Abstract: An image apparatus (10) for capturing an image (212) of a scene (16) includes an apparatus frame (224), a capturing system (228), a control feature, an inertial sensor assembly (218), and a control system (216) The capturing system captures the captured image (258) The control feature influences the image captured by the capturing system The inertial sensor assembly senses motion of the image apparatus The control system adjusts the control feature based on the sensed motion from the sensor assembly With this design, the control feature can be easily controlled by the controlled movement of the image apparatus For example, the inertial sensor assembly includes one or more angular inertial sensors that monitor pitching and/or yawing of the image apparatus, one or more gyroscopes that monitor rotation of the image apparatus, and/or one or more accelerometers that monitor acceleration of the image apparatus in one or more directions.

Abstract: A positioning system and method are disclosed. The system includes an external force sensor configured to measure a magnitude of at least one external force acting upon a movable object disposed within a camera and to generate a force signal that is indicative of the magnitude of the at least one external force. The system also includes a positioning motor configured to control a physical location of the movable object in response to a positioning signal. The system further includes a position controller configured to generate the positioning signal at a magnitude that is adjusted in response to the force signal to substantially compensate for the at least one external force in controlling the physical location of the movable object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the readability of information being displayed on display on a mobile device is disclosed. An amount of movement being exerted onto the mobile device is first measured. If the measured amount of movement is greater than a first predetermined threshold value and lower than a second predetermined threshold value, a picture stabilization algorithm is applied to the information to be displayed on the display. If the measured amount of movement is greater than said second predetermined threshold value, then the information is displayed with a larger font size than normal.

Abstract: Multiple images of a scene are acquired over a contemporaneous period of time. Most of the multiple images are lower resolution images acquired with a lower resolution than the other of the multiple images. A corrected set of images is formed at least by correcting for motion present between at least some of the lower resolution images. In addition, a synthesized image is formed at least by merging (a) at least a portion of at least one of the images in the corrected set of images, and (b) at least a portion of at least one of the other of the multiple images. The synthesized image is stored in a processor-accessible memory system. The synthesized image exhibits improved image quality including reduced motion blur, a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and higher resolution over conventional techniques.

Abstract: An optical image system includes an image pickup module, a swinging mechanism, a first swinging calibration element and a second swinging calibration element. When the optical image system is tilted because of handshaking, the image pickup module is swung by the swinging mechanism. At the same time, the first swinging calibration element and the second swinging calibration element detect whether the image pickup module is swung to an ideal position where the handshaking problem is eliminated.

Abstract: An image stabilizer has a shooting optical system shooting an object whose principal point moves between first and second principal points in an optical axis direction, an acceleration detector detecting acceleration applied to the image stabilizer and disposed between the first and second principal points in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: In an anti-shake circuit for an imaging device, a differential circuit receives an analog sensing signal and a target signal and then generates a difference signal. An analog mathematical circuit performs at least one mathematical operation on the difference signal, resulting in generation of at least one mathematical output signal. A driver receives the at least one mathematical output signal, and, accordingly, generates a driving signal and controls an actuator in order to correct the shaking movement.

Abstract: An image stabilizer control device includes a biaxial gyroscope, a processing unit and an actuator unit. The biaxial gyroscope senses movement of an imaging module and detects a first angular velocity of the imaging module in two reference planes perpendicular to each other. The processing unit generates a first driving signal in response to the first angular velocity. The actuator unit moves the imaging module to compensate the movement in response to the first driving signal. The biaxial gyroscope detects a second angular velocity of the imaging module in the two reference planes upon completing movement compensation associated with the first driving signal. The processing unit converts the second angular velocity into a second angle, compares the second angle with a predetermined angle range and generates a second driving signal in response to the comparison result. The actuator unit moves the imaging module in response to the second driving signal.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus includes an optical system, an optical image stabilization (OIS) unit adapted to move the optical system, and a digital signal processor in communication with the OIS unit. The digital signal processor sets an operating ratio of the OIS unit by reducing the operating ratio to a previously set value of 100% or below after a still image or a moving picture is captured, and the OIS unit moves the optical system while a live view mode is turned on.

