(12) United States Patent
`Slatter et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006540415B 1
`
`(54) DOCUMENT CAPTURE STAND
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: David Neil Slatter, Bristol (GB); Colin
`I' Anson, Bristol (GB)
`
`(73) Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto,
`CA(US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 29 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/840,001
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 31, 2000
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`6/1986 Rossel
`4,593,982 A
`6/1988 Keith
`4,752,792 A
`4,831,455 A * 5/1989 Ishikawa et al. ............ 348/373
`5,374,971 A * 12/1994 Clapp et al. ............. 348/14.01
`5,920,342 A * 7/1999 Umeda et al.
`.............. 348/211
`5,980,124 A * 11/1999 Bernardi et al. ............ 396/428
`6,081,422 A * 6/2000 Ganthier et al. ......... 348/14.01
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`A-840200
`GB
`754 792
`GB
`1225505
`GB
`2147427
`W085/02917
`WO
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-David M. Gray
`
`5/1998
`8/1956
`3/1971
`5/1985
`7/1985
`
`Sep. 2, 1999
`
`(GB) ............................................. 9920598
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ G03B 17/02
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 396/428; 396/300; 348/373;
`348/552
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 396/419, 428,
`396/300, 544, 429; 348/373, 552, 14.01;
`358/909.1
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,474,439 A
`
`10/1984 Brown
`
`A stand facilitates and supports the use of digital cameras
`including digital video cameras in performing an equivalent
`function to a scanner in recording digital images which may
`be downloaded to a computer. The stand incorporates means
`for automatically configuring the camera into a mode of
`operation for document image capture on placing said
`camera into said stand. Said stand is adjustable in height and
`includes hinge sections 201 to appropriately position said
`camera for use in capturing an image of a document.
`
`56 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`AVER EXHIBIT 1021
`Aver v. Pathway
`IPR2017-02108
`
`Page 1 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 0f 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`
`
`\2"
`
`Fig. 1
`Fig. 1
`
`Page 2 of 20
`
`Page 2 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 0f 9
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`106
`
`204
`
`Fig. 2
`Fig. 2
`
`Page 3 0f 20
`
`Page 3 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 3 0f 9
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`
`
`Fig. 3
`Fig. 3
`
`Page 4 of 20
`
`Page 4 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 4 0f 9
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`302
`
`403
`
`402
`402
`
`401
`
`401
`
`Fig. 4
`Fig. 4
`
`Page 5 0f 20
`
`Page 5 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 5 0f 9
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`501
`
`402
`402
`
`401
`
`501
`
`100
`
`Fig. 5
`Fig. 5
`
`Page 6 0f 20
`
`Page 6 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 6 0f 9
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`103
`
`601
`
`Fig. 6
`Fig. 6
`
`Page 7 0f 20
`
`Page 7 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 7 0f 9
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`..-
`0
`C\J
`
`C\J
`0
`I'-
`
`co
`106
`0 ..-
`
`Fig.7
`
`.
`0)
`LL
`
`0
`0
`0
`
`Page 8 0f 20
`
`Page 8 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr.1, 2003
`
`Sheet 8 0f 9
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`[\
`O1..
`
`801
`
`co .
`Fig.8
`·-LL
`
`0)
`
`Page 9 0f 20
`
`Page 9 of 20
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`Sheet 9 0f 9
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`US 6,540,415 B1
`
`LO
`mom
`0
`Ol
`
`c.o
`mom
`0
`Ol
`
`~
`0
`Ol
`
`l
`
`\
`
`M
`0
`Ol
`
`l
`
`\
`
`C\J
`mom
`0
`Ol
`l
`
`T"""
`0
`O>
`
`l
`
`\
`
`\
`
`Q)
`
`0 co -'-
`wow.5E5w
`Q) -c -
`
`'-
`Q)
`(JJ
`::>
`
`co
`Q)
`'-
`<(
`>.
`'-
`0
`E
`Q)
`~
`
`'-
`0
`en
`en
`Q)
`u
`0
`'-
`Q.
`0
`'-
`u
`~
`
`53805925.
`
`Page 10 0f 20
`
`9,1...
`
`
`mcmms.mcozmoEzEEoo
`
`m .
