Microscan MS-4 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Microscan Manuals
  4. Barcode Reader
  5. MS-4
  6. User manual

Microscan MS-4 User Manual

Imager
Hide thumbs Also See for MS-4:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
MS-4 Imager
User's Manual
P/N 83-000004 Rev E

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MS-4 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Microscan MS-4

Summary of Contents for Microscan MS-4

  • Page 1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual P/N 83-000004 Rev E...
  • Page 2 All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.

  • Page 3: Limitation Of Liability

    Limitation of Liability In no event shall Microscan Systems Inc. be liable to you or any third party for any special, incidental, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, indirect, special, punitive, or exemplary damages for loss of business, loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of business information), whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, even if Microscan Systems Inc.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Response Timeout ................3-20 LRC Status .................... 3-21 Protocol Configuration Examples ............3-22 USB HID Interface ................. 3-23 ASCII Character Entry Modifier ............. 3-32 Preamble ....................3-33 Postamble ..................... 3-34 Chapter 4 Calibration Calibration Serial Commands..............4-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 5 PDF417 ....................6-27 MicroPDF417..................6-29 Composite ..................... 6-30 Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier..........6-31 Background Color .................. 6-33 Chapter 7 I/O Parameters I/O Parameters by ESP ................7-2 I/O Parameters Serial Commands............7-3 Symbol Data Output ................7-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 6 Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode ......8-8 ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output ..........8-10 ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP ........8-12 Microscan Symbol Quality Output ............8-13 Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP ..........8-16 Chapter 9 Matchcode Matchcode by ESP .................. 9-2 Matchcode Serial Commands ..............
  • Page 7 Request Selected Index Settings ............11-16 Request All Configuration Database Settings ........11-17 Chapter 12 Terminal Terminal Window ................... 12-2 Find......................12-3 Send ...................... 12-4 Macros....................12-5 Terminal Window Menus ............... 12-6 Chapter 13 Utilities Serial Utility Commands ................ 13-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 8 Appendix D Communications Protocol ..........A-12 Appendix E ASCII Table................A-21 Appendix F Interface Standards ............A-22 Appendix G Object Detector..............A-23 Appendix H Operational Tips ..............A-24 Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver........A-25 Appendix J Glossary of Terms ..............A-28 Index viii MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 9: About This Manual

    Initial Caps. References to topic headings within this manual or other documents are enclosed in quotation marks. Host Communications There are four ways to configure and test the MS-4: 1. EZ button. 2. Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program), which offers point-and-click ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
  • Page 10 LED Output: .564 mW. Wavelength: 470 nm; 525 nm; 617 nm. IEC 60825-1:1993+A1:1997+A2:2001 • Viewing the MS-4’s LED output with optical instruments such as magnifiers, eye loupes, or microscopes within a distance of 100 mm could cause serious eye injury.

  • Page 11: Statement Of Agency Compliance

    Introduction Statement of Agency Compliance The MS-4 Imager has been tested for compliance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations and has been found to conform to all applicable FCC Rules and Regulations. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this device must not be co-located or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
  • Page 12 Statement of Agency Compliance MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 13 Step 11 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP ............... 1-13 This section is designed to get your MS-4 Imager up and running quickly, using the EZ button or ESP (Easy Setup Program). Following these steps will allow you to get a sense of the Imager’s capabilities and to test sample symbols.

  • Page 14: Step 1 Check Required Hardware

    Hardware Required (RS-232 / RS-422) Hardware Required (USB) Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to a system with an external power source (RS-232 / RS-422). Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 15: Step 2 Connect The System

    • Connect power supply (3) to the IB-3PC (2). • Apply power to the Imager. Connecting by USB • Plug the MS-4 Imager’s USB cable into a host USB port. The host will power the Imager. To additional imagers or terminating resistor...

  • Page 16: Step 3 Position Imager And Symbol

    Step 3 — Position Imager and Symbol • Position the Imager at a distance from the symbol that matches the factory pre-set focal distance. For example, if your MS-4 is pre-set at 4”, position the Imager’s parting line 4” from the symbol.

  • Page 17: Step 4 Install Esp

    Easy Setup Program (ESP) is Microscan’s proprietary setup and testing application. The purpose of ESP is to provide a quick and easy way to set up and configure Microscan readers. When the MS-4 is connected to a host computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000), ESP can be used to configure reader settings and to set up communications between the reader and host.

  • Page 18: Step 5 Select Model

    Step 5 — Select Model When you start ESP, the following menu will appear: 1. Click the MS-4 button and then click OK. If you do not want to make this selection every time you start ESP, uncheck “Show this window at Startup”.

  • Page 19: Step 6 Select Communications Protocol

    • If you are using an RS-232 interface and your connection attempt fails, click the Autoconnect button, select a different communications port, and try again. Note: If your RS-232 host settings cannot be changed to match the Imager’s settings, check the Force Connect box. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 20: Step 7 Locate The Symbol In The Fov

    The amber 20% LED will turn on, and you will see the blue target pattern projected from the front of the Imager. • Center the target pattern on the symbol. Note: To end all EZ button functions, press the EZ button once and quickly release. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 21 • Center the target pattern over the symbol you wish to read. Center on object in field of view. Target pattern shown as it would appear between 3 and 6 inches. • Click the Stop button to end the Locate function. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 22: Step 8 Calibrate Settings

    Calibrate Settings Step 8 — Calibrate Settings MS-4 image settings can be adjusted automatically for optimum readability by either the EZ button or by ESP. During the calibration routine, the reader will flash its amber read rate percent LEDs and red illumination LEDs while searching through various focus and camera settings and determining the best configuration for decoding symbol data.

  • Page 23: Step 9 Test Read Rate

    LEDs will indicate the corresponding read rate percentage on the back of the unit. 2. To end the test, click the Stop button. Testing by Serial Command You can also start a test with the <C> <Cp> command and end it with the <J> command. 1-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 24: Step 10 Configure The Imager In Esp

    Configure the Imager in ESP Step 10 — Configure the Imager in ESP To make setup changes to the MS-4, click the App Mode button. The following modes are accessible by clicking the buttons in the first row of App Mode icons: •...

  • Page 25: Step 11 Make Menu Changes And Save In Esp

    Saving Options • Send, No Save. Changes will be lost when power is re-applied to the Imager. • Send and Save. This activates all changes in current memory and saves to the Imager for power-on. 1-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 26 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP 1-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 27: Using Esp

    Matchcode, and Diagnostics), a Camera setup interface, a Terminal interface, a Utilities interface, and an Output Format interface. ESP can be used to configure the MS-4 Imager in four different ways. • Control Trees: Each configuration menu contains a list of all option settings that pertain to that specific element of Imager operation.

  • Page 28: Ez Mode

    “Quick Start” chapter of this manual. Click Locate to activate the MS-4’s blue target pattern LEDs. Center the target pattern on the symbol. The real-time display shows you where the symbol is located in the Imager’s field of view.

  • Page 29: Application Mode

    Decoded symbol data is shown in this table. Note: For specific information on any of the icons shown above in the operations bar or configuration bar, see the corresponding chapters in this manual. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 30: Menu Toolbar

    ESP and the Imager, and ESP and the host hard drive. (Save to Imager) (Receive Imager Settings) Import / Export Import converts the ASCII settings from a text file to ESP configuration settings. Export converts the active ESP configuration settings to an ASCII text file. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 31 Switch Model icon. When you save your ESP file, you will be saving the settings of all the models defined in a single ESP file. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 32 At startup, loads the Imager’s settings into ESP. (This is not recommended if you want to preserve your ESP settings for future use.) Enable Send and Save as Customer Defaults At startup, enables the Send and Save as Customer Defaults option in the Send/Recv command. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 33 Allows you to modify the font used for decode data received from the Imager on the Terminal screen. Change Echo Font Allows you to modify the font used for command characters typed into the Terminal view. Toolbar Style Displays user-selected toolbar buttons as icons, text only, or both (default). MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 34 The Bar Code Options dialog allows you to set the size (in mils) of user-created symbols. Sizing Information Sets the bar width (in thousands of an inch) of user-created symbols. A bar width of 14 is 0.014 inches. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 35 Sets the symbol quality report output to include a captured image of the symbol being analyzed. Bitmap and JPEG image formats are both available. Bitmap images, although higher resolution, have larger file sizes and take longer to load. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 36 Allows you to determine whether the blue LED target pattern will be on or off during the Locate and Calibrate routines. Send XON with Autoconnect Sends an XON (Begin Transmission) command to the Imager before starting the Autoconnect routine. 2-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 37 Note: Memos must be saved in a .esp file if you want them to available in your next session. If you do not save your current session, any memos that you have entered during the session will be discarded, and will be unavailable in your next session. 2-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Connecting

    When you open ESP and the Select Protocol dialog appears, choose either RS-232 or USB protocol and click Next. The MS-4 Imager’s default trigger mode is Continuous Read Mode. The USB version of the MS-4 will be in a keyboard wedge configuration, causing ESP to receive incoming symbol data as keyboard text.

