A reading machine that operates in various modes includes image correction
processing is described. The reading machine operates in different modes
that optimize performance for specific uses of the reading machine. The
reading machine receives data that specifies a mode to use for processing
an image. The reading machine accesses a knowledge base to provide data
to the machine for the specified mode, with the data including specific
target visual elements that are expected to be encountered in processing
images for the specified mode. The reading machine captures one or
several images and processes the one or several images to identify one or
more of the target elements in the image using information obtained from
the knowledge base.