Abstract: In automatically focusing on a subject in the field of view of a camera device, the camera device sets a focal length successively at one or more focal positions with an angle of the focus plane tilted so as not to be orthogonal to a normal optical path through the camera device. An image is taken at each of the focal positions. A comparison of data from each image is made so as to determine best focus. This comparison includes comparing data from at least two different locations along the tilted focus plane of at least one of the images.

Abstract: A camera apparatus capable of providing optical image stabilisation comprises a support structure and a camera unit, that comprises an image sensor and a lens system for focussing an image thereon, supported on the support structure in a manner allowing it to tilt around two notional axes perpendicular to each other and to the optical axis. An SMA actuation system comprises two SMA actuator subsystems each comprising plural SMA actuators connected between the camera unit and the support structure. The SMA actuators of the respective SMA actuator subsystems are arranged, on contraction, to drive displacement of the camera unit in opposite directions along the optical axis. The SMA actuators of each SMA actuator subsystem are also arranged, on differential contraction, to drive rotation of the camera unit around a respective one of said notional axes.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for automatically rotating an image and a display unit, and an information storage medium storing image information. The apparatus including a photographing unit which generates image data and a rotation sensing unit which generates rotational information of a rotation state of the photographing unit. When an object is photographed, the rotation information of the image is obtained and stored together, and when the image is displayed, the rotation is analyzed and the image and display unit are automatically rotated. When an image including moving picture information is watched, an image always optimized to be horizontal without additional work by a user can be seen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for setting imaging parameters. Information of several images of a scene is received. The images are captured with different exposure times. Also information of motion of the apparatus is received. On the basis of the motion of the apparatus at least one of the exposure times is estimated.

Abstract: In an image stabilization control circuit of an image-capturing device, a gyro-equalizer (24) is used to integrate an angular velocity signal corresponding to vibration, and determine a required magnitude of displacement of a lens. The gyro-equalizer (24) integrates the angular velocity signal from a gyro-sensor (12) using an integration circuit (46) (LPF), and converts the result into an angular signal. A direct-current component of the angular signal is removed using a centering circuit (52) (HPF). Excessive phase delay of the angular signal on a high-frequency side caused by a phase characteristic of the gyro-sensor (12) is compensated by a phase lead compensation circuit (50) composed of a high-boost filter, and the phase delay of the angular signal with respect to the angular velocity signal is brought nearer to 90° by an integration process.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device for subjecting an optical subject image to photoelectric conversion to generate an image signal; an angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocity with the imaging apparatus; a first shaking amount calculation unit for integrating detection values from the angular velocity sensor to calculate first shaking amount of the imaging apparatus; a second shaking amount calculation unit for calculating second shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on image data from the imaging device; a third shaking amount calculation unit for correcting the first shaking amount to calculate third shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on first amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the first shaking amount, and second amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the second shaking amount; and a correction control unit for correcting the shaking of the imaging apparatus based on the third shaking amount.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an angular velocity sensor (11), which outputs a blurring signal, a high-pass filter circuit unit (12), which eliminates a direct current component in accordance with a first time constant, and which outputs a fluctuation portion with respect to a reference voltage as an angular velocity signal, an analog switch ASW (1), which cause a charge that is accumulated within the high-pass filter circuit unit (12) to discharge according to a second time constant, a computation unit (15), which is for performing a computation in order to correct a blurring of an image in accordance with the angular velocity signal, and a detection circuit unit (15D), which, in order to detect a change over time of the angular velocity of the camera body, samples the angular velocity signal on a per fixed time interval basis, obtains a derivative in accordance with a value thus sampled of the angular velocity signal, and detects a change over time in a size of the derivative thus obtained, wherein the time co

Abstract: An imaging device ICD, which realizes an image blurring compensation function which achieves image blurring compensation during a framing period and image blurring compensation during releasing, is provided. In the imaging device (ICD), an OIS unit control section (104) compensates image blurring occurring in an optical image by moving an optical axis of an imaging optical system (100), and compensates the image blurring by changing a position of cutout of image data outputted from an image sensor (106). An image shift amount calculation section (39x, 39y) detects image blurring information. A system controller (120) causes the OIS unit control section (104) to mainly move the optical axis during an exposure period based on the detected image blurring information, and to mainly change the position of the cutout of the image data during a period other than the exposure period, thereby compensating image blurring which occurs in a taken image.

