Handheld imager restricts image downloading to comply with security

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Many industries, such as defense and aerospace, are subject to strict security countermeasures to prevent espionage, sabotage, theft, or unauthorized use of classified or controlled information or material. Microscan , a leading provider of advanced bar-code products, has developed a 'secured' imager called MS-Q Quadrus, said to be the first to comply with these countermeasures—by removing its ability to capture and download images.

Permanent removal of photographic functions will allow use of this important manufacturing tool within sensitive industrial areas where photographic devices are prohibited, according to Microscan. However, the secured imager reads challenging direct part marked bar codes and symbols.

MS-Q Quadrus imagers contain aggressive decode algorithms for reading symbols on low contrast substrates, such as metal, plastic, rubber, and glass, with marking methods including dot peen and laser/chemical etch. 'The image processing algorithms designed for direct part marks elevate MS-Q Quadrus above standard handheld imagers,' says Microscan.

—Frank J. Bartos, Control Engineering,
executive editor, fbartos@reedbusiness.com