Abstract: A winch control system having a solid state winch contactor and a boost power supply for a vehicle equipped with an electric winch and especially for off-road vehicles, is disclosed. This invention automatically provides three winch speeds: a “slow start” (“creep”) speed for “parking” the hook and for “sneaking” up on a load, a normal speed for normal winch operation and a fast speed for taking less time to unwind and rewind the winch rope when there is no load on the winch. Protection features for the winch contactor and/or the winch include, but are not limited to, electronic winch motor braking, current limiting, over temperature, undervoltage and reverse battery. Winch current limiting is adjustable from 100 amps to 300 amps, chosen for the purpose of accommodating various winch sizes.

Abstract: The invention is relates to systems and methods for high dynamic range (HDR) image capture and video processing in mobile devices. Aspects of the invention include a mobile device, such as a smartphone or digital mobile camera, including at least two image sensors fixed in a co-planar arrangement to a substrate and an optical splitting system configured to reflect at least about 90% of incident light received through an aperture of the mobile device onto the co-planar image sensors, to thereby capture a HDR image. In some embodiments, greater than about 95% of the incident light received through the aperture of the device is reflected onto the image sensors.

Abstract: System and methods for automated incident identification and reporting while operating a vehicle on the road using a device. The device identifies incidents using artificial intelligence neural networks trained to detect, classify, segment, and/or extract other information pertaining to objects of interest representing incidents. Additionally, a system and method for further storing, transmitting, processing, organizing and accessing the information graphically with respect to incident type, location, date and time during operation of the vehicle along the road.

Abstract: The invention is relates to systems and methods for high dynamic range (HDR) image capture and video processing in mobile devices. Aspects of the invention include a mobile device, such as a smartphone or digital mobile camera, including at least two image sensors fixed in a co-planar arrangement to a substrate and an optical splitting system configured to reflect at least about 90% of incident light received through an aperture of the mobile device onto the co-planar image sensors, to thereby capture a HDR image. In some embodiments, greater than about 95% of the incident light received through the aperture of the device is reflected onto the image sensors.

Abstract: The invention is relates to systems and methods for high dynamic range (HDR) image capture and video processing in mobile devices. Aspects of the invention include a mobile device, such as a smartphone or digital mobile camera, including at least two image sensors fixed in a co-planar arrangement to a substrate and an optical splitting system configured to reflect at least about 90% of incident light received through an aperture of the mobile device onto the co-planar image sensors, to thereby capture a HDR image. In some embodiments, greater than about 95% of the incident light received through the aperture of the device is reflected onto the image sensors.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus acquires an audio signal of channels using a sound acquisition unit, at least a part of which is within a housing of the apparatus, and obtains an audio signal of channels from a microphone provided outside the housing. The apparatus processes an audio signal in accordance with a first propagation characteristic indicating propagation of sound associated with a direction of a sound source, in a case of processing an audio signal acquired by the sound acquisition unit and processes an audio signal in accordance with a second propagation characteristic different from the first propagation characteristic, in a case of processing an audio signal obtained by the microphone. The signal processing apparatus estimates a sound source direction using an audio signal processed by the first processing unit or an audio signal processed by the second processing unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a grouping unit that detects a part of an object from contents and performs grouping of each object, a correlation degree calculating unit that calculates a correlation degree between the objects of which the grouping is performed by the grouping unit, and a display control unit that controls a display of a diagram of a correlation between the objects indicating the correlation between the objects, based on the correlation degree between the objects which is calculated by the correlation degree calculating unit.

Abstract: An image compensating apparatus includes an input unit to receive input of an photo image, a Gaussian filtering unit to perform Gaussian filtering on the photo image, a division-map generating unit to convert the photo image on which the Gaussian filtering is performed into a color space including a plurality of color components and then generating a chromaticity division-map based on a color coordinate value in the color space, a calculating unit to calculate average chromaticity of each respective region by using the chromaticity division-map, and a compensating unit to compensate chromaticity of each respective region of the photo image by using the average chromaticity of each respective region. Accordingly, a faded image input to the input unit may effectively be compensated.

