Abstract: An optical apparatus relates to the field of optical magnification and stereoscopy, more specifically to the problem of optically magnifying an area stereoscopically and displaying this information to an operator in a comfortable manner.

Abstract: A hand-held imager which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system, and a two-dimensional photodetector which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector to determine the optimum focus. Upon the determination of optimum focus, the focusing system is returned to the focusing configuration established in the initial focusing step, and an image is created using the entire two-dimensional photodetector.

Abstract: Diffuse “dark field” illumination and “bright field” illumination are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be griped in more then one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD, disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes.

Abstract: A method of operating a charge coupled device in an accelerated mode is provided, and in particular in connection with an optical symbology imager, so as to minimize variations in the position of the imager relative to the code. The CCD has two horizontal shift registers, each receiving every other scan line so that the output of each horizontal shift register equals the number of scan lines for normal television signals 262. The method skips through multiple lines of image data, then provides a black reference signal then images a series of lines at a slower speed, these lines being the lines of interest for focusing and illumination operations in the optical symbology imager. Finally, the remaining lines are passed through quickly. The imager goes back into reset mode after either normal or fast mode operation, and is thereby immediately ready to perform another scan. The fast mode operation enables the imager to obtain the approximately ten lines of image data of concern in only approximately 5.

Abstract: An adaptive thresholding filter generates multiple threshold values for use in thresholding the multi-bit pixels of a gray-scale input image. Each threshold value is based on a current white reference value and a current black reference value. The current white reference value is selected based on a comparison of the current image pixel to a white reference comparator value generated by applying a white reference aging function to a prior white reference value. The current black reference value is selected analogously using a black reference comparator value and a black reference aging function.

Abstract: An apparatus, and corresponding method for finding an area of interest in an input image, filters the input image with at least one compression filter to generate a final compressed image. The apparatus determines the location of an artifact in the final compressed image and then determines the location of the area of interest in the input image according to the location of the artifact in the final compressed image. An apparatus, and corresponding method for finding one or more artifacts in a two-dimensional image, receives a first row of the image and generates a list of regions in accordance with the first row. The apparatus receives a next row of the image and updates the list of regions in accordance with the next row. The apparatus determines whether a region in the list of regions corresponds to an artifact in the image and, if so, selects the region as the artifact.