WO2004051393A2

WO2004051393A2 - Interface device for portable storage media

Info

Publication number: WO2004051393A2
Application number: PCT/IL2003/001009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roni Nowarski
Original assignee: Gnvention Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-11-29
Filing date: 2003-11-27
Publication date: 2004-06-17
Also published as: AU2003302554A8; WO2004051393A3; AU2003302554A1

Abstract

A portable data transfer device (50) for “backing up” the on board memory of a data source device (10), and optionally to transfer all or part of the contents of the on-board memory of the data source device (10) to the portable data transfer device (50). A preferred example of the data source device (10) is a digital camera. The portable data transfer device (50) is preferably a master device, in the sense that the portable data transfer device (50) preferably triggers transfer of the data from the data source device to the data storage contained within, or otherwise in communication with, the portable data transfer device (50). The portable data transfer device optionally and more preferably is capable of transferring the data to another device, such as a computer. Alternatively and more preferably, the data storage of the portable data transfer device (50) comprises a detachable, portable memory device (80).

Description

INTERFACE DEVICEFORPORTABLE STORAGE MEDIAAND INTERFACE FOR

PORTABLE STORAGE MEDIA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to the field of electronic data storage, and more specifically to an apparatus for enabling file storage from a data source to a portable storage medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic devices are rapidly shrinking in size, while simultaneously increasing the amount of data that they generate. For example, digital cameras generate millions of data bits for each image captured, and the data bits are then stored in the camera on a small memory device. The memory associated with the camera is however quite limited, and a key functionality is the ability to connect the camera to a computer where the images can be stored and easily viewed. This however has a significant drawback, in that the images must be manipulated on the computer, and thus are no longer easily portable. Furthermore, such a solution is not useable in the field, where the memory of a digital camera may become fully utilized. The existence of spare memory cards is not adequate, as this typically requires opening the camera and carefully handling an extremely small memory card. There thus exists the risk of losing or damaging a full, extremely small memory card, with its associated images.

Electronic diaries and personal digital assistants (PDA) similarly generate large amounts of information. Typically these devices may be connected to a personal computer for backup, requiring dedicated software, and access to the computer. Such a requirement makes storing a backup copy of the information difficult, with a consequent result that large amounts of important information may be lost if these devices are misplaced or stolen.

Robust memory devices, such as memory sticks are designed to be useable as a portable storage device. Such devices are designed to plug into a personal computer, and in particular commercially available devices allow ease of use through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of the computer. These devices are however configured as slave devices, and as such are not by themselves suitable to backup information generating devices, as the information generating devices do not provide external memory control. Thus there is a need for an apparatus that will enable backup of a data source device without requiring a personal computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art methods of memory storage. This is provided in the present invention by a portable data transfer device for portable storage medium enabling a connection between a data source and a portable memory device, preferably comprising an input port for connecting to a data source, an output port for connecting to a portable memory device, a memory device comprising an on-board look up table, an input device and a micro-computing device connected to the input port, output port and memory device, the micro-computing device consisting essentially of copying or transferring functionality for transferring data files located on the data source through the input port of the device to the portable storage medium via the output port of the device in response to the operation of the input device. In a preferred embodiment both the input port and output ports comprise universal serial bus ports.

According to an embodiment present invention, there is provided an apparatus for enabling data transfer from a data source device to a portable storage medium, comprising: an input port, for connecting to the data source; an output port for connecting to the portable storage medium; a memory; an input device; and a micro-computing device connected to the input port, the output port, the memory and the input device, wherein the micro-computing device is only capable of supporting data transfer; wherein data from the data source is transferred through the input to the portable storage medium through the output port in response to the operation of the input device. Preferably, the input port is a universal serial bus port. More preferably, the input port is a master port. Also preferably, the output port is a universal serial bus port. More preferably, the output port is a master port.

Optionally and preferably, the input port and the output port are universal serial bus ports. More preferably, the input port and the output ports are master ports. Optionally, the apparatus features a display. Preferably, the display is operable by the micro-computing device to display status of file information on the data source. More preferably, the display is operable by the micro-computing device to display status of file information on the portable storage medium. Also more preferably, the data files located on the data source being copied or transferred are individually selectable by the input device.

Preferably, the memory comprises operating instructions for the data source. Also preferably, the memory comprises operating instructions for the portable storage medium. Optionally, the input device comprises a push button switch. Also optionally, the input device comprises a pointing device.

