WO2008063275A2

WO2008063275A2 - Folder collage that functions as an index for a folder database

Info

Publication number: WO2008063275A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/020998
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Takita
Original assignee: Nikon Corp; Nippon Kogaku KK
Current assignee: Nikon Corp
Priority date: 2006-11-20
Filing date: 2007-09-28
Publication date: 2008-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2009-05-20
Also published as: WO2008063275A3

Abstract

A method for indexing a folder database having a plurality of folders in an electronic system includes the steps of displaying a folder portion of each of the folders in a folder collage, and linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder so that this folder can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage. Specifically, each of the folder portions can be linked to its respective folder so that each of the folders can be accessed from its respective folder portion in the folder collage. The folder collage allows for a relatively large number of folders to be displayed by the electronic system at one time. Consequently, the user of the electronic system can quickly and accurately locate and access the desired folder. The present method is particularly suited for indexing a plurality of images for quick and easy access.

Description

FOLDER COLLAGE THAT FUNCTIONS AS AN INDEX FOR A FOLDER DATABASE

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority on U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/860,131 filed on November 20, 2006 and entitled "PICTURE COLLAGE USED AS AN INDEX TO A PICTURE DATABASE." As far as is permitted, the contents of U.S. Application Serial No. 60/860,131 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Digital images are commonly stored in a computer database for future access. Many traditional operating systems display rectangular indices such as "thumbnail" presentations for each digital image in an image collection. Unfortunately, with this format, if the computer database contains a large number of images, it can be somewhat difficult to quickly locate the desired image or set of images.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed a method for indexing a folder database that includes a plurality of folders in an electronic system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of displaying a folder portion of each of the folders in a folder collage, and linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder so that this folder can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage. More specifically, each of the folder portions can be linked to its respective folder so that each of the folders can be at least partly accessed from its respective folder portion in the folder collage. With this design, in certain embodiments, the folder collage allows for a relatively large number of folders to be displayed by the electronic system at one time. As a result thereof, the user of the electronic system can quickly and accurately locate and access the desired folder.

In one embodiment, at least one of the folders includes at least one image. For example, each of the folders can include an image. With this design, the folder collage is a picture collage that functions as an index for an image database. Alternatively, each of the folders can include at least one data file. In this embodiment, the folder collage is a data collage that functions as an index for a database. In one embodiment, at least one of the folder portions is linked to folder information regarding this folder so that the folder information can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage..

The present invention is also directed to indexing software that is operative with a processor to index a folder database that includes a plurality of folders. Moreover, the present invention is directed to an electronic system that indexes a folder database that includes a plurality of folders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of an electronic system having features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a simplified illustration of a folder collage having features of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a simplified illustration of an image collage having features of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a simplified illustration of a data collage having features of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a simplified illustration of anothe^r embodiment of an image collage having features of the present invention; Figure 6 is a simplified illustration of yet another embodiment of an image collage having features of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a simplified illustration of still another embodiment of an image collage having features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a electronic system 10 that displays a folder collage 12 that functions as an index 13 for a plurality of folders 14 (one is illustrated in Figure 2) in a folder database 16 (illustrated as a box). As an overview, in certain embodiments, the folder collage 12 allows for a relatively large number of folders 14 to be displayed by the electronic system 10 at one time. As a result thereof, the user of the electronic system 10 can quickly and accurately locate and access the desired folder 14.

The design of the electronic system 10 can vary greatly. In one nonexclusive embodiment, the electronic system 10 includes a computer processor 18, a storage device 20, an input device 22, a display 24, and indexing software 26 (illustrated as a box). Non-exclusive examples of electronic systems 10 include personal computers, laptops, or handheld devices.

The computer processor 18 performs high volume processing and database searches and can include one or more conventional CPU's. The storage device 20 stores data, images and/or programs that are used by the electronic system 10. For example, the storage device 20 can store the folders 14 in the folder database 16 and the indexing software 26. The storage device 20 can include one or more magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical storage units, CD-ROM drives, flash memory, and/or other types of memory.

