System and method for editing digitally represented still images

Abstract

A method of selecting and editing a plurality of digitally represented still images in a computer environment is provided. The method includes the use of a graphical user interface having a display and a user interface selection device, and includes the steps of opening the data files of the images to be edited, displaying the images, and displaying a task pane including at least one editing task entry having a specified multiple-image editing task command. A group of all or some of the images is formed by the user selecting the images to be edited, and an editing task execution signal is received which is indicative of the user selecting the desired editing task entry on the task pane. In response to receipt of the editing task execution signal, the specified editing task command is performed on the group of selected still images.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to editing digitally represented still images and, more particularly, to a system and method for performing one or more editing tasks on a group of still images without requiring the images to be selected and edited individually. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Digitally represented still images are commonly used in the computer environment as graphics for applications software and games and as digitally stored photographs that can be easily manipulated, printed and transmitted for commercial and entertainment purposes. Software packages are available for use in handling the data files in which such still images are stored. Such software packages include numerous editing capabilities including archiving the images, printing the images in various sizes and formats, and sending or uploading the images to other computers or users via the Internet or fax. Known photo editing software packages also include numerous other e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided for enabling a computer user to quickly and efficiently perform any of several different editing tasks on a group of pictures that have been downloaded or retrieved by the user. The present invention employs a system having a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, and a pointing device, and includes a method employing the acts of opening the data files of the images to be edited, displaying the images, and displaying a task pane including several different editing sub-task entries for carrying out specified editing sub-tasks. A group of all or some of the images is formed by the user selecting the images to be edited, and one of the editing sub-tasks is performed based on a selection by the user of the desired editing sub-task entry on the task pane.

[0009] By providing a system in accordance with the present invention, numerous advantages are realized. For example, by permitting a user to select a group of open still images for multiple-image or batch editing, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of user steps and time required to perform the editing operations on the selected images. As such, a user can quickly download and edit a group of still images from a digital camera or other source, obviating the need for time-consuming post-download manipulation and saving of each individual image.

Problems solved by technology

However, because conventional photo editing software does not allow editing of the images as a group, a user must repeat any desired editing steps with each image in turn.

This represents a drawback in the use of conventional photo editing software.

This process is slow and requires numerous repetitive user operations, impeding the ability of the user to quickly edit the group of images once they are downloaded.

Another example illustrative of the drawback arises when a user employs a scanner that produces a group of digitally represented still images that are all darker than desired.

Images