WO2003062917A1

WO2003062917A1 - Apparatus and method for printing additional information relevant to image in a photograph

Info

Publication number: WO2003062917A1
Application number: PCT/KR2003/000119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong-Kyu Lee
Original assignee: Hong-Kyu Lee
Priority date: 2002-01-24
Filing date: 2003-01-20
Publication date: 2003-07-31
Also published as: KR20030063757A

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus and method for printing additional information relevant to image in a photograph. In case a shutter of additional information printing apparatus is clicked by a user, it prints additional information such as photographing date, photographing time, photographing place-name information, message, etc to a position of film by the user's setting. The place-name information is automatically selected from pre-stored default place-name or modified place-name by user, using the satellite signal that is received from GPS satellite. Therefore, if the user uses additional information printing apparatus according to the present invention, the user can get information about a photograph without extra works.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRINTING ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION RELEVANT TO IMAGE IN A PHOTOGRAPH

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for printing additional

information relevant to an image in a photograph, and conveniently managing and searching

the photographs by receiving the additional information relevant to an image in a

photograph.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, after the user has taken photographs and had the photographs printed,

then the printed photographs include a photographing date. A camera has a device such as

quartz data module inside it, and the device prints the date or time on the film. That is,

before the user takes a photograph of something, the user sets a data-time-print mode of the

camera and takes a photograph. When the photograph is printed data or time is indicated.

In general photographic user conduct of the past, since the camera could print only

data or time relevant to the photograph, after a long time the user could easily forget details

regarding the location where the photograph was taken.

We will now describe a method for resolving this problem by referring to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is an example of a photograph taken by a camera in the prior method. Referring to FIG. 1, the photograph comprises not only the image relevant to the photograph but also

data or time. Therefore, the user was required to memorize the photographing data or

photographing time for a long time. Alternatively, if people in the photograph held a paper

on which the photographing place was legibly written, or in the background was a local

sign serving as a guide to the location of the photograph, then anyone viewing the photos

could recognize the place after a long time. However, for people to prepare signs or stand

near location-indicating signs for each photo being shot involves immense inconvenience

and extreme extra effort that most people will not do.

Furthermore, in the prior photographing method, since people enjoy shooting

photographs of their family, friends, and strangers usually the photograph does not

comprise personal information relevant to the people in the photograph. Therefore, the user

cannot always memorize the names of all the people in the photos after a long time.

Finally, in the prior photographing method, the user had to edit the photographs by

using another apparatus in order to manage multimedia data relevant to the photographs.

This method would require extra time, expense, and a good memory.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a method and system

for printing additional information relevant to an image in a photograph by printing not

only the photographing date or photographing time but also a simple message comprising

people names, photographing place-name, particular event, etc.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for printing additional information relevant to an image in a photograph by printing the

photograph automatically indicating the name of the location where it was shot without

another process.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for

printing additional information relevant to an image in a photograph, wherein if the user

takes a photograph within a designated location, then a symbolic design that is appointed

to correspond with the shooting location of the photo as an advertisement, is comprised in

the photograph automatically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the objects of the present invention according to one preferred

embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is provided for inputting image

data comprising an intruder and the surrounding environment in response to the automobile

driver's image input request, converting the image data according to an appointed image

conversion method, and transmitting the image data to a security system.

To accomplish the objects of the present invention according to one preferred

embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving geographic

information data through a network, storing the geographic information data, and receiving

a changed place-name corresponding to more than one geographic place-name that is

comprised in the geographic information data. If a command to store the place-name is received, then storing the changed place-name and the geographic place-name, receiving a

photographing command, and analyzing location information where the photographing

command is received by satellite electronic wave received from a GPS satellite. If the

mode for selecting location information is selected, then extracting the geographic place-

name corresponding to the location information by using the geographic information data,

determining whether or not there is a changed place-name corresponding to the geographic

place-name, and if there is a changed place-name, printing the changed place-name at a

pre-determined area of film.

The method further comprises the steps of receiving a symbolic design

corresponding to the geographic place-name through the network and storing the symbolic

design. If symbolic-design-print mode is selected, then determining whether or not a

symbolic design corresponding to the geographic place-name is stored with regard to

where the photographing command is received, and if the symbolic design is stored, then

printing the changed place-name at a pre-determined area of the film.