The input device 22 allows the user to control the operation of the electronic system 12. For example, the input device 22 can include a keyboard, a keypad, a joystick, a mouse and/or voice recognition software. In one embodiment, the input device 22 can be used to control the operation of a cursor/indicator 22A to selectively highlight one or more portions of the folder collage 12.

The display 24 displays the folder collage 12 and subsequently displays one or more of the folders 14. For example, the display 24 can be a liquid crystal display or another type of display. The indexing software 26 is operable with the computer processor 18 to perform one or more of the operations detailed herein. The functions of the indexing software 26 are described in more detail below.

Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a possible folder collage 12 that can be generated by the electronic system 10 and displayed on the display 24

(illustrated in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the folder collage 12 is made of a plurality of folder portions 228, with each of the folder portions 228 corresponding and being linked to a folder 14 in folder database 16 (illustrated in Figure 1).

The design, orientation, and number of folder portions (¹FP") 228 contained in the folder collage 12 can vary according to the size of the folder database 16 and the desired design of the folder collage 12. For example, in Figure 2, the folder collage 12 includes thirty folder portions 228, labeled FP1 -FP30. Alternatively, the folder collage 12 can be designed to include more than thirty or less than thirty folder portions 228. In certain embodiments, each folder portion 228 is a uniquely identifiable visual symbol, image, color, or text string for it to be identifiable in the folder collage 12. The type of folder 14 can vary. For example, the folder 14 can be single image or a plurality of images that are captured with a camera. Alternatively, one or more of the folders 14 can include one or more data files or other types of files.

In one embodiment, the folder portions 228 are arranged in the folder collage 12 in an organized fashion. In this example, the folder portions 228 can be arranged with unifying lines and/or colors. Further, in the folder collage 12, gaps between the folder portions 228 can be eliminated to more effectively utilize the space on the display 24. In certain embodiments, the borders of the folder portions 228 are definite (e.g. a solid border, such as a black line) so that user can easily identify where to click to obtain a particular folder 14. Alternatively, borders of the folder portions can be blurred, with the colors of the adjacent folder portions 228 near the borders being blended.

As used herein, the term collage 12 shall mean an overlapping collection of images, in which each image is a partial excerpt of some greater image, or a small image in itself. Orientation of the image is such that the maximum amount of information is displayed for the particular space and orientation. If the image is an extract of a larger one, it is preferred that the excerpt contain visually salient features of the large image.

It should be noted that the lines that separate the portions in the collages illustrated herein are merely for reference, and the boundary between the portions in the collages can be blurred and/or not clearly defined.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 reviews the folders 14 in the folder database 16, and the indexing software 26 automatically generates the folder collage 12. For example, the indexing software 26 can review and analyze each of the folders 14 for particular details to make up each folder portion 228. Subsequently, the indexing software 26 can generate the folder collage 12 using the folder portions 228.

In another embodiment, the user can manually generate a portion or all of the folder collage 12 from the folders 14 in the folder database 16. For example, with the input device 22, the user can highlight and select the desired folder portions 228, and/or subsequently organize the folder portions 228 to generate the folder collage 12.

Figure 2 also illustrates that the cursor 22A can be used to individually identify and select one particular folder portion 228. After being identified with the cursor 22A, the entire folder 14, a larger portion of the folder 14 or a different portion of the folder 14 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the folder 14 can be integrated into the folder collage 12. In Figure 2, folder portion number 9 has been identified with the cursor 22A and folder number 9 has been displayed in total. With this design, the folder collage 12 functions as an index for the folders 14 that allows for quick access to the desired folder 14.

It should be noted that when the individual folder portion 228 has been identified, the selected folder 14 or portion thereof can replace the folder collage 12 on the display 24. Alternatively, when the individual folder portion 228 has been identified, the selected folder 14 can merely overlap a portion of the folder collage 12 or be offset from the folder collage 12 on the display 24.

Alternatively, or additionally, for example, after being identified with the cursor 22A, the selected folder 14 can be sent to a printer or another destination.

Still alternatively or additionally, after being identified with the cursor 22A, folder information 230 relating to the selected folder portion 228 can be accessed. For example, the folder information 230 can include the date the folder 14 was created, the contents of the folder 14, and/or the creator of the folder 14. In Figure 2, folder portion number 9 has been identified with the cursor 22A and folder number 9 information 230 has been displayed. The folder information 230 can be in the form of text that is displayed on the display 24 and/or an audio reading of folder information 230.