  • Page 39: View

    Set a human- readable caption for the symbol that matches the encoded data, or write your own caption. The symbol you create will be displayed in the field at the bottom of the Bar Code Dialog. 2-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 40: Navigating In Esp

    5. Right click on the open screen and select Save to Reader to implement the command in the Imager. You can send the command without saving it, or you can send and save the command simultaneously. 2-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Send/Receive Options

    Use this option to save your own default settings for quick retrieval with a <Zrc> command. This option will be visible only if you had checked Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer Defaults’ in the ESP Preferences dialog. 2-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 42 Also, if there is a corresponding ESP menu item, the ESP Value column for that item will be blank following a Receive Reader Settings command. 1. From the Send/Recv button or by right-clicking from within the configuration trees. 2-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 43: Using Ez Trax

    For detailed information about using EZ Trax, refer to the Help menu in EZ Trax software, or the EZ Trax Quick Start Guide, available on the Microscan Tools CD. For information about how to configure the MS-4 for use with EZ Trax, see Setting Up the...
  • Page 44 Using EZ Trax 2-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 45: Communications

    This section explains how to set up communications between the Imager and a host. With Microscan’s ESP (Easy Setup Program), configuration changes can be made in the ESP menus and then sent and saved to your Imager. The user can also send serial commands to the Imager via ESP’s Terminal window.

  • Page 46: Communications By Esp

    Applications menu. Click this button to bring up the Communication menu. To change a setting, To open nested double click the options, single click setting and use your the +. cursor to scroll through the options. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 47: Communications Serial Commands

    Response Timeout <K143,response timeout> <K145,status> Auxiliary Port System Data Status <K146,aux port system data status> ACK/NAK Options <K147,RES,REQ,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK> Polling Mode Options <K148,RES,REQ,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK> USB HID Reports <K149,Microscan HID IN Report status,Keyboard IN Report status> Autoconfiguration Daisy Chain <K150DAISY> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 48: Host Port Connections

    One or two bits added to the end of each character to indicate the end of the character. Serial Cmd: <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits> Default: Eight Options: 0 = Seven 1 = Eight Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 49: Host Port Protocol

    RS-232. Definition: This option enables the host to send the XON and XOFF command as a single byte transmission command of start (^Q) or stop (^S). Serial Cmd: <K140,2> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 50 1 = Poll address 0x1C, Select address 0x1D 2 = Poll address 0x1E, Select address 0x1F 50 = Poll address 0x7E, Select address 0x7F Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 51: Ack/Nak Options

    NAKs, or times out (if already enabled), it will send a RES (if enabled) to terminate the transaction. Note: See ACK / NAK Data Flow Examples in Appendix D for sample ACK/NAK communications scenarios. Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 52: Polling Mode Options

    ETX: (End of Text) ACK: (Acknowledge) NAK: (Negative Acknowledge) Note: See Polling Mode Data Flow Examples in Appendix D for sample Polling Mode communications scenarios. Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 53: Rs-422 Status

    Note: The default setting can only be changed in readers with multiplexed RS-232 / RS-422 ports. It is forced to 1 (enabled) in readers with “dedicated” RS-422 ports. Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support RS-422. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 54: Auxiliary Port Connections

    0 so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd. Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Default: None Options: 0 = None 1 = Even 2 = Odd 3-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 55 Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Default: Eight Options: 0 = Seven 1 = Eight Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not have an Auxiliary Port. 3-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 56: Transparent Mode

    Data Originating from the Host • All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in Aux. Host Port unpolled mode. Imager Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Options: 1 = Transparent 3-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 57: Half Duplex Mode

    • All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in unpolled mode. Aux. Host Port Imager Serial Cmd. <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Options: 2 = Half Duplex 3-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 58: Full Duplex Mode

    • All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in unpolled mode. Aux. Host Port Imager Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Options: 3 = Full Duplex 3-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 59: Daisy Chain Mode

    The above example assumes a best-case scenario. Other factors, such as baud rate, dynamic focus timing, number of characters in a given symbol, and the number of secondary readers in the daisy chain can affect timing and may need to be included in your calculations for complete accuracy. 3-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 60 • If the last command came from the host port, then externally triggered read cycle data will only be output to the host port. Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain i.d. status,daisy chain i.d.> Options: 5 = Command Processing 3-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 61: Daisy Chain Id Status

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K101h,,,,,,,3C> For >: <K101h,,,,,,,3E> <K101h,,,,,,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 62: Auxiliary Port System Data Status

    When disabled, system data will not be routed to the Auxiliary Port. Serial Cmd: <K146,aux port system data status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not have an Auxiliary Port. 3-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 63: Daisy Chain Autoconfigure

    After Autoconfigure you may set the primary Imager to Edge (E), but the other Imagers must remain in Serial (S): Primary Secondary Secondary Host Imager Imager Imager Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support this command. 3-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Response Timeout

    Serial Cmd: <K143,response timeout> Default: (in 1mS increments) Options: 0 to 255 (A zero (0) setting causes an indefinite wait.) Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB. 3-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 65: Lrc Status

    (usually the host) performs the same addition and compares the results. Serial Cmd: <K145,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support this command. 3-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 66: Protocol Configuration Examples

    Transparent; Baud Rate: 19.2K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8 <K101,3,7,0,1,1> Full Duplex; Baud Rate: 57.6K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8 Command Processing; Baud Rate: 230K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; <K101,5,6,0,1,1> Data Bits: 8 3-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 67: Usb Hid Interface

    Communications USB HID Interface The USB version of the MS-4 Imager operates as an HID (Human Interface Device) on the USB bus. HID-class devices communicate via “report” packets. An HID may support multiple report types, each of which is identified with a unique report ID. The MS-4 supports two different report types: •...
  • Page 68 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled Microscan HID IN Reports Enabled When this feature is enabled, the Imager will send Microscan HID IN Reports to the host, containing data originated by the Imager. Microscan HID IN Reports Disabled When this feature is disabled, the Imager will not send Microscan HID IN Reports to the host, containing data originated by the Imager.
  • Page 69 Keyboard IN (Imager to host) Symbol data; No Reads; Service messages Note: If Keyboard IN Reports is enabled, and Microscan HID IN Reports is disabled, the read cycle must be Continuous Read 1 Output, because there will be no External Trigger or Serial Trigger.
  • Page 70 Note: The Data field is left-justified, meaning it begins immediately after the Length field. All unused data space is NUL (0x00) padded. Data values can be “binary”, meaning that they span the entire 8 bit range of 0x00 to 0xFF. 3-26 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 71 3 second timeout, and request the No Read configuration command. NUL padding = 35 bytes IN report (to host) 1_62_<K714,1, A LONG MESSAGE STREAMED OVER MULTIPLE MICROSCAN HID RE (0) REPORT ID = 1 = Microscan HID LENGTH = 62 DATA = “<K714,1, A LONG MESSAGE STREAMED OVER MULTIPLE MICROSCAN HID...
  • Page 72 NUL (0x00) to indicate that all keys have been released. In the case of the MS-4 Imager, each byte output is equivalent to a keystroke, with a “key pressed” report and a “no key pressed” report. For this reason, data rates are much slower when using Keyboard Reports.
  • Page 73 Note: This field is Reserved. Its value is always NUL (0x00). KEYCODES Size: 6 bytes Value: 0x00 to 0xFF Note: The MS-4 Imager translates 8 bit data values into Keycode data in the following ways: 8 Bit Data Value Keycode Data 0x00 to 0x1F and 0x7F to 0xFF Decimal key ( .
  • Page 74 USB HID Interface USB HID Configuration Options The user has the following options for configuring and defaulting a USB version of the MS-4: Configuration Symbols (Data Matrix with “Configure Reader” Flag) Symbol configuration can be performed “out-of-the-box”, as the MS-4 is configured for Continuous Read Mode, and Data Matrix is enabled by default.
  • Page 75 • To use Serial and Edge Mode, you must use the Delimited Trigger defined by <K201>, or enable and use the Undelimited Start Trigger Character <K229>. Communications For the USB version of MS-4, no communications serial commands have any effect on the Imager except the following: • USB HID Report Status <K149>...

