Operating the MC3000 2 - 23

Imaging
The imager version of the mobile computer has the following features:
• Omnidirectional reading of a variety of bar code symbologies, including the most popular linear, postal,
PDF417 and 2-D matrix code types.
• The ability to capture and download images to a host for a variety of imaging applications.
• Advanced intuitive laser aiming for easy point-and-shoot operation.

Imager

The imager uses digital camera technology to take a digital picture of a bar code, the image is stored in memory
and software decoding algorithms are executed to extract the data from the image. A typical bar code decoding
process is as follows:
1. Aim the mobile computer at a bar code and press the scan button or trigger.
2. The red laser aiming pattern turns on to assist in aiming the mobile computer.
3. The mobile computer turns on the secondary white LEDs to illuminate the target bar code.
4. The mobile computer takes a digital picture (image) of the bar code and stores it in memory for decoding. A
beep sounds to indicate that the bar code was properly decoded.
5. Release the scan button.
This process usually occurs instantaneously. Steps 2 - 4 are repeated on poor or difficult bar codes as long as the
scan button remains active.
Operational Modes
Mobile computers with an integrated imager have three modes of operation: Decode Mode, Pick List Mode and
Image Capture Mode. All modes are activated by pulling the trigger or pressing the Scan button.
Decode Mode
This mode allows the user to decode a bar code when a single bar code in the mobile computer’s field of view. In
this mode the Imager attempts to locate and decode enabled bar codes within its field of view. The Im ager remain s
in this mode as long as the trigger is pulled, or until a bar code is decoded.
20 mil 1.4 in
3.56 cm
17.9 in
45.47 cm
40 mil 2.4 in
6.10 cm
26.4 in
67.06 cm
55 mil 3.4 in
8.64 cm
30.6 in
77.72 cm
Table 2-8 MC3000 Laser Decode Ranges (Continued)
Bar Code Density
Ranges
Near Far