Camera system and method for taking photographs that correspond to user preferences

Abstract

A database of user preferences for a high quality picture is maintained. Preferences may be generated over time by tracking attributes of pictures that the user has deleted or failed to select for storage. When the camera is in preview mode, the camera may automatically capture image data for one or more pictures as a background operation. When the user commands the taking of a picture, the camera will capture image data for a user photo. A comparison may be made to determine which one of the automatically taken picture or the user photo has a higher correlation to user preferences for a quality photo. If the user photo has higher correlation, it may be retained in the customary manner for digital pictures. If the automatically taken photo has higher correlation, the user may be given the option to select the user photo or the automatically taken photo for retention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of processing a digital picture, comprising:
 analyzing attributes of an image for a degree of correspondence between the attributes and respective features that collectively represent user preferences regarding photo quality; and   processing the image to increase the correspondence between the attributes and respective features that collectively represent user preferences regarding photo quality.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the features that collectively represent user preferences regarding photo quality are determined by evaluating photos that are deleted by user action for correlations in features that are indicative of undesirable photo characteristics to the user. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the processing includes at least one of cropping the image, modifying the brightness of the image or reducing presence of red-eye in the image.