Figure 2. HP Handheld sp400 All-in-One Communication Overview

HP Handheld sp400 All-in-One in operation

The HP Handheld sp400 AiO is easily integrated with current and new IT infrastructures. It sits on the edge of the network with a server application sending and receiving data. An open documented communication protocol is available for custom applications.

The three primary capabilities of the AiO are scanning, printing and wireless communication. The usage and primary capabilities are described in further detail below. The HP Handheld sp400 All-in- One Communication Overview diagram provides a roadmap of operation.

The 2D imager, powered by Adaptus imaging technology, enables capture of one and two- dimensional bar codes, text, and images. This provides reliable and accurate omni-directional decoding of captured information. With its solid state electronics, the 2D imager is durable and robust. From the one dimensional barcode to a handwritten signature, the imager provides flexibility for a variety of data capture environments.

The data captured is decoded and communicated wirelessly over a UDP socket on an 802.11 network. Although the device may communicate over a variety of protocols, the UDP connection is the fastest exchange in most logistics environments. Since UDP sits on top of the IP layer at the same level as TCP, communication is a standard protocol supported by current TCP/IP topologies. The WPA TKIP-PSK protocol is supported for secure transmission.

The data transmitted is received by a server application that determines how to act upon the command or data received. The server application may manipulate, store, or associate data for identification or tracking materials through integration into a backend data management systems. At this time, the application may pull and package print data to be sent down to the AiO. Server applications are customized to organizational needs.

Print data is packaged to a specified template form in the server application and sent wirelessly to the AiO. The AiO will be ready to print when the data is received. To print, the nose of the AiO is positioned in contact with the target material and rolled over the target area. The inkjet printer will deliver the print in one swipe. With this solution, traditional label stock and label printers are no longer necessary and costly time intervals of human-device information retrieval or inaccurate apply processes become exceptions, ultimately delivering a seamless workflow.