The method further comprises the steps of receiving message data from a user

previously, and if the message-data-print mode is selected, then printing the message data

at a pre-determined area of the film.

To accomplish the objects of the present invention according to another preferred

embodiment of the present invention, a system is composed of a camera unit for taking a photograph of an image, a transmitter-receiver for transmitting and receiving geographic

information data through a network, a GPS receiver for receiving satellite electronic wave

from a GPS satellite and analyzing location information by using the satellite electronic

wave, a display unit for displaying the location information of the additional information

printing system or arbitrary characters, a character input unit for comprising a plurality of

input buttons for inputting characters and numbers, or setting up a mode, storage for

storing the geographic information data, modification information about the geographic

information data, the inputted character and number, mode-setting-up information about

the mode, display controller for controlling the transmitter-receiver, the GPS receiver, the

display unit, the character input unit, and the storage, and printing additional information,

which comprises more than one selected from the group consisting of the photographing

date, the photographing time, the location information, the message data, corresponding to

the mode-setting-up information at pre-determined area of the film, wherein the display

controller analyzes the location information and prints the additional information

corresponding to the mode-setting-up information at pre-determined area of the film when

photographing command is inputted by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more

apparent by detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a photograph taken by a camera in the traditional prior

method.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus (i.e., additional information printing

apparatus), for displaying additional information relevant to an image in the present

invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the rear side of the additional information

printing apparatus in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of displaying additional information

relevant to an image in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of printing the photographing image by using an additional

information printing apparatus in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram of the rear side of the additional information

printing apparatus in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart illustrating the process of displaying additional

information relevant to an image in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another example of printing the photographing image by using an

additional information printing apparatus in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is still another schematic diagram of the rear side of the additional

information printing apparatus in the present invention. FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are examples of the screen for managing the additional

information in the present invention.

FIG. 11 is still another flowchart illustrating the process of displaying additional

information relevant to an image in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is another example of the screen for managing the additional information

in the present invention.

FIG. 13 is still another example of printing the photographing image by using an

additional information printing apparatus in the present invention.

100: additional information printing apparatus

110: camera unit

112: display controller

114: transmitter-receiver

116: display unit

118: GPS receiver

120: character input unit

122: storage

170: GPS satellite EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in

more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is understood that the

present invention should not be limited to the following embodiments.

The method for displaying additional information relevant to an image of a

photograph can be applied to an optical camera, a digital camera, etc. Hereinafter, we will

explain the situation regarding the optical camera.

invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the additional information printing apparatus 100 can

comprise a camera unit 110, display controller 112, transmitter-receiver 114, display unit

116, GPS receiver 118, character input unit 120, and storage 122. The camera unit 110 is a

means for taking a photograph of an image in the prior optical camera or digital camera.

The display controller 112 displays location information on the display unit 116 by using

the geographic information data that is received by the transmitter-receiver 114, and the

location data that is received by the GPS receiver 118. Also, the display controller 112

displays characters, which are inputted by the character input unit 120 or stored on the

storage 122, on the display unit 116.

When the user takes a photograph by using the additional information printing

apparatus 100, then the location information and characters, which are displayed on a display unit 116, are printed on the film automatically or printed based on the user's mode

selection. The transmitter-receiver 114 receives the geographic information data from the

user's personal computer 150 or a geographic information server 160 through the network.

For example, the geographic information is an electronic map, etc. The transmitter-

receiver 114 can receive the geographic information data from the user's personal

computer 150 through a local area wireless network or a communication cable. Also, the

transmitter-receiver 114 can receive the geographic information data from the geographic

information server 160 by using its communication function or coupling with an external

communication apparatus (for example, the external communication apparatus is a mobile

communication terminal).

The display unit 116 displays the location information or characters of the

additional information printing apparatus 100 by the control of the display controller 112.

