Digital picture viewers have been developed for personal computers that make it possible to view, using the computer monitor, digital photographs. PC-based picture viewer applications enable users to administer the contents of their digital camera flash memories. Among other things, managing digital photos using a PC addresses the complexities introduced by naming serialization conventions that are used by digital cameras, which can become difficult to administer once they lose their meaning as they become part of folders where they are simply copied.
The present invention recognizes, however, that many users are not familiar enough to take full advantage of the picture viewer applications that have been provided. Even with a full keyboard, people feel reluctant to rename their pictures to more meaningful descriptions. Furthermore, as recognized herein the computer experience is for the most part a single person experience, in which a single user faces the computer monitor at a short distance to operate the picture viewer application. The present invention recognizes the desirability to provide a means to manage digital pictures in a carefree, fun group experience in the manner of watching TV.
Indeed, as further recognized herein, a TV-centric application for managing digital pictures has become increasingly attractive with the advent of large screen liquid crystal display (LCD)/plasma displays and connections such as digital visual interface (DVI)/high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) that enable televisions to display and interface with computer applications. The present invention further recognizes the desirability of providing a way to classify digital pictures using a simple input device that does not require inputting the letters of classification indicia such as persons' names, picture locations, etc.