Preferably, the data source device comprises a digital camera.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for enabling transfer of data from a digital camera, comprising: an input port, for connecting to the digital camera; a memory; an input device; an output port for being capable of transfer of data from the apparatus; and a micro-computing device connected to the input port, the output port, the memory and the input device, the micro-computing device controlling transfer of data from the digital camera to the memory and the micro-computing device controlling transfer of data from the memory through the output port, such that the apparatus is a master device and the digital camera is a slave device.

Preferably, the memory comprises a portable memory device, the portable memory device being connected to the output port and the portable memory device being detachable from the output port.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable data transfer device for transferring data from a digital camera to an external device, comprising: an input port for coinmunicating with the digital camera; an output port for communicating with the external device; and a micro-processor for executing a plurality of instructions for transferring data from the digital camera through the input port, to the external device through the output port, wherein the plurality of instructions consist essentially of data transfer instructions, and wherein the micro-processor is only capable of executing the plurality of instructions.

Preferably, the external device comprises a computer. Also preferably, the external device comprises a detachable, portable memory device. More preferably, the device is a master device and the data source device is a slave device, such that the master device controls synchronization of data. Optionally and preferably, the plurality of instructions include instructions for communicating according to at least one of the USB Mass Storage protocol, 1394 protocol or PTP protocol.

Also optionally and preferably, the plurality of instructions include instructions for communicating according to a proprietary camera driver for the digital camera.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates a high level block diagram of a system utilizing the teaching of the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the teaching of the invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a high level flow chart of operation according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a high level block diagram of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the teaching of the invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates a high level block diagram of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the teaching of the invention; Fig. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart of operation according to the second and third embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary software architecture for the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a portable data transfer device for "backing up" the on board memory of a data source device, and optionally to transfer all or part of the contents of the on- board memory of the data source device to the portable data transfer device. The data source device, as described herein, may optionally be any type of device having a data storage capability and a dedicated function, but otherwise lacking computational functionality. A non-limiting but preferred example of the data source device is a digital camera.

The portable data transfer device is preferably a master device, in the sense that the portable data transfer device preferably triggers transfer of the data from the data source device to the data storage contained within, or otherwise in communication with, the portable data transfer device. The data source device is therefore a slave device.

The portable data transfer device optionally and more preferably is capable of transferring the data to another device, such as a computer for example. Alternatively and more preferably, the data storage of the portable data transfer device comprises a detachable, portable memory device such as the DiskOnKey™ device of M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd., Israel. Such a portable memory device is capable of being removed from the portable data transfer device and of being inserted to, or otherwise connected with, a computer for example, for data transfer.

In either case, the portable data transfer device preferably comprises a micro-computing device that is capable of executing a plurality of instructions, for preferably performing a synchronization operation between the data transfer device and a computer, or the detachable portable memory device, either of which may be considered to be an "external device" for receiving the data. The synchronization operation would enable any new data, such as new images for example, to be automatically transferred to the external device and/or the detachable portable memory device.

Optionally and preferably, the micro-computing device has limited functionality, such that the device is preferably only capable of data transfer. Optionally and more preferably, synchronization, as described above, is included within data transfer. Micro-computing device may optionally be implemented with any suitable component(s) that are known in the art, including but not limited to, a data processor, a micro-processor, a logic and a programmable ASIC. Optionally and preferably, the input and output ports of the portable transfer device are USB ports. More preferably the input and output ports are interchangeable, and the definition of input and output for the ports are based on the functionality of the connected device.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Fig. 1 illustrates a high level block diagram of a system utilizing the teaching of the invention comprising a data source device 10, comprising an output port 20, and a connection 30; and a data transfer device 50 according to the present invention comprising an input port 40, an output port 70, an input device 60 and a portable storage medium 80, which comprises an input port 90. Output port 20 of data source 10 is connected to one end of connection 30, and the other end of connection 30 is connected to input port 40 of data transfer device 50. Output port 70 of data transfer device 50 is connected to input port 90 of portable storage medium 80. Input device 60 is optionally located at, and preferably is a component of, data transfer device 50. Input device 60 is used to input commands to data transfer device 50.