  • Page 76: Ascii Character Entry Modifier

    Note that the “status” field contains only a . This is because the only field that is being changed is the “postamble character(s)” field. (See Serial Configuration Command Conventions on page A-10 for a more detailed explanation of this command shortcut.) 3-32 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 77: Preamble

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K141h,,3C> For >: <K141h,,3E> <K141h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-33 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 78: Postamble

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K142h,,3C> For >: <K142h,,3E> <K142h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-34 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 79: Calibration

    Calibration Serial Commands ....................... 4-2 Calibration Overview........................4-2 Calibration Options ........................4-3 Calibration by ESP........................4-10 Initiating Calibration ........................4-12 Additional Notes about Calibration....................4-17 This section shows the MS-4 Imager’s calibration options and their default settings. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 80: Calibration Serial Commands

    <@CAL> Calibration Overview Autocalibration is one of the most powerful features of the MS-4 Imager. The calibration process can be initiated by serial command, EZ button, or ESP user interface. When the Imager enters calibration, it runs through an optimization cycle that sets the ideal parameters for reading symbols at the highest possible level of performance.

  • Page 81: Calibration Options

    When enabled, gain will be calibrated to provide the best available image quality and performance. When disabled, gain is fixed and is not part of the calibration process. Serial Cmd: <K529,gain,shutter speed,symbol type,WOI framing,WOI margin,line scan height,processing> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 82 Enabled setting. The calibration process is not designed to choose the fastest shutter speed that can decode a symbol, but rather to optimize for the fastest shutter speed that still provides good image quality. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 83 For example, assume that only Code 39 is enabled at the beginning of calibration. If a Code 128 symbol is read during calibration, then Code 128, as well as Code 39, will be enabled after the calibration process is complete. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 84 After a symbol is decoded, the WOI is framed exactly as it would be if a WOI framing mode was enabled. When the calibration process is complete, the original WOI configuration is restored. Refer to the diagram below: Calibration Passed Calibration Failed After Decode Configured WOI MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 85 If the calibration process is successful, the Window of Interest rows will be modified to horizontally frame the symbol, plus an additional margin area around the symbol, determined by the WOI Margin parameter. Refer to the diagram below: MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 86 This parameter is the same as “Straight Line”, except that the Window of Interest will also frame the scan line on the symbol length as well. The scan line includes the symbol plus an additional margin area determined by the WOI Margin parameter. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 87 The Imager will spend a high amount of effort attempting to decode the given symbol for each parameter configuration. Definable The processing time for each image frame is defined by the Image Processing Timeout parameter <K245>. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 88: Calibration By Esp

    The Window of Interest section of the Calibration interface allows the user to make precise adjustments to WOI Framing, WOI Margin (in pixels), and the scan height of the straight-line image (in pixels). 4-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 89 The calibration progress bar indicates that the process has been completed. Saves the optimal configuration parameters determined by calibration results. 4-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 90: Initiating Calibration

    To initiate calibration by serial command, enter the serial command <@CAL> from a terminal, such as ESP’s Terminal interface. <@CAL> is a calibration routine that emphasizes contrast and readability. Calibrate by EZ Button on page 1-10 for the EZ button calibration procedure. 4-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 91 The beeper and green LED flash are used to indicate calibration status as shown in the table below: Indicator Status 2 quick beeps Calibration has started. 5 quick beeps Calibration has failed. 1 long beep Calibration has been completed successfully. 1 sec. Green Flash Calibration has been completed successfully. 4-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 92 The purpose of Search Pass is to decode a symbol in as few configurations as possible during calibration. This process is designed to quickly identify symbology type, and any image processing parameters that are already calibrated. Running Search Pass Prog Rating Decode Quality Shutter Gain Locate 2174 4-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 93 Rating = 8527; Shutter = 250; Gain = 36 Rating = 8505; Shutter = 250; Gain = 32 Rating = 8488; Shutter = 250; Gain = 28 Rating = 8476; Shutter = 250; Gain = 24 4-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 94 Rating = 6491; Shutter = 250; Gain = 45 Rating = 6476; Shutter = 250; Gain = 44 Rating = 6462; Shutter = 250; Gain = 43 Rating = 6449; Shutter = 250; Gain = 42 Calibration PASSED. 4-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 95: Additional Notes About Calibration

    Window of Interest for image cap- tures. However, when the search process is completed, the WOI will be reduced to include only the symbol of interest and some additional boundary area. 4-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 96 Additional Notes about Calibration 4-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 97 Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax....................5-26 After you’ve established communications and completed basic read rate testing, you will need to address the spatial and timing parameters associated with your application. This section explains those parameters. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 98: Chapter 5 Read Cycle

    Read Cycle by ESP Click this button to bring up the Read Cycle menu. To change a setting, double click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. To open nested options, single click the +. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 99: Read Cycle Serial Commands

    Capture Mode <K241,capture mode,number of captures,rapid capture mode> Capture Timing <K242,time before first capture,time between first and second captures,,,,,,,,time between seventh and eighth captures> Image Storage <K244,image storage type,image store mode> IP Timeout <K245,image processing timeout> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 100: Read Cycle Setup

    Setting up read cycle and triggering parameters will involve a series of decisions based on your particular application, as follows: 1. Select the number of symbols to be read in a single cycle. The MS-4 can read multiple symbols in a single image frame.

  • Page 101: Multisymbol

    3-32 for a more detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. Note: If No Read messages are disabled and there are No Reads occurring, separators will only be inserted between symbol data outputs. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 102: Trigger Mode And Duration

    Threshold Mode setting, the Imager may take longer than the timeout to process a captured image. Note: When to Output and No Read options have no affect on Continuous Read. Serial Cmd: <K200,0> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 103: Continuous Read 1 Output

    Note: If Trigger Mode is set to Continuous Read 1 Output, the Imager will behave as if Number of Symbols were set to 1, regardless of the user-defined configuration. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 104 However, the passing of an object out of sensor range does not end the read cycle. The read cycle ends with a good read output, or, depending on the End of Read Cycle setting, a timeout or new trigger occurs. Serial Cmd: <K200,3> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 105: Serial Data

    In this mode the Imager accepts either a serial ASCII character or an external trigger pulse to start the read cycle. Serial Cmd: <K200,5> Note: In Serial Data, sending a non-delimited start serial character will start a read cycle; however, a non-delimited stop serial character has no effect. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 106: Trigger Filter Duration

    In addition, the active state must be delayed for the specified filter duration after the disappearance of the object’s falling edge for the trigger to be rendered inactive. 5-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 107: External Trigger Polarity

    Allows users to select the trigger polarity that will be used in their application. Definition: Determines the active state of the trigger signal applied to the cable input of the Imager. Serial Cmd: <K202,active state> Default: Positive Options: 0 = Negative 1 = Positive 5-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 108: Serial Trigger

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K201h,3C> For >: <K201h,3E> <K201h,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 5-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 109: Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)

    Serial Cmd: <K230,stop character> Default: NUL (00 in hex) (disabled) Options: Two hex digits representing any ASCII character. Note: See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for hex entry instructions. 5-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 110: End Of Read Cycle

