Operational Modes; Scanning Considerations - Motorola MC2100 User Manual

3 - 2 MC21XX Series User Guide
The imager uses digital camera technology to take a digital picture of a bar code, stores the resulting image in
its memory, and executes state-of-the-art software decoding algorithms to extract the data from the image.

Operational Modes

The MC21XX with an integrated imager support three modes of operation, listed below. Activate each mode
pressing the Scan button.
•
Decode Mode: In this mode, the MC21XX attempts to locate and decode enabled bar codes within its
field of view. The imager remains in this mode as long as the scan button is pressed, or until it decodes a
bar code.
NOTE To enable Pick List Mode, tap Start > Programs > CtlPanel. Select Scanner Settings > Reader
Parameters. Enable Pick List mode. Pick List can also be set in an application using a API command.
•
Pick List Mode: This mode allows selective bar code decoding when more than one bar code is in the
MC21XX's field of view. To accomplish this, move the aiming crosshair center dot over the required bar
code to decode only that bar code. This feature is ideal for pick lists containing multiple bar codes and
manufacturing or transport labels containing more than one bar code type (either 1D or 2D).
•
Image Capture Mode: Use this mode to capture an image within the MC21XX's field of view. This is
useful for capturing signatures or images of items like damaged boxes.

Scanning Considerations

Scanning consists of; aim, scan and decode. Scanning performance can be optimized by considering the
range and the scanning angle:
•
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 scanner 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 ned. However, the situ ned. However, the situ
modules. The best way to specify the appropriate working range per bar code density is through a chart . The best way to spe . The best way to spe
called a decode zone for each scan module. A decode zone simply plots working range as a function of a decode zone for ea a decode zone for ea
minimum element widths of bar code symbols. nimum element widths imum element widths
•
Ang Angle Angle
The scan angle is important for optimizing decode performance. When laser beams reflect directly back The scan The scan angle i
into the scanner from the bar code, this specular reflection can "blind" the scanner. to the scann to the
To avoid this, scan the bar code so that the beam does not bounce directly back. But do not scan at too void void th
sharp an angle; the scanner needs to collect scattered reflections from the scan to make a successful
decode. Practice quickly shows what tolerances to work within.
NOTE Contact the Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support Center if chronic scanning difficulties develop. Decoding
of properly printed bar codes should be quick and effortless.
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