JP2002271672A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment that acquires identification information specific to other electronic equipment therefrom and generates and outputs an image file, on which the acquired intrinsic identification information and an image are described so as to facilitate management of the output images. SOLUTION: The electronic equipment is provided with an identification information acquiring means (a transceiving means 157 or the like), that acquires specific identification information from other electronic equipment, an image capture means (an imaging means 150 or the like) that captures an image, an image file generating means (an information processing means 180) that generates an image file, on which the acquired identification information and the captured image are described, and an output means (a transmission/reception means 157 or the like). Thus, the electronic equipment can easily manage outputted image files at the post process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device that automatically creates and outputs an image file in which an acquired image is associated with identification information on a subject included in the image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to make it possible to manage recorded image data, such as organizing and editing, first information corresponding to camera photographed image information is stored.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H05-205605 discloses a camera configured to set the sub-information and to set the second sub-information relating to the photographing order in association with the photographed image information and to store the sub-information in the attribute information recording unit of the information recording medium. No. 252474.

In order to easily search for a photographed image, the photographing state and date are displayed on a liquid crystal display device, and the photographing information is selected in an electronic camera configuration in which the photographing information is stored in a memory card MC inserted. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-296001 discloses an information device having a management means for adding related information and capable of displaying related information on the liquid crystal display device.
No. in the official gazette.

Further, in order to enable quick retrieval of an electronic image without increasing the size of the apparatus and without impairing the operability, a frame previously attached to the electronic image is provided on the back of the electronic camera near the LCD monitor. A first operation switch that specifies a number and selects an electronic image, and a second switch that specifies attribute information previously assigned for collective management of electronic images and selects an electronic image, An image processing apparatus arranged so as to be arranged is disclosed in JP-A-11-306319.

[0005]

However, in the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-252474,
The sub-information is automatically recorded together with the image for organizing the image data, and is described in the embodiment using the time as the sub-information to be used. However, although it is possible to identify the recorded image by using the information on the date and time recorded together with the image, the information on the date and time is not information indicating the content of the image or the subject. Therefore, when managing and organizing images according to the subject, it is necessary to separately create and manage information that associates the shooting time with the content of the subject.

[0006] Similarly, information equipment disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-296001 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-306 are disclosed.
The image processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 319 also manages image data using date information when managing the image data.
A problem similar to that of the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 74 is caused.

[0007] Further, when a method is used in which a user directly inputs information related to an image from an electronic camera at the time of photographing, records the information in association with the taken image, and manages the image, the information between the electronic camera and the user is used. In addition to the necessity of an interface (input means) related to input, there has been a problem in that there is a high possibility that a user makes an error in inputting information.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and acquires unique identification information from another electronic device, and automatically creates an image file in which the acquired unique identification information and an image are described. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device capable of easily managing an output image by outputting the image.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention obtains unique identification information from another electronic device and outputs an image file describing the obtained unique identification information and an image. An electronic device, an identification information acquisition unit that acquires unique identification information from another electronic device, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image, and an image file that describes the acquired identification information and the acquired image. It is characterized by comprising image file creating means for creating, and output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device.

According to the present invention, an identification information acquiring unit for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device, an image acquiring unit for acquiring an image, and the acquired identification information and the acquired image are described. Since an image file creating means for creating an image file and an output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device are provided, it is possible to easily manage the output image file in a later process. It becomes possible.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system at a medical site such as an examination room.

As shown in FIG. 1, an imaging system at a medical site includes a patient 8, an affected part 9 of the patient 8 serving as a subject image,
An electronic camera 10 that is an embodiment of an electronic device that records an image obtained by capturing an image of a subject, and patient-specific identification information such as a patient's name, age, disease information, medical examination information, imaging information, and patient ID are recorded. And an ID card 60 (an electronic consultation ticket or the like) which is one form of an electronic device capable of outputting the identification information to another electronic device such as the electronic camera 10.

Further, a network gateway 12 capable of transmitting and receiving images captured by the electronic camera 10 and the like and information such as identification information of the patient 8 by wireless or wired communication means is provided. If necessary, a personal computer capable of receiving an image captured by the electronic camera 10 and managing the image in association with identification information of the patient 8, and performing processing such as reception processing of the patient 8 who has visited the examination 80 may be provided.

The electronic camera 10, the personal computer 80, the gateway 12, and the ID card 60 are connected to an antenna 156.
Various kinds of information such as images, identification information, and consultation information can be transmitted and received to and from each other via a wireless communication unit such as a wireless communication unit or an antenna 856 or a wired communication unit (not shown).

The identification information unique to the patient recorded on the ID card 60 unique to the patient 8 does not generally need to be rewritten, and may be recorded as non-rewritable information. The recording method of the ID card 60 for recording various types of information is not limited to a recording method using a semiconductor, a recording method using magnetism, a recording method using light, or the like. It is possible to achieve the object of the invention.

The imaging means for imaging the affected part 9 of the patient 8 corresponds to an imaging means using an imaging device such as an electronic camera, an X-ray camera, an endoscope imaging device, or an MRI for imaging with ordinary visible light.

When a doctor or the like images the affected part 9,
An electronic device such as the electronic camera 10 or the personal computer 80 acquires the identification information unique to the patient 8 from the electronic device such as the ID card 60, and associates the identification information with the captured image and describes the information in the image file. The created image file is stored in the electronic camera 10
May be recorded on the recording medium 177 attached to the
The information may be recorded on the recording medium 877 attached to the personal computer 80, may be recorded on the ID card 60, may be transmitted to the server system in the hospital via the gateway 12 and the network, and may be recorded. .

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an imaging system at a medical site such as a hospital.

[0020] As shown in FIG.
The receptionist where the patient first visits, the surgery where the patient is consulted,
Each consulting room for internal medicine and neurosurgery and the like, and a pharmacy for purchasing medicines to be taken by patients are provided. In the medical field,
Patient name, patient name, age, disease information, consultation information,
A server 90 is provided which can record and manage various types of information related to patients, such as medical examination result information, medical chart information, medical examination images, prescription information, imaging information, and patient IDs, in association with one another.

The server 90 may be configured as a server system including a plurality of servers provided for each function as necessary, or may be a device configured from a single server. . Server 90 is the LA in the hospital
N and the like, and can transmit and receive various information such as images and characters to and from each terminal device such as the electronic camera 10 and the personal computer 80 connected to the network 14. Has become.

If the electronic camera 10D is close to the electronic camera 10D as in the case of a brain surgery consultation room, the shield wall 1 attenuates radio waves for wireless communication.
6 are provided. Therefore, the ID card existing at the subject photographing position of the electronic camera 10E and the electronic camera 10D
Is set not to start wireless communication.

Also, "200-001" is set for the electronic camera 10 installed in the surgical examination room, and "100-001" is set for the electronic camera 10A installed in the internal medicine examination room.
As described above, in the recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 or the ROM 183 of each electronic camera provided in each examination room, an ID which is identification information unique to the electronic camera is recorded.

At the reception, a personal computer 80B capable of inputting / outputting information and connected to the network 14 is installed. The personal computer 80B includes an input unit that allows a receptionist to input reception information and the like, a display unit that displays the input information and information obtained through the network 14, and a patient-specific ID card 6.
0 and communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information using wireless or wired means.

When transmitting / receiving information to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, the ID card 60 is inserted into the PC card slot of the personal computer 80B instead of the recording medium 877B, and the PC card interface of the personal computer 80B is used. The transmission / reception of information with the ID card 60 may be performed using a transmission / reception unit.

