Google patents process for scanning a book without breaking the binding

On March 24, 2009, information juggernaut Google was issued United States Patent 7508978, which solves the problem of how to digitally scan a book efficiently without breaking the binding.

Here's an abstract of U.S. Patent 7508978:

A system and method locate a central groove in a document such as a book, magazine, or catalog. In one implementation, scores are generated for points in a three-dimensional image that defines a surface of the document. The scores quantify a likelihood that a particular point is in the groove. The groove is then detected based on the scores. For example, lines may be fitted through the points and a value calculated for the lines based on the scores. The line corresponding to the highest calculated value may be selected as the line that defines the groove.

Ingenious, as NPR (National Public Radio) noted recently!