It should be noted that when the individual folder portion 228 has been identified, the selected folder information 230 can replace the folder collage 12 on the display 24. Alternatively, when the individual folder portion 228 has been identified, the selected folder information can merely overlap a portion of the folder collage 12 or be offset from the folder collage 12 on the display 24.

It should also be noted that in certain embodiments, that merely moving the cursor 22A over the folder portion 228 can cause the actions described above. Alternatively, for example, the button may have to be clicked to cause the actions described above. In one embodiment, positioning the cursor 22A over the folder portion 228 causes the folder information 230 to appear and depressing a button on a computer mouse causes the folder 14 to appear. Alternatively, for example, these functions can be switched. With this design, each of the folder portions 228 is electronically linked to its respective folder 14 with the indexing software 26. Thus, all or a part of each of the folders 14 (including information relating to each folder 14) can easily be accessed by identifying its respective folder portion 228 in the folder collage 12.

Figure 3 is a simplified illustration of a specific folder collage, namely a photo/image collage 312 that includes a plurality of image portions 328 that can be displayed on the display 24 (illustrated in Figure 1). In this embodiment, one set of photos/images 314 are represented and are arranged in the photo collage 312 in an organized fashion. In this example, the image portions 328 can be arranged with unifying lines and/or colors. Further, in the image collage 312, gaps (inter-objection separation) between the image portions 328 can be eliminated to more effectively utilize the space on the display 24. Further, this provides an excellent way to organize a plurality of images 314.

In Figure 3, the image collage 312 includes fourteen image portions ("IP") 328, labeled IP1 -IP14. Alternatively, the image collage 312 can be generated to include more than fourteen or less than fourteen image portions 328.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 (illustrated in Figure 1) reviews the images 314 in the database 16 (illustrated in Figure 1) and the indexing software 26 automatically generates the image collage 312. For example, the indexing software 16 can review and analyze each of the images 314 for particular details to make up the image portion 328. For example, the indexing software 16 can analyze the pixels in each image 314 and locate one or more faces in the respective image 314. This is somewhat similar to face recognition software used in the autofocus function of certain digital cameras. Face recognition software is capable of indicating the X, Y, location of the face(s) detected, and storing it with the image. This information can be used to locate the face(s) and creating the collage. Subsequently, the area around each face could make up the image portion 328 represented in the photo collage 312.

Alternatively, the focus information from each image 314 can be transferred with the image 314 to the database 16 from the camera that captured the particular image 314. Subsequently, the focused area of each image 314 can be the subject of the image portion 314. Still alternatively, for example, each image 314 can be analyzed for regions with high texture and these areas can be the subject of the image portion 328. In yet another alternative example, each image 314 can be analyzed for colors, subjects, or other objects to be the subject of the respective image portion 314. Still other ways of automatically generating the photo collage can be utilized. For example, another method is described in a paper entitled "AutoCollage", copyright 2006, by the Association for Computing Machinery, Inc, written by Carsten Rother, Lucas Bordeaux, Youssef Hamadi, and Andrew Blake; as far as permitted, the contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference.

In yet another embodiment, the user can manually generate the image collage 312 from the images 314 in the database 16. For example, with the input device 22 (illustrated in Figure 1 ), the user can highlight and select the desired image portions 328, and/or subsequently organize the image portions 328 to generate the folder collage 312. Still alternatively, portions of the image collage 312 can be manually created while other portions can be automatically generated with the indexing software 26.

Figure 3 also illustrates that in one embodiment that the cursor 322A can be used to individually identify the particular image portion 328. After being identified with the cursor 322A, the entire image 314, a larger portion of the image 314 or a different portion of the image 314 can be displayed on the display 24 or a different portion of the image 314 can be integrated into the image collage 312. In Figure 3, IP12 has been identified with the cursor 322A and image 12 has been displayed in total. With this design, the photo collage 312 functions as an index for the images 314 that allows for quick access to the desired image 314.