Each of the examination rooms is capable of inputting and outputting information and connected to the personal computer 80, 80A,... Connected to the network 14, and images of the subject such as the affected part of the patient. Electronic cameras 10 and 1 that output
0A... Are provided. PCs 80 and 80A
... input means for a doctor or the like to input medical examination information, imaging information, medical chart information, prescription information related to medicines to be given to the patient at the time of medical examination, information input and information obtained via the network 14, Display means for displaying past consultation information, medical chart information, captured images of the affected part, etc., and communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information using a patient-specific ID card 60 and wireless or wired means are provided. Have been.

When transmitting / receiving information to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, similarly to the personal computer 80 at the reception,
The ID card 60 is mounted in the PC card slot of the personal computer 80, 80A... In place of the recording medium 877, 877A,. Transmission and reception may be performed.

The pharmacy has a personal computer 80C capable of inputting / outputting information and connected to the network 14, and a printer 70C for printing the prescription information of the corresponding patient obtained via the network 14 on paper.
And is installed. The personal computer 80C includes an input unit that allows a pharmacy person to input reception information and the like, a display unit that displays the input information and prescription information and the like obtained via the network 14, a patient-specific ID card 60, Communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information using wireless or wired means are provided.

When transmitting / receiving information to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, the ID card 60 is inserted into the PC card slot of the personal computer 80C instead of the recording medium 877C to transmit / receive information. Is also good.

For example, an image server provided in the server 90 can record an image taken at the time of a medical examination or the like. In addition, the imaging / diagnosis management server of the server 90 also records information on which department is scheduled to undergo a medical examination for each patient, and information on which camera is planning to image the affected part. . Further, information on which ID card number assigned to which patient is issued and leased is also recorded.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera 10.

The image processing unit of the electronic camera 10 includes an image pickup unit 150 (including a function of an image acquisition unit) that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs an image signal.
And an image processing unit 153 that performs processing such as image size change, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, and an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog image signal into digital image data. Is provided.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10, which transmits and receives information such as image data to and from other electronic devices by communication, carries information such as image data and identification information unique to other electronic devices on a carrier wave such as a radio wave. Transmitting / receiving means 157 (including the functions of identification information obtaining means, image obtaining means, subject identification information obtaining means, electronic equipment identification information obtaining means and output means), antenna 156 for transmitting and receiving carrier waves and data, A communication connector 162 for transmitting information such as data to another electronic device via a communication cable, and a cradle connector 163 for transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device via a cradle to which the electronic camera 10 is attached. I have.

The transmitting / receiving means 157 and the antenna 15
Communication means such as 6 may be separately provided outside the electronic camera 10. In addition, in order to perform wireless communication only with the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8, communication means such as the transmission / reception means 157 and the antenna 156 may be installed near the subject imaging position.

When the transmission / reception means 157 is means for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, the intensity of the carrier wave when the carrier wave for wireless communication output from another electronic device is received. May be provided with a function of a variable reception intensity setting unit that enables acquisition of unique identification information in accordance with the information.

By providing the function of the variable reception intensity setting means, only the ID card 60 located closest (the radio wave intensity is highest because it is located closest) is selected to transmit / receive information. Thus, it is possible to obtain only unique identification information.

When the transmitting / receiving means 157 is means for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, a direction for receiving a carrier wave for wireless communication output from another electronic device is selected. It may have a function of a variable reception direction setting unit that enables acquisition of unique identification information.

By providing the function of the variable reception direction setting means, the ID card 60 existing in a specific direction can be provided.
It is possible to automatically or manually select only (which may be the case where another electronic device is present in the vicinity) and transmit and receive information, thereby obtaining only unique identification information. . In this case, a shield material is provided in a range where radio waves or the like are not received so that the antenna 156 can receive a carrier wave only within a predetermined angle range, and the antenna 156 itself is uniaxially or biaxially like a radar antenna. May be configured to be rotatable.

The electronic camera 10 includes a compression / expansion means 167 for controlling the compression of the information such as image data by a method represented by JPEG or motion JPEG, and for controlling the expansion / decompression of the compressed data. OSD 169 for on-screen display of various characters and message data and the like displayed on the screen 168 together with the image, white balance processing for image data obtained by imaging, gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, conversion of the number of pixels Signal processing means 170 for performing processing, electronic zoom processing, trimming processing, etc., a frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data, and converting digital image data into YC signals or RGB signals for display, etc. A D / A converter 172 is provided.

When the affected part 9 is imaged by the electronic camera 10, information such as the acquired patient ID, the patient's name, the patient's face photo, and various warning messages are displayed on the display means 16.
8 can be displayed.

The display means 168 displays a notification that one unique identification information cannot be specified when the identification information acquiring means such as the transmission / reception means 157 acquires a plurality of unique identification information. May be provided.

When the identification information acquisition means such as the transmission / reception means 157 cannot acquire the unique identification information from another electronic device, the display means 168 displays a notice indicating that the unique identification information cannot be acquired. It may have a function of an unacceptable information display means.

The display means 168 acquires unique identification information from other electronic devices before and after the image is acquired, and acquires the unique identification information if the two do not match. May be provided with a function of a mismatch information display means for displaying a notification indicating that there is a mismatch.

The display means 168 is connected to the server 90.
The identification information specifying the subject obtained from the like is compared with the identification information specifying the subject obtained from another electronic device present in the vicinity of the subject, and when the two identification information do not match as a result of the comparison. May have a function of subject mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the acquired identification information for identifying the subject does not match.

The display means 168 is provided with an electronic device (electronic camera 1) for acquiring an image acquired from the server.
0) and identification information that specifies an electronic device (such as the electronic camera 10) that acquires an image acquired from another electronic device present near the subject. If the two pieces of identification information do not match as a result of the comparison, the electronic apparatus may have a function of electronic device mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the obtained identification information identifying the electronic device does not match. Good.

The electronic camera 10 selects one unique identification information from a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode switch, and a plurality of unique identification information. Means 174 provided with operation buttons and the like for a user to input information to be input, and an I / O 17 serving as an interface for inputting and outputting setting information and the like of the input means 174.
5, a recording medium mounting unit 178 for detachably mounting the recording medium 177, and a recording medium interface 179 for recording and reading information such as an address, an image file, and identification information unique to an electronic device on the recording medium 177.
(Including the functions of the identification information acquisition unit, the image acquisition unit, the subject identification information acquisition unit, the electronic device identification information acquisition unit, and the output unit). The recording medium 177
Is a semiconductor such as a memory card, a detachable recording medium represented by a magnetic recording type represented by an MO, an optical recording type, or the like, or an electronic device equipped with recording means such as an ID card 60. .

The transmission / reception means 157 receives identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information unique to a user or a patient, identification information identifying a subject to be imaged, from another electronic device such as the server 90 or the ID card 60 for managing imaging. It is possible to receive identification information and an image for identifying an electronic device that acquires information and an image, and to transmit an image file to another electronic device.

Further, other electronic devices can record images and image files on a recording medium 177, identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information unique to a user or a patient, and a subject to be imaged. It is possible to obtain identification information for specifying an electronic device, identification information for specifying an electronic device for acquiring an image, and an image, and output an image file to another electronic device.

The electronic camera 10 includes an electronic camera 10.
An information processing unit 180 (image file creation control) that performs overall control and performs various controls such as image data sampling timing control, image data recording control, image file creation control, image data figure recognition, communication control, and display control. Means, object information collating means, and electronic device information collating means), and information such as various identification information, a manufacturer name, a seller name, etc., which can be rewritten and obtained from other electronic devices. Non-volatile memory 182 (recording means) that can continue to be stored even after the power is turned off, identification information unique to electronic equipment such as model name, manufacturer name, and serial number of electronic camera 10, and constants of operation programs, etc. A recorded ROM 183 (recording means) and a RAM 184 as a storage means serving as a work area when executing the program are provided.