Abstract: Still image apparatus and methods that are suitable for compact camera environments are described. In another aspect, image segments are captured during corresponding exposure intervals of a frame exposure period. Respective motion sensor signals are generated during the respective exposure intervals of the image segments. One or more corresponding movement measures are determined from the respective motion sensor signals for each of the exposure intervals. The image segments are combined into an output image based on the one or more corresponding movement measures.

Abstract: An image stabilization control circuit controls an optical element driving element configured to move an optical element provided in an imaging apparatus based on an output signal of a vibration detection element provided in the imaging apparatus. The image stabilization control circuit includes an analog-digital conversion circuit configured to receive an analog signal from a position detection element that detects the position of the optical element and convert the input analog signal into a digital signal, and a servo circuit configured to generate a correction signal for correcting the position of the optical element based on an output signal of the analog-digital conversion circuit and output the generated correction signal to the optical element driving element. The servo circuit includes a digital filter circuit and a register. The digital filter circuit performs filter processing based on a filter coefficient stored in the register.

Abstract: Performing data processing more effectively for camera shake correction is desirable. Movement of an image-capturing device is compensated on the basis of displacement velocity of the image-capturing device detected by a displacement velocity detector and position regarding a focus adjustment member of the image-capturing device detected by a position detector. An input data format converter converts the displacement velocity detected at the displacement velocity detector from fixed-point format to floating-point format and converts the detected position of the focus member to floating-point data. Furthermore, a gyro filter uses data processing in floating-point format to calculate displacement data for a required amount the image-capturing device is to be displaced and a Hall filter uses data processing in floating-point format to generate drive data for the focus adjustment member. Then, the drive data in floating-point format from the Hall filter is converted to drive data in fixed-point format.

Abstract: In a mode in which a lens barrel need not be extended, if it is determined that a vibration is larger than a reference value, the lens barrel is driven so as to be retracted to a predetermined position.

Abstract: Provides an image blur correction device capable of accurately moving an imaging element, and an imaging device equipped therewith. The image blur correction device of the present invention includes a fixed plate (12); a moving base (14) to which an imaging element (16) is attached; support means (18) supporting a movable member; at least three drive coils (20) disposed on the movable member; a position sensor (24) disposed on the fixed member; at least three drive magnets (22) respectively attached to the fixed member in positions opposing each of the drive coils; detection means (34) for detecting blurring of an optical axis; and control means (36) for sourcing current to each of the drive coils so as to drive the movable member based on the blur of the optical axis and the position of the movable member, thereby controlling blurring of the image formed on the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving motion data and determining acceleration vectors based on biomechanical data and the received motion data. The method further comprises creating an improved image based on the acceleration vectors.

Abstract: Images captured by an image capture device on a line of sight with an associated gyrometric system designed to supply gyrometric measurement data relating to the line of sight are stabilized. To this end, a first series of captured images is obtained. Then, a second series of stabilized images is obtained by applying, to the first series of images, an image stabilization based on gyrometric information. Then, a residual stabilization error is determined by applying a digital processing to the second series of stabilized images. Finally, the preceding three steps are repeated. On initialization, the gyrometric information corresponds to the measurement data supplied by the gyrometric system. Then, subsequently, the gyrometric information is obtained by correcting, on the basis of the residual error, the measurement data supplied by the gyrometric system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging part that images a subject to generate image data, an image storage part that temporarily stores original image data that was imaged by the imaging part, an image data size reducing part that forms image data for display by reducing the size of image data stored in the image storage part, and an image display part that displays image data for display that was formed by the image data size reducing part; the imaging apparatus further comprising a camera shake state detection part that detects a camera shake occurrence state of the imaging part, a camera shake decision part that decides whether or not camera shake occurred for image data for display that was reduced by the image data size reducing part based on a camera shake state that was detected by the camera shake state detection part, and a camera shake correction part that, when a result decided by the camera shake decision part is that a camera shake occurrence state exists, subjects the image data for display to

Abstract: This image sensor includes a flexible wiring board connected with an optical sensor, bent around the portion connected with the optical sensor and so formed as to generate urging force oppositely to the bent direction and a support portion having a first support surface supporting the optical sensor. The optical sensor is urged toward the first support surface of the support portion to be fixed thereto due to the urging force of the flexible wiring board arranged in the bent manner.