Abstract: An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface.

Abstract: A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a multi-core processor for processing the sensed image; and a program memory provided external to the multi-core processor, and communicating therewith via a communication bus. The multi-core processor includes a bus interface for interfacing with the communication bus, and further includes an image sensor interface for interfacing with the image sensor separately from the communication bus and the bus interface. The multi-core processor includes a plurality of parallel processing units connected by a crossbar switch to form the multi-core.

Abstract: A handheld digital camera device including: a digital camera unit having a first image sensor for capturing images and a color display for displaying captured images to a user; an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the first image sensor and color display; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate, the printed coding pattern employing Reed-Solomon encoding; and performing an action in the handheld digital camera device based on the decoded coding pattern. The decoding includes the steps of: detecting target structures defining an extent of a data area; determining the data area using the detected target structures; and Reed-Solomon decoding the coding pattern contained in the determined data area.

Abstract: A portable handheld device including a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image; an input buffer for receiving data for processing by the multi-core processor, the input buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to send data thereto; and an output buffer for receiving data processed by the multi-core processor, the output buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to receive data therefrom. The multi-core processor comprises a plurality of micro-coded processing units. The CPU is configured with authority to clear and query the input and output buffers.

Abstract: A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; an orientation sensor for determining a rotation of the image sensor; and a system-on-chip processor having integrated on a common wafer a CPU for processing a script language, a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor, and a common synchronization register. The multi-core processor includes multiple processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch. Each processing unit stores one or more synchronization bits for identifying which of the other processing units are functioning as a single process therewith. The common synchronization register contains therein synchronization bits from each of the processing units.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a portable handheld device includes a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image, and a DRAM for storing image data. The CPU and the multi-core processor are integrated on one chip and share a data cache provided on the same chip. The DRAM is provided external to the chip. The portable handheld device further comprises a DRAM interface for receiving and sending data to the DRAM, the DRAM interface being provided on the same chip and sharing the data cache with the CPU and the multi-core processor.

Abstract: A camera system including: a substrate having a coding pattern printed thereon and a handheld digital camera device. The camera device includes: a digital camera unit having a first image sensor for capturing images and a color display for displaying captured images to a user; an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the first image sensor and color display; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate, the printed coding pattern employing Reed-Solomon encoding; and performing an action in the handheld digital camera device based on the decoded coding pattern. The decoding includes the steps of: detecting target structures defining the extent of the data area; determining the data area using the detected target structures; and Reed-Solomon decoding the coding pattern contained in the determined data area.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a portable handheld device includes a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image, and a DRAM for storing image data. The CPU and the multi-core processor are integrated on one chip and share a data cache provided on the same chip. The DRAM is provided external to the chip. The portable handheld device further comprises a DRAM interface for receiving and sending data to the DRAM, the DRAM interface being provided on the same chip and sharing the data cache with the CPU and the multi-core processor.

Abstract: A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; an orientation sensor for determining a rotation of the image sensor; and a system-on-chip processor having integrated on a common wafer a CPU for processing a script language, a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor, and a common synchronization register. The multi-core processor includes multiple processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch. Each processing unit stores one or more synchronization bits for identifying which of the other processing units are functioning as a single process therewith. The common synchronization register contains therein synchronization bits from each of the processing units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system configured to operate with a hand-held camera. The hand-held camera is configured to operate with a film cartridge. The film cartridge defines an opening to enable entry of a driven film-feeding member into engagement with film edge perforations, the film-feeding member being driven by the camera for movement in a rectilinear path whereby successive film edge perforations are engaged so as to intermittently move the film past the exposure aperture. The system comprises a housing configured to be moveably engageable with the camera, in place of the film cartridge; a detector configured to generate a first signal in response to detecting a movement of the film-feeding member; and circuitry configured to write signals from an image sensor into the memory, according to an addressing mechanism that is responsive to the first signal.