The images acquired by the image acquiring means such as the image capturing means 150, the transmitting / receiving means 157 and the recording medium interface 179, and the identification information inputted through the input means 174 are stored in the recording means such as the recording medium 177 or the nonvolatile memory 182. Will be recorded.

The electronic camera 10 has a calendar clock 190 for ticking time, and a power supply 19 for supplying various powers for driving the electronic camera 10 to peripheral circuits and control circuits.
1, a power connector 192 for receiving power supply from an external power source, a light emitting unit 193 for irradiating a subject with light or other photosensitizing energy at the time of photographing to compensate for a shortage of the amount of light, and a light emission timing of the light emitting unit 193. And light emission control means 194 for adjusting the energy such as the amount of light emitted.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 and its peripheral circuits are connected by a bus 199 so that information can be transmitted to each other at high speed.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
Identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information input by a user, a manufacturer name of the electronic device, a name of a seller of the electronic device, and the like, which are recorded in recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 and the ROM 183; It has the function of an image file creating means for creating an image file describing the acquired image.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
When an image is captured by the electronic camera 10 or when an image is acquired through the image acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 or the recording medium interface 179, the identification information acquired from another electronic device together with the acquired image data. Can be recorded.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
The identification information for identifying the subject of the image acquired by the subject identification information acquiring unit from the electronic device such as the server 90 that manages the image, and the identification information acquiring unit for other electronic devices such as the ID card 60 near the subject. A function of subject information matching means for checking the obtained identification information for identifying the subject may be provided.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
May have a function of creating an image file in which an acquired image and identification information for identifying a subject of the image are created only when the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the comparison.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
The identification information for identifying the electronic device (electronic camera 10,..., Personal computer 80, etc.) for acquiring the image acquired by the electronic device identification information acquiring means from the electronic device such as the server 90 for managing the image, An electronic device (electronic camera 10,..., Personal computer 80,...) That obtains an image obtained by the identification information obtaining unit from another electronic device such as an ID card 60.
Etc.) may be provided.

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10
May have a function of creating an image file that describes an acquired image and identification information that specifies a subject of the image only when the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the comparison.

The information processing means 18 of the electronic camera 10
0 indicates that the identification information acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 has acquired one unique identification information from another electronic device, or that the identification information acquisition unit has acquired a plurality of unique identification information from another electronic device. Only when the user later selects one unique identification information, a function of creating an image file in which the acquired identification information and the acquired image are described may be provided.

If the identification information to be recorded is recorded in the same image file together with the image data in the header portion of the image file, the subsequent processing is facilitated. The description of the identification information is not limited to binary data or ASCII data, but may be encrypted information.
The description of the identification information is not limited to the method described in the header portion of the image file, but may be described by embedding it in image data using a technique such as a digital watermark.

The identification information may be configured so that the identification information is recorded together with all images taken by the electronic camera 10 unless otherwise specified by the user. Then, the user enters the input means 17 provided on the electronic camera 10.
By operating No. 4, it may be possible to make a setting of cancellation so that the identification information is not recorded in the image file together with the image data.

By recording identification information such as identification information unique to the electronic device or the patient 8 together with the image in the image file, the person who acquired the image file (observer such as a doctor)
It is possible to easily obtain information such as the patient name, the patient ID, the condition of the affected part, and the equipment used in the received image.

The image file created by the information processing means 180 is transmitted or received by a transmitting / receiving means 157 capable of wireless or wired communication, or a personal computer 80 functioning as a communication terminal of the network 14 via an output means such as a recording medium interface 179. Output to the communication device. Alternatively, the data may be directly output to the server 90 via the transmitting / receiving means 157.

The processing up to photographing and recording by the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described below.

The object image to be picked up is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 150 by the lens of the electronic camera 10, and the formed object image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 153. The image processing unit 153 performs amplification and noise reduction processing on the image signal, and executes the A / D converter 1
After being converted into digital data at 54, it is stored in the frame memory 171 for a while.

The information processing means 180 includes a frame memory 1
Image data stored in the D / A converter 1
The instruction is transmitted to the display 72 and displayed on the display unit 168 together with the information generated from the OSD 169.

When a photographer such as a doctor presses a release button provided on the input means 174 for the purpose of photographing, the information processing means 180 enters a mode for photographing a subject. Then, the information processing means 180 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the compression / expansion means 167, and outputs a command to execute the compression processing of the image data under predetermined conditions.

Next, the information processing means 180 reads, for example, identification information and the like unique to the patient 8 as a subject, which is obtained from the non-volatile memory 182 or another electronic device recorded in the recording medium 177, and reads, for example, an image. A process is performed for recording in an attached information recording portion provided in a header portion of the file. The image data is recorded in a predetermined image recording area of the image file. In the subsequent photographing or image acquisition, the image file to be created may be configured so that the acquired image data and identification information are described as long as the user does not give an instruction. In the case of (1), since the patient to be the subject and the recorded identification information must always match, the display means 1
For example, a face photograph, a name, or the like of the patient corresponding to the identification information recorded at 68 or the like may be displayed to request confirmation from the photographer.

The identification information to be recorded together with the acquired image is not limited to merely recording the identification information unique to the patient in the image file, but may be described together with the patient information such as the patient's name and a face photograph. .

In the above description, the embodiment in which the electronic apparatus is an electronic camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the electronic camera, and information can be transferred via a recording medium 177 or the like. The object of the present invention can be achieved by an electronic device (including an information processing device represented by a personal computer) or an electronic device provided with a wired or wireless communication unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the ID card.

As shown in the figure, the information transmitting / receiving section of the ID card 60 includes an antenna 656 used as a short-range wireless communication means, and a transmitting / receiving means 657 (converting data into a predetermined format for wirelessly transmitting / receiving information). Identification information acquisition means,
Image acquisition means, subject identification information acquisition means, electronic device identification information acquisition means, and output means).

The ID card 60 has a display means 668 (which may have the same function as the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10) for displaying information such as images and characters, and a command for the information processing means. Display control means 669 for outputting an image signal for display to the display means 668 based on the display means.

The ID card 60 includes the ID card 6
Information processing means (CPU) 680 for performing overall control
(It may have the same function as the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10), various constants relating to the processing of the ID card 60, and attribute information for communication connection with other communication devices;
Address, electronic camera 10 that is going to perform imaging ...
Read / write nonvolatile memory 682 for recording information such as identification information unique to an electronic device, identification information unique to a patient 8 lending the ID card 60, and identification information (ID number) unique to the own ID card. And a read-only ROM 683 in which a processing program such as firmware for operating the information processing means 680, various constants, and various information such as identification information (ID number) unique to the ID card are recorded.
And a RAM 684 that is a recording unit serving as a work area when the information processing unit 680 executes a process.

The battery used for the power source 691 may be provided inside the ID card 60 as shown in the figure, or may be supplied from another electronic device by means of transmission of electromagnetic waves or the like. However, in this case, it is necessary to bring the ID card 60 close to another electronic device which becomes a card reader such as the personal computer 80 to receive power supply. However, the ID card 60 itself does not need to manage the power supply such as replacing or charging the battery. Therefore, when managing a large number of ID cards 60, there is an advantage that the power management of the ID card 60 is not required. .

The power source of the ID card 60 may be only a primary battery or only a secondary battery.
A power source combining these may be used.

A power switch may be provided for the power supply of the ID card 60 so as to supply power to each peripheral circuit in a state where it can be operated only in the hospital where it is used. The power switch may be a switch that can be operated by the user, or may be a switch that controls the supply and stop of power based on information obtained by the information processing unit 180 via the transmission / reception unit 157 or the like. Good.