The GPS receiver 118 receives a satellite electronic wave, which comprises the coordinates

and the height corresponding to the additional information printing apparatus 100, from the

GPS satellite 170 and transmits it to the display controller 112.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a well-known measurement system by

using satellites, which cover the entire earth. The GPS satellite 170 measures the position

plus a change of the distance and speed of every mobile object on the earth. When the user

takes a photograph, then the GPS receiver 118 and the display controller 112 of the

additional information printing apparatus 100 perceive the coordinates and the height from the satellite electronic wave. Also the display controller 112 displays proper location

information by using the geographic information data, which is stored in the storage 122.

Therefore, not only the image but also the location information relevant to the photograph

can be printed on the film.

The character input unit 120 comprises a setup-select mode for determining

whether or not the photographing data, photographing time, location information,

characters, etc. are displayed. Also, the character input unit 120 comprises a plurality of

input buttons for receiving characters or numbers. The storage 122 stores geographic

information data, which is received from the user's personal computer 150 or the

geographic information server 160, and characters and numbers, which are received by the

user through the character input unit 120. The geographic information data can be received

from the transmitter-receiver 114 or the GPS receiver 118.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the rear side of the additional information

printing apparatus in the present invention. The rear side of the additional information

printing apparatus is composed of the character input unit 120, the display unit 116, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, the character input unit 120 can comprise a data-select-mode button

310, time-select-mode button 312, location-information-select-mode button 314, number-

adjustment button 316, number-input button 318, and end button 320.

The data-select-mode button 310 is a button for determining whether or not

photographing data is printed on the film. The time-select-mode button 312 is a button for determining whether or not photographing time is printed on the film. The location-

information-select-mode button 314 is a button for determining whether or not location

information is printed on the film. If the user adjusts the settings so that the photographing

data, photographing time, and location information will be printed on film, then the printed

photograph shows the photographing data, photographing time, and location information.

The user may adjust the date or time, which is displayed on the display unit 116,

by using the number-adjustment button 316. Also the can correct any erroneous number of

the numbers that are displayed on the display unit 116, by using the number-input button

318. After the user adjusts the date or time or corrects an erroneous number, he then pushes

the end button 320.

For example, suppose that the date information like '21.06.00' is displayed on the

display unit 116 but the actual date is '21.08.00'. When the user pushes the number-

adjustment button 316, then the first number '0' of '21.06.00' blinks. Because the first

number '2' is correct the user pushes the end button 320, resulting in the first number '2' to

stop blinking but also causing the second number '1' to start blinking.

If the user moves the blinking cursor to the fourth number '6' by this procedure

and pushes the number-input button 318, then the fourth number '6' is changed to '7'. That

is, whenever the user pushes the number-input button 318, the number increases by a

single digit by each push. After the number increases to '9', the number reverts to '0' to

repeat the ten digit chronological cycle. After the user changes the fourth number from '6' to '8', he can finish setting the

correct numbers by pushing the end button 320 for each number, which is displayed on the

display unit 116. Also, if the character input unit 120 has another button (i.e., set-up-end

button), to finish correcting all the numbers and the user pushes the set-up-end button, then

the additional information printing apparatus 100 can finish correcting the numbers.

relevant to an image in the present invention. We will omit the method for printing the

photographing data and photographing time on a photograph regarding the prior camera.

Referring to FIG. 4, the additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether

or not geographic information data is received from the user's personal computer 150 or a

geographic information server 160 through a network 410. If the geographic information

data is received, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 stores the

geographic information data 415. However, if the geographic information data is not

received, the process moves to the step 420.

The additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not a

photographing command, (e.g., the shutter of the additional information printing apparatus

was clicked by the user), has been received 420. If the photographing command was not

received then the additional information printing apparatus 100 waits until the

photographing command is received. If the photographing command was received, then

the additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not a satellite electronic wave has been received from the GPS satellite 170 425. Further, if the satellite

electronic wave was not received from the GPS satellite 170, then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 prints the film in the prior method 430. To the contrary,

if the satellite electronic wave was received from the GPS satellite 170, then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the location-information-

select-mode is 'ON' 435. Accordingly if the location-information-select-mode is 'ON',

then the additional information printing apparatus 100 prints not only an image relevant to

the photograph but also the location information perceived by using the geographic

information data and the satellite electronic wave 440.