Abstract: An imaging module is provided with an image pickup device unit having an image pickup device; an optical unit to form a subject image on the image pickup device; and an image stabilization mechanism having a first drive unit to move an image stabilization object element that is at least one of the image pickup device and the optical unit in a first direction that is parallel with an imaging area of the image pickup device, and a second drive unit to move the image stabilization object element in a second direction that is parallel with the imaging area and intersects with the first direction, wherein the imaging module has a rectangular shape on a plane that is parallel with the imaging area, and the first drive unit and the second drive unit are respectively arranged around the optical unit and at two neighboring sides of the imaging module.

Abstract: Exposed images from a CCD are each captured to Surfaces A, B and C in an SDRAM in a repeated sequence from A, B to C, and the latest image among the images thus captured is displayed. While an image on Surface B is being transferred, an image on Surface A is used as the image to be displayed. The next exposure is started, and images to be displayed are switched, at the same timing as the transfer is started. An image to be displayed on an LCD monitor is stopped from being updated when camera shake compensating device starts to be released from the mechanical holding. The next switching of images and the transfer of an exposed image from the CCD to the SDRAM are prohibited. When the release of the mechanical holding is completed, the next exposed image is transferred from the CCD to the SDARM. Updating is permitted for displaying the image which is transferred to the SDRAM on a display device.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing images acquired by a digital-image sensor includes a motion-sensing device, for detecting quantities correlated to pitch and yaw movements of the digital-image sensor, and a processing unit, connectable to the digital-image sensor for receiving a first image signal and configured for extracting a second image signal from the first image signal on the basis of the quantities detected by the motion-sensing device. The motion-sensing device includes a first accelerometer and a second accelerometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the stabilization of the position of cameras, and for the production of film recordings from unmanned airborne objects An position stabilization system for a camera suspended in a motor-driven pivot device so as to be able to pivot the same about multiple axes, comprising rotary sensors or angular rate sensors and a closed-loop control, wherein the assignment, the coupling degree, and/or the effective direction of the signals in the control path from the angular rate sensors to the motors can be variably controlled by means of a cross-fade circuit as a function of the relative orientation of the measured rotational axes to the driven rotational axes. The invention further relates to special mechanical embodiments of the pivot device.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an imaging device. An imaging device outputs a scene image produced on an imaging surface capturing a scene. A rotator performs a rotating process in a direction around an optical axis on the scene image outputted from the imaging device in response to a recording operation. A recorder records the scene image rotated by the rotator on a recording medium. A determiner determines a rotation of the imaging surface in the direction around the optical axis in response to the recording operation. An adjuster adjusts a rotation angle of the rotator to an angle which is different corresponding to a determined result of the determiner.