The power may be supplied only manually or automatically by communication, and the stop may be controlled by a timer so that the power is shut off after a certain period of time.

The ID card 60 has a calendar clock 690 for keeping time and a power supply 69 for supplying various electric power for driving the ID card 60 to each peripheral circuit and control circuit.
1 and a power connector 692 for receiving power from an external power supply for use such as charging a battery.

Information processing means 680 in ID card 60
Display control means 669, nonvolatile memory 682, RO
Each peripheral circuit including the M683, the RAM 684, the calendar clock 690, and the like is connected by a bus 699, and the information processing means 680 can control each peripheral circuit.

The short-range wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, light such as infrared rays, or the like. When using radio waves, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).

The information processing means 680 of the ID card 60
The information such as the identification information unique to the patient 8 and the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 to be image-captured, which is recorded in the recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 682 or the ROM 683, is read out. Camera 10 ...
Alternatively, it can be transmitted to other communication devices such as the personal computers 80, 80A.

In addition to the identification information unique to the patient 8, patient information such as the name of the patient 8, a face photograph for identifying the patient 8, or a list of electronic cameras to be used for imaging today may be transmitted. . The transmission of the patient information such as the identification information unique to the patient 8 may be voluntarily and periodically transmitted to another electronic device when wireless communication is established and the electronic device of the communication partner is specified. Alternatively, the patient information may be transmitted only when another electronic device requests transmission of the patient information.

When the identification information unique to the patient (information such as the patient ID) is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 682, the identification information unique to the patient is transmitted via the personal computer 80B when the patient receives the first consultation. It may be received and recorded. The patient-specific identification information recorded in the non-volatile memory 682 is convenient because it can be continuously recorded even when the battery of the ID card 60 is exhausted.

The information of the camera list in which the identification information of the electronic camera used for the examination is described is received via the personal computer 80B at the reception when the patient visits the hospital for the examination, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 682 or It is recorded on recording means such as a RAM 684.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the personal computer.

According to the figure, the information transmitting / receiving section of the personal computer 80 has an antenna 8 used as a short-range wireless communication means.
56 and a transmitting / receiving means 857 (identification information obtaining means, image obtaining means, subject identification information obtaining means,
(Includes functions of electronic device identification information acquisition means and output means)
And a transmission / reception unit 865 (including functions of a transmission unit and a reception unit) for transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device (the server 90 or the like) via a communication network such as the communication network 860.
Are provided. The communication network 860 may be connected to the network 14 shown in FIG.

The personal computer 80 has a display means 868 (which may have the same function as the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10) for displaying information such as images and characters, and a command based on the information processing means. A display control means 869 for outputting an image signal for display to the display means 868, and various kinds of information input by a user such as a doctor via the input means 874, and transmitting the information to an information processing means to be described later. An I / O 875 for outputting a display command to a notifying unit such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing unit is provided.

The personal computer 80 has a recording medium 877.
And a recording medium interface 879 for recording and reading information such as image data on and from the recording medium 877 or the ID card 60. The recording medium 877
May be a removable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.

The recording medium mounting section 878 and the recording medium 8
The means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the ID card 77 or the ID card 60 includes:
It may be a contact-type transmission / reception unit such as a connector for a PC card or a wireless transmission / reception unit using radio waves or light. When a radio wave is used for the transmission / reception means, the intensity of the radio wave to be used is set to be low to prevent interference with another nearby recording medium 877 or ID card, or the vicinity of the recording medium mounting portion 878 By providing a shield for blocking radio waves and magnetism, a predetermined recording medium 877 or ID card 60 may be specified to reliably transmit and receive information. Even if the shield is present, the recording medium 877 or the ID card can be freely inserted and removed.

The personal computer 80 includes an information processing means (CPU) 880 (which may have the same function as the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10) for controlling the entire personal computer 80, and an information processing means. A memory 881 composed of a ROM in which a program for operating the 880 and various constants are recorded, and a RAM which is a recording unit serving as a work area when the information processing unit 880 executes processing, and various types of processing related to the processing of the personal computer 80 Information such as constant information, attribute information for communication connection with a communication device on a network, an address, identification information unique to an ID card 60, identification information unique to an electronic device such as an electronic camera, and connection information such as a DNS (Domain Name System). Recording means 886 such as a hard disk for recording
And a calendar clock 890 that ticks the time.

Information processing means 880 in personal computer 80,
Peripheral circuits including a display control unit 869, an I / O 875, a memory 881, a recording unit 886, a calendar clock 890, and the like are connected by a bus 899, and the information processing unit 880 can control each peripheral circuit. Has become.

The short-range wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, light such as infrared rays, or the like. When using radio waves, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).

When the information processing means 880 of the personal computer 80 acquires an image via the image acquisition means such as the transmission / reception means 857 or the recording medium interface 879, the information processing means 880 transmits the acquired image data together with the acquired image data from an electronic device such as the ID card 60. An image file describing the acquired identification information in association with the acquired identification information may be created and transmitted to the server 90 or the like.

In the above description, the communication device has been described as an example in which the personal computer 80 is used. However, any communication device having information processing means, communication means and the like may be a communication terminal such as an electronic notebook or an ID card. Is also good. The personal computer 80B or the like installed at the reception or the like may be an electronic device such as a card reader / writer. In addition, the personal computer 80 may have a function related to imaging, such as the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the signal processing system of the server.

According to the figure, the information transmitting / receiving unit of the server 90 has an antenna 956 used as a short-distance wireless network communication means, and converts data into a predetermined format for transmitting / receiving information wirelessly or by wire. Transmission / reception means 957
(Including the functions of the identification information acquisition unit, the image acquisition unit, the subject identification information acquisition unit, the electronic device identification information acquisition unit, and the output unit) and other communication devices (the personal computer 80, Network transmission / reception means 9 for transmitting / receiving information to / from electronic camera 10).
65 (including the functions of the transmitting means and the receiving means). The communication network 960 may be connected to the network 14 shown in FIG.

[0098] The server 90 has display means 968 for displaying information such as images and characters for confirmation as necessary.
(It may have the same function as the display unit 168 of the electronic camera 10), a display control unit 969 that outputs an image signal for display to the display unit 968 based on a command from the information processing unit, The I / O 975 reads various information input by the user through the input unit 974 and transmits the information to the information processing unit described later, or outputs a display command to a notification unit such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing unit. Is provided.

The server 90 has information processing means 980 for controlling the entire server 90 (functions similar to those of the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 may be provided).
And a ROM in which a program for operating the information processing means 980 and various constants are recorded, and a RAM which is a recording area serving as a work area when the information processing means 980 executes processing.
, And various constants relating to the processing of the server 90 and its own attribute information on the network.
RL (Uniform Resource Locators), address, DN
S (Domain Name System), identification information unique to the patient 8, identification information of an ID card carried by the patient 8, identification information of electronic devices such as electronic cameras 10, 10A used in each department,
Recording means 986 such as a hard disk for recording various information such as the image of the affected part 9 or the like, various kinds of identification information described in the acquired image file, medical examination information of each patient, and chart information of each patient (identification information recording Means and medical examination information recording means, including the functions of a medical examination management server and an image server), and a calendar clock 990 for counting time.

The information processing means 980 in the server 90 and the peripheral circuits including the display control means 969, the I / O 975, the memory 981, the recording means 986, the calendar clock 990, etc. are connected by a bus 999. 980 can control each peripheral circuit.

The server 90 receives image files from communication devices such as personal computers 80, 80A... Connected to the network 14 and records the received images in the recording means 986. Can be provided to specific or general doctors via a communication network. Server 9
0 may be a configuration in which a printing unit is provided to enable a process of printing a received image on paper and delivering the image according to a request of a user such as a doctor.

