Method and system for creating a temporary group of images on a digital camera

A method for grouping a series of images stored in a digital camera, the digital camera including a navigation control button, one or more function keys, and a view finder for displaying stored images, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) allowing a user to navigate among the displayed images using the navigation control button;
• (b) allowing the user to randomly select one of the displayed images;
• (c) enabling the user to mark the selected image using a corresponding function key;
• (d) displaying a mark indication on the selected image in response to the user pressing the corresponding function key;
• (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) to provide a temporary group of marked images;
• (f) enabling the user to select one of the functions of saving the group, deleting the group, and creating a slide show from the group using a corresponding function key;
• and
• (g) saving the group, deleting the group, and creating a slide show from the group in response to the user pressing the appropriate function key.

A digital camera device comprising:

• a memory device for storing sets of image data;
• a memory manager for allocating storage locations within said memory device to store said sets of image data;
• an interface coupled to said memory device whereby an external host computer can access said sets of image data stored in said memory device;
• a user interface for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the image data, the user interface including a plurality of function keys, and means to navigate among and randomly select one of the plurality of images;
• means coupled to the memory manager for assigning a mark function to one of the function keys, such that in response to the user pressing the assigned mark function key, the selected image is marked, such that in response to the user repeatedly selecting images and pressing the assigned mark function key, a temporary group of marked images is created;
• and
• means coupled to the memory manager for assigning at least one group function to one of the function keys, such that in response to a user pressing the assigned group function key, the group of marked images is collectively manipulated by the user, within the digital camera.