Low vision panning and zooming device

Abstract

Disclosed are several embodiments of panning and zooming devices that may assist individuals with low vision. The present invention employs imaging devices that capture an image and then select a smaller portion of the image for full display. The size of the selected portion of the captured image determines the magnification that is achieved. Further, different portions of the captured image can be selected to provide for panning of the image. In this fashion, a stationary mounted camera can be used which allows an image to be both panned and zoomed. Further, automated techniques can be used for panning and zooming control. Small aperture optics are used so that images can be focused for a large depth of field which allows the present invention to be employed without the necessity for using expensive optical focusing techniques. Electrical zooming and panning also allows the device of the present invention to be employed for both writing on and reading a document. Any desired types of displays such as cathode ray tube displays, flat panel displays, projection displays, etc. can be employed. Also disclosed is an electronic telescope/microscope that provides a bright image that can be zoomed to provide different magnifications. Another embodiment utilizes eyewear having displays mounted in front of the users eyes and a camera mounted on the eyewear. A large field of view allows the user to pan the image captured by the camera so that the user does not have to utilize head movements to direct the image that is displayed on the eyewear. A mechanical support is also disclosed that utilizes rollers to allow the user to position a camera at a predetermined height over a document and to physically pan across the document. The camera can employ a zoom controller to adjust the size of the image.