Also, if the additional information printing apparatus 100 didn't receive the

geographic information data from the user's personal computer 150 or a geographic

information server 160 but received the satellite electronic wave 440, then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 can print the coordinates of the current location on the

film. Conversely, if the location-information-select-mode is 'OFF', then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 prints the image relevant to the photograph under the

prior method.

We already described the process that the additional information printing apparatus

100 receives the satellite electronic wave 440 from the GPS satellite 170, analyzes it, and

then prints it on the film in FIG. 4. Also, when the power of the additional information

printing apparatus 100 is on, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 also accomplishes the procedure to receive the satellite electronic wave 440 from the GPS

satellite 170 and analyzes it continuously and print the location information corresponding

to a moment in time, when the photographing command is received by the user.

FIG. 5 is an example of printing the photographing image by using the additional

information printing apparatus 100 in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the

photograph that is printed by the additional information printing apparatus 100 comprises

not only the prior information such as an image, date, and time but also location

information such as the photographing place-name information. For example, the

photographing place-name information can be 'KAUAI, HAWAII'.

The photographing data, the photographing time, and the location information can

be printed in the bottom area or edge of the photograph. They are printed on the area

selected by the user, or printed on a default area by the additional information printing

apparatus 100. Also, the location information is received from the GPS satellite 170 by the

GPS receiver 118 and displayed by the display controller 112 and printed.

The character input unit 120 of FIG. 6 can be divided into information-select area 610 and

character-input area 630.

The information-select area 610 comprises the display unit 116, the data-select- mode button 310, the time-select-mode button 312, the location-information-select-mode

button 314, the number-adjustment button 316, the number-input button 318, and the end

button 320, which are described in FIG. 3, and further comprises message-select-mode

button 620 and message-search button 625.

The message-select-mode button 620 is a button for determining whether or not

message data that is received by the user is printed on the film. The message-search button

625 is a button for searching for message data that is inputted by the user or stored on the

storage 122.

The character-input area 630 comprises a plurality of character input buttons. A

cover generally protects the character input buttons. FIG. 3 illustrates when the cover is

closed. If the user opens the cover of the character-input area 630, then a plurality of

character input buttons are exposed. The character input buttons are similar to the buttons

of a mobile telephone in order to input numbers, Korean alphabetical characters, and

English alphabetical characters. The character input buttons can further comprise store

button, cancel button, etc.

The message data, which is received by the user by pushing the character input

buttons, is displayed on the display unit 116 of the information-select area 610. If the user

inputs message data by using the character input buttons and pushes the store button, then

the message data is stored in the storage 122. The user deletes the inputted message data

and stops inputting the message data by pushing the cancel button. The information-select area 610 and character-input area 630 can be divided or

united. Also, special function buttons of the character input buttons of the character-input

area 630 can be manipulated to accomplish the function corresponding to the message-

select-mode button 620 and the message-search button 625. We will describe the special

function buttons in detail upon referring to FIG. 9.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart illustrating the process of displaying additional

information relevant to an image in the present invention. The step 410 and the step 420 of

FIG. 4 are omitted in FIG. 7. However, since FIG. 9 can comprise these steps, we will omit

their explanation.

Referring to FIG. 7, the additional information printing apparatus 100 determines

whether or not message data is received and the request for storing the message data (the

storing request) is received by the user 710. The user can receive and store message data

by using the information-select area 610 and the character-input area 630. If both the

message data is received and the request is received, then the additional information

printing apparatus 100 stores the received message data in the storage 122 715 and the

process moves to step 720. Conversely, if neither the message data is received nor the

request is received, then the process moves to step 720.

The additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the

photographing command is received by the user(e.g., the user has clicked the shutter of the

additional information printing apparatus 100) 720. If the photographing command has been received, then the process moves to the step 725. However, if the photographing

command has not been received, then the additional information printing apparatus 100

waits until the photographing command is received.

The additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not a

satellite electronic wave has been received from the GPS satellite 170 725. If the satellite

electronic wave has not been received from the GPS satellite 170, then the process moves

to the step 750. If the satellite electronic wave has been received from the GPS satellite

170, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the

location-information-select-mode has been turned 'ON' 730. Accordingly, if the location-

information-select-mode is 'ON', then the additional information printing apparatus 100

determines whether or not the mode for selecting message (message-selecting mode) is

turned on 735. Conversely, if the location-information-select-mode is 'OFF', then the

process moves to step 750.