`9.3
`·-LL
`
`0)
`
`0
`Com
`0
`O>
`
`,---
`
`I
`
`-
`
`(JJ c
`cu
`Q)
`~
`Cf) c
`
`0 -en
`
`0
`c
`:J
`E
`E
`0
`0
`
`Page 10 of 20
`
`

`

`1
`DOCUMENT CAPTURE STAND
`
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`US 6,540,415 Bl
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to camera stands and means
`and methods of supporting cameras, and particularly,
`although not exclusively, to a stand for holding a digital
`camera to allow the digital camera to act as a document
`capture device in obtaining digital images suitable for down(cid:173)
`loading to a personal computer.
`
`The inventors of the present invention have realized the
`potential for using digital cameras as scanning devices for
`obtaining digital images which may be downloaded, viewed
`5 and manipulated on a personal computer. The inventors have
`realized that digital cameras purchased on the high street and
`those intended for the individual user at home rather than
`just the professional can be suitably manipulated to perfo.rm
`a document capture function equivalent to the scanmng
`10 function provided by fiat bed and hand held scanners in that
`a digital image is captured. The inventors have realized that
`in order to make use of digital cameras in performing a
`document capture function a suitable stand must be provided
`which holds the camera in a steady position above the
`15 material to be imaged during document capture. To increase
`the versatility of the stand the inventors have included
`features of portability and multiple compatibility with a
`range of digital cameras. Thus the present invention allows
`the user to improve an existing function or to perform
`20 additional functions to those originally intended by the
`manufacturer of the digital camera. That is, the digital
`camera may be used as a scanner to capture an image. In this
`way, a user who owns a digital camera is saved a consid(cid:173)
`erable cost when comparing the typical cost of a fiat bed
`25 scanning device with that of a stand for supporting a digital
`camera to perform an equivalent document capture opera-
`tion.
`The inventors have also realized that the present invention
`removes the need for a fixed amount of space to house
`equipment to capture an image of a document. That is, a
`stand for supporting a digital camera to perform the docu(cid:173)
`ment capture function provides for a small desktop footprint
`than a fiat bed scanner and is further easily removable when
`not in use. Further, the inventors have realized that such a
`stand removes the incidental costs, and time taken to famil(cid:173)
`iarize with each device, involved in owning both a digital
`camera and a scanner.
`One object of the specific embodiments of the present
`invention is to provide a document capture stand to support
`a digital camera or digital video camera to operate in a
`document capture mode in obtaining digital images of an
`object in view of the cameras optic, and thus perform an
`equivalent function to that of a conventional scanning
`45 device.
`A second object of the specific embodiments of the
`present invention is to provide a document capture stand
`compatible with one or several makes and models of digital
`camera or digital video camera, the stand enabling the
`camera to be appropriately positioned above the object to be
`imaged and enabling focusing of said camera such that a
`high resolution image can be recorded.
`A third object of the specific embodiments of the present
`invention is to provide a document capture stand with means
`to configure a digital camera or digital video camera sup(cid:173)
`ported by said stand to operate in a document capture. mode
`in recording a high resolution digital image of an object to
`be imaged.
`According to one aspect of the present invention there is
`provided a stand to hold a digital camera, said stand com-
`prising:
`at least one supporting member;
`wherein said supporting member has at least one first end;
`wherein said first end includes a base portion;
`said supporting member having a second end including
`camera retaining means;
`
`40
`
`BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
`It is known in the prior art to employ fiat bed scanners or
`hand held scanning devices to digitally record an image,
`commonly being a paper-based document e.g. a letter or
`photograph. Such scanning devices can download the digi(cid:173)
`tally recorded data to a computer or other image processor
`where the data can be displayed on a visual display unit. This
`process enables the user to download an image of a docu(cid:173)
`ment to a computer where the document can be manipulated
`or amended to the users satisfaction. Following this, the
`document may be e-mailed, used in an electronic fax trans(cid:173)
`mission or simply printed. Flat bed scanners are an addi(cid:173)
`tional option to incorporate into a desk top computer at
`additional expense. Known fiat bed scanners comprise a
`base unit having a scan area to support a document or object
`being scanned. The fiat bed scanner has a size dependent on
`the size of document for which the scanner is intended to
`image. Thus the desk top "foot print" of the scanner can be
`relatively large. Conventional fiat bed scanners have reso- 30
`lutions of the order of 600 dpi, which provides relatively
`high quality images, and it is common with more expensive
`prior art scanners to have resolutions higher than 600 dpi.
`Known hand-held scanners provide a somewhat less
`1 35
`expensive facility for scanning images into conventiona
`personal computers. These usually comprise a hand held
`device which is passed over the document to be scanned thus
`recording a digital version of the document. However,
`hand-held scanners often suffer from lack of quality in that
`they rely on the user having a steady hand.