Abstract: A digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing stores therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media; a guillotine for cutting the roll of print media; and a print manager for activating the guillotine upon receiving a signal indicating a manual attempt to pull the print media from the housing.

Abstract: A color image sensor has a plurality of pixels. On the pixels zero-order diffractive color filters (DCFs) (1) are arranged. Different zero-order DCFs (1), e.g., DCFs (1) transmitting red, green and blue light, respectively, are allocated to the pixels of the color image sensor. The use of DCFs (1) for color imaging devices brings better defined band-pass or notch filters than the presently used lacquers. The DCFs (1) are more stable with respect to time, temperature and any environmental aggression. The manufacture of the DCF pattern is simpler and cheaper than that of a conventional dye-filter pattern, since the different types of DCFs can be manufactured simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus processes video signals containing video information related to a scene which may contain a vehicle license plate. The apparatus includes a video camera having a video imaging device for viewing the scene and generating a first video signal. A character detector in the video camera processes the first video signal to detect a license plate within the scene and to generate location information indicating the location of the license plate. A line detector in the camera determines a particular video line of the first video signal into which the location information is to be embedded. An insertion circuit in the camera embeds the location information into the particular video line of the first video signal to form a second video signal. The apparatus may also include a video capture device for receiving the second video signal from the video camera and converting the second video signal into digital image data.

Abstract: The recording operation can be rapidly started and a notification about the operating state during the recording operation can be realized without adding a new component, whereby a target scene of a subject can be recorded reliably. When a video signal captured by a camera unit 10 is compressed and encoded and is recorded on a DV tape, a control unit 100 controls a compression/decompression unit 40 and a tape deck unit 60 to compress and encode the video signal and record as DV data without using compressed data already recorded on the DV tape. In other words, the control unit 100 controls the operation of compressing and encoding video data to be newly recorded in such a manner that compressed data already recorded on the DV tape is not read out, thus reducing the time until recording of the video data on the DV tape is started.

Abstract: A hand-held battery powered data transfer and repository device for transferring data between one or more flash memory modules and a large capacity digital storage device, which may be either external or internal to the device. The device includes one or more slots to accept a flash memory module into a housing which includes processing and logic circuitry disposed within the housing for transferring data between the flash memory module and the large capacity digital storage device. Ports are disclosed for transferring data between the repository and data transfer device to a host device, which may be a wide range of digital appliances including a digital computer, a digital camera, a camcorder or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: An image sensing and printing device is provided has a housing which houses an area image sensor, a printing mechanism and processor. The image sensor senses a viewed image to be printed on media and generates pixel data representing the viewed image. The printing mechanism defines a media feed path and includes a printhead assembly of a pagewidth printhead having at least one printhead chip that spans the media feed path and a feed mechanism which feeds media along the path. The processor includes processing circuitry interconnected with image sensor and printhead interfaces. The image sensor interface converts the pixel data into an internal format and writes the converted data to the processing circuitry which for conversion to print image data. The printhead interface provides signals representing the print image data to the printhead so that the printhead generate a printed representation of the viewed image.

Abstract: An information processing device converts images to image data and records the image data to a recording medium. The device includes a selector, an arrangement adjuster and an output. The selector selects desired image data to be output to a printing device from among the image data recorded in the recording medium. The arrangement adjuster adjusts an arrangement of the image data when there is image data of more than one image selected by the selector. The output outputs the plurality of image data arranged by the arrangement adjuster to the printing device. The plurality of image data can be, for example, continuously shot image data.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient transfer of image data to a service provider comprises a digital image source, an image pump, and a communication path to the service provider. The digital image source may be connected to the image pump using any appropriate communication configuration. Digital image data from the digital image source is transferred to the image pump, which may format the digital image data to conform to requirements of the particular service provider. The image pump may also attach customer account information and user service selections to the digital image data. The image pump may then send the digital image data and any attached information to the service provider. The service provider responsively may perform the requested services and return a finished product to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel system for acquiring digital images of identification documents such as drivers license, passports, or medical insurance records using a digital camera so as to establish a high resolution image and extracting data automatically with machine vision tools so as to acquire accurate data. The present invention teaches also a system that acquires multi-spectral images of both sides of the identification document.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatic capturing of a static image. The automatic static image-capturing device is a scanner. The method includes the following steps. Any changes on a scanning platform are monitored. If a change in the static image on the scanning platform is detected, the change is gauged for a preset time interval to check for any further change during this time interval. If no further change is detected within this time interval, a preset operation is triggered.

