Earlier quoted context omitted.
All the tools needed to build this are now built into OpenCV (and likely other similar libs, but OpenCV is what I know) so it's really a matter of a day or two to implement this now. I personally find this amazing. The major difference, I think, between today and 2005 is that today this is doable on your average netbook as someone's weekend project.
Is there a recommended OpenCV book or website for the experienced hacker whose career focus has not been computer vision who wants to assemble some of those tools into a larger product?
Why yes there is. The OpenCV book, from Oreilly. It's excellent for getting to know the library more deeply.