`Scanners are known in the prior art being used to obtain
`digital images of a target object. These digital images may
`be used to recreate an image of the target object on the visual
`display unit of a users personal computer.
`European patent application EP 0840200 A2 describes an
`interactive desk top system including a camera capturing
`images present on a work surface. This type of system
`includes a scanning element in the form of a camera for
`capturing images. In this example of the prior art the 50
`scanning element is a specifically manufactured device
`forming an integral part of the imaging assembly.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,283 describes a reading device for the
`visually impaired. This device includes specially selected
`components to form a scanning unit mounted in a housing, 55
`positioned above a document placed on a scan bed.
`Recently, there have appeared digital cameras which have
`enabled an individual user to take high quality pictures,
`stored as digital images which can be downloaded to the
`users personal computer. This is also the case with digital 60
`video cameras. In fact many digital video cameras can be
`used as a still frame camera as well as for recording moving
`images.
`The resolution of digital cameras is rapidly increasing
`already being sufficient to capture legible images of A4/US 65
`letter pages and text and will soon be able to rival the
`resolution provided by a fiat bed scanner.
`
`Page 11 of 20
`
`

`

`US 6,540,415 Bl
`
`10
`
`3
`said stand including means for configuring said camera to
`perform a document image capture function for capture
`of a digital image of a document.
`Preferably said means for configuring includes at least
`one projection in said retaining means for co-operating with 5
`a function switch of said camera.
`Said means for configuring further may comprise electri(cid:173)
`cal connections with said camera.
`Preferably an action of placing said camera in said stand
`causes interaction of control switches on said camera with
`protrusions on said stand, and automatically configures said
`camera to zoom in or out to catch a predefined scan area, to
`determine a clarity and resolution of an image formed by
`said camera and focus the image to enable the camera to be
`used for performing a document capture function, equivalent
`to that performed by a prior art document scanner device. 15
`Preferably placing said camera in said stand activates a
`mode of operation in said camera such that said camera
`automatically focuses onto a scan area at the base of said
`stand.
`Suitably said retaining means comprises a case adapted to 20
`receive said camera and having a plurality of apertures to
`enable operation of said camera.
`Preferably said retaining means is adapted to hold said
`camera in an orientation and spacing from the base of said
`stand such that said camera has a view of a scan area of size
`and shape suitable for placement of an object which is to be
`the subject of a captured image by said camera.
`Preferably said stand includes at least one light source for
`projecting light to illuminate the object being scanned. The
`stand may include a plurality of light sources, arranged to 30
`illuminate an object plane of said camera in a manner in
`which light is not reflected directly back at said digital
`camera.
`Preferably a said light is activated by placing said camera
`into said stand.
`Preferably the supporting member is adjustable in height.
`Preferably the supporting member includes at least one
`hinge section.
`Preferably said base portion comprises means for securing
`said stand in position.
`Preferably said base portion is configured to house an
`object, which is to be the subject of a captured image by said
`camera, in a scan area.
`Preferably said stand further comprises viewing means to
`aid camera operation.
`According to a second aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a method of capturing a digital image using
`a digital camera capable of performing a document image
`capture function comprising the steps of:
`fitting said camera to a stand;
`configuring said camera to operate in a document image
`capture mode;
`pointing said camera at a document which is to be the
`subject of a captured image; and
`operating said camera to record a digital image of said
`document.
`Preferably the method further comprises the steps of:
`connecting a means for downloading at least one recorded
`digital image to aid camera;
`connecting said downloading means to a computer;
`configuring said camera to send said at least one digital
`image to said computer, and
`configuring said computer to receive said at least one
`digital image.
`Preferably said step of configuring said camera to operate
`in a document capture mode occurs automatically on fitting
`
`4
`said camera to said stand by physical contact of a switch
`element on said camera with said stand. Said step may
`comprise:
`configuring said camera's optic to zoom in or out to
`capture a predefined scan area;
`determining the clarity and resolution of the image
`formed by said camera;
`focusing the image received by said camera.
`Preferably said step of configuring said camera to operate
`in a document capture mode occurs automatically on fitting
`said camera to said stand by physical contact of a switch
`element on said camera with said stand, said step compris-
`ing:
`adjusting the focal length of said camera to a predeter(cid:173)
`mined length, said predetermined length being a dis(cid:173)
`tance between a scan area at the base of said stand and
`a position of an image plane of said camera when
`secured within said stand.
