Sept/Oct 2004

High-resolution digital imaging is being integrated into the Workabout Pro family of Windows CE .NET-based handheld computers from Psion Teklogix, providing both image capture and barcode-reading capabilities.

The company has adopted technology from image-reading specialist Symagery, which uses a megapixel CMOS sensor to ensures optimum performance and image fidelity. This is a version of the kind of system used in some digital cameras.

Psion Teklogix says the SX5393 image reader's capabilities include the ability to read one- and two-dimensional codes, as well as take pictures. It sees this as ideal for applications such as documenting of damaged goods and recording proof of delivery data.

The sensor is said to have a particularly good field of view, allowing multiple barcode reading, eliminating the need for critical alignment and offering one-trigger-pull simplicity. The SX5393 supports linear barcodes, multi-row symbologies, and full megapixel imaging.

• Meanwhile, Symagery itself has just announced a further development of its technology - a system that is said to be the first colour megapixel imager for the automatic data capture industry. The new SX3000C offers 1.3 megapixel image resolution - equivalent to consumer digital cameras of just a few years ago. This is seen as ideal for combining data capture with related photography - involving anything from damaged goods to disputed insurance claims.