Method and apparatus for creating a multimedia presentation from heterogeneous media objects in a digital imaging device

Claim 3

A method as in claim 1 wherein step (d) further includes the step of: i) saving the ordered list of objects as a slide show.

Claim 4

A method as in claim 2 wherein the media types include a still image, a sequential image, a video segment, audio, and text.

Claim 5

A method as in claim 2 wherein step (d) further includes the step of: ii) saving the slide show as a metafile that references each marked media object.

Claim 6

A method as in claim 2 wherein step (d) further includes the step of: ii) saving the slide show as a file that contains a copy of each marked media object.

Claim 7

A method as in claim 2 wherein step (d) further includes the step of: ii) saving the slide show as a directory that includes a copy of each marked media object.

Claim 8

A method as in claim 1 wherein step (b) further includes the steps of: i) displaying a plurality of thumbnail images on the display screen, wherein each thumbnail image represents one of the stored media objects; ii) providing an icon area on the display screen for displaying an indication of the media types associated with a selected media object.

Claim 9

A digital imaging device for creating a multimedia presentation from heterogeneous media objects, comprising: a randomly-accessible mass storage device for storing the heterogeneous media objects, each one of the media objects having one or more media types associated therewith, wherein the media types include a still image, a sequential image, video, audio, and text; a video codec for decoding the video associated with any of the stored media objects when the stored media objects are to be displayed; a hardware user interface for displaying the heterogeneous media objects, the hardware user interface including means to select one of the media objects, and a mark key for marking the selected media object; and processing means coupled to the mass storage device, the video codec, and to the hardware user interface for controlling operation of the digital imaging device, the processing means functioning such that in response to the user repeatedly selecting media objects and pressing the mark key, a number is displayed on each selected media object corresponding to an order in which the media object is marked, and an ordered set of marked media objects is defined, the processing means further functioning to allow the user to change the number on a marked media object to rearrange the order of the ordered set and to present a slide show from the ordered set of marked media objects, where upon initiation of the slide show presentation, each one of the media objects is automatically displayed in the order designated by number on the media object.

Claim 10

A digital imaging device for creating a multimedia presentation from heterogeneous media objects, comprising: a randomly-accessible mass storage device for storing the heterogeneous media objects, each one of the media objects having one or more media types associated therewith, wherein the media types include a still image, a sequential image, video, audio, and text; a video codec for decoding the video associated with any of the stored media objects when the stored media objects are to be displayed; a hardware user interface for displaying the heterogeneous media objects, the hardware user interface including means to select one of the media objects, and a mark key for marking the selected media object; and processing means coupled to the mass storage device, the video codec, and to the hardware user interface for controlling operation of the digital imaging device, the processing means functioning such that in response to the user repeatedly selecting media objects and pressing the mark key, a number is displayed on each selected media object corresponding to an order in which the media object is marked, and an ordered set of marked media objects is defined, the processing means further functioning to allow the user to change the number on a marked media object to rearrange the order of the ordered set and to present a slide show from the ordered set of marked media objects, where upon initiation of the slide show presentation, each one of the media objects is automatically displayed in the order designated by number on the media object.

Claim 11

A digital imaging device as in claim 8 wherein the ordered list of media objects is saved in the mass storage device, thereby creating a new slide-show media object.

Claim 12

A digital imaging device as in claim 9 wherein the slide show is saved as a metafile that references each marked media object.

Claim 13

A digital imaging device as in claim 9 wherein the slide show is saved as a file that contains a copy of each marked media objects.

Claim 14

A digital imaging device as in claim 9 wherein the slide show is saved as a directory that includes a copy of each marked media object.

Claim 15

A digital imaging device as in claim 8 further including a display screen, wherein the processing means displays thumbnail images on the display screen representing the stored media objects, and provides an icon area on the display screen for displaying an indication of the media types associated with the selected media object.

Claim 18

A method as in claim 14 wherein step 16 a ) further includes the step of: i) enabling the digital imaging device to capture a text media type.

Claim 19

A method as in claim 14 wherein step g) further includes the step of: i) presenting the slide show on a display screen that is externally coupled to the digital imaging device.

Claim 20

A method as in claim 16 wherein step g) further includes the step of: ii) coupling a projection device between the digital imaging device and the external display screen.