If the mode for selecting message is turned on (i.e., the 'ON' position), then the

additional information printing apparatus 100 prints the location information and message

on the film 740. If no message data are in the storage 122, then the additional information

printing apparatus 100 can set up the position of the message-selecting mode by changing

to 'OFF' automatically or printing 'NO MESSAGE' inn a message area.

Also, the additional information printing apparatus 100 can print on the film

according to the prior method or print the photographing date or the photographing time according to the user's mode selection. If the mode for selecting message is not turned on

but is in the 'OFF' position, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 prints

location information, which is perceived by using the geographic information data and the

satellite electronic wave, on the film 745.

If the satellite electronic wave is not received from the GPS satellite 170 at the

step 725 or when the location-information-select-mode is 'ON' at the step 730, then the

additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the mode for

selecting message (message-selecting mode) is turned on 750. If the location-information-

select-mode is 'ON', then the additional information printing apparatus 100 prints the

message data on the film 755. If no message data are in the storage 122, then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 can set up the message-selecting mode by changing to

'OFF' automatically or printing 'NO MESSAGE' in a message area. However, if the

location-information-select-mode is 'OFF', then the additional information printing

apparatus 100 prints the image of the photograph, date, and time on the film according to

the prior method 760.

Also, if the additional information printing apparatus 100 didn't receive the

satellite electronic wave from the GPS satellite 170, then the additional information

printing apparatus 100 can print the photographing date or the photographing time on the

film according to the user's mode selection. Furthermore, if the additional information

printing apparatus 100 didn't receive the geographic information data from the user's personal computer 150 or a geographic information server 160 but received the satellite

electronic wave instead, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 can print

the coordinates of the current location on the film by analyzing the satellite electronic wave.

FIG. 8 is another example of printing the photographing image by using an

additional information printing apparatus in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the

photograph that had been taken and printed by the additional information printing

apparatus 100 displays the image, photographing date, photographing time, location

information such as photographing place-name (for example, 'KAUAI, HAWAII'), and

message data (for example, 'On my travels with TOM'). The photographing date, the

photographing time, the location information, and the message data can be printed in the

bottom area or the edges of the photograph. They are printed on the area selected by the

user, or printed on a default area by the additional information printing apparatus 100.

FIG. 9 is still another schematic diagram of the rear side of the additional

information printing apparatus in the present invention.

FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are examples of the screen for managing the additional

information in the present invention. The rear side of the additional information printing

apparatus is composed of the character input unit 120, the display unit 116, etc. The

character input unit 120 can be divided into the information-select area 910 and the

character-input area 920. The information-select area 910 comprises the display unit 116,

the data-select-mode button 310, the time-select-mode button 312, the location- information-select-mode button 314, the number-adjustment button 316, the number-input

button 318, and the end button 320 that are all described in FIG. 3. The character-input

area 920 comprises a plurality of input buttons. These input buttons are a plurality of

character input buttons, a store button, a cancel button, and a function button 925. As

previously, the user receives message data by using the character input buttons, stores them

in the storage 122 by using the store button, and deletes the received message data by using

the cancel button.

We will describe the function button 925 of the character-input area 920 by

referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b. Referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, if the user did not

push the function button 925, we can assume that information 1010 is displayed on the

display unit 116 of the information-select area 910. If the user opens the cover of the

character-input area 920 and pushes the function button 925, then information 1020 is

displayed on the display unit 116 of the information-select area 910. The information 1020

is exemplified as 'Lmanage message', '2.register place-name', and '3. cancel'. If the user

selects the first 'manage message' information by pushing number '1' button of the

character input buttons, then information 1030(i.e., l.register message, 2.search message,

3.display message <ON>, 4.cancel) is displayed on the display unit 116.

If the user selects the first 'register message' information, then the screen for

registering a message is displayed on the display unit 116. Also, if the user selects the

second 'search message' information, then the screen 1040 for searching message (i.e., message-searching screen) is displayed on the display unit 116. The data that is selected

from the message data displayed on the display unit 116 can be printed on the film. If the

user selects the second 'register place-name' at the information 1020, then information

1060 (i.e., 1. change current place-name, 2.register my place-name, 3. display registered

place-name <OFF>, 4.cancel) is displayed on the display unit 116.