    With External Level enabled, the read cycle does not end until the falling edge trigger occurs or a timeout occurs. The next read cycle does not begin until the next rising edge trigger. 5-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 111: Read Cycle Timeout

    (whichever occurs first) ends the read cycle. Read Cycle Timeout Definition: Read Cycle Timeout is the duration of the read cycle. Serial Cmd: <K220,end of read cycle,read cycle timeout> Default: (x10mS) Options: 1 to 65,535 5-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 112: Capture Mode

    Capture Start of Read End of 1 2 3 Cycle read cycle Processing time 5-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 113 In this mode, the only limiting time factor is integration and transfer timing. Serial Cmd: <K241,capture mode,number of captures,rapid capture mode> Default: Timed Capture Options: 0 = Timed Capture 1 = Triggered Capture 5-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 114: Timed Capture

    Also, consecutive captures are regarded as the same symbol if the output data is the same. No Time Delay Between Captures Start of Read Cycle End of Diagram A read cycle Time Before First Capture Time Delay Between Captures End of Diagram B read cycle Processing 5-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 115: Triggered Capture

    Number of Captures setting. First trigger Capture starts the read Captures on every trigger cycle Read cycle ends on New Trigger or Timeout, as configured. Processing 5-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 116: Capture Timing

    <K242,time before 1st capture,time between capture 1 and capture 2,,,,,,,,time between capture 7 and capture 8> Default: Options: 0 to 65535 (2.097 seconds, in 32 µS increments) Start of Read Cycle Time Before First Capture Processing 5-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 117: Time Between Captures

    Note: Number of Captures and number of frame delays (Time Between Captures) must be the same. Start of Read Cycle Time Delay Between Captures = 0 Diagram A End of Read Cycle Time Delay Between Captures varies. Diagram B 5-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 118: Image Processing Timeout

    • If a timeout occurs during processing and no symbols in the field of view have been decoded, the image will be recorded as a No Read. For this reason, a longer timeout should be tried to ensure that the symbol is decoded successfully. 5-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 119: Image Storage

    Last Mode In this mode, image storage continues after available memory limits are reached. The oldest image in memory is overwritten, so you will always have the most recent stored image. 5-23 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 120 Stored Frame: Frame # 3 Number of Symbols: Frame # 1: No Read Frame # 2: No Read Frame # 3: Good Read, Symbol # 1 Read Cycle Result: No Read Stored Frame: Frame # 2 5-24 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 121: Minimum Good Reads

    Read Cycle Minimum Good Reads Definition: This value specifies the number of times a symbol needs to be read to qualify as a good read. Serial Cmd: <K221,minimum good reads> Default: Options: 1 to 255 5-25 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 122: Setting Up The Imager For Ez Trax

    Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax If you are using EZ Trax software, it is important to set up the MS-4 correctly before beginning. Click the Read Cycle button to display the Read Cycle tree control.

  • Page 123: Symbologies

    Composite ..........................6-30 Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier ..................6-31 Background Color........................6-33 This section describes the various symbol types that can be read and decoded by the MS-4 Imager. See the following sites for additional information about linear and 2D symbologies: http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/aimpubs.asp...

  • Page 124: Symbologies By Esp

    Symbologies by ESP Symbologies by ESP Click this button to bring up the Symbologies menu. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. To open nested options, single-click the +. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 125: Symbologies Serial Commands

    100 status,ECC 140 status,ECC 120 status,ECC 130 status> QR Code <K480,status> BC412 <K481,status,check digit output,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> DataBar-14 <K482,status> DataBar Limited <K483,status> DataBar Expanded <K484,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> MicroPDF417 <K485,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 126: Data Matrix

    When enabled, will decode ECC 050 symbols. Serial Cmd: <K479,ECC 200 status,ECC 000 status,ECC 050 status,ECC 080 status, ECC 100 status,ECC 140 status,ECC 120 status,ECC 130 status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 127 When enabled, will decode ECC 130 symbols. Serial Cmd: <K479,ECC 200 status,ECC 000 status,ECC 050 status,ECC 080 status, ECC 100 status,ECC 140 status,ECC 120 status,ECC 130 status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 128: Qr Code

    QR Code has error protection capability. Data can often be restored even if a part of the symbol has become dirty or damaged. Serial Cmd: <K480,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 129: Code 39

    <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output status,large intercharacter Serial Cmd: gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 130 (this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The Imager ignores any symbology that does not match the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output status,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Options: 1 to 64 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 131 Imager can read the full ASCII character set, from 0 to 255. Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output status,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 132: Code 128 / Ean 128

    (this does not include start, stop, and check digit characters). The Imager ignores any symbol not having the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN 128 status,output format,application record separator status,application record separator character,application record brackets,application record padding> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 133 EAN-conforming symbol is decoded and EAN output formatting applies. Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN 128 status, output format,application record separator status,application record separator character,application record brackets,application record padding> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 134 This is not done for the last field of a symbol. Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN 128 status, output format,application record separator status,application record separator character,application record brackets,application record padding> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 135: Bc412

    When enabled, the check digit character is read and compared along with the symbol data. When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check digit. Serial Cmd: <K481,status,check digit output,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 136: Interleaved 2 Of 5

    Usage: I-2/5 has been popular because it is the most dense symbology for printing numeric characters less than 10 characters in length; however, Microscan does not recommend this symbology for any new applications because of inherent problems such as truncation.
  • Page 137 Symbol Length # 2 or Symbol Length # 1 to be considered a valid symbol. If Range Mode is enabled, Symbol Length # 2 and Symbol Length # 1 form a range into which the length of the symbol must fall to be considered valid. 6-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 138 Length # 2 fields can form the start or end of the range. Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output,symbol length #1,symbol length #2,guard bar status,range mode status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 139: Code 93

    1 = Enabled Symbol Length (Code 93) Definition: This is the symbol length value against which all Code 93 symbols will be compared. Serial Cmd: <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 140: Codabar

    Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start/stop match,start/stop output,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit type,check digit output> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 141 Symbol Length (Codabar) Definition: This is the value against which all Codabar symbol lengths will be compared. Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start/stop match,start/stop output,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit type,check digit output> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 142 This condition must be accounted for if a fixed length is also being used. Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start/stop match,start/stop output,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit type,check digit output> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 143: Upc / Ean

    Usage: Used primarily in POS application in the retail industry. It is commonly used with Microscan readers in applications in combination with Matchcode when there is a need to verify that the right product is being placed in the right packaging.
  • Page 144 A character can be inserted between the standard UPC or EAN symbology and the supplemental symbology when Supplementals is set to Enabled or Required. Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status, separator character,supplemental type,format UPC-E as UPC-A> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 145 2 = 5 characters only Both Either 2 character or 5 character supplementals will be considered valid. 2 Characters Only Only two character supplementals will be considered valid. 5 Characters Only Only five character supplementals will be considered valid. 6-23 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 146 This formatting reverses the zero suppression that is used to generate the symbol in the UPC specification. Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status, separator character,supplemental type,format UPC-E as UPC-A> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-24 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 147: Gs1 Databar (Rss)

    Specifies the exact number of characters that the Imager will recognize (this does not include start, stop, and check digit characters). The Imager ignores any symbol not having the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K484,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 74 6-25 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 148 Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled (non-stacked) 2 = Enabled (stacked; decode both stacked and non-stacked) Note: Where appropriate, use 1 (non-stacked) for better performance over 2 (stacked; decode both stacked and non-stacked). 6-26 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 149: Pdf417

    Imager will ignore any symbol not having the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K476,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,[unused],codeword collection> Default: Options: 1 to 2710 Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take effect. 6-27 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 150 PDF symbol should be presented to the Imager per read cycle. Serial Cmd: <K476,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,[unused],codeword collection> Default: Single Image Options: 0 = Single Image 1 = Multiple Image 6-28 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 151: Micropdf417

    The Imager will ignore any symbol not having the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K485,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 366 Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take effect. 6-29 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 152: Composite

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K453h,,,3C> For >: <K453h,,,3E> <K453h,,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 6-30 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 153: Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier

