Image recording method and system, image transmitting method, and image recording apparatus

Abstract

An input apparatus reads a patient ID from an ID card and transmits it to a computer. On the basis of the patient ID, the computer obtains corresponding patient information containing a photograph of the patient's face and the patient's name, from a medical database, and then transmits the patient information to the digital camera together with the patient ID. The digital camera displays the patient information on the liquid crystal monitor to enable confirmation of the patient, who is a subject to be photographed. After the patient has been confirmed, the patient ID is filled in a header part of an image file for the image photographed using the digital camera, and the image file is transmitted to the medical database or the like. Thus, when identification information on the subject is recorded in connection with the photographed image, the input of the identification information is simplified, and the correspondence between the subject identification information input before photographing and the subject to be photographed can be easily confirmed. Further, the digital camera obtains locational information from a car navigation apparatus. The locational information is classified into added-to-image information added to the subject image (GPS information indicative of latitude, longitude, and altitude) and display information associated with the added-to-image information (the place name corresponding to the GPS information). The digital camera stores the location information obtained in a non-volatile memory and displays the display information (place name) of the locational information on the liquid crystal monitor of the camera. Subsequently, after photographing has been completed, the added-to-image information (GPS information) of the locational information stored in the non-volatile memory in connection with the image. Thus, if additional information input from an external device is recorded in connection with the subject image, the camera can be used to easily check what added-to-image information is used, whether or not the added-to-image information is correct as information to be added to the subject image, and the like.

1 . An image recording method, comprising: 
 inputting GPS information added to an image of a subject to be photographed and place name information associated with the GPS information to a digital camera from an external device using radio communication before photographing the subject to be photographed;    displaying the place name information on a display device of the digital camera on the basis of the place name information input from the external device before photographing the subject to be photographed; and    after photographing the subject, recording an image of the subject and the GPS information input from the external device in connection with the image.    
   
   
       2 . The image recording method according to  claim 1 , wherein the place name information is used by a photographer to check at least one of contents and correctness of the GPS information added to the subject image.  
   
   
       3 . The image recording method according to  claim 2 , wherein the place name information comprises one of test information and image information which can be displayed on the display device.  
   
   
       4 . The image recording method according to  claim 2 , wherein the GPS information comprises binary information, and the place name information comprises text information corresponding to the binary information.  
   
   
       5 . The image recording method according to  claim 2 , wherein the GPS information is recorded in a header part of an image file in which an image of the subject is recorded.  
   
   
       6 . The image recording method according to  claim 1 , wherein the place name information comprises at least one of test information and image information which can be displayed on the display device.  
   
   
       7 . The image recording method according to  claim 1 , wherein the GPS information comprises binary information, and the place name information comprises text information corresponding to the binary information.  
   
   
       8 . The image recording method according to  claim 1 , wherein the GPS information is recorded in a header part of an image file in which an image of the subject is recorded.  
   
   
       9 . The image recording method according to  claim 1 , wherein the GPS information comprises at least one of numerical locational information on the subject and identification information already imparted to the subject.  
   
   
       10 . The image recording method according to  claim 9 , wherein the place name information is used by a photographer to check at least one of contents and correctness of the GPS information added to the subject image.  
   
   
       11 . The image recording method according to  claim 10 , wherein the place name information comprises one of test information and image information which can be displayed on the display device.  
   
   
       12 . The image recording method according to  claim 10 , wherein the GPS information comprises binary information, and the place name information comprises text information corresponding to the binary information.  
   
   
       13 . The image recording method according to  claim 10 , wherein the GPS information is recorded in a header part of an image file in which an image of the subject is recorded.  
   
   
       14 . An image recording system, comprising: 
 an external device which outputs, using radio communication, the GPS information added to an image of a subject to be photographed place name information associated with the GPS information; and    a digital camera comprising: 
 a display device which displays the place name information on the basis of the place name information input from the external device using radio communication before photographing the subject to be photographed; and  
 a recording device which records an image of the subject after the subject has been photographed and records the GPS information input from the external device, in connection with the image.