The first 'change current place-name' information is the menu to change the

location information (e.g., KAUAI, HAWAII), which is displayed on information 1010.

The second 'register my place-name' information is the menu to name the location

information or place-name. Also, the user can change the current place-name by using the

second 'register my place-name' information, but the method of using the first 'change

current place-name' information is more convenient.

The third 'display registered place-name' information is the menu for setting up

the method of displaying the registered place-name. The registered place-name can be

displayed as the changed place-name, which is changed by the first menu (change current

place-name) or the second menu (register my place-name), or the geographic place-name,

which is included within the geographic information data. If the third menu information

(display registered place-name) is set in the 'OFF' position, then the registered place-name

is displayed as the geographic place-name that is included in the geographic information

data. If the user pushes the number '3' button of the character input buttons, then the third

menu turns 'ON'. If the user selects the second menu (register my place-name) of the information

1060, then information 1065(i.e., l.view current place-name, 2.view all place-names, 3.

cancel) is displayed on the display unit 116. If the user selects the second 'view all place-

names' information by pushing number '2' button of the character input buttons, then all

place-names 1070 are displayed on the display unit 116. The displayed place-names are

place-names, which are changed by the user, and the geographic place-name, which is

included within the geographic information data.

If the place-name is the changed place-name, then the changed place-name can be

displayed alone or the changed place-name and the geographic place-name, which are

included within the geographic information data, can be displayed together. If the user

selects one place-name of the all the place-names and pushes the number '2' to change it

into its own place-name, then the screen for changing the place-name (place-name-

changing screen) 1075 is displayed on the display unit 116. Also, the user can change the

changed place-name into the geographic place-name again.

If the user selects message data and changes the place-name, then the additional

information 1080 is displayed on the display unit 116. Therefore, if the user takes a

photograph, then not only the image in the photograph but also the additional information

1080 is printed on the film. That is, if the user takes a photograph by using the additional

information printing apparatus 100 and registers the changed place-name corresponding to

the geographic place-name ahead, then the changed place-name is printed on the film. For example, if the user registers the geographic place-name '63 Building' into the changed

place-name as '63 Sea World' and takes a photograph by using the additional information

printing apparatus 100, then the place-name '63 Sea World' is printed on the film.

Various methods exist to change the geographic place-name that is included within

the geographic information data into the changed place-name that is received by the user.

Firstly, before the user receives geographic information data form the geographic

information server 160, the user connects to the geographic information server 160 by

using a communication terminal (e.g., mobile telephone, personal computer, etc.), searches

geographic information data, and selects a place-name (geographic place-name). Also the

user changes the geographic place-name into another place-name (changed place-name)

and stores the changed place-name and then downloads the geographic information data,

which includes the changed place-name, to the additional information printing apparatus

100. By using this method, the user immediately changes and stores a place-name and uses

a proficient input apparatus such as keyboard.

Secondly, the user connects to the geographic information server 160 by using a

communication terminal (e.g., mobile telephone, personal computer, etc.), searches

and stores the changed place-name. The changed place-name is automatically transmitted

to the additional information printing apparatus 100 by GPS satellite 170. Several more Figures are indicated as follows. FIG. 11 is still another flowchart

illustrating the process of displaying additional information relevant to an image in the

I, present invention. FIG. 12 is another example of the screen for managing the additional

information in the present invention. FIG. 13 is still another example of printing the

photographing image by using an additional information printing apparatus in the present

invention. We will describe another method for displaying additional information relevant

to an image by referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13. However, we will omit the

method for printing the photographing data and photographing time on a photograph

regarding the prior camera.