Abstract: A device and method for compensating for motion in image capture are provided. A processor (205) initiates partially concurrent scanning sweeps (208,209) across a digital image sensor (203) to obtain sets of digital values (210,211). At least a first set of digital values (210) and a second set of digital values (211) are stored in memory (206). An image construction module (213) compares ones of the first set of digital values (210) with ones of the second set of digital values (211) to estimate an amount of motion. The estimation may be accomplished by determining a moment between the first set of digital values (210) and the second set of digital values (211). Upon compensating for any motion, resulting digital values (412) are written to memory (206) as a compensated image. To improve an overall signal to noise ratio, noise reduction filters may also be applied to the first set of digital values (210), the second set of digital values (211), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method to calculate a transform coordinate on a second video of an object having an target coordinate on a first video and related operation process and video surveillance system are disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating the first video with a first video surveillance device, generating the second video with a second video surveillance device, selecting a first predetermined number of first reference objects also existing on the second video from the first video, calculating a plurality of coordinate transform coefficients of a first coordinate transform function according to the first predetermined number of first coordinates where the first reference objects are on the first video and the first predetermined number of second coordinates where the first reference objects are on the second video, and substituting the target coordinate into the first coordinate transform function, which had the first coordinate transform coefficients, and calculating the transform coordinate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for copying documents, especially to a personal, portable and foldable document copier that can identify the presence of a new document such as a book, a page, a business card, an ID card, a passport and the like documents, adapt to its size, automatically synchronize with text line orientation if present, take an image and transfer it to a coupled computer.

Abstract: A communication system and apparatus for a xerographic imaging system for enhanced collaborative communication between the machine user and the remote troubleshooting advisor. The machine includes an imager for showing a selected virtual representation of the machine including an image of the machine illustrating an area of the machine having the troubleshooting need. A communication link exists between the user and the advisor and comprises a bi-directional visualization of a selected virtual representation synchronously displayed to the user and the advisor via respective imagers. An image adjuster is operated by the expert for selective adjustment of the virtual representation to suggest a section of the area of the machine wherein action by the machine user may resolve the troubleshooting need. The selective adjustment is communicated to the machine user through the communication link whereby upon viewing this suggested adjustment, corrective action is suggested to the user.

Abstract: The camera reads identification information of the user, which is contained in an identification card, through a card reading part. The camera connects automatically to a server designated in accordance with the read identification information through a communication interface. Then, the camera transmits and stores the data of recorded images to the designated server. The camera retrieves the image data stored in the server, and reproduces and displays the image on an image display at the back of the camera. A plurality of cameras in which the same user's identification information is set can be controlled altogether in the image-recording and reproduction by one camera. One camera in which the identification information of a plurality of user's is set can distribute the recorded image data to the servers of the users simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a digital image processing apparatus that, in response to input button signals generated by a user, selectively reproduces files stored in a plurality of storage mediums. The method includes (a) reproducing a next file after a file currently being reproduced in a storage medium if a first input button signal is generated; (b) reproducing a previous file before the file currently being reproduced in the storage medium if a second input button signal is generated; and (c) reproducing a file in a storage medium different from the storage medium of the file currently being reproduced if a third input button signal is generated.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photographing mode selector allowing a user to select an interval photographing mode from among a plurality of predetermined photographing modes, a determining unit determining a range of selectable time intervals for interval photographing in accordance with the interval photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selector, a notifying unit notifying the user of the range of selectable time intervals determined by the determining unit, a time interval selector allowing the user to select a time interval for interval photographing in response to the notification of the notifying unit, and an interval photographing controller performing interval photographing on the basis of the interval photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selector and the time interval selected by the time interval selector.