In operation, data source 10 comprises data stored locally, preferably on a removable memory card. For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, data source 10 is a digital camera, comprising one or more images stored locally, which the user desires to copy to data transfer device 50, and more preferably, to portable storage medium 80. Input device 60, which in an exemplary embodiment comprises a push button, is operated to direct data transfer device 50 to copy all data from data source 10 to portable storage medium 80. In an exemplary embodiment, output port 20 of data source 10, input port 40 of data transfer device 50, output port 70 of data transfer device 50 and input port 90 of portable storage medium 80 comprise USB ports. Optionally, any of the input or output ports may be capable of wireless communication.

Portable storage medium 80 optionally and preferably comprises a memory stick device, removable disk, mini-disk writer, external hard drive or other portable storage device, hi an exemplary embodiment portable storage medium 80 comprises a USB port 90 for connection to input port 70 of data transfer device 50. Preferably both input port 40 and output port 70 are of the same type, and the ports are thus interchangeable. In such an embodiment the terms input port and output port are defined based on the operative functionality.

Fig. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram of a first embodiment of data transfer device 50 according to the teaching of the invention. Data transfer device 50 comprises input port 40, input device 60, micro-computing device 100, memory 110, power source 120 and output port 70. Input port 40 is connected to a port of micro-computing device 100, and output port 70 is connected to another port of micro-computing device 100. Memory 110 is connected to microcomputing device 100, and input device 60 is connected to micro-computing device 100. Power source 120 is connected as known to those skilled in the art, however the connections have been omitted for clarity.

In operation, micro-computing device 100 controls the operation of input port 40, and in the exemplary embodiment operates input port 40 as a master USB port for operation of output port 20 of data source 10 connected thereto as a slave. Further in the exemplary embodiment micro-computing device 100 operates output port 70 as a master USB port for operation of the portable storage medium 80 connected thereto as a slave. Memory 110 comprises operating instructions for finding and copying data from each potential data source 10, and instructions for operating and storing data to each potential portable storage medium 80. Micro-computing device 100 is operable to transfer data from input port 40 to output port 70, as will be described further herein. It is to be understood that micro-computing device 100 may comprise a micro- controller or micro-computer, contain data buffers as required, or be part of an application specific integrated circuit without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Power source 120 may optionally comprise a dry cell battery such as a lithium or other rechargeable power source, or in another embodiment may comprise a step down from a regular 110/220 volt alternating current source. In the exemplary embodiment, power source 120 supplies sufficient power to additionally operate output port 20 of data source 10 and input port 90 of portable storage medium 80. Preferably, power source 120 has no power connection to data source 10.

Fig. 3 illustrates a high level flow chart of the operation of micro-computing device 100 of data transfer device 50. In response to operation of input device 60, in step 1000 micro- computing device 100 polls data source 10 for identification information. In step 1010 microcomputing device 100 loads the corresponding operating instructions from memory 110. In step 1020 micro-computing device 100 polls portable storage medium 80 for identification information, and in step 1030 micro-computing device 100 loads corresponding operating instructions from memory 100.

In step 1040, micro-computing device 100 uses the operating instructions loaded in step 1010 to search data source 10 and find the data to be copied. Optionally, the quantity of data is also found. In step 1050 micro-computing device 100 uses the operating instructions loaded in step 1030 and searches portable storage medium 80 for an appropriate location to store the data. In the event that the quantity of data is known, the appropriate location will take into account the quantity of data to be stored. In an exemplary embodiment data transfer device 50 looks for a directory with its name, preferably off the root of the storage device. In step 1060 the data found in step 1040 is copied to the location identified in step 1050.

Preferably each storage action will be placed in a different folder, and further preferably a unique identifier identifies each folder. In an exemplary embodiment micro-computing device 100 is programmed with the date, and each folder is identified by the date of the copy. In another exemplary embodiment a running number is used to identify the folder. Fig. 4 illustrates high level block diagram of a second embodiment of data transfer device

50 according to the teaching of the invention. Data transfer device 50 comprises input port 40, input devices 60, micro-computing device 100, memory 110, power source 120, display 130 and output port 70. Input port 40 is connected to a port of micro-computing device 100, and output port 70 is connected to another port of micro-computing device 100. Memory 110 is connected to micro-computing device 100, input devices 60 are each connected to micro-computing device 100 and display 130 is connected to micro-computing device 100. Power source 120 is connected as known to those skilled in the art, however the connections have been omitted for clarity.