The selected image 314 or portion thereof can replace the image collage 312 on the display 24. Alternatively, the selected image 314 can merely overlap a portion of the image collage 312 or be offset from the image collage 312.

Alternatively or additionally, after being identified with the cursor 322A, image information 330 relating to the selected image 312 can be accessed. For example, the image information 330 can include the date the image 314 was created, the contents of the image 314, and/or the creator of the image 314. In

Figure 3, image 12 information 330 has been displayed.

In this embodiment, the image information 330 can replace the image collage 312 on the display 24, can merely overlap a portion of the image collage 312, or can be offset from the image collage 312.

With this design, each of the image portions 328 (and its related information) is linked to its respective image 314 with the indexing software 26.

Thus, all or part of each of the images 314 can easily be accessed by identifying its respective image portion 328. Figure 4 is a simplified illustration of another folder collage having features of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 4 illustrates a data collage 412 that includes a plurality of data portions 428 that can be displayed on the display

24 (illustrated in Figure 1). In this embodiment, one set of data files 414 (only one is illustrated in Figure 4) are represented and are arranged in the data collage 412 in an organized fashion. In this example, the data portions 428 can be arranged with unifying lines. Further, in the data collage 412, gaps between the data portions 428 can be eliminated to more effectively utilize the space on the display

24.

In Figure 4, the data collage 412 includes fifteen data portions ("DP") 428, labeled DP1 -DP15. Alternatively, the data collage 412 can be designed to include more than fifteen or less than fifteen data portions 428.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 (illustrated in Figure 1) reviews the data files 414 in the database 16 (illustrated in Figure 1 ) and the indexing software 26 automatically generates the data collage 412. For example, the indexing software 16 can review and analyze each of the data files 414 for particular words, phrases, or titles to make up the data portion 428.

In another embodiment, the user can manually generate the data collage

412 from the data files 414 in the database 16. For example, with the input device

22, the user can highlight and select the desired data portions 428, and subsequently organize the data portions 428 to generate the data collage 412.

Still alternatively, portions of the data collage 412 can be manually created while other portions can be automatically generated with thε indexing software 26.

Figure 4 also illustrates that in one embodiment that the cursor 422A can be used to individually identify the particular data portion 428. After being identified with the cursor 422A, the entire data file 414, a larger portion of the data file 414 or a different portion of the data file 414 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the data file 414 can be integrated into the data collage 412. In Figure 4, DP1 1 has been identified with the cursor 422A and data file 11 has been displayed in total. With this design, the data collage 412 functions as an index for the data files 414 that allows for quick access to the desired data file 414.

As described above, the selected data file 414 or portion thereof can replace the data collage 412 on the display 24. Alternatively, the selected data file 414 can merely overlap a portion of the data collage 412 or be offset from the data collage 412. Alternatively or additionally, after being identified with the cursor 422A, data information 430 relating to the selected data file 412 can be displayed on the display 24. For example, the data information 430 can include the date the data file 414 was created, the contents of the data file 414, and/or the creator of the data file 414. With this design, each of the data portions 428 is linked to its respective data file 414. Thus, all or part of each of the data files 414 can easily be accessed by identifying its respective data portion 428.

In another embodiment, a collage can be used to represent a plurality of sub sets of similar or related images. Figure 5 illustrates that an initial collage 540 can be generated that provides an index 542 for a plurality of image collages 512 (only one is illustrated in Figure 5), with each image collage 512 being an index

513 for a sub set of images 528. In this embodiment, the initial collage 540 can be made of a selected image portion ("SPI") 544 of one of the images 528 in each image sub set. The selected image portion 544 can be used to represent and identify the contents of its linked image collage 512. Thus, multiple sets of images

514 are represented in me initial collage 540. Stated in another fashion, each selected image portion 544 in the initial collage 540 represents a sub set of similar or related images 514.