Referring to FIG. 11, the additional information printing apparatus 100 of the user

receives geographic information data (e.g., electronic map), and a logo image from the

user's personal computer or the geographic information server 160 through a network and

stores them in the storage 122 1110. The additional information printing apparatus 100

determines whether or not a photographing command, in which the user clicked the shutter

of the additional information printing apparatus, has been received 1115. If the

photographing command has not been received then the additional information printing

apparatus 100 waits until the photographing command is received. However, if the

photographing command was received, then the additional information printing apparatus

100 determines whether or not a satellite electronic wave has been received from the GPS

satellite 170 1120. Furthermore, if the satellite electronic wave has not been received from the GPS

satellite 170, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 prints the film via the

prior method 1125. Conversely, if the satellite electronic wave was received from the GPS

satellite 170, then the additional information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or

not the location-information-select-mode is 'ON' 1130. If the location-information-select-

mode is 'ON' at the step 1130, then the additional information printing apparatus 100

determines whether or not the mode for displaying a logo image (logo-image-displaying

mode) is selected 1135. An example of the process for selecting the logo-image-displaying

mode is displayed at FIG. 12.

We can assume that the character-input area 630 comprises the function button 925

of FIG. 9, and the information-select area 610 comprises a button (logo-image-select-mode

button) for selecting the mode of the logo image. Also, we assume that the user did not

select the function button 925, and additional information 1210 (i.e., '[DATE] 21. 06. 00

<ON> / [TIME] 10:23 AM <ON> / [LOCATION] The South Gate <ONxL> /

[MESSAGE] My first trip abroad'), is displayed on the display unit 116. The '<L>', which

is next to the [LOCATION] item, indicates that the stored logo image is printed on the film.

If the user opens the cover of the character-input area 920 and pushes the function

button 925, then information 1220 (i.e., 1. manage message, 2.register place-name,

3.manage logo image, 4.cancel) is displayed on the display unit 116 of the information-

select area 910. If the user selects the third 'manage logo image' of the listing by pushing number '3' button of the character input buttons, then information 1230(i.e., l.register logo

image, 2.select my logo image, 3. display logo image, 4.cancel, 5. conform) is displayed on

the display unit 116. If the user selects the first 'register logo image' of the listing by

pushing number '1' button of the character input buttons, then another logo image except

for the logo image, which is received at the step 1110, is received and stored on the storage

122.

Also, the logo image can be received by using communication cables. If the user

selects the second 'select my logo image' of the listing by pushing number '2' button of

the character input buttons, then place-names and logo images, which are stored in the

storage 122, are displayed on the display unit 116. The user may set up a logo image

corresponding to a place-name.

If the third menu (display logo image) is set in the 'OFF' position and the user

pushes the number '3' button of the character input buttons, then the third menu is turned

'ON'. Further, if the user pushes the number '5' button, then the '<L>', which is next to

the [LOCATION] item, disappears so the logo image is not printed on the film.

Referring to FIG. 11 again, when the logo-image-print mode is 'OFF', then the

additional information printing apparatus 100 prints the location information that is

perceived by using the geographic information data and the satellite electronic wave on the

film 1140. Conversely if the logo-image-print mode is 'ON', then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the logo image (for example, MIT College of Engineering Logo) is stored in the storage 122 1145.

If the logo image is stored at the step 1145, then the additional information

printing apparatus 100 prints the logo image and the location information that are

film 1150. Conversely, if the logo image is not stored at the step 1145, then the additional

information printing apparatus 100 prints the additional information printing apparatus 100

prints the location information on the film 1140.

If the user sets up the menu as described in FIG. 12 and takes a photograph, then

the additional information printing apparatus 100 prints the location information, the logo

image, the message data, the photographing date, and the photographing time by

accomplishing the process of FIG. 11, with the results being the printed photograph as

indicated in FIG. 13.

additional information printing apparatus in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, the

additional information is printed at the edge of the photograph. However, they may be

printed in the area selected by the user, or printed on a default area by the additional

information printing apparatus 100.

The additional information printing apparatus 100 previously stores the logo image

in the storage 122 in order to print the logo image on the film. Also, the additional

information printing apparatus 100 can print the logo image on the film by using an apparatus such as an establishment-change apparatus for changing the establishment.

Hereinafter, we will explain the method of using the establishment-change apparatus. The

user has the additional information printing apparatus 100 and visits a particular site. The

establishment-change apparatus is put at the entrance of the site.