Abstract: A digital camera 100 is provided with an optical unit 1, CCD 3, a CCD holder 27 for holding CCD 3, actuator 10 for connecting the CCD holder 27 with the optical unit 1, wherein the actuator changes in shape when a voltage is applied across a front surface and rear surface thereof, and flexible printed circuits 8, 9 for applying voltages to driving members 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in response to detection of camera shake to move the CCD holder 27 such that an optical axis Z of the optical unit 1 passes through the center of the image capturing plane 300 of CCD 3.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards rolling shutter video stabilization utilizing three dimensional motion analysis. In stabilizing the rolling shutter video, a three dimensional motion of the device capturing the image may be determined or estimated. In some example embodiments the three dimensional motion may be a purely rotational motion, a purely translation motion, or a rotational and translational motion. The estimated three dimensional motion may be utilized to adjust the pixels of an image frame in order to rectify and stabilize the video image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and imaging lens device comprises a light path folding optical system having a reflector that folds the optical axis incident perpendicular to the gravitational direction toward the gravitational direction. An imaging element converts an image formed by the light path folding optical system into an electrical signal. A drive unit moves a shake correction lens group including at least one lens in the direction perpendicular to a vertical optical axis, the vertical optical axis being folded toward the gravitational direction by the reflector, wherein the shake correction lens group is moved in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis to move the image in the direction perpendicular to the vertical optical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of compensating a signal of an image of one screen for distortions in the horizontal and/or vertical directions of a screen of the image. The method includes the steps of: dividing one screen area of the image into a plurality of picture divisions; and detecting a movement vector of the image for each particular one of the picture divisions from information on a difference in image between the particular picture division on one of two screens and the particular division on the other of the two screens.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a tri-axial acceleration sensor. The CPU determines a direction of the camera at a time of image capturing, on the basis of a gravitational direction which is detected by the tri-axial acceleration sensor, calculates a parameter for projection-correcting a captured image in a predetermined direction on the basis of the direction of the camera, and corrects a distortion of the captured image by using the parameter.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for monitoring a mobile computing Arrangement. The arrangement may include a sensor and a processor. The sensor detects first data of an event including a directional orientation and a motion of the arrangement. The processor compares the first data to second data to determine if at least one predetermined procedure is to be executed. The second data may include a predetermined threshold range of changes in the directional orientation and the motion. If the predetermined procedure is to be executed, the processor selects the predetermined procedure which corresponds to the event as a function of the first data. Subsequently, the predetermined procedures is executed.

Abstract: A digital camera system has integrated accelerometers for determining static and dynamic accelerations of the digital cameral system. Data relating to static and dynamic accelerations are stored with recorded image data for further processing, such as for correcting image data for roll, pitch and vibrations and for displaying recorded images with a predetermined orientation using information about, e.g., roll. Data may also be used on-the-fly for smear suppression caused by vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: an analog/digital conversion means for converting vibration detection signals output from a vibration detection element that detects vibrations of an imaging device into digital signals; a gyro filter that obtains the amount of movement of the imaging device based on the vibration detection signals digitalized by the analog/digital conversion means; a rotation control means for generating an amount of rotary drive in a stepping motor based on both the current position and amount of movement of an optical component or an imaging element; and a stepping control means for generating and outputting pulse signals that drive the rotation of the stepping motor in each phase according to the amount of rotary drive, wherein the stepping control means enables pulse-width modulation of the ratio between the periods in which high-level pulse signals and low-level pulse signals are respectively applied to the same phase of the stepping motor.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing images acquires vibration data of a vehicle by an acceleration sensor, and transfers the vibration data to a digital video recorder (DVR) device. The system and method further adjusts a position of a lens of an image obtaining device according to the vibration data by the DVR device, controls the lens to capture images by the image obtaining device, and stores the captured images in a storage device of the DVR device.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup portion and a recording portion that records an image signal based on an output signal from the image pickup portion, for executing a shooting operation with a behavior of a photographer as a trigger, and obtaining a desired static image by performing an automatic manipulation processing of the acquired image; the image pickup apparatus comprising: a posture detection portion that detects a change of posture or moving situation of the image pickup apparatus, and a control portion that controls the execution of shooting operation based on the output signal of the posture detection portion.

Abstract: An image blur correction device according to the present invention includes an a base (100), a movable holding member (120), a support mechanism configured to movably support the movable holding member within a plane vertical to an optical axis of the lens, a driving means for driving the movable holding member within the plane, a position detecting means, and a return means for returning the movable holding member to a pause position in a pause state, the driving means includes a drive magnet (131, 141) fixed to one of the base and the movable holding member and a coil (132, 142) fixed to the other of the base and the movable holding member at a position where the coil faces the drive magnet, and the return means includes a return member (171, 172) consisting of a magnetic material or a magnet fixed to the other of the base and the movable holding member so as to face the drive magnet to form a magnetic force flow for returning to the pause position.

Abstract: A multi-eye imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of imaging systems (106a, 106b) each including an optical system (107a, 107b) and an imaging element (108a, 108b) and having a different optical axis. The plurality of imaging systems (106a, 106b) include a first imaging system (106b) having a pixel shift means (101) for changing a relative positional relationship between an image formed on the imaging element (108b), and the imaging element (108b), and a second imaging system (106a) in which a relative positional relationship between an image formed on the imaging element (108a), and the imaging element (108a), is fixed during time-series image capture.