In Figure 5, the initial collage 540 includes nine selected image portions 544, labeled SIP1-SIP9 and the selected image collage 512 includes fourteen image portions ("IP") labeled IP1-14. Alternatively, the initial collage 540 and the selected image collage 512 can be designed to include more than or fewer components.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 (illustrated in Figure 1) reviews the images 514 in each sub set and the indexing software 26 automatically generates the image collage 512 and the initial collage 540. For example, the indexing software 26 can review and analyze each of the images 514 for particular details to make up the image portion 528. For example, the indexing software 26 can analyze the pixels in each image 514 and locate one or more faces in the respective image 514. Subsequently, the area around each face could make up the image portion 528 represented in the photo collage 512. Next, the initial collage 540 can be made with one of the image portions 528 from each of the image collages 512. Subsequently, one of the image portions 528 for each sub set can be the selected image portion 544 used to generate the initial collage 540. In yet another embodiment, the user can manually generate the image collage 512, the initial collage 540, or portions thereof.

Figure 5 also illustrates that the cursor 522A can be used to individually identify the particular image sub set from the selected image portion 544 in the initial collage 540. After being identified with the cursor 522A, the entire image collage 512, a large, portion of the image collage 512, or a different portion of the image collage 512 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the image collage 512 can be integrated into the initial collage 540. In Figure 5, SIP9 has been identified with the cursor 522A and the image collage 512 has been displayed in total. With this design, the initial collage 540 functions as an index for the image collages 512 that allows for quick access to the desired image sub sets.

Figure 5 also illustrates that the cursor 522A can subsequently be used to individually identify the particular image portion 528 in the image collage 512.

After being identified with the cursor 522A, the entire image 514, a larger portion of the image 514 or a different portion of the image 514 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the image 514 can be integrated into the image collage 312. In Figure 5, IP12 has been identified with the cursor 522A and image 514 has been displayed in total. With this design, the photo collage 512 functions as an index for the images 514 that allows for quick access to the desired image 514. Alternatively or additionally, with the initial collage 540 viewable on the display 24, the cursor 522A can be used to access image sub set information 546 relating to the image sub set.

Further, with the selected image collage 512 on the display 24, the cursor 522A can be used to access image information 530 relating to selected image 12 Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment in which an initial collage 640 is generated that provides an index 642 for a plurality of image collages 612 (only one is illustrated in Figure 6), with each image collage 612 being an index 613 for a sub set of images 614. In this embodiment, the initial collage 640 is made of a miniaturized version of the image collages 612. With this design, multiple sets of images 614 are again indexed in the initial collage 640. In Figure 6, the initial collage 640 includes four image collages 612, and the selected image collage 612 includes fourteen image portions ("IP") labeled IP1 -14. Alternatively, the initial collage 640 and the selected image collage 612 can be designed to include more than or fewer components.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 (illustrated in Figure 1) reviews the images 614 in each sub set and the indexing software 26 automatically generates the image collage 612 and the initial collage 640. In yet another embodiment, the user can manually generate the image collage 612, the initial collage 640, or portions thereof.

Figure 6 also illustrates that the cursor 622A can be used to individually identify the particular image collage 612 in the initial collage 640. After being identified with the cursor 622A, the entire image collage 612 can be displayed on the display 24. In Figure 6, the image collage 612 in the lower right corner has been identified with the cursor 522A and this image collage 612 has been displayed in a larger size. With this design, the initial collage 640 functions as an index for the image collages 612 that allows for quick access to the desired image sub sets.

Figure 6 also illustrates that the cursor 622A can subsequently be used to individually identify the particular image portion 628 in the image collage 612. After being identified with the cursor 622A, the entire image 614, a larger portion of the image 614 or a different portion of the image 614 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the image 614 can be integrated into the image collage 612. In Figure 6, IP12 has been identified with the cursor 622A and image 614 has been displayed in total. With this design, the photo collage 612 functions as an index for the images 614 that allows for quick access to the desired image 614.

Alternatively or additionally, with the initial collage 640 viewable on the display 24, the cursor 622A can be used to access image sub set information 646 relating to the selected image sub set.

Further, with ϊhe selected image collage 612 on the display 24, the cursor 622A can be used to access image information 630 relating to selected image 612. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the initial collage 640 is made of a plurality of image collages 612.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which a plurality of icons 740 is generated that provides an index 742 for a plurality of image collages 712 (only one is illustrated in Figure 7), with each image collage 712 being an index 713 for a sub set of images 728. In this embodiment, each of the icons 740 can be descriptive title, a representative portion of the sub set or a miniaturized version of its respective image collage 712.