    Note: Do not use Narrow Margins when Large Intercharacter Gap is enabled for Code 39. Enabled When Narrow Margins is set to Enabled, the imager uses a 5x margin requirement for standard linear symbols. 2D Enhanced 2D Enhanced enables a special decode algorithm for narrow-margin 2D symbols. 6-31 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 154: Symbology Identifier

    Output enabled and Full ASCII conversion performed. Explanation of Modifiers for Other Symbologies • For Code 128, a 1 indicates EAN 128; otherwise the modifier is 0. • For all other symbologies, the modifier is 0. 6-32 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 155: Background Color

    Both When Both is enabled, the imager will attempt to decode for white background first, and if there is no decode, will then attempt to decode for black background. 6-33 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 156 Background Color 6-34 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 157 This section includes instructions on setting up conditions for changing input/output electrical transitions for control of the Imager’s internal and external devices. A discrete I/O (in/out) signal is an electrical transition from one voltage level to another so that digital switching can occur. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 158: I/O Parameters By Esp

    I/O Parameters by ESP Click this button to bring up the I/O menu. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. To open nested options, single-click the +. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 159: I/O Parameters Serial Commands

    UEC,UEC threshold> Configurable Output 1 <K810,output on,output state,pulse width,output mode> Configurable Output 2 <K811,output on,output state,pulse width,output mode> Configurable Output 3 <K812,output on,output state,pulse width,output mode> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 160: Symbol Data Output

    Definition: With Mismatch enabled, the Imager transmits symbol data whenever the symbol data information does NOT match the master symbol. Note: A No Read can still be transmitted if Enabled. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 161: When To Output Symbol Data

    Enabling End of Read Cycle means that symbol data does not get sent to the host until the read cycle ends with a timeout or new trigger. Start of read cycle End of read cycle Read cycle duration Host This is when host activates trigger expects output MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 162: No Read Message

    3. Failed to locate clock patterns or failed to qualify user defined orientation (0-359 degree). 4. Failed to validate clock patterns or failed to qualify user defined symbol size (clock element count). 5. Failed to decode symbol. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 163 Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K714h,,3C> For >: <K714h,,3E> <K714h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 164: Bad Symbol Message

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K716h,,3C> For >: <K716h,,3E> <K716h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 165: 1D / Stacked Symbology Qualification

    In the case of PDF417, only a Stop needs to be present. Serial Cmd: <K717,minimum number of bars,minimum number of qualified scan lines,start/stop status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 166: 2D Symbology Qualification

    No Read message. Enable Both Same as Object Qualification, except that if no objects qualify, then a No Symbol message is output; if at least one object qualifies, then a Bad Symbol message is output. 7-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 167 Sets the allowable deviation, up or down, for symbol sizes specified in Symbol Size 1 and Symbol Size 2. Serial Cmd: <K718,finder pattern status,symbol size mode,symbol size 1,symbol size 2,symbol size tolerance,dimension mode,dimension 1,dimension 2,dimension tolerance,orientation mode,orientation value> Default: Options: 0 to 10 7-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 168 Same as Object Qualification, except that if neither Dimension 1 nor Dimension 2 qualifies, then a No Symbol message is output; if either Dimension 1 or Dimension 2 qualifies, then a Bad Symbol message is output. 7-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 169 Sets the allowable deviation, in percentage, for symbol sizes specified in Dimension 1 and Dimension 2. Serial Cmd: <K718,finder pattern status,symbol size mode,symbol size 1,symbol size 2,symbol size tolerance,dimension mode,dimension 1,dimension 2,dimension tolerance,orientation mode,orientation value> Default: Options: 0 to 100 7-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 170 Enable Both Same as Object Qualification, except that if Orientation Value is satisfied but the symbol is not decoded, then a Bad Symbol message is output; if not satisfied, a Bad Symbol message is still output. 7-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 171: Orientation Value

    To be certain of the extent of the allowable tolerance, you should experiment with symbols in various orientations. In no case can they be more than 45° from the assigned orientation value and still be qualified. 7-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 172: Read Duration Output

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K706h,,3C> For >: <K706h,,3E> <K706h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 7-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 173: Output Indicators

    I/O Parameters Output Indicators The MS-4 Imager has a beeper and three LED arrays, as follows: 1. A target pattern of blue LEDs for centering the field of view, which is projected from the front of the Imager . 2. An array of green LEDs projected from the front of the Imager that can be programmed to flash in response to user-defined conditions.
  • Page 174 Green flash LEDs will act as an illumination strobe for image capture. If it is required that the green flash LEDs be the only illumination for image capture, then the internal illumination LEDs can be disabled. 7-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 175 The target pattern will remain OFF except during the read cycle. If the EZ button or operational command overrides this setting, the target pattern will remain on at all times. Always ON The target pattern is always ON. 7-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 176: Green Flash Duration

    When a good read occurs, the green LEDs will illuminate and stay on for the time set in the Green Flash Duration value. Serial Cmd: <K750,green flash mode,target pattern status,green flash duration> Default: (1 second) Options: 0 to 65535 (in 10mS increments) 7-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 177: Beeper

    Note: The beeper will also sound at any of the following times: • When the Imager is defaulted. • When a send/save command is sent from ESP. • At the conclusion of a calibration procedure. • When a <Z>, <Zp>, <Zrd>, or <K701,,1> command is sent. 7-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 178: Led Configuration

    Determines which ISO/IEC 16022 feature the Imager will grade via the LEDs. Serial Cmd: <K737,LED mode,ISO/IEC 16022 grade> Default: Final Grade Options: 0 = Final Grade 1 = Symbol Contrast 2 = Print Growth 3 = Unused ECC 7-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 179: Serial Verification

    Only one bad field needs to be found in order to activate the 5 beep response. Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status, control/hex output> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-23 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 180 When set to Control, two characters are transmitted to represent a non- displayable character. For example, a carriage return will be shown as: Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status,control/ hex output> Default: Control Options: 0 = Control 1 = Hex 7-24 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 181: Ez Button

    In this configuration, the EZ button will unlatch any logic outputs that have been latched. Parameter Switch The parameter switch toggles between custom defaults and power-on settings. The condition is the same as that achieved by sending the <Arc> <Arp> commands consecutively. 7-25 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 182 Save for Power-On Definition: If enabled, after calibration is complete, all parameters will be saved for power-on. Serial Cmd: <K770,global status,default on power-on,load configuration database, save for power-on> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-26 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 183: Ez Button Modes

    Load New Master Functions in the same way as new master pin input whenever the associated button position is selected. The new master pin’s Consecutive Decode requirement holds true for this function. 7-27 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 184: Ez Button Operation

    Hold down button until three quick beeps are heard (and the 20%, 40%, and 60% LEDs illuminate). Four Beeps (Position #4) Hold down button until four quick beeps are heard (and the 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% LEDs illuminate). 7-28 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 185: Configurable Output 1

    Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data does not match that of the master symbol. No Read Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data is not decoded before the end of the read cycle. 7-29 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 186: Configurable Output 1

    Typically used when a discrete indication of a diagnostic condition is needed. Definition: Activates discrete output when a diagnostic warning condition is met, depending on the diagnostic option enabled. In Read Cycle Definition: Activates a discrete output when the Imager is in a read cycle. 7-30 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 187: Output Mode

    The programmable output is active when the Output On condition has been met and is held active until a new read cycle begins. Note: All of the Output On modes are inhibited when any Output on Warning is active for Output 1. 7-31 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 188: Trend Analysis Output 1

    Trigger Evaluation Period= 25 triggers (read cycles) Number to Output On = 4 In this example, the Imager will activate an output when 4 No Reads occur within a period of 25 triggers (read cycles). 7-32 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 189: Trend Analysis Mode

    Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers. No Symbol Output will be activated when the number of No Symbol occurrences equals the value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers. 7-33 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 190: Trigger Evaluation Period

    Trigger mode, the decode count will only be appended to the symbol data if the status of the Decodes per Trigger command is enabled. Serial Cmd: <K780,trend analysis mode,trigger evaluation period,number to output on, decodes/trigger threshold> Default: Options: 0 to 65535 7-34 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 191: Iso/Iec 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1