In operation data transfer device 50 of Fig. 4 operates similarly to that of Fig. 2 with the exception of multiple input device 60 and display 130. Multiple input devices 60 allow for additional functionality such as copy, move or delete data. Display 130 allows micro-computing device 100 to display status of data source 10 and portable storage medium 80 to the user. In one embodiment micro-computing device 100 senses the connection of data source 10, and displays the location and quantity of data in data source 10 prior to the user operating any input device 60. In a further embodiment first input device 60 is operated to delete all files, second input device 60 is operated to transfer all files from data source 10 to portable storage medium 80, and third input device 60 is operated to copy all files from data source 10 to portable storage medium 80. Fig. 5 illustrates high level block diagram of a third embodiment of data transfer device 50 according to the teaching of the invention. Data transfer device 50 comprises input port 40, input device 60, micro-computing device 100, memory 110, power source 120, display 130 and output port 70. Input port 40 is connected to a port of micro-computing device 100, and output port 70 is connected to another port of micro-computing device 100. Memory 110 is connected to micro-computing device 100, input device 60 is each connected to micro-computing device 100 and display 130 is connected to micro-computing device 100. Power source 120 is connected as known to those skilled in the art, however the connections have been omitted for clarity. In operation data transfer device 50 of Fig. 5 operates similarly to that of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 with the exception of input device 60 that is replaced with a pointing device or soft keys. Multiple data control and display functions are operated using the pointing device or soft keys including used and free memory space in either or both of data source 10 and portable storage medium 80, display of file names and sizes and the selection of individual files to be copied, moved or deleted. In another embodiment memory 110 comprises additional on-board memory enabling data transfer device 50 to store data from data source 10 in the absence of portable storage medium 80. Preferably the additional on-board memory comprises non-volatile memory to retain the data in the absence of power from power source 120.

Fig. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart of the initial operation of data transfer device 50 of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In step 1100 micro-computing device 100 senses the connection of a device to port 40 or port 70. In step 1110 micro-computing device 100 polls the port to which a device is connected (port 40 or port 70) for identification information on the device. In step 1120 microcomputing device 100 loads the corresponding operating instructions from memory 110. In step 1140 micro-computing device 100 utilizes the loaded operating instructions to display information on the data in the connected device on display 130.

In an embodiment in which memory 110 comprises additional on-board memory, preferably information regarding the contents of memory 110 is further displayed on display 130. Preferably device 60 is operable to allow for the transfer of data from attached device 10 to memory 110, and optionally from memory 110 to attached device 80. Micro-computing device 100 optionally and preferably operates according to a plurality of instructions in order to be able to communicate with data source device 10, for example when data source device 10 comprises a digital camera. A number of different implementations may optionally be made for such instructions, depending upon the requirements of the camera. As described below, the device according to the present invention may optionally communicate with the digital camera according to a standard protocol, which has been published and according to which one of ordinary skill in the art may easily implement instructions for communication between the device according to the present invention and the digital camera.

There are a number of standard protocols that digital cameras use, including but not limited to, USB Mass Storage, PTP - Photo Transfer Protocol (also known as the Still Image Device protocol) and the Firewire digital camera protocol. Digital cameras typically are capable of using one or more of these protocols. These protocols are supported by many different commercial operating systems, such that special drivers are typically not required to enable the digital camera to communicate with a computer, or as for the present invention, micro-computing device 100. Cameras which do not use one of these protocols instead operate according to a unique proprietary protocol, and require the installation of a specific driver that is provided with the camera. USB Mass Storage is the protocol used by hard drives and removable disk devices for communication over USB ports, and is actually based on the SCSI protocol, as implemented for USB ports (see for example http://www.usb.org/ as of 24 November 2003, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein). Therefore, if micro-computing device 100 is implemented with USB ports, as for a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device according to the present invention is able to communicate with cameras that implement the USB Mass Storage protocol, including but not limited to, digital cameras from Olympus, Nikon, Minolta, Sony, Casio and many others.

PTP, Picture Transfer Protocol, is a standard protocol mainly developed by Kodak whose goal is to provide a standard method to access digital cameras. This protocol has been adopted by the USB consortium to handle the Still Image Device class as part of the USB standard.

