The Lifeblog software runs on a PC and, when a phone is connected to the machine, sucks down all the images, text and multimedia messages stored on the handset.

It will then populate a timeline with the information arranging it chronologically and annotating it with tags the phone records about when and where something was done.

The software works out where someone was using codes that uniquely identify cell phone base stations.

Images from digital still or video cameras can also be added to the collection of information.

"You want to keep everything so you can get a nice overview," said Mr Lindholm "so you can decide what you really want to keep or delete."