Also, information such as identification information unique to a patient and a request for transmission of a patient's consultation schedule is acquired from a communication device such as a personal computer 80, 80A, etc. via the network 960, and the date recorded in the recording means 986 is recorded. Searches and reads out the examination schedule of the specified patient, and requests the personal computer 8
0, 80A... Etc. may be transmitted.

Further, various kinds of use information such as consultation fee, treatment fee, use amount such as the price of medicine, use frequency, use contents, etc., which are generated when each patient uses the hospital, are associated with each other and recorded by the recording means 986. May be recorded. The score or points may be counted according to the various information and recorded in the recording means 986.

The procedure from when the patient 8 arrives at the hospital and the imaging of the diseased part 9 is performed will be described below.

First, when the patient 8 visits a doctor, reception using an ID card 60 unique to the patient 8 is performed. ID card 6
0 and the receiving personal computer 80B transmit and receive information using a wireless communication means or the like, the ID card 60 and the receiving personal computer 80B are brought closer to each other, and the respective electronic devices are in the service area of the short-range wireless communication. Put in. Then, the respective communication devices automatically start wireless communication. When the ID card 60 and the personal computer 80B of the reception start communication connection and end the authentication processing between the electronic devices, transmission and reception of necessary information is started thereafter, and processing relating to reception of the patient 8 is executed.

The personal computer 80B is connected to the ID card 60 of the patient 8.
When the personal computer 80 recognizes the information, the personal computer 80 acquires the identification information unique to the patient 8 recorded on the ID card 60 and transmits the acquired information to the server 90 via the network 14. Inquire about

The information processing means 980 of the server 90 which has received the identification information unique to the patient 8 and the inquiry information searches the radiographic examination management server area provided in the recording means 986 of the server 90, for example. The processing of extracting the examination schedule of the patient 8 is performed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the description of the patient information recorded in the recording means 986 such as the imaging consultation management server area of the server 90.

As shown in the figure, the recorded patient information includes the patient's name, address, telephone number, contact information, medical record number, issued ID card number, examination schedule, radiography schedule, medication schedule, and various other information. Information is described. Each of these patient information is recorded in association with identification information such as a patient ID which is identification information unique to the patient.

[0110] The information processing means of the server 90 which has searched for the examination schedule of the patient 8 on that day transmits the examination information relating to the examination performed by the patient 8 today to the personal computer 80B among the retrieved information. The personal computer 80B that has received the information displays the received medical examination information on the display means, and transmits it to the ID card 60 via a wireless communication means or the like. The ID card 60 that has received the consultation information records the received consultation information in a recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 682. The received consultation information may include information such as identification information for identifying an electronic camera to be used when capturing an image at today's consultation, and a camera ID list.

When the reception of the patient 8 is completed, the patient 8 goes to the examination room of the designated department and waits for the turn of the examination. At this time, since the patient 8 has already carried the ID card 60, he / she goes near the electronic cameras 10, 10A... And the like, and the patient's ID card 60 and the electronic cameras 10, 10A provided in each department.
Start wireless communication with the electronic camera 10, 10A, etc., but the wireless communication I / F that is far from the electronic cameras 10, 10A. ) Or outside the shield that attenuates radio waves for wireless communication of the cameras 10, 10A,. Therefore, when the patient 8 is in the waiting room, the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8 and the electronic cameras 10, 10 A,... That perform imaging do not automatically start wireless communication.

[0112] It is the turn for the patient 8 to be examined.
When a patient enters the consultation room, consultation by a doctor or the like is started. When imaging the affected part 9 of the patient 8, the patient 8 approaches the electronic camera 10, enters a predetermined subject imaging position range, and prepares to image the affected part 9. Each electronic camera 1
The subject photographing positions provided in the vicinity of 0, 10A... Are within a range set so that wireless communication can be performed between the electronic cameras 10, 10A. For example, the distance between the electronic devices is the distance at which wireless communication is possible (the wireless communication I / S of s1 to s4 shown in FIG. 2).
F).

As in the brain surgery consultation room shown in FIG.
Since a plurality of electronic cameras 10D and 10E are installed in the same room, when the subject shooting position of the electronic camera 10E is close to the electronic camera 10D, a shield wall 16 for attenuating radio waves for wireless communication is provided. Card and electronic camera 10 present at the subject photographing position of electronic camera 10E
D is set not to automatically start wireless communication.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not imaging is possible in an electronic camera.

In the present invention, when an image of the affected part 9 of the patient 8 is taken by the electronic camera 10, identification information unique to the patient is acquired from the ID card 60 together with the taken image and described in the image file. . Therefore, when a plurality of ID cards are present near the electronic camera 10 when imaging the affected part 9 of the patient 8, the electronic camera 10 cannot determine which ID card is the patient 8 ID card. Alternatively, the identification information of another patient may be erroneously described instead of the identification information unique to the patient 8 to be described together with the captured image.

If the image of the affected part 9 and the identification information of the patient 8 described in the image file do not match, the doctor will not be able to make a correct medical decision in a later consultation process. Does not allow discrepancies in identification information.

If the identification information unique to the patient is not described in the image file in which the captured image is recorded,
In a later step, it is necessary to collate and record the image and the patient and record them. At this time, if there are a large number of images, there is a possibility that the image and the patient are erroneously registered, and there is also a possibility that an input error of the information by the operator occurs.

Therefore, when the identification information unique to the patient is automatically acquired at the time of imaging and is described in association with the image file together with the captured image of the patient, the electronic device itself that creates the image file, such as the electronic camera 10, is used. An important requirement is that only one patient 8 be known at the time of acquiring the image.

If there is no plan to take an image with the electronic camera 10 in today's examination schedule and imaging schedule recorded on the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8, the patient may make a mistake in the examination room. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the execution of imaging.

As described above, when the electronic camera 10 acquires the identification information unique to the patient from another electronic device such as the ID card 60 via wireless communication, the ID existing in the wireless communication range of the electronic camera 10 can be obtained. The condition for permitting image capturing is that the card is the only one, and that the identification information of the electronic camera 10 of its own is included in the received camera ID list of the image capturing scheduled for today. In the following embodiment, the photographing enable flag is set only when this condition is satisfied and transmitted to the image photographing execution process.

The patient 8 obtained from the ID card 60
Since the identification information such as the unique ID is displayed on the display unit 168 of the electronic camera 10 to notify the operator, the operator such as a doctor operating the electronic camera 10 can use the image file together with the image to be captured. It is possible to easily confirm whether or not the identification information of the patient 8 described in the above is correct and correct information.

It should be noted that, within the wireless communication range of the electronic camera 10,
When the ID card 60 of the patient 8 cannot be detected because the patient 8 is not at the correct subject photographing position (ID
The electronic camera 10 detects the presence of a plurality of ID cards because the card 60 cannot be detected by wireless communication), or another patient who should not be present is present at the subject shooting position, or Electronic camera 1 not included in the imaging schedule recorded on the ID card
Even if there is only one ID card existing in the wireless communication area of the electronic camera 10 due to an attempt to perform imaging at 0, the received camera ID list does not include the own electronic camera 10 In any case, in any case, the photographing enable flag is not set to the permission state (set state) but is set to the non-permission state (reset state) and transmitted to the image pickup execution processing.

When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, the processing program of the information processing means 180 branches to the processing routine of S100 “power on” (hereinafter abbreviated as S100) to determine whether or not imaging is possible. The process proceeds to the next S102 “reset a photographable flag”.

