Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for imaging low contrast one and two-dimensional symbols are provided. A light source directs light onto a target that includes a low contrast symbol. An imaging element receives light reflected off of the target and creates an image of the target therefrom. A light level detector determines the intensity level of the light received by the imaging element, and when the intensity level exceeds a predetermined threshold, a controller causes the image data created by the imaging element to be stored in a data memory. In an embodiment of the invention, a light wand is provided with the light source and imaging element. The light wand is adapted to read low contrast bar code symbols disposed on a substrate material using specular light reflected from the bar code symbols by maintaining the light wand at an optimum angle with respect to the substrate material. A alignment tip may further be utilized with the light wand to ensure that the light wand is maintained at the optimum angle.

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First Claim