Camera-based system for capturing images of a target area

A camera-based system for capturing images of a target area comprising:

• a boom assembly adapted to extend outwardly from a generally vertical surface;
• at least one digital camera mounted on said boom assembly at a location spaced from said surface, said at least one digital camera being oriented so that the field of view thereof encompasses said target area;
• and
• a controller in communication with said at least one digital camera, said controller conditioning said at least one digital camera to acquire an image of said target area, said image acquired by said at least one digital camera being conveyed to said controller and processed to form a digital image of said target area, said digital image being accessible to a user through a web client application.

A camera-based system for capturing images of a target surface comprising:

• a board mounted on a wall and having a surface on which information is to be recorded;
• a boom assembly positioned above said board and extending outwardly from said wall in a generally horizontal disposition;
• at least one digital camera mounted on said boom assembly at a location spaced from said wall, said at least one digital camera being oriented so that the field of view thereof encompasses a target area of said surface;
• and
• a controller in communication with said at least one digital camera and having Internet server capabilities, said controller being responsive to user input and conditioning said at least one digital camera to acquire an image of said target area, said image acquired by said at least one digital camera being conveyed to said controller and processed to form an electronic image of said target area, said electronic image being published automatically to allow said electronic image to be accessed by a user through a web client application.

An image publication and distribution method comprising the steps of:

• acquiring an image of a target area that includes information recorded on said target area;
• processing said image to form an electronic black on white image of the information recorded on said target area;
• and
• automatically publishing said electronic image to allow said electronic image to be accessed by a user through a web client application.