In step S102, the "capturing enabled flag" for permitting the electronic camera 10 to capture an image is reset and set to an image capturing disabled state. Then, in the next S104 “Patient I
Can D be received? Proceed to the determination of

In S104, the patient 8 who has visited for imaging has the ID
In order to check whether or not the user carries the card 60, the information processing means 180 transmits the I
A process of trying to communicate with the D card 60 is performed. At this time, a signal for searching the ID card 60 may be transmitted from the transmitting / receiving means 157 to obtain a response from the ID card 60. Further, the ID card 60 periodically transmits, for example, identification information unique to the patient, patient information such as a patient's name and a face photograph for identifying the patient, or a list of electronic cameras to be used for imaging today, for example, every time T. In this case, the transmission / reception unit 157 may monitor the state of the wireless communication for the time T or longer to determine whether there is a signal emitted from the ID card 60.

If the information processing means 180 cannot acquire the identification information unique to the patient 8 because the information cannot be transmitted / received to / from the ID card 60 in S104, the processing program proceeds to S106 “Memory To patient ID
And delete the camera ID list ", the nonvolatile memory 1
A process for deleting the identification information unique to the patient 8 and the identification information unique to the electronic camera to be used for imaging today, which is recorded in the recording means such as 82 or the RAM 184, is performed. And the next S1
08 "Display on LCD of camera that" patient cannot be detected ""

In step S108, the information processing means 180 informs the display means 168 that the identification information unique to the patient or the ID card 60 or the like cannot be detected in order to notify the imaging worker or the like that the ID card 60 cannot be detected. Outputs an instruction to display.

In the next step S110 "reset photographable flag", in response to the fact that the electronic camera 10 has not detected the ID card 60, a process of resetting the photographable flag for permitting photographing is performed. Then, the process returns to the determination at S104.

If the information is transmitted and received to and from the ID card 60 in S104 and the information processing means 180 acquires the identification information unique to the patient 8, the processing program proceeds to S104.
The process proceeds to step 112, "Is the received patient ID one or more?" In S112, it is determined whether the ID card of the communication partner with which the electronic camera 10 has communicated is the only ID card 60 or has communicated with a plurality of ID cards.

If the electronic camera 10 communicates with a plurality of ID cards, it is determined that the patient to be imaged cannot be specified because there are a plurality of patients near the electronic camera 10. Proceed to S114 “Display on LCD of Camera that“ Plural Patients Exist ””. In S114, the information processing unit 180 outputs an instruction to display on the display unit 168 a notification that the patient to be imaged cannot be specified because there are a plurality of patients near the electronic camera 10.

In the next step S116 “reset imaging possible flag”, the electronic camera 10 performs imaging only for the patient 8 whose imaging is to be performed.
In response to the fact that the D card 60 has not been detected, a process of resetting a photographing enable flag for permitting image pickup is performed. Then, the process returns to the determination at S104.

If it is determined in S112 that the electronic camera 10 has performed communication with the only ID card 60,
Only one patient is present in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10, and it is determined that the patient 8 to be imaged has been identified. S118 "Receive the patient ID and store it in the memory" It proceeds to the process of “remember”.

In S118, the transmission / reception means 157 of the electronic camera 10 communicates with the ID card 60 to acquire unique identification information for identifying the patient 8 such as a patient ID or a card ID, and stores the information in the nonvolatile memory 182 or the RAM 184. A process for recording on the recording means is performed. Also, a camera list that specifies the electronic cameras 10, 10A,... That the patient 8 is to use for a medical examination today is acquired, and the nonvolatile memory 18 or the RAM
184 or the like is recorded. Then, the process proceeds to the next S120 “display patient ID on camera LCD”.

In step S120, identification information for identifying the patient 8 such as a patient ID, a card ID, a patient's name, or a photograph of the patient's face is displayed based on the acquired and recorded information such as the patient ID or the card ID. An instruction to be displayed on the means 168 is output. Since the display unit 168 displays unique identification information on the patient 8, a doctor or an operator who performs imaging of the diseased part 9 or the like of the patient 8 can easily collate with the patient 8. Since the image of the affected part 9 captured later and the unique identification information for identifying the patient 8 are described in the same image file, it is possible to prevent a processing error such as a mistake between the patient and the image in a later step. Become.

In the next step S122, "Is your camera ID in the camera ID list?"
It is determined whether or not there is a description of identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 in the camera ID list that is scheduled to be imaged today, acquired from. If the camera ID list does not include the unique identification information of its own electronic camera 10, the processing program proceeds to S124 "Camera L
Display on CD "Indicating that shooting is not scheduled"".

In step S124, the information processing means 180 determines that the patient 8 is in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10 but the electronic camera 10 is not scheduled to take an image of the patient 8 today. An instruction to display on the display unit 168 a notification that there is no need to execute is output.

In the next step S126 “Reset imaging enable flag”, the imaging enable flag for permitting imaging is reset in response to the fact that the imaging schedule of the patient 8 does not include the schedule for performing imaging with the electronic camera 10. Perform processing. Then, the process returns to the determination at S104.

If the camera ID list received from the ID card 60 contains the unique identification information of the electronic camera 10 in S122, the processing program proceeds to S128 "Set a photographable flag". Next S1
At 28, the information processing unit 180 detects the only patient 8 and, in response to the fact that its own electronic camera 10 is incorporated in the imaging schedule of the patient 8,
At 0, an imaging flag is set in order to set the affected part 9 of the patient 8 in a state where imaging is possible. Then, the process returns to S104.

Thereafter, when the ID card carried by the patient 8 leaves the area of the wireless communication, or when another patient
When the information processing unit 180 approaches a zero and detects a plurality of ID cards, the photographing enable flag is reset and a notification to that effect is displayed on the display unit 168 to alert the doctor or the operator.

It should be noted that the processing for determining whether or not imaging is possible is configured so that the information processing means 180 periodically executes the processing by interrupting a timer or performing processing such as polling.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an image pickup process when the electronic camera 10 instructs image pickup.

When the patient 8 completes the preparation for imaging at the subject imaging position and an operator such as a doctor performs imaging of the affected part 9, the release button provided on the input means of the electronic camera 10 is directly pressed. Or, when an instruction for imaging is input by a remote control, the information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10
The processing program branches to S200 "press release button", and proceeds to the next determination of S202 "capturable flag?"

When the electronic camera 10 is an electronic camera that captures and records visible light, the release button is often provided directly on the electronic camera 10, but using a large-sized imaging device such as an MRI. When imaging an affected part, generally, the imaging apparatus main body and the release button are generally located at positions apart from each other.

In the determination of S202, it is determined whether the above-mentioned photographing enable flag is set or reset. If the photographing enable flag has been reset and the photographing is not permitted, the processing program proceeds to S220 “next photographing ready”, ends the processing relating to the main photographing processing, and returns to the original processing routine.

If it is determined in S202 that the shooting flag has been set, the processing program proceeds to the next S.
The process proceeds to 204 “obtain patient ID from memory (pre-imaging ID)”, and performs a process of reading identification information and the like unique to patient 8 recorded in a recording unit such as nonvolatile memory 182 or RAM 184.

[0146] In the next step S206 "Execution of photographing", an image is acquired by performing photographing or the like.

In the next step S206 “Acquisition of patient ID from memory (ID after imaging)”, the patient ID recorded in the recording means is acquired again. Here, the reason for acquiring the patient ID again is that the information considered to be the identification information of the patient 8 acquired before the imaging is not the identification information of the patient 8 for some reason but the identification information of another patient. Affected part 9 of patient 8
This is to eliminate the problem that the identification information of another patient is described in the image file together with the image of the above.

The reason for the above is that the patient 8 does not have the ID card 60 at the time of imaging, or the patient 8 happened to pass nearby in a state where wireless communication cannot be performed between the ID card 60 and the electronic camera 10. When the electronic camera 10 recognizes an ID card carried by another patient and records the unique identification information of another patient obtained from the ID card carried by the other patient in the recording means. Can be considered.

