Abstract: This disclosure provides a self-contained imaging device that takes digital photographs of portions of documents (such as photos or photo albums) instead of scanning those images. The imaging device uses a lens to zoom in on specific portions of the document that represent images that are to be digitized. Generally speaking, disclosed embodiments utilize a physical device having a housing, a location for retaining or holding an image to be imaged, such as a platen or image conveyance mechanism, a light source and the imaging system (which can be a digital camera). The disclosed device camera provides a low-cost mechanism that can at-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associated with most scanners.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a self-contained imaging device that takes digital photographs of portions of documents (such as photos or photoalbums) instead of scanning those images. The imaging device uses a lens to zoom in on specific portions of the document that represent images that are to be digitized. Generally speaking, disclosed embodiments utilize a physical device having a housing, a location for retaining or holding an image to be imaged, such as a platen or image conveyance mechanism, a light source and the imaging system (which can be a digital camera). The disclosed device camera provides a low-cost mechanism that can at-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associated with most scanners.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a self-contained imaging device that takes digital photographs of portions of documents (such as photos or photoalbums) instead of scanning those images. The imaging device uses a lens to zoom in on specific portions of the document that represent images that are to be digitized. Generally speaking, disclosed embodiments utilize a physical device having a housing, a location for retaining or holding an image to be imaged, such as a platen or image conveyance mechanism, a light source and the imaging system (which can be a digital camera). The disclosed device camera provides a low-cost mechanism that can at-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associated with most scanners.

Abstract: A wireless access control system for an electronic device comprises a personal locking device and an access control software module. The electronic device and personal locking device are Bluetooth-enabled and use Bluetooth to communicate with each other. The access control software is used to establish a Bluetooth link between these devices, based on the unique Bluetooth identifiers of the personal locking device and the electronic device. The personal locking device is preferably portable and is carried by the user at all times. Examples of preferred personal locking devices are cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and pocket PCs. The Bluetooth radio chip and the Bluetooth communications protocol monitor the quality of service of the Bluetooth link between the devices. When the quality of service falls below a predetermined threshold, the access control software may switch the electronic device from an unlocked state to a locked state.