    If enabled, toggles Output 1 to an active state when Print Growth Threshold is met. Serial Cmd: <K800,output on symbol contrast,symbol contrast threshold,output on print growth,print growth threshold,output on axial non-uniformity,axial non- uniformity threshold,output on UEC,UEC threshold> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-35 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 192: Symbol Contrast Threshold

    UEC,UEC threshold> Default: Grade C Options: 0 = Grade A 1 = Grade B 2 = Grade C 3 = Grade D 7-36 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 193: Print Growth Threshold

    <K800,output on symbol contrast,symbol contrast threshold,output on print growth,print growth threshold,output on axial non-uniformity,axial non- uniformity threshold,output on UEC,UEC threshold> Default: Grade C Options: 0 = Grade A 1 = Grade B 2 = Grade C 3 = Grade D 7-37 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 194: Diagnostic Output 1

    This condition will only be held for one service timer click. Note: This feature cannot be used if the Imager is in a Continuous Read mode. Serial Cmd: <K790,unused 1,service unit> Default: Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-38 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 195: Configurable Output 2

    UEC,UEC threshold> Diagnostic Output 2 Note: Output On under Output 2 Parameters must be set to Diagnostic Warning for this output to function. Serial Cmd: <K791,unused 1,service unit> 7-39 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 196: Configurable Output 3

    UEC,UEC threshold> Diagnostic Output 3 Note: Output On under Output 3 Parameters must be set to Diagnostic Warning for this output to function. Serial Cmd: <K792,unused 1,service unit> 7-40 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 197: Power-On/Reset Counts

    Power-On Flash Saves Serial Cmd: <K406,power-on,resets,power-on saves,power-on flash saves> Power-On Flash Saves uses a 16-bit counter that increments each time an Imager setting is saved to the customer parameter section of flash memory with a <Zc> command. 7-41 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 198: Time Since Reset

    Hours uses a 16-bit counter that increments every 60 minutes. Minutes Serial Cmd: <K407,hours,minutes> Default: 16-bit counter (0 to 60) Minutes uses a 16-bit counter that increments every 60 seconds. Note: Time counts are reset at power-on, but not with an <A> <Z> command. 7-42 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 199: Service Message

    3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. Threshold Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution> Default: (5 minutes) Options: 1 to 65535 Resolution Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution> Default: Seconds Options: 0 = Seconds 1 = Minutes 7-43 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 200: Frame Information

    The validation separator is located between the end of the already formatted data and the first coordinate point. The point with the lowest X + Y sum will be output first, followed by the next three points in a clockwise direction. Example: (032,040)(287,056)(287,279)(048,271) 7-44 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 201: Image Output

    If a No Read condition or a Good Read condition occurs, the first image of either kind will be output. Mismatch If a Good Read occurs during the read cycle but the image is a Mismatch condition, the first Mismatch image will be output. 7-45 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 202: Communication Port

    This setting determines the quality of JPEG image compression. The user may select a value from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest). Serial Cmd: <K739,image output mode,communication port,file format,jpeg quality> Default: Options: 1 to 100 (percent) 7-46 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 203 Good Read Output Frame: None Number of Symbols: Frame # 1: No Read Frame # 2: No Read Frame # 3: Good Read, Symbol # 1 Read Cycle Result: No Read Output Frame: Frame # 1 7-47 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 204: Database Identifier Output

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K759h,,3C> For >: <K759h,,3E> <K759h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 7-48 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 205: Quality Output

    When the read cycle ends, the Imager outputs any decoded symbol data along with the decodes per trigger count. Serial Cmd: <K704,separator,decodes/trigger status> Default: Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-49 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 206: Configuring Ez Trax Output

    Help menu in EZ Trax software, or the EZ Trax Quick Start Guide, available on the Microscan Tools CD. Configuring EZ Trax Output by ESP To configure EZ Trax using ESP, first click the I/O button in App Mode to display the I/O Parameters tree control. 7-50 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 207: Image Mode

    Comm Port Selects the communication port that will be used to transfer image files. Image Mode Determines which read cycle condition triggers image file output. Image Format Selects the format of the image output file. 7-51 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 208 If a symbol is decoded during an image capture, the symbol type and other supplementary symbol information is also included. Grade Output Symbol quality information will be output in the form of an abbreviated identifier for each read cycle. 7-52 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 209 2 = No Read 3 = No Read and Good Read 4 = Mismatch Good Read Outputs the first Good Read image in the read cycle. The image file will immediately follow the symbol data. 7-53 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 210 Sets the amount of JPEG image compression. A value of 1 represents the highest compression and lowest image quality, and 100 represents the lowest compression and highest image quality. Serial Cmd: <K757,status,comm port,image mode,image format,jpeg quality,object info output, grade output> Default: Options: 1 to 100 (percent) 7-54 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 211 Symbol quality information will be output in the form of an abbreviated identifier for each read cycle. Serial Cmd: <K757,comm port,image mode,image format,jpeg quality,object info output, grade output> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-55 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 212 Configuring EZ Trax Output 7-56 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 213 ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output..................8-10 ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP................8-12 Microscan Symbol Quality Output ....................8-13 Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP ................. 8-16 This section describes parameters that, when enabled, will output detailed symbol quality evaluations.

  • Page 214: Symbol Quality Serial Commands

    <K708,symbol quality separator,Data Matrix output mode> Matrix Output Mode ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality <K709,symbol contrast,print growth,axial non-uniformity, Output UEC> Microscan Symbol Quality Output <K710,percent cell damage,total read time,capture time,locate time,decode time,pixels per element,ECC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Static Validation Report <VAL> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 215: Overview Of Symbol Quality

    Symbol Quality parameters are separated into ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output and Microscan Symbol Quality Output. Total Read Time, Symbol Quality Separator, and Output Mode are common to both ISO/IEC 16022 and Microscan Grading Parameters. The enabled Symbol Quality parameters are...

  • Page 216: Symbol Quality By Esp

    Click this button to bring up the App Mode view. Click this button to bring up the Symbol Quality tree control. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 217 Report buttons. The Symbol Quality interface is divided into three sections: Report, Locate, and Preferences. The imager’s field of view is shown here. When grading is completed, the initial report is also shown in this viewing area. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 218 Click the Locate Click the Calibrate button to display the button to optimize symbol in the camera settings. imager’s field of view. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 219 Bitmap or JPEG image file. Enables ESP to parse UII symbol data into the correct fields and output order defined by the U.S. Department of Defense IUID initiative. Returns all settings to Returns all settings to default. most recent. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 220: Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode

    Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode Symbol Quality Separator applies to both Symbol Quality groups: ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output and Microscan Symbol Quality Output. Symbol Quality Separator Definition: Inserts a separator between each enabled field of the symbol quality output.
  • Page 221 0 = Grade 1 = Value Grade If in Grade Mode, a grade (A,B,C,D) is appended to the symbol data. Value If in Value Mode, the calculated value for the given parameter is appended to the symbol data. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 222: Iso/Iec 16022 Symbol Quality Output

    If enabled, the print growth is appended to the symbol data according to the ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting. Serial Cmd: <K709,symbol contrast,print growth,axial non-uniformity,UEC> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 223 If enabled, the UEC is appended to the symbol data according to the ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting. Serial Cmd: <K709,symbol contrast,print growth,axial non-uniformity,UEC> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 224: Iso/Iec 16022 Symbol Quality Output By Esp

    Symbol Quality view, in a format similar to the one shown below. If you want to view the results in a report format, click the Save Report button. The report will be output in the format you chose in the Preferences dialog. 8-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 225: Microscan Symbol Quality Output

    When enabled, the locate time is appended to the symbol data. Serial Cmd: <K710,percent cell damage,total read time,capture time,locate time,decode time,pixels per element,EC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 226: Decode Time

    When enabled, the matrix size value is appended to the symbol data. Serial Cmd: <K710,percent cell damage,total read time,capture time,locate time,decode time,pixels per element,EC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 227 Data Matrix symbol’s L-shaped finder pattern relative to the Imager. Serial Cmd: <K710,percent cell damage,total read time,capture time,locate time,decode time,pixels per element,ECC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 228: Microscan Symbol Quality Output By Esp

    Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP ESP’s Symbol Quality interface allows you to evaluate Data Matrix symbols for compliance with a rigorous set of standards, such as Locate Time, Capture Time, and Decode Time.