Abstract: A camera adjusts the aspect ratio of a viewfinder image. The camera has a body and a capture unit mounted in the body. The capture unit has an imager and storage media operatively connected to the imager. The capture unit selectively captures an electronic image of a scene. A viewfinder of the camera displays a light image of the scene. A cropper is disposed in the body. The cropper is switchable among a plurality of settings. Each setting defines a different rectangular cross-sectioned window in the viewfinder. A cropping control is operatively connected to the capture unit and cropper. The cropping control has a cropping input element that is accessible external to the body. The cropping input element is movable between first and second opposed cropping control positions to change the settings. The cropping control positions define a cropping control axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the capture unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for interpreting time stamp information from a digital camera. The method comprises: opening a first format interpreter; receiving image information from a digital camera in a first format selected from the group including joint photographic experts group (JPEG) and tagged image file format (TIFF) formats, with a corresponding time stamp information; displaying the images with corresponding time stamps for editing; selecting the “print time stamp” option; selecting a time stamp layout for a corresponding image; converting the image information and time stamp information to bitmap information; and, supplying the edited images with corresponding time stamps for printing. Some aspects of the method further comprise: selecting miscellaneous superposition overlays for corresponding images.

Abstract: A hand-held battery powered device for transferring data between one or more flash memory modules and a mass storage device. The device includes one or more slots to accept a flash memory module into a housing which includes fixed or removable mass storage device and logic circuitry disposed within the housing for transferring data between the flash memory module and mass storage device. Ports are disclosed for transferring data from the resident mass storage device to the user's computer.

Abstract: A method of improving a digital image captured by a digital camera comprising: providing a digital camera having a memory for storing known values of a color chart having a plurality of color patches of different colors and a digital image processor, using the digital camera to capture an image of the color chart to produce image values of the color patches of the color chart; operating the digital image processor to process at least some of the color patch imaged values and the stored known values of the color patches to produce a color correction matrix or profile; and storing the color correction matrix or profile to correct color images subsequently acquired by the digital camera.

Abstract: A waterproof type electronic device is composed of a disc lid 13 capable of opening and closing an opening portion (17) of a camera apparatus body (2), a buckle (12) capable of detachably fastening the disc lid (13) to the camera apparatus body (2) and a sealing member (24) provided on at least one of the buckle (12) and the camera apparatus body (2) to hermetically seal the buckle 12 and the camera apparatus body (2). When the disc lid (13) is fastened to the camera apparatus body (2) by the buckle (12), the camera apparatus body (2) is hermetically sealed at least at its part of the portion covered with the buckle (12). In this kind of related-art waterproof type electronic device, operation buttons are not formed so as to have waterproof structures and water and water component can therefore enter this waterproof type electronic device relatively easily.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a photographer to take images for a customer and provide those images to order servicing equipment with which the images are placed on-line for the customer to view. The customer may place orders for the images and products and services related to the images. The order servicing equipment may credit the photographer when the customer orders images, products, or services. Images may be manipulated before images, products, or services are ordered. Images may be taken using film-based cameras or digital image acquisition equipment. Image presentation options may be selected. Content may be appended to the images. Web sites and digital albums may be created using the images. The photographer may check the status of assignments that have been submitted to the order servicing equipment and may check on account status. Different rights levels may be established for different parties. Loyalty rewards may be awarded for frequent use of the system.

Abstract: A camera apparatus includes a single release switch member. The single release switch member is for instructing an image capture operation, and selects one of a first operative state and a second operative state. The first operative state is selected when the single release switch member is pushed down to a first depth. The second operative state is selected when the single release switch member is pushed down to a second depth which is deeper than the first depth. The camera apparatus selects a recordable portion of a recording medium in response to selection of the first operative state, and generates a predetermined electrical signal if the camera apparatus selects the recordable portion of the recording medium. The camera apparatus records the image signal on the selected recordable portion if the second operative state is selected by the single release switch member, and the predetermined electrical signal is generated.