`Preferably, the method further comprises the step of:
`operating and positioning a light source on said stand to
`illuminate the object being scanned.
`Preferably, the method further comprises the step of
`processing said image to optimize the image clarity and
`quality.
`According to a third aspect of the present invention there
`25 is provided a system for capturing digital images of a
`document, said system comprising:
`a digital camera;
`a stand to support said camera; and
`a computer,
`wherein said stand includes at least one supporting
`member, a base member for securing said supporting
`member in an upright orientation, and a camera retain(cid:173)
`ing means for rigidly securing said digital camera, said
`stand supporting said camera in a position suitable for
`operation of said camera in recording a digital image of
`said document.
`Preferably placing said camera into said stand automati(cid:173)
`cally configures said camera to zoom in or out to capture a
`predefined scan area, to determine a clarity and resolution of
`40 image formed by said camera and to focus the image to
`enable said camera to be used as a scanner capable of
`performing a document capture function.
`Preferably placing said camera into said stand activates a
`mode of operation in said camera such that said camera
`45 automatically focuses onto a scan area at the base of said
`stand.
`Preferably said retaining means is adapted to hold said
`camera in an orientation and spacing from the base of said
`stand such that said camera has a view of a scan area of size
`50 and shape suitable for placement of an object which is to be
`the subject of a captured image by said camera.
`Preferably, the system further comprises means for elec(cid:173)
`trically connecting said camera to said computer to enable
`downloading of digital images from said camera to said
`computer.
`Preferably said stand further comprises at least one light
`activated by placing said camera into said stand.
`Preferably said computer includes means for processing
`images captured by said camera to optimize the image
`60 clarity.
`Preferably said computer includes means for processing
`images captured by said camera to optimize the quality of
`monochrome images obtained using a color image sensor.
`In all aspects of the present invention said digital camera
`65 may be a digital video camera. The digital camera is
`detachable from said stand and usable in a stand alone
`context.
`
`35
`
`55
`
`Page 12 of 20
`
`

`

`US 6,540,415 Bl
`
`5
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a better understanding of the invention and to show
`how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be
`described by way of example only, specific embodiments,
`methods and processes according to the present invention
`with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 shows a document capture stand clamped in
`position on a table such that a digital camera can be mounted
`above an object to be imaged;
`FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative document capture stand
`including a base section to house the object being imaged
`and an extended view finder to aid use of the digital camera
`in obtaining a suitable image;
`FIG. 3 illustrates one form of retaining means including
`suitable apertures, abutments/projections and buttons for use
`in configuring and operating the digital camera during
`document capture;
`FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative form of retaining means
`showing a view from the back of the camera;
`FIG. 5 shows an alternative retaining means and camera
`showing a view from the front of the camera; and
`FIG. 6 shows an alternative type of document capture
`stand wherein the camera and retaining means are supported
`by a tripod structure;
`FIG. 7 illustrates a document capture stand with retaining
`means suitable for retaining a digital video camera for use in
`imaging an object. Further illustrated as part of the stand is
`a light source 704;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a system suitable for using a digital
`camera for document capture and downloading of the image
`obtained to a personal computer where the image may be
`refined or amended and may further be printed or used in an
`electronic form of communication.
`FIG. 9 shows a representation of image processing algo(cid:173)
`rithms within a computer.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST
`MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
`
`There will no be described by way of example the best
`mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the
`invention. In the following description numerous specific
`details are set forth in order to provide a thorough under(cid:173)
`standing of the present invention. It will be apparent
`however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention
`may be practiced without limitation to these specific details.
`In other instances, well known methods and structures have
`not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily 50
`obscure the present invention.
`Prior art digital cameras use arrays of charge coupled
`devices (CCD's) to receive images which may be stored
`electronically. This process of recording light images in an
`electronic manner means that the images can be recorded in 55
`a digital format. Thus, the images recorded can be down(cid:173)
`loaded to computer systems, for instance a personal com(cid:173)
`puter system and by using appropriate software the image
`can be manipulated to a user's desired preference and then
`printed through a connected printer. Such prior art digital 60
`cameras are available to the public both in high street stores
`and through specialist outlets. Such prior art cameras are
`intended as replacements for conventional film cameras for
`domestic use, e.g. landscape photography, taking pictures of
`family and friends and the like. Although still developing, 65
`the quality and resolution provided by digital cameras is
`considerable. In the near future the resolution provided by
`
`5
`
`6
`such digital cameras will be sufficient to accurately record a
`digital image of all features of, for instance, a printed page
`or photograph. With this in mind the inventors have realized
`that a digital camera may be adapted to perform a document
`image capture function equivalent to the scanning function
`performed by prior art document scanners.
