2 - 14 MC50 with Windows Mobile 5.0 User Guide

Linear Scanning

Mobile computers with an integrated linear scanner have the following features:
•
Reading of a variety of bar code symbologies, including the most popular linear, postal, and 1-D code
types. SeeTechnical Hardware Specifications on page A-1 for a complete list of bar codes.
•
Intuitive aiming for easy point-and-shoot operation.

Imaging

Mobile computers with an integrated imager have 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. SeeTechnical Hardware Specifications on page A-1 for a complete
list of bar codes.
•
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.

Camera

Mobile computers with an integrated camera have the following features:
•
The ability to capture and download images to a host for a variety of imaging applications.
•
The ability to store the resulting images in its memory.
Scanning Considerations
Typically, scanning is a simple matter of aim, scan and decode. However, it is important to consider range to
optimize any scanning performance:
•
Range
Any scanning device decodes well over a particular working range — minimum and maximum distances
from the bar code. This range varies according to bar code density and scanning device optics.
Scanning within range brings quick and constant decodes; scanning too close or too far away prevents
decodes. Move the mobile computer closer and further away to find the right working range for the bar
codes being scanned. However, the situation is complicated by the availability of various integrated
scanning modules. The best way to specify the appropriate working range per bar code density is
through a chart called a decode zone for each scan module. A decode zone simply plots working range
as a function of minimum element widths of bar code symbols. See Figure 2-9 and Figure 2-10 for
decode zones for the linear and imager scanning.
•
Hold the mobile computer farther away for larger symbols.
•
Move the mobile computer closer for symbols with bars that are close together.
NOTE Scanning procedures depend on the application and mobile computer configuration. An application may
use different scanning procedures from the one listed above.