The establishment-change apparatus transmits the logo image and establishment-

change command to the additional information printing apparatus 100 through a local area

wireless network continuously. The logo image is stored in the storage 122 of the

additional information printing apparatus 100 automatically when the user passes the

entrance of the site. The additional information printing apparatus 100 changes the logo-

image-print mode according to the received establishment-change command in order to

print the logo image on the film.

If the establishment-change apparatus is set, then the user can get the logo image

corresponding to any particular site at the area, and the enterprise of the site can advertise

their business or products.

For example, suppose that the user has the additional information printing

apparatus 100 and visits a Coca Cola Company factory, and the establishment-change

apparatus is laid at the entrance. At the entrance of the factory, the logo-image-print mode

is changed automatically and the logo image of the Coca Cola Company factory is stored

in the storage 122 of the additional information printing apparatus 100. Thereafter if the

user takes a photograph inside of the factory, then the image comprising the particular logo image is printed on the photograph. By this method, the Coca Cola Company factory

receives free advertising.

Also, if the additional information printing apparatus 100 comprises an external-

establishment-permission mode and the external-establishment-permission mode is 'ON',

then the establishment can be changed according to the external establishment-change

apparatus. Also, if the additional information printing apparatus 100 receives the even

number order establishment-change command from the establishment-change apparatus,

then the logo-image-print mode will turn 'OFF' automatically. Also, the logo-image-print

mode will turn 'OFF' automatically when the user departs the boundary of the area.

Lastly, the additional information printing apparatus 100 continuously searches for a logo

image corresponding to the current area.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according to the present invention, the present invention can

provide a method and system for printing additional information relevant to an image in a

photograph consisting of not only the photographing date or photographing time but also a

simple message comprising character name, photographing place-name, etc. Also, the

present invention can provide a method and system for printing additional information

relevant to an image in a photograph by automatically printing the photograph including the photographing place-name without another process. Finally, the present invention can

photograph, wherein if the user takes a photograph within an appointed place, then a

symbolic design that is selected to represent the photographing place for advertisements is

included in the photograph automatically.

Claims

What is claimed is

1. A method for printing additional information relevant to image in a

photograph, comprising the steps of:

receiving geographic information data through network;

storing the geographic information data;

receiving a changed place-name corresponding to more than one geographic place-

name that is included in the geographic information data;

if a command to store a place-name is received, then storing the changed place-

name and the geographic place-name;

receiving photographing command;

analyzing location information, where the photographing command is received, by

using satellite electronic wave received from a GPS satellite;

if the mode for selecting location information is selected, then extracting the

geographic place-name corresponding to the location information by using the geographic

information data;

determining whether or not there is a changed place-name corresponding to the

geographic place-name; and

if there is a changed place-name, printing the changed place-name at pre-

determined area of film.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a symbolic design corresponding to the geographic place-name through

the network;

storing the symbolic design;

if a symbolic-design-print mode is selected, then determining whether or not the

symbolic design corresponding to the geographic place-name is stored, with regard to

where the photographing command is received; and

if the symbolic design is stored, then printing the changed place-name at pre-

determined area of the film.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving message data from a user previously;

if message-data-print mode is selected, then printing the message data at pre-

determined area of the film.

4. An additional information printing system for printing photographing date,

photographing time, location information, changed place-name, which is> set by a user, and

message data on film, the system comprising:

camera unit for taking a photograph of image; transmitter-receiver for transmitting and receiving geographic information data

through network;

GPS receiver for receiving satellite electronic wave from GPS satellite, and

analyzing location information by using the satellite electronic wave;

display unit for displaying the location information of the additional information

printing system or arbitrary characters;

character input unit for comprising a plurality of input buttons for inputting

character and number, or setting up mode;

storage for storing the geographic information data, modification information

about the geographic information data, the inputted character and number, mode-setting-up

information about the mode;

display controller for controlling the transmitter-receiver, the GPS receiver, the

date, the photographing time, the location information, and the message data,

corresponding to the mode-setting-up information at pre-determined area of the film,

wherein the display controller analyzes the location information and prints the additional

information corresponding to the mode-setting-up information at pre-determined area of

the film when photographing command is inputted by the user.

5. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable

instructions and realized in concrete by a program of instructions, which could be

executable by a digital processing unit, for performing one method selected from the group

consisting of claim 1, claim 2, and claim 3.