Abstract: An apparatus for viewing and inspecting the surface area of an object, including a probe having a viewing window defining a field of view, and an image-forming lens within the probe. The probe also includes an image detector on an opposite side of the image-forming lens relative to the viewing window for receiving a viewed image of the surface area through the lens, and transmitting electrical signals indicative thereof. At least one of a focal length of the lens, a primary object distance between the lens and a primary target plane wherein image resolution is optimal, and a primary image distance between the lens and the detector, is selected to: (i) form the primary target plane at approximately the viewing window of the probe; (ii) focus approximately the entire field of view onto the image detector; and (iii) define a depth of the field of view at least approximately equal to a height of the field of view.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method is provided for generating a 360.degree. view of a surface area of a three-dimensional object, such as a wire or cable, and for inspecting the surface area for flaws or imperfections. A receiving lens (12) defines an optical axis (14) extending through the object, and an origin (0) located on the optical axis within the object and spaced a predetermined distance (S) from the receiving lens (12), for generating a direct image of a front surface section of the object. A first mirror (16) is spaced a first predetermined distance (L1) from the origin (0) on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens (12) for generating a first mirror image of a first rear surface section of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for generating a 360.degree. view of a surface area of a three-dimensional object, such as a wire or cable, and for inspecting the surface area for flaws or imperfections. A receiving lens defines an optical axis extending through the object, and an origin located on the optical axis within the object and spaced a predetermined distance from the receiving lens, for generating a direct image of a front surface section of the object. A first mirror is spaced a first predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens for generating a first mirror image of a first rear surface section of the object. A second mirror is spaced a second predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens, and on another side of the optical axis relative to the first mirror, for generating a second mirror image of a second rear surface section of the object.