification;
• a processor responsive to write command signals from the camera provided through said signal interface for selecting one of the algorithms stored in said algorithm memory, and for generating processed image signals by applying the selected algorithm to the image signals provided through said signal interface, said selected algorithm processing the image signals for storage according to a particular configuration independent of the interface specification;
• and
• an image memory section for storing the processed image signals.

A digital storage device detachably connectable to an electronic camera of the type that generates an image signal and provides the signal to an output connection on the camera, said device comprising:

• an algorithm memory for storing a plurality of algorithms for processing the image signal, said algorithms representing the functional capabilities which the storage device will support;
• a characteristics memory for storing a table of the functional capabilities of the storage device;
• a signal interface for transmitting signals between the device and the output connection on the camera;
• a processor responsive to 1) read command signals from the camera provided through said signal interface for transmitting the table in said characteristics memory to the camera for use therewith to select a desired functional capability, and 2) write command signals from the camera provided through said signal interface for selecting one of the algorithms stored in said algorithm memory corresponding to a desired functional capability, and for generating a processed image signal by applying the selected algorithm to an image signal provided through said signal interface;
• and
• an image memory section for storing the processed image signal.

A digital storage device detachably connectable to an electronic camera of the type that generates an image signal and provides the signal to an output connection on the camera, said device comprising:

• an algorithm memory for storing a plurality of algorithms for processing the image signal, including at least one compression algorithm;
• a signal interface for transmitting signals between the device and the output connection on the camera;
• a processor responsive to write command signals from the camera provided through said signal interface for selecting one of the algorithms stored in said algorithm memory, and for generating a processed image signal by applying the selected algorithm to an image signal provided through said signal interface;
• and
• an image memory section for storing the processed image signal.