Abstract: A device generates images (50) which are displayed on a monitor (44) and transmitted to a printer (41); the images (50) are printed on a physical medium (46), in horizontal strips (51), in such a way that the time to print each band (51) overlaps with the time to acquire new images (50).

Abstract: A method and system is described which facilitates the proper association of radiographic film with a patient information. The invention maintains information for each patient to be examined in the current day and generates a unique identifying ID code for each patient to be examined. Before examining a patient, the current patient's unique identifier is imaged on an unexposed radiographic film. After the patient is examined and the film is exposed, the film is developed and digitized. Patient information is retrieved and associated with the digitized medical images by analyzing the digital image data in order to determine the patient's unique identifier. In this manner, the invention ensures the proper association of patient information with exposed radiographic film. Once properly associated, the digital image data and the patient information can be communicated to a Picture Archiving and Communication System.