In Figure 7, illustrated twelve icons 740, and the selected image collage 712 includes fourteen image portions ("IP") labeled IP1 -14. Alternatively, the icons 740 and the selected image collage 712 can be designed to include more than or fewer components.

In one embodiment, the indexing software 26 (illustrated in Figure 1) reviews the images 714 in each sub set and the indexing software 26 automatically generates each image collage 712 and the icons 740. In yet another embodiment, the user can manually generate all or a portion of each the image collage 712 and each icon 740.

Figure 7 also illustrates that the cursor 722A can be used to individually identify the particular image sub set from the icons 740. After being identified with the cursor 722A, the entire image collage 712 can be displayed. In Figure 7, the lower right icon 740 has been identified with the cursor 722A and the image collage 712 has been displayed in total. With this design, the icons 740 function as an index 742 for the image collages 712 that allows for quick access to the desired image sub sets. Figure 7 also illustrates that the cursor 722A can subsequently be used to individually identify the particular image portion 728 in the image collage 712.

After being identified with the cursor 722A, the entire image 714, a larger portion of the image 714 or a different portion of the image 714 can be displayed on the display 24, or a different portion of the image 714 can be integrated into the image collage 712. In Figure 7, IP12 has been identified with the cursor 722A and image

714 has been displayed in total. With this design, the photo collage 712 functions as an index 713 for the images 714 that allows for quick access to the desired image 714.

In one embodiment, the cursor 722A can be used to show other portions of the image 714 in the photo collage 712. For example, with the cursor 722A identifying image portion 728 of IP12, the user can cause a different portion of image 12 to appear in the photo collage 712. More specifically, the user can click and hold button of the mouse while the cursor 722A is positioned on IP12. Next, the user can move the cursor 722A across IP12 to illustrate other portions of image 12. Alternatively or additionally, with the icons 740 viewable on the display 24, the cursor 722A can be used to access image sub set information 746 relating to the particular image sub set. Further, with the selected image collage 712 on the display 24, the cursor 722A can be used to access image information 730 relating to selected image 712 While the current invention is disclosed in detail herein, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for indexing a folder database that includes a plurality of folders, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a folder portion of each of the folders in a folder collage; and linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder so that this folder can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of linking includes linking each of the folder portions to its respective folder so that each of the folders can be at least partly accessed from its respective folder portion in the folder collage.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least one of the folders includes at least one image.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the folders includes at least one image.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the folders includes a plurality of images.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the folders includes at least one data file.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder includes linking folder information regarding this folder to its respective folder portion so that the folder information can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder includes the step of adjusting the folder portion illustrated in the folder collage.

9. A method for indexing an image database that includes a plurality of images, the method comprising the steps of: displaying an image portion of each of the images in an image collage; and linking each of the image portions to its respective image so that each image can be at least partly accessed from the image portion in the image collage.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of linking at least one of the image portions to its respective image includes linking image information regarding this image to its respective image portion so that the image information can be at least partly accessed from the image portion in the image collage.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of linking at least one of the image portions to its respective image includes the step of adjusting the image portion illustrated in the image collage.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of generating the image collage with the image portions.

13. Indexing software that is operative with a processor to index a folder database that includes a plurality of folders, the indexing software being operative with a processor to perform the following steps: displaying a folder portion of each of the folders in a folder collage; and linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder so that this folder can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage.

14. The indexing software of claim 13 wherein the step of linking includes linking each of the folder portions to its respective folder so that each of the folders can be at least partly accessed from its respective folder portion in the folder collage.

15. The indexing software of claim 14 wherein at least one of the folders includes at least one image.

16. The indexing software of claim 13 wherein each of the folders includes at least one image.

17. The indexing software of claim 13 wherein each of the folders includes a plurality of images.

18. The indexing software of claim 13 wherein each of the folders includes at least one data file.

19. The indexing software of claim 13 wherein the step of linking at least one of the folder portions to its respective folder includes linking folder information regarding this folder to its respective folder portion so that the folder information can be at least partly accessed from the folder portion in the folder collage.

20. An electronic system comprising a processor, a display, and the indexing software of claim 13.