However, the protocol itself is "transport independent", such that it may optionally operate with other types of hardware communication protocols such as Firewire for example. A complete specification of the protocol has been published; see http://ptp.sourceforqe.net/ as of 23 November 2003, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Some non-limiting examples of cameras which use this protocol include Sony, Nikon and Canon; some cameras implement PTP in combination with the USB Mass Storage protocol. The Firewire protocol, also known as the IEEE 1394 protocol (see http://www.catc.eom/conntech/ieeel394.html#IEEE 1394 Protocol Overview as of 23

November 2003 for a description and overview, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein), is a high speed serial interface for connecting consumer electronic devices, such as digital cameras for example, to computers. According to an optional but preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device according to the present invention could optionally communicate with a digital camera through a IEEE 1394 port if present on the camera and on the device. The device according to the present invention would also preferably have a USB port for communicating with a digital camera or computer (or other electronic device) having such a port. Digital cameras that operate according to unique protocols require specific driver software to communicate with the camera. One non-limiting example of such software is the gPhoto2 software, which is an open-source project (see http://www.qphoto.orq/proi/ as of 23 November 2003). This software is a free, redistributable, ready to use set of digital camera software applications for Unix-like systems, which supports over 400 different types of digital cameras, including many cameras which operate according to unique protocols. This software (or portions thereof) may also optionally be used with the device according to the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a software architecture may optionally be implemented for supporting communication between the device according to the present invention and the digital camera. As shown with regard to Figure 7, a system 700 features a front-end interface 702 which is preferably generic, for communicating with the digital camera (not shown). Front-end interface 702 is preferably supported by one or more specific camera libraries 704, which enable front-end interface 702 to communicate with specific types of cameras.

The hardware connection is preferably supported by a port library 706, which as shown may optionally support different types of port interfaces, such as USB, Firewire etc. Port library 706 in turn preferably communicates with software for operating the device according to the present invention, such as device support software 708, which in turn communicates with microcomputing device 100.

A list of many different digital cameras, and the appropriate communication protocol (USB Mass Storage, PTP, proprietary, or a combination thereof), may be found at http://www.teaser.fr/~hfiguiere/Iinux/digicam.html as of 23 November 2003. According to another optional, non-limiting implementation of the present invention, the device would be implemented as a "smart cable", with logic such as micro-computing device 100 physically embedded in the cable and an interface (such as LCD's for example with a button or other input device). For this implementation, optionally the interface could be limited, for example to only feature a button or other input device, and to lack LCD's or other display components. The device could optionally draw power from the camera itself, so as not to require an independent power source.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for enabling data transfer from a data source device to a portable storage medium, comprising: an input port, for connecting to the data source; an output port for connecting to the portable storage medium; a memory; an input device; and a micro-computing device connected to said input port, said output port, said memory and said input device, wherein said micro-computing device is only capable of supporting data transfer; wherein data from said data source is transferred through said input to said portable storage medium through said output port in response to the operation of said input device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said input port is a universal serial bus port.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said input port is a master port.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said output port is a universal serial bus port.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said output port is a master port.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said input port and said output port are universal serial bus ports.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said input port and said output ports are master ports.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a display.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said display is operable by said micro-computing device to display status of file information on said data source.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said display is operable by said micro-computing device to display status of file information on said portable storage medium.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said data files located on said data source being copied or transferred are individually selectable by said input device.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said memory comprises operating instructions for said data source.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said memory comprises operating instructions for said portable storage medium.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said input device comprises a push button switch.

15. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said input device comprises a pointing device.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data source device comprises a digital camera.

17. An apparatus for enabling transfer of data from a digital camera, comprising: an input port, for connecting to the digital camera; a memory; an input device; an output port for being capable of transfer of data from the apparatus; and a micro-computing device connected to said input port, said output port, said memory and said input device, said micro-computing device controlling transfer of data from the digital camera to said memory and said micro-computing device controlling transfer of data from said memory through said output port, such that the apparatus is a master device and the digital camera is a slave device.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said memory comprises a portable memory device, said portable memory device being connected to said output port and said portable memory device being detachable from said output port.

19. A portable data transfer device for transferring data from a digital camera to an external device, comprising: an input port for communicating with the digital camera; an output port for communicating with the external device; and a micro-processor for executing a plurality of instructions for transferring data from the digital camera through said input port, to the external device through said output port, wherein said plurality of instructions consist essentially of data transfer instructions, and wherein said microprocessor is only capable of executing said plurality of instructions.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said external device comprises a computer.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein said external device comprises a detachable, portable memory device.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the device is a master device and the data source device is a slave device, such that said master device controls synchronization of data.

23. The device of any of claims 19-22, wherein said plurality of instructions include instructions for communicating according to at least one of the USB Mass Storage protocol, 1394 protocol or PTP protocol.

24. The device of any of claims 19-22, wherein said plurality of instructions include instructions for communicating according to a proprietary camera driver for the digital camera.