Abstract: A system and method for storing, within an image transfer medium, an image and image-specific data associated with the image includes obtaining the image-specific data from a probe such as a borescope or endoscope, obtaining the corresponding image, choosing a specific image transfer medium, writing the image to the medium, and writing the image-specific data to a marker in the medium. In this manner, storing a combination of image data and one or more of system calibration data, overlay replacement data, and audio comment data in a single file of either a non-standard file format or a standard file format that does not explicitly support the inclusion of these data types is possible.

Abstract: Two stereo images are created by splitting a single image into two images using a field of view dividing splitter. The two images can be displayed side by side so that they can be viewed directly using stereopticon technology, heads-up display, or other 3-D display technology, or they can be separated for individual eye viewing. The two images focus on one imager such that the right image appears on the right side of the monitor and the left image appears on the left side of the monitor. The view of the images is aimed to converge at a given object distance such that the views overlap 100% at the object distance. Measurement is done with at least one onscreen cursor.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for use with optical readers, such as bar code readers, which utilize photosensitive image sensors. An illumination signal generating circuit generates an illumination signal having a magnitude that varies in accordance with the illumination level at the image sensor. A window detecting circuit samples the illumination signal during a predetermined part of each scan to determine whether the illumination signal is within the window, has exited the widow, or has re-entered the window. Exposure control circuitry uses the output of the window detecting circuit to control which of a plurality of the subdivisions of the exposure control range of the image sensor will be used. Changes in exposure time are made only between adjacent subdivisions of the exposure control range. Together with a predetermined hysteresis between the exit and re-entry thresholds of the window, the latter changes stabilize the operation of the reader by reducing exposure control “hunting”.

Abstract: A bar code reader is provided which can read bar code symbols of varying contrast, from high to medium to low contrast. The bar code reader includes a digitizing circuit which digitizes an analog signal representing the reflectance function of a scanned bar code by comparing the analog signal to a threshold signal. In the present invention, the threshold signal is switchable between a first state wherein the threshold signal is a standard threshold signal suitable for digitizing analog signals representing medium to high contrast bar code symbols and a second state wherein the threshold signal is a non-standard threshold signal suitable for digitizing analog signals representing low contrast bar code symbols. In one embodiment of the invention, the threshold signal is manually adjustable.

Abstract: An imaging assembly having a 2D image sensor so oriented in relation to its supporting structure that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal operating position during the reading of a 1D bar code symbol, the image of that 1D symbol is aligned with a diagonal of the image sensor, thereby increasing the resolution with which the 1D symbol is read. An image sensor including a generally rectangular 2D array of photosensitive elements is secured to a mounting structure so that the plane of the array is generally parallel to and approximately in the focal plane of an associated 2D imaging optics assembly. The angular orientation of the image sensor with respect to its mounting structure is selected so that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal reading position during the reading of a 1D symbol, the image of the 1D symbol is formed along a diagonal of the array.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for use with optical readers, such as bar code readers, which utilize photosensitive image sensors. An illumination signal generating circuit generates an illumination signal having a magnitude that varies in accordance with the time averaged value of the illumination level at the image sensor. A window detecting circuit periodically samples the illumination signal to determine if that signal is or is not within a window of acceptability. Exposure period determining circuitry uses the output of the window detecting circuit to upwardly or downwardly adjust the value of a control variable as necessary to cause the illumination signal to approach, enter and remain within the window of acceptability.

Abstract: A low profile optical unit for use in a 2D bar code reader. A vertically disposed light redirecting panel having contoured reflective openings therein is mounted in the front of the unit and an LED behind the panel. Light emitting diodes for illuminating a target are mounted on the LED board behind the contour openings whereby direct light and reflected light illuminates a target. An imager housing is mounted on the back of the LED board and contains a recess that passes through the back of the housing and a lens barrel that extends forward through holes provided in the LED board and the light redirecting panel. An imager board is secured to the back of the housing which holds a 2D imager that is contained within the housing recess. Circuitry for generating image data signals is mounted on the back of the imager board. A lens holder is threadably mounted in the lens barrel which contains a lens system having a short back focal length for focusing a target image on the imager.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating an indicia in a sensing region of an object plane. A housing has a median longitudinal vertical plane and a horizontal scanning plane. A reflector for reflecting light directed thereagainst toward the sensing region has a first approximately curvilinear profile in a plane parallel to the scanning plane, and a second approximately curvilinear profile in a plane parallel to the median longitudinal plane. The central portion of the reflector defines an opening whereby light from the sensing may return in generally the same plane as light directed toward the sensing region.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for illuminating a sensing region having an object therein, comprising a reflector that is elongated in a first plane, the reflector having a width dimension that is less than a width dimension of a sensing region to be illuminated, and further having a first curved profile in the first plane about a center of curvature. In a preferred embodiment the reflector is disposed between the center of curvature and the sensing region. In a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane and includes the center of curvature, a reflecting surface of the reflector has a second curved profile. A plurality of substantially Lambertian light sources each face the reflector for directing light thereto generally in a direction of the center of curvature for reflection toward the sensing region. The second profile preferably comprises a portion of an ellipse and a light source is disposed substantially at a primary focus thereof.