  • Page 229: Matchcode

    Matchcode Serial Commands ...................... 9-2 Overview of Matchcode ........................ 9-3 Matchcode Type ........................... 9-4 Match Replace..........................9-9 Mismatch Replace ........................9-10 New Master Pin .......................... 9-11 This section explains the MS-4’s matchcode output functions and the master symbol database setup. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 230: Matchcode By Esp

    Enter Master Symbol Data <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data> Request Master Symbol Data <K231?,>[for all] or <K231?,master symbol number> Delete Master Symbol Data <K231,master symbol number,> Match Replace <K735,status,match replacement string> Mismatch Replace <K736,status,mismatch replacement string> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 231: Overview Of Matchcode

    <M231,master symbol#, data>. c. Send a <G> (Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol) command. d. Enable the New Master Pin command and activate the discrete input to store the next symbol read as the master symbol. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 232: Matchcode Type

    Instructs the Imager to sequence after each match (numeric only) and compare symbols or portions of symbols for sequential numbers. Note: If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential, the Imager will behave as if Number of Symbols were set to 1, regardless of the user-defined configuration. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 233: Sequential Matching

    Match Start Position is set to 1 or greater. When Match Start Position is set to 0, no comparison will occur. Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,match length,wild card character,sequence on No Read,sequence on mis- match> Default: Options: 1 to 3000 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 234: Wild Card Character

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K223h,,,,,3C> For >: <K223h,,,,,3E> <K223h,,,,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 235 As an example of Sequence on No Read Disabled, consider the following series of decodes: Master Symbol Decoded Symbol Master Symbol after Decode No Read 003 (not sequenced) No Read 004 (not sequenced) No Read 004 (not sequenced) MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 236: Sequence On Mismatch

    007 (sequenced on mismatch) As an example of Sequence on Mismatch Disabled, consider the following decodes: Master Symbol Decoded Symbol Master Symbol after Decode 004 (sequenced because of previous match) 006 (sequenced because of previous match) 006 (not sequenced) MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 237: Match Replace

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K735h,,3C> For >: <K735h,,3E> <K735h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 238: Mismatch Replace

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K736h,,3C> For >: <K736h,,3E> <K736h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 9-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 239: New Master Pin

    1, and prior to reading and effectively loading position 1, the response to <NEWM> would be <NEWM/1>. Once a symbol has been read and loaded, the status will be cleared: <NEWM/0>. Serial Cmd: <NEWM> 9-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 240 9-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 241: Camera And Ip Setup

    IP Mode ............................ 10-25 Hollow Mode ..........................10-26 Mirrored Image ......................... 10-27 Illumination Brightness......................10-28 Skew Correction ........................10-29 This section provides adjustment parameters for the physical controls of the camera, image acquisition, database settings, and image diagnostics. 10-1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 242: Camera And Ip Setup By Esp

    Camera and IP Setup by ESP Click this button to bring up the Camera Setup menu. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. To open nested options, single-click the +. 10-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 243: Camera And Ip Setup Serial Commands

    <K519,damaged symbol status> Focal Distance <K525,focal distance (read only)> Focal Distance Table <K526,number of focal distances,focal distance> IP Mode <K527,IP Mode,FLM direction> Illumination Brightness <K536,brightness> Skew Correction <K537,line speed,symbol direction> Camera <K541,shutter speed,gain> Pixel Sub-Sampling <K542,sub-sampling> 10-3 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 244: Video

    Decode function in screen, Click Stop to end the the Configuration views. Test routine. When enabled, shows the symbol in higher contrast than the default contrast value. Symbol data and Test results are shown in this field. 10-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 245: Evaluation

    1 and 100, 1 being the lowest quality and 100 being the highest. When possible, use the highest quality; when image transfer speed must be increased, use a lower image quality setting. Adjustments for this setting will depend on your specific hardware and software limitations. 10-5 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 246 The image will be surrounded by an “area of interest box”, a dashed blue line with red anchor points that can be selected and moved by placing a cursor inside the box, and can be resized by clicking and dragging the anchor points. 10-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 247 2. Move the threshold marker (vertical green dashed line) in the Histogram chart. Hint: This should be midway between the maximum and minimum curves. 3. Click on the Send Threshold button to adopt the new threshold position. 10-7 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 248: Line Scan

    (in terms of black-to-white) are updated in the Pixel Info table to the left of the graph (237 in this example). In addition, a horizontal dashed red line is displayed that indicates the average value. 10-8 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 249: Calibration

    See Chapter 4, Calibration, for full documentation of this feature. ESP’s Calibration interface shown ESP’s Calibration interface shown during a calibration routine after a calibration routine 10-9 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 250: Window Of Interest

    Window of Interest. Caution: Window of Interest will shrink the field of view and therefore could cause symbols to be missed in dynamic applications. 10-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 251 One possible downside is that the chance of missing a symbol increases with the smaller window. Always verify that your WOI will be large enough to allow for any random movement of symbols in your field of view. 10-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 252 3 to (480 - row pointer) Width (Column Width) Definition: Defines the column position of the upper-left starting point of the window. Serial Cmd: <K516,row pointer,column pointer,row depth,column width> Default: Options: 8 to (640 - column pointer) 10-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 253: Configuration Database

    See Chapter 11, Configuration Database, for full documentation of this feature. Configuration Database view, set for 5 Active Indexes, with Capture Settings highlighted. 10-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 254: Dynamic Setup

    Delay values are shown in seconds in the field above the slider. The Coarse and Fine Delay Adjustment options determine whether larger or smaller adjustment increments will be used. 10-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 255: Pixel Sub-Sampling

    At this sampling rate, 1 pixel is output for every 16 pixels sampled. The image will be sampled 4:1 vertically and 4:1 horizontally, for a combined 16:1 ratio. An image with dimensions of 640 x 480 will be scaled to 160 x 120. 10-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 256: Camera

    Optics The MS-4 Imager has two different optical configurations available: Standard Density and Low Density. Determine the optics of your Imager and find the corresponding camera values in the following sections.
  • Page 257 Camera and IP Setup MS-4 Low Density (SD Optics), 4” Focal Distance Shutter Speed Usage: Faster shutter speeds reduce blurring in faster applications. Slower shutter speeds are useful in slower applications and lower contrast applications. Definition: This value sets the exposure or integration time for the image sensor pixels.

  • Page 258: Focal Distance

    Focal Distance Focal Distance Definition: This command returns the Imager’s factory preset focal distance. Serial Cmd: <K525,focal distance (read only)> Default: Standard Density = (3”) Low Density = (4”) Options: 10-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 259: Focal Distance Table (Read-Only)

    Default: Options: N/A (Focal Distance is factory preset.) Focal Distance Definition: Returns the Imager’s factory preset focal distance. Serial Cmd: <K526,number of focal distances,focal distance> Default: Returns the Imager’s factory preset Focal Distance value. Options: 10-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 260: Ip Threshold

    0 to 255 Cycle Min Definition: Starting value of the cycle mode. Serial Cmd: <K512,threshold mode,threshold value,cycle min,cycle max,cycle step> Default: Options: 0 to 255 Important: Cycle Min must be a smaller numerical value than Cycle Max. 10-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 261 Important: Cycle Max must be a greater numerical value than Cycle Min. Cycle Step Definition: The numerical value of a single cycle mode increment. Serial Cmd: <K512,threshold mode,threshold value,cycle min,cycle max,cycle step> Default: Options: 0 to 255 10-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 262: Number Of Symbols In Field Of View

    Number of Symbols in Field of View is set to 2, FLM will try to locate the candidates first and then decode. The symbols cannot be side-by-side--they must be parallel. 10-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 263: Image Processing Timeout

    • If a timeout occurs during processing and no symbols in the field of view have been decoded, the image will be recorded as a No Read. For this reason, a longer timeout should be tried to ensure that the symbol is decoded successfully. 10-23 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 264: Damaged Symbol

    Due to the complexity of the algorithm required, enabling this feature could significantly increase decode time. Usage: <K519,damaged symbol status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 10-24 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 265: Ip Mode