Further, when the time required for imaging is long, the patient 8 may move out of a predetermined subject photographing position and come out. Since there is a high possibility that a mistake in a captured image at a medical site may cause a fatal result in medical treatment for a patient, a process of confirming identification information of a patient 8 to be imaged before and after imaging as described below. It is carried out.

The next S210 “ID before photographing = ID after photographing”
? ", The pre-imaging ID acquired in S204,
By comparing the post-imaging ID acquired in S208 this time, it is determined whether or not the IDs are the same. If the pre-shooting ID is different from the post-shooting ID, the processing program branches to S212, "Display on LCD of camera that" patient has been changed and re-imaging is required "."

At S212, the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 receives the fact that the identification information of the patient obtained before the imaging is different from the identification information of the patient obtained after the imaging.
The patient 8 and the electronic camera 10 to be imaged
An indication that the identification information unique to the patient 8 acquired through the D card 60 or the like may be different is displayed, and a worker such as a doctor is notified. And the processing program is S22
The processing proceeds to 0, and the processing routine of the imaging processing is terminated, and the processing returns to the original processing routine.

At S210, ID before shooting and I after shooting are set.
When it is determined that D is equal, the processing program proceeds to the next S214 “attach the pre-shooting ID (= post-shooting ID) to the image data”. In step S214, the information processing unit 180 performs image processing suitable for recording on the captured image and writes the image processing in the image file.
Is attached to the image file. By describing the image file and the patient identification information in separate files and associating the files with each other, it is possible to easily know who captured the image of the affected part 9. Become. Further, as described above, the image file and the patient identification information may be described in the same image file to associate the information with each other.

In FIG. 10, when the identification information of the patient 8 obtained via the ID card 60 and the image of the affected part 9 of the patient 8 are recorded in association with each other, an image file described in association with the same file is recorded. The following shows an example of the structure.

As shown in the figure, the image file 20 contains
Header part 2 in which various information attached to the image is described
2 and a main image portion 24 in which an image of the affected part or the like of the patient 8 is recorded. In the header section 22,
Imaging date and time information 26 describing the date and time when the image of the affected part or the like was captured, patient ID 28 as identification information of the patient obtained from the ID card 60 or the like of the patient who captured the image, and an electronic camera that captured or obtained the image A camera ID 30 which is identification information unique to an electronic device such as 10 and a thumbnail image 32 such as a reduced image used for displaying a list of image files are described.

As described above, by writing the patient ID 28 in the image file 20 together with the image data,
The patient ID 28 and the image can be associated and recorded on the recording medium 177 or the like. Further, by simply transmitting the image file 20 to the server 90 via the network 14, it is possible to easily transmit the image file 20 in a state where the patient ID 28 is associated with the image.

[0156] The image to be recorded may be an image acquired by the imaging means 150 as described above, or may be an image acquired from another electronic device via the recording medium 177. Alternatively, the image may be an image acquired by the transmission / reception unit 157 via a wireless or wired communication unit.

As shown in FIG. 10, by recording the image and the patient identification information in association with each other, the search process can be easily performed when the server 90 searches for an image captured in the past at the request of a doctor or the like. , The image and the patient can always be associated or recorded or transmitted.

In the next step S216 “Acquire date and time from calendar IC and attach to image data”, information processing means 180 transmits and receives information to and from calendar clock 190 to acquire date and time information at the time of imaging. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a process of writing the date and time information 26 in the header section 22 of the image file 20 in association with the image is performed.

In the next subroutine of S218 “Image data card recording”, the information processing means 180 performs a process of outputting the created image file 20 to the recording medium 177 or the recording means such as the ID card 60 for recording. In addition, instead of recording the image file 20 on the recording medium 177 or the like, the
It may be transmitted to a communication device such as 0 and output.

When the output of the image file 20 is completed, the processing of the information processing means 180 proceeds to S220, where the processing routine of the image pickup processing is terminated and the processing returns to the original processing routine.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process for outputting the image file 20 created by the electronic camera 10.

As shown in the figure, when the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 completes the creation of the image file 20 in, for example, the above-mentioned S216 or the like, the processing program of the information processing means 180 changes to S300 "Record image data card". Then, the process jumps to the next subroutine of S302 "recording folder name =" ID "+ patient ID of image data".

In step S302, the folder name (or directory name) for each patient is stored in the recording medium 177, for example, in order to record the image file 20 in a state where the image file 20 is divided and arranged for each patient.
Perform the process of creating. Then, the process proceeds to the next S304, “Does a recording folder already exist?”.

At S304, the information processing means 180
At 02, it is determined whether or not a folder having a folder name created from information such as the patient ID exists at the output destination of the created image file 20, for example, the recording medium 177 or the recording unit 986 of the server 90. If the folder having the created folder name is not yet provided in the recording means such as the recording medium 177, the processing of S306 "Create recording folder (recording folder name =" ID "+ patient ID of image data)" Branch to

In S306, a process of creating a folder name (or directory name) for each patient is performed on the recording medium 177, which is the output destination of the image file 20, or the recording means 986 of the server 90, for example. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S308 “recorded image number = 0001”.

In S306, a new patient-specific folder for recording an image is created. In S308, the file name of “0001” indicating the first recorded image is set in order to automatically determine the name of the image file 20. A process for attaching the image file 20 to be recorded is performed. And the processing is S31
Proceed to 4.

In S304, if the folder having the created folder name is already provided in the recording means such as the recording medium 177, the process of S310 "Obtain maximum image number in recording folder (Nmax)" is performed. Proceed to.

In step S310, a process of searching for and acquiring the largest recording number by referring to the image file name already recorded in the recording medium 177 or the recording means 986 of the server 90, for example, where the image file 20 is output. I do. Then, the process proceeds to the next S312 “recorded image number = Nmax + 1”.

In S312, in order to automatically determine the name of the image file 20, a process of adding 1 to the maximum image number "Nmax" of the image file currently recorded in the predetermined folder is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S314 “recording file name =“ DSCF ”+ recording image number”.

In S 314, a process is performed in which an image file recorded in a predetermined folder such as the recording medium 177 is a file name that can be identified as an image file captured by the electronic camera 10. For example, if the maximum image number of the created image file is “0001”, it indicates that the image file is an image file captured by the electronic camera 10.
SCF ”is added to the front of the maximum image number“ Nmax ”, and an extension“ JPG ”indicating that the image is recorded in a predetermined image recording format is added.

In the next step S316 “Record image data in the {IMAGE} recording image folder with the recording image file name”, the created image file 20 is stored in the predetermined recording folder ({IMAGE ID000) using the created image file name.
001).

FIG. 12 shows the relationship between a recorded image folder and a group of image files to be recorded.

In the tree diagram shown in FIG.
And the like, a “$ IMAGE” folder indicating that an image file is recorded, and a folder “ID00” provided for each patient ID 28 in a layer below the “$ IMAGE” folder.
0001 "," ID000002 ... "are provided. In the folder for each patient ID, each image file “DSCF0001.JPG” and “DSC
F0002. JPG "... Are recorded for each patient.

The recording format of the image file is "JPE
The present invention is not limited to the “G” system, and may be an uncompressed image or a recorded image of multi-resolution (12 bits).

When the recording of the image file is completed in S316, the processing program proceeds to the next S318 “Image data card recording completed” and returns to the original processing routine.