`Prior art document scanners are commonly associated
`with personal computer systems in order to transfer infor(cid:173)
`mation from a paper based format to a digitally recorded
`10 format which can be manipulated on screen. The inventors
`have realized that by adapting the use of a standard digital
`camera to perform a scanning function considerable expense
`may be avoided in that a user need only purchase one device
`for recording digital images which may be used either as a
`15 portable camera or when used in conjunction with an
`appropriate stand subject of the present disclosure, as an
`image capture device suitable for document images. Further
`the inventors have sought to reduce the desk top foot print
`area of equipment required to capture an image of a docu-
`20 ment and download that image to a computer.
`The inventors have realized that in order to perform both
`the functions of a standard camera and a scanning device a
`digital camera is expected to require resolution in the order
`of at least 50 dots per inch and preferably more than 100 dots
`25 per inch at a distance of approximately Yi meter from an
`object which is being imaged. In order to accurately use a
`digital camera to scan an object the inventors propose a
`stand to locate the camera at a suitable distance from the
`object being imaged such that a detailed image of the object
`30 can be obtained. To ease usage, such a stand should lock the
`camera in position, activating any necessary modes of
`operation required to perform a document capture function.
`Operation of the camera to take a picture of the object being
`imaged may result in the image being directly downloaded
`35 to a personal computer system or other computer network by
`appropriately attached wires, cables etc. Alternatively, the
`image may be stored in a memory means within the camera
`and downloaded at a later date.
`Although specific embodiments of the invention provide
`40 for a multi-purpose stand suitable for housing a number of
`different types of digital camera, it is also understood that
`changing the retaining means for housing the digital camera
`on the stand may allow different shapes, sizes and types of
`digital camera to be adapted to perform a document image
`45 capture function when in conjunction with an appropriate
`stand.
`Referring to FIG. 1 herein, there is illustrated a first stand
`according to a first specific embodiment of the present
`invention, supporting a digital camera in performing a
`document image capture function. The digital camera may
`comprise a photographic camera suitable for taking still
`images, or a video camera. The first stand comprises an
`upright support member 100 having a first upper end and a
`second lower end. At a first end of said support member 100
`there exists a base portion comprising a clamping means for
`attaching the stand to a table or work surface. Said clamping
`means 101 is secured using a screw fastening means 102.
`The first stand further comprises a retaining means 103
`extending on an arm transverse to a main length of upright
`support member 100, the retaining means configured to
`enclose a digital camera. Tightening the screw fastening
`means 102 results in two planar plates attached to support
`member 100 and appropriately located on an upper and
`lower surface of the table or work surface to be urged
`together and thus securely grip the table, work surface etc.
`In this way the stand is firmly held in position rigid relative
`to the table, work surface or the like, such that a digital
`
`Page 13 of 20
`
`

`

`US 6,540,415 Bl
`
`5
`
`7
`camera can be located in the retaining means 103 such that
`it will remain substantially stationary facilitating operation
`of the camera in obtaining an image of an object to be
`imaged 106. Retaining means 103 is located between the
`first and second ends of support member 100, and is adjust-
`able along the length of support member 100.
`Retaining means 103 comprises a case or boxed housing
`in which a suitable digital camera can be placed by either
`sliding said camera into the retaining means from one side
`or from above or below. This may be facilitated by suitable 10
`hinge sections within the retaining means forming flaps or
`apertures when open allowing for insertion of the digital
`camera. The retaining means further comprises upper and
`lower apertures 105 to support viewing of the object through
`the camera view finder. An aperture or button 104 is also 15
`provided located adjacent to a trigger on the digital camera
`housed within the retaining means 103. Said aperture or
`button 104 provides a means to operate the digital camera in
`taking a single picture of the object being imaged 106. FIG.
`1 thus illustrates a portable document capture stand which 20
`may be set up on a suitable work surface e.g. a table top to
`fixedly support a digital camera at an appropriate height
`above an object to be imaged 106 such as a paper based
`document e.g. a letter. The stand further allows for focusing
`by viewing the object 106 through a view finder means 105 25
`and providing access to camera focus controls and further
`provides a means for taking the picture, hence capturing an
`image of the object, through aperture or button 104.