Abstract: An enhanced reading device which secures written material in a fixed location, and moves a video camera across the written text or images for the purpose of automatically registering the video camera at the beginning of each new line. The device uses a manually operated transmission to move the video camera across a line at a speed controlled by the user. The video camera is also stepped to the next line under control of the user. Optional embodiments permit the transmission to be powered and control by push buttons for automatic registration at the beginning of new lines. The device also has a document tray assembly to control vertical movement of the document in relation to the video camera under control of the user. The document tray assembly can also be optionally powered rather than manually operated.

Abstract: An individual not accustomed to operating a computer can obtain, with comparative ease, a modified image that is the result of modifying an image obtained by an image sensing operation. A subject is photographed by a video camera, and an image representing the subject is displayed in a main display area of a display unit. A modification target area is set in the main display area in advance, and icons representing methods of modification are displayed in an auxiliary display area. When one of these icons is selected, the image within the modification target area is modified by the selected modification method. If necessary, the user may move so that the portion of the subject image that the user wishes to be modified will fall within the modification target area.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a camera for use with a power supply is provided. The camera has a voltage detecting circuit adapted to detect a voltage level at the power source and to generate a voltage level signal. An image capture system is also provided and performs a set of image capture operations. A controller receives the voltage level signal and prevents the image capture system from capturing an image when the voltage level signal indicates that there is insufficient power available in the power supply to perform all of operation in the set of image capture operations.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for measuring fish, game, and the like is provided and includes a scale, a camera, and a length measuring device. The scale includes a support member that extends outwardly from the apparatus housing, and a display that is visible through the housing. The support member is configured to suspend an object therefrom for weighing via the scale, and the display is configured to display the weight of an object suspended from the support member. The length measurement device is configured to measure the length of an object and the display is configured to display the length of an object measured by the length measurement device. The camera includes a lens, an image sensor configured to capture images obtained via the lens, and a camera display. The camera display displays an image of an object taken by the camera with weight and/or length information for the object.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatic capturing of a static image. The automatic static image-capturing device is a scanner. The method includes the following steps. Any changes on a scanning platform are monitored. If a change in the static image on the scanning platform is detected, the change is gauged for a preset time interval to check for any further change during this time interval. If no further change is detected within this time interval, a preset operation is triggered.

Abstract: The purpose of obtaining a high resolution image with fewer number of image sensings in an image input device which allocates a planar object such as a document or the like into a plurality of areas for image sensing, and combines the obtained image data for output to a printer or display device or the like. An image reading device using an area sensor as an image sensing element 30 which is stationary in an image sensing unit 14 facing the center of a document 1 on a table 11, and a taking lens 31 moves parallel to the document 1 and the image sensing element 30 to read the images of allocated sections A˜I of the document 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an image capture system having an electronic camera for platenless document imaging. The system comprises: an electronic camera with an electronic detector and a lens with a field of view for imaging on the detector a portion of a document; a support by which the camera can be positioned to view the document; an actuator for moving the camera field of view so that a plurality of overlapping image tiles of a document can be captured at predetermined different locations over the support surface, each image tile having an array of tile data points and being subject to some expected perspective and/or camera distortion relative to the support surface; and a processor by which the plurality of image tiles may be joined into a composite image of the document. The processor includes a memory which stores transform data for each image tile, the transform data relating both to the expected distortion and to the predetermined overlap between image tiles.

Abstract: A camera adjusts the aspect ratio of a viewfinder image. The camera has a body and a capture unit mounted in the body. The capture unit has an imager and storage media operatively connected to the imager. The capture unit selectively captures an electronic image of a scene. A viewfinder of the camera displays a light image of the scene. A cropper is disposed in the body. The cropper is switchable among a plurality of settings. Each setting defines a different rectangular cross-sectioned window in the viewfinder. A cropping control is operatively connected to the capture unit and cropper. The cropping control has a cropping input element that is accessible external to the body. The cropping input element is movable between first and second opposed cropping control positions to change the settings. The cropping control positions define a cropping control axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the capture unit.