In the above description, an example is described in which the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is used for imaging an affected part at a medical site, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at a construction site, a photographer who takes an image of the progress of the construction is operated by an ID card 60 on which information corresponding to the imaging conditions is recorded.
When the electronic camera 10 is used to take an image of the site and carry out the construction, the captured image is used together with the progress of the construction recorded on the ID card 60 in the same image file for recording. You may.

[0177]

As described above, according to the electronic device of the present invention, the identification information obtaining means for obtaining the unique identification information from another electronic device, the image obtaining means for obtaining the image, Image file creating means for creating an image file describing identification information and the acquired image,
An output unit for outputting the created image file to another electronic device is provided, so that the output image file can be easily managed in a later process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system at a medical site such as an examination room.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system at a medical site such as a hospital.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the ID card.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of description of patient information recorded in recording means of a server.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process of determining whether or not imaging is possible in an electronic camera.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to an imaging process when imaging is instructed by the electronic camera.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an image file in which patient identification information and an image are described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process in which an electronic camera outputs an image file.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between a recorded image folder and a group of image files to be recorded.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 patient, 9 affected part, 10 electronic camera, 12 gateway, 14 network, 16 shield wall, 20
... image file, 22 ... header part, 24 ... main image part, 2
6 ... Date and time information, 28 ... Patient ID, 30 ... Camera I
D, 32 ... thumbnail image, 60 ... ID card, 70 ...
Printer, 80 personal computer, 90 server, 150 imaging means, 153 image processing means, 154 A / D converter, 156 antenna, 157 transmission / reception means, 162
Communication connector, 163 ... Cradle connector, 167 ...
Compression / expansion means, 168 ... display means, 169 ... OSD, 1
70 ... signal processing means, 171 ... frame memory, 172
... D / A converter, 174 ... input means, 175 ... I / O,
177: recording medium, 178: recording medium mounting section, 179 ...
Recording medium interface, 180 ... information processing means, 1
82: Non-volatile memory, 183: ROM, 184: RA
M, 190: calendar clock, 191: power supply, 192: power supply connector, 193: light emission means, 194: light emission control means, 199: bus, 656: antenna, 657: transmission / reception means, 659: communication connector, 668: display means, 66
9 display control means, 680 information processing means, 682 non-volatile memory, 683 ROM, 684 RAM, 69
0: calendar clock, 691: power, 692: power connector, 699: bus, 856: antenna, 857: transmitting / receiving means, 859: communication connector, 860: public line, 86
5: transmission / reception means, 868: display means, 869: display control means, 874: input means, 875: I / O, 877: recording medium, 878: recording medium mounting section, 879: recording medium interface, 880: information processing means , 881, a memory, 886, a recording unit, 890, a calendar clock, 899
... bus, 956 ... antenna, 957 ... transmission / reception means, 96
0 public telephone line, 965 transmitting / receiving means, 968 display means, 969 display control means, 974 input means, 975
... I / O, 980 ... information processing means, 981 ... memory, 9
86 ... Recording means, 990 ... Calendar clock, 999 ... Bus

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/21 H04N 1/21 5/76 5/76 B // H04N 101: 00 101: 00 F term ( Reference) 5B075 ND08 NK21 PQ02 PQ05 PQ48 UU29 5C022 AA13 AB65 AC03 AC69 5C052 AA00 AC08 DD02 DD04 DD05 GA01 GA03 GA08 GB06 GD03 GE08 5C073 AA06 AB04 BA06

Claims (18)

[Claims] An electronic device for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device and outputting an image file in which the acquired unique identification information and an image are described, wherein the unique identification information is obtained from the other electronic device. Identification information acquisition means for acquiring information; image acquisition means for acquiring an image; image file creation means for creating an image file describing the acquired identification information and the acquired image; An electronic device, comprising: output means for outputting to another electronic device. 2. The identification information obtaining means obtains identification information for specifying a subject of an image to be obtained, and the image file creating means stores the obtained image and the identification information for specifying a subject of the image. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device creates the described image file. 3. The identification information acquisition unit is a unit that acquires unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, or a unit that acquires unique identification information from another electronic device by wired communication. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The identification information acquiring means for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, and a carrier wave for receiving a wireless communication carrier wave output from another electronic device. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a variable reception intensity setting unit capable of acquiring unique identification information according to the intensity of the electronic device. 5. The identification information acquisition unit is a unit that acquires unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, and selects a direction in which a carrier wave for wireless communication output from another electronic device is received. 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a variable reception direction setting unit capable of acquiring unique identification information. 6. An unspecifiable information display means for displaying a notification that one unique identification information cannot be specified when the identification information acquisition means has acquired a plurality of unique identification information. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 7. An acquisition-impossible information display means for displaying a notification that the unique identification information cannot be acquired when the identification information acquisition means cannot acquire the unique identification information from another electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 1. 8. When the identification information acquisition means acquires a plurality of unique identification information, the user selects information to select one unique identification information from the acquired plurality of unique identification information. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting. 9. The image file creating means, when the identification information acquiring means acquires one unique identification information from another electronic device, or when the identification information acquiring means acquires a plurality of unique identification information from another electronic device. The image file is created only when the user selects one unique identification information after acquiring the identification information.
The electronic device according to any one of the above. 10. The identification information acquiring unit acquires unique identification information before the image acquiring unit acquires an image, and acquires unique identification information even after the image capturing unit acquires an image. If the unique identification information acquired before acquiring the image does not match the unique identification information acquired after acquiring the image, a notification that the unique identification information does not match is displayed. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a mismatch information display unit. 11. The image acquisition unit acquires an image by capturing an image of a subject, a unit that reads and acquires an image recorded on a recording medium, or acquires an image from another electronic device via communication. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an acquisition unit. 12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the image file to another electronic device by wireless or wired communication. 13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit records the image file on a recording medium that can be inserted and removed and outputs the image file to another electronic device. . 14. The image file creating unit according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a unit for writing the identification information in a header portion of the image file or a unit for embedding the identification information in an image data portion of the image file. 2. The electronic device according to 1. 15. An electronic device for acquiring unique identification information for specifying a subject from another electronic device and outputting an image file in which the acquired unique identification information and an image are described, wherein the image is acquired. The image acquisition means, the subject identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the subject of the image to be acquired from the server managing the image, and the identification information for identifying the subject of the image to be acquired are present near the subject. Identification information acquisition means for acquiring from another electronic device; object information collation means for collating the identification information acquired by the object identification information acquisition means with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means; Only when the two pieces of identification information match, is an image file for creating an image file describing the acquired image and identification information for identifying the subject of the image. An electronic apparatus comprising: the forming means, and output means for outputting the image file the created another electronic device, the. 16. A subject mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the obtained identification information for identifying a subject does not match when the two pieces of identification information do not match as a result of the collation. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: 17. An electronic device for acquiring unique identification information for identifying a subject from another electronic device and outputting an image file in which the acquired unique identification information and an image are described, wherein the image is acquired. An image acquisition unit, an electronic device identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information that specifies an electronic device that acquires an image from a server that manages the image, an identification information that identifies a subject of the image to be acquired, and an image that is acquired. Identification information for identifying the electronic device, identification information acquiring means for acquiring from another electronic device present near the subject, identification information for identifying the electronic device acquired by the electronic device identification information acquiring means, An electronic device information matching unit that matches the identification information identifying the electronic device acquired by the information acquiring unit; and the acquisition unit determines that the identification information is identical only when the two identification information match as a result of the comparison. Image file creating means for creating an image file in which the created image and identification information for identifying the subject of the image are described; and output means for outputting the created image file to another electronic device. And electronic equipment. 18. An electronic device for displaying a notification that the acquired identification information for identifying an electronic device does not match when the identification information identifying the two electronic devices does not match as a result of the comparison. 18. The electronic device according to claim 17, further comprising a mismatch information display unit.