`In the first specific embodiment a main support member
`100 extends between a first end and a second end. At a first 30
`end of said support member 100 there is provided a means
`to balance and support the document capture stand in a
`stable position to house a digital camera in order that it may
`be operated to record digital images of documents etc. of
`such a quality to be equivalent to that obtained by commonly 35
`known scanning units. Said means to balance and support
`said document capture stand may comprise a clamping
`mechanism wherein two plates projecting perpendicularly
`from said supporting member may be used to clamp an
`upper and lower surface of a bench, tabletop work surface 40
`etc. A fastening means e.g. a screw fastening means 102
`provides for tightening of the clamping mechanism. When
`securely in position supporting member 100 supports the
`document capture stand in a vertically upright position
`enabling a digital camera to be located in a retaining means 45
`103 for operation as a document capture unit. At a second
`end of said supporting member 100 there is provided a
`retaining means 103. Said retaining means fixedly supports
`and locks in position the digital camera to be used in
`obtaining digital images. Said retaining means may exist in 50
`one of a number of forms. In a simplistic format, said
`retaining means 103 may exist as a screw tightening support
`mechanism locating with an appropriate thread on the digital
`camera to be used. Alternatively, the retaining means may
`take the form of a shoe locating with the camera to fixedly 55
`support and lock in position the camera during use. The
`retaining means 103 is provided in the form of a boxed
`format comprising a substantially rectangular frame suitable
`to house a digital camera. Such retaining means may be
`easily detachable from the supporting member 100. This 60
`means that a combination of supporting member 100 with
`one of a number of retaining means 103 which may be
`suitable to support one or several different makes/models of
`digital camera is accommodated. Retaining means 103 may
`be formed from a plastic molding for instance. In this way 65
`a digital camera may be pushed into a recess in the plastics
`molding being secured by a snap fit mechanism. By select-
`
`8
`ing the correct type of retaining means for a particular
`make/model of camera this ensures that when in position in
`the retaining means 103 the view finder is accessible to the
`user so that the image in view of the camera can be seen.
`Additionally, controls to operate the digital camera are
`accessible, in particular the operating control, typically a
`button, which is pressed to take a single picture.
`In the first embodiment the supporting member 100 is
`fully adjustable in height and may include telescopic por(cid:173)
`tions to accommodate this. Further, optional hinged sections
`within the main supporting member 100 may allow for the
`angle of the digital camera with respect to the work surface
`on which the object to be imaged 106 is placed to be
`adjusted. Inserting the digital camera into retaining means
`103 and securing said digital camera e.g. by a snap fit
`mechanism or by appropriate clips, straps etc. allows for the
`user to view the object 106 through the view finder 105 and
`to operate the digital camera in taking a single picture by
`depressing an operating means located on said camera. This
`may be effected through buttons or projections on the
`retaining means. An extended view finder 203 (FIG. 2) may
`be incorporated with retaining means 103 to enable ease of
`use of the document capture stand such that the user can
`easily view the object to be scanned 106.
`In the first embodiment of the present invention operating
`the digital camera to record a single digital image of the
`object to be scanned 106 results in the digital image being
`recorded on a memory means within the digital camera. The
`camera may be removed from the retaining means, trans(cid:173)
`ported elsewhere if necessary before downloading the image
`to a computer system such as a personal computer.
`FIG. 2 shows a second stand according to a second
`specific embodiment of the present invention. Here a base
`portion 204 is present at a first end of a support member 100.
`The base portion takes the form of a rectangular tray in
`which the object to be imaged may be placed. Base portion
`204 may contain markings indicating to the user the appro(cid:173)
`priate positioning of the document etc. to be imaged in order
`to obtain an image of the whole document, i.e. defining a
`scan area. That is, such that, for instance, the head or foot of
`the document is not missed when the digital image is
`recorded by digital camera 202. Within the supporting
`member 100 a hinge section 201 is illustrated. This provides
`for movement of the digital camera above the base section
`204 and thus accommodates for the variation in optic
`placement within a number of digital cameras. Supporting
`member 100 may further be telescopic in nature and allow
`for adjustment in height of the retaining means 103 and
`camera 202 above the base section 204. This is designed to
`aid focusing of the object to be imaged 106 and therefore
`aids the forming of a high quality image. Retaining means
`103 further comprises an extended view finder 203 locatable
`above the view finder of the digital camera 202. This is
`designed to aid use of the document capture stand such that
`the user can easily view the picture to be taken by the
`camera.
`FIG. 3 illustrates a close up of one possible form of
`retaining means 103. The retaining means comprises a
`substantially t