Abstract: A live panning system and method for providing a live representation of a portion of a working area are provided. The system includes an image sensor acquiring an image of the entire working area and a processing unit. The image sensor includes an array of pixels, each providing pixel data of the image, and reads out the pixel data of a number of output pixels from the array to generate a sensor video stream, the output pixels corresponding to a cropping window within the image. The image sensor also includes a windowing module configured to move, in real-time, the cropping window within the image. The processing unit monitors viewing instructions from a user selecting a region of interest within the image corresponding to the portion of the working area, and dynamically communicates the viewing instructions to the windowing module such that the cropping window always encompasses the region of interest.

Abstract: A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera.

Abstract: A live panning system and method for providing a live representation of a portion of a working area are provided. The system includes an image sensor acquiring an image of the entire working area and a processing unit. The image sensor includes an array of pixels, each providing pixel data of the image, and reads out the pixel data of a number of output pixels from the array to generate a sensor video stream, the output pixels corresponding to a cropping window within the image. The image sensor also includes a windowing module configured to move, in real-time, the cropping window within the image. The processing unit monitors viewing instructions from a user selecting a region of interest within the image corresponding to the portion of the working area, and dynamically communicates the viewing instructions to the windowing module such that the cropping window always encompasses the region of interest.

Abstract: A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera.

Abstract: A magnification system which allows viewing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnification system includes two main components: a handheld device and a base station. The handheld device is provided with a camera module, a processing unit and, optionally, a display unit. The base station has a frame structure and, optionally, a monitor. The frame structure includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device. The handheld device can function as a stand-alone device and can be carried around for use outside of the home or office or, generally, away from the base station, or it can be mounted on the base station where images of documents or other objects disposed on a workspace of the frame structure can be acquired by the camera module of the handheld device and shown on the monitor through the processing unit.