Abstract: An optical unit with shake correcting function may include a movable module on which at least an optical element is mounted, a fixed body which supports the movable module, a shake detection sensor which detects a shake of the movable module, a drive mechanism for shake correction for swinging the movable module on the fixed body on the basis of a detection result of the shake detection sensor to correct the shake of the movable module, and a control section which controls the drive mechanism for shake correction on the basis of the detection result of the shake detection sensor. The shake detection sensor is a gyroscope mounted on the movable module and the control section controls the drive mechanism for shake correction so as to cancel the shake detected by the gyroscope.

Abstract: The present invention is an antivibration actuator including an affixing plate (12), a moving frame (14) to which an image stabilizing lens (16) is attached, and a drive means for generating drive force in a first direction and a second direction; the drive means is furnished with a drive magnet (22) and a first drive coil (20a) and second drive coil (20b) disposed on substantially the same plane so as to face that the drive magnet; a first magnetic boundary line (C1) and a second magnetic boundary line (C2) disposed to connect to the first magnetic boundary line are provided on the drive magnet, and when current flows, a first direction drive force is generated; the second drive coil is disposed to face the second magnetic boundary line, and when current flows, a second direction drive force is generated.

Abstract: Provided is a method of correcting handshake in a digital image processing apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes a lens location detector for detecting a location of the focusing lens when a lens driving unit drives a photographing lens group; a handshake detector for detecting an amount of handshake from a signal representing a movement of the digital image processing apparatus; and a handshake correction unit for adjusting the lens driving unit according to a difference between the amount of handshake detected by the handshake detector and the location of the focusing lens detected by the lens location detector.

Abstract: A method for suppression of image blur is applied to an image capturing apparatus in a photography mode whose exposure time is set to be greater than a safe exposure time. The method comprising the following steps: capturing a long exposure image with the present exposure time, and a short exposure image with an exposure time smaller than or equal to the safe exposure time in the same landscape. Besides, obtain a locus signal in the process of long exposure image capture. Afterwards, execute an arithmetic procedure to smooth the short exposure image, and then produce a point scale image using the auxiliary arithmetic of locus signal. Finally, process the long exposure image and the point scale image with multiplication arithmetic to restore the long exposure image, thus forming an output image.

Abstract: A drive device includes an actuator, a fixed member, a movable member, rotating members, and a guide member. The actuator is arranged on the fixed member, and includes a piezoelectric element and at least two drivers on the piezoelectric element in parallel with the central axis of the piezoelectric element. The movable member moves by the drivers on the fixed member. The rotating members are located between the fixed member and the movable member to support the movable member. The guide member is arranged on at least one of the fixed member and the movable member, and guides movement of the rotating members in a direction parallel to the central axis of the piezoelectric element. The drivers are located between the rotating members in the direction parallel to the central axis of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A wearable camera that is an imaging device includes a sensing unit that senses motion of a camera, and a prediction unit that calculates a pixel shift distance (d) between frames based on the results of the sensing. The prediction unit obtains a position (p1?) by moving a feature point (p1) extracted from the previous frame image by the pixel shift distance (d), and the setting unit sets a window (w4) having a position (p1?) as the center in the current frame image (Ft+1). A search unit searches the window (w4) and detects a feature point (q1) corresponding to the feature point (p1).

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises an image sensor, an orientation sensor, a memory and a processing unit. The image sensor is used for generating captured image data. The orientation sensor is coupled to the image sensor, and is used for generating signals relating to the position of the image sensor. The memory, has an auto-rotate unit comprising program instructions for transforming the captured image data into rotated image data in response to the orientation sensor signals. The processing unit, executes program instructions stored in the memory, and is coupled to the image sensor, the orientation sensor and the memory. The method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of: generating image data representative of an object with an image sensor; identifying an orientation of the image sensor relative to the object during the generating step; and selectively transferring the image data to an image processing unit in response to the identifying step.