    Imager attempts to read vertically first, and if there is no decode, then it attempts to read horizontally. Horizontal This setting forces the Imager to read horizontally. Vertical This setting forces the Imager to read vertically. 10-25 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 266: Hollow Mode

    Serial Cmd: <K517,hollow mode status> Default: Regular Elements Options: 0 = Regular Elements 1 = Hollow Elements The image below is an example of a data matrix symbol with hollow elements. 10-26 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 267: Mirrored Image

    When Regular Image is enabled, images will be processed as they appear upon capture. Mirrored Image When Mirrored Image is enabled, images will be processed as a reverse of the captured image. Both When Both is enabled, regular and mirrored images will be processed. 10-27 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 268: Illumination Brightness

    Each of the brightness settings are calibrated to provide the same level of intensity for each Imager. Usage: <K536,brightness> Default: High Options: 0 = Off 1 = Low 2 = Medium 3 = High 10-28 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 269: Skew Correction

    Camera and IP Setup Skew Correction The MS-4 Imager’s CMOS image sensor has a “rolling shutter” mechanism that controls pixel integration row-by-row, Full Image Height unlike a global shutter, which performs light integration of all pixels at once. When a row of pixels has integrated light for the...
  • Page 270 Note that the amount of distortion will not be changed, because the object will have traveled the same distance during the read-out of the target area. 10-30 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 271 • Images are corrected before they are processed. Therefore, if an image is still pending at the end of the read cycle, it will not have been skew-corrected. 10-31 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 272 Skew Correction 10-32 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 273 Request Selected Index Settings ..................... 11-16 Request All Configuration Database Settings ................11-17 This section concerns the various capture settings and processing settings that can be used to fine-tune the MS-4 Imager’s performance in your application. 11-1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 274: Configuration Database Serial Commands

    Save Current Settings to Database <K255+,index> Load Current Settings from Database <K255-,index> Request Selected Index Settings <K255?,index> Request All Database Settings <K255?> Database Mode <K256,switch mode,frame count/time,image process looping,image dimensions> 11-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 275: Number Of Active Indexes

    (0 to 10). Sort Index Positions on Good Reads moves the database entry that produces the first successful decode to the top of the list. 11-3 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 276: Configuration Database Status

    Region of Interest setup. There is no benefit to sub-sampling to increase processing speed when ROI is configured, because the frame size would need to be increased to make sub-sampling possible. 11-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 277 Region of Interest, depending on the image dimension mode selected in the Database Mode command. Serial Cmd: <K255,index,shutter speed,gain,sub-sampling,row pointer,column pointer,row depth,column width,threshold mode,fixed threshold value,processing mode,narrow margins,background color,symbology type> Default Options: 8 to (640-column pointer) 11-5 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 278 1 = Enabled 2 = 2D Enhanced Background Color Serial Cmd: <K255,index,shutter speed,gain,sub-sampling,row pointer,column pointer,row depth,column width,threshold mode,fixed threshold value,processing mode, narrow margins,background color,symbology type> Default: Both Options: 0 = White 1 = Black 2 = Both 11-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 279 If enabled, Code 128 will be active for this database index. Code 39 (Add 16) If enabled, Code 39 will be active for this database index. Codabar (Add 32) If enabled, Codabar will be active for this database index. 11-7 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 280 Important: If the stacked and non-stacked operation is required, the DataBar Extended command must be configured as follows: <K484,2>. If the DataBar Extended status param- eter in the <K484> command is set to either DISABLED or ENABLED, the Imager will only read non-stacked DataBar Extended symbols. 11-8 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 281: Database Mode

    Indicates the Number of Image Frames that must be captured or the amount of Time that must transpire before the Imager will load the next database index entry. Serial Cmd: <K256,switch mode,frame count/time,image process looping,image dimensions> Default: (frames/mS) Options: 1 to 65535 11-9 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 282 For example, if all database entries contained the same camera setting values but had different IP and decode parameters, an image frame would only be captured when the first database configuration was used. 11-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 283 Camera settings (Capture Index, Shutter Speed, Gain, Sub-Sampling) located in the left half of the highlighted area. Image capture dimensions (Row Pointer, Column Pointer, Row Depth, Column Width) located in the right half of the highlighted area. 11-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 284 IP and decode settings. Also, if this feature is used in conjunction with Output Filtering, multiple decoded symbols in a captured image frame can be output according to their location in the field of view. 11-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 285 IP and decode settings, and they determine the region or area of the captured image to be processed. Threshold Mode, Fixed Threshold Value, Processing Mode, Narrow Margins, Background, and Code Type are all Processing Settings values. 11-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 286: Save Current Settings To Configuration Database

    This command phrase would save the Imager’s current, active configuration settings to database index 5. By ESP Click the Load Current to Index button to save the Imager’s current configuration parameters to the selected database index. 11-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 287: Load Current Settings From Configuration Database

    • Data Matrix ECC level is determined by the current settings and not by database settings. Therefore, the database does not know which ECC level to enable, and has no effect on current Data Matrix ECC settings. 11-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 288: Request Selected Index Settings

    Request Selected Index Settings Request Selected Index Settings Definition: Returns configuration settings for the selected database index. Serial Cmd: <K255?,index> Example: <K255?,5> This command phrase would return the configuration settings for database index 5. 11-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 289: Request All Configuration Database Settings

    Configuration Database Request All Configuration Database Settings Definition: Returns configuration settings for all indexes in the configuration database. Serial Cmd: <K255?> Example: <K255?> This command returns the configuration settings for all 10 database indexes. 11-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 290 Request All Configuration Database Settings 11-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 291: 12 Terminal

    12 Terminal Contents Terminal Window........................12-2 Find ............................12-3 Send ............................12-4 Macros............................12-5 Terminal Window Menus......................12-6 This section describes the Terminal window and macro functions in ESP. 12-1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 292: Terminal Window

    Send text field. The Terminal screen also displays symbol data or information from the Imager. You can also right click on the Terminal screen to bring up a menu of further options. 12-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 293: Find

    1. Type “ABC” into the Find box. 2. Press Enter. The first instance of “ABC” will be highlighted in the Terminal window. 3. Click the Find button to the right of the text field to locate additional instances of “ABC”. 12-3 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 294: Send

    The Send function allows you to enter serial commands and then send them to the imager. • Type the command into the Send box. • Press Enter. • Click the Send button to the left of the text field to send . 12-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 295: Macros

    When you click the arrow next to any macro and select Edit, the following appears: You can edit an existing macro or type in the Macro Name text field and define it in the Macro Value text field. Click OK. 12-5 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 296: Terminal Window Menus

    • Find Next searches for a user-defined section of text in the Terminal. • Find Previous operates in the same way as Find Next, but searches backward through Terminal text. 12-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 297 Serial utility commands are not prefaced with a “K” and a numeric code, nor do they require an initialization command (<A> and <Z>). They can be entered from within any terminal program or from ESP’s Terminal or Utilities windows. 13-1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 298: Serial Utility Commands

    <H> Enable Imager <a1> Include PDF Information in Preamble (PDF417) <A> Reset (does not save for power-on) <Ard> Reset and Recall Microscan Defaults <Arp> Reset and Recall Power-On Parameters Default/Reset/Save <Arc> Reset and Recall Customer Default Parameters <Z> Save Current Settings for Power-On Save Current Settings as Customer Default <Zc>...
  • Page 299 Utilities Recall Microscan Default Parameters and Save Default/Reset/Save <Zrd> for Power-On Recall Customer Default Parameters and Save <Zrc> for Power-On <?> Imager Status Byte <K?> All Status Request Imager Status <K??> All Descriptor Status Request Request Commands <K?#> All Range Status Request <Knnn?>...

  • Page 300: Read Rate

    Enter Percent Test Sending <Cp> instructs the Imager to transmit the percentage of decodes and any decoded symbol data. End Read Rate Test Sending <J> ends both the Percent test and the Decodes/Second test. 13-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 301: Counters

    Note: All counter values will be lost if power is recycled to the Imager, or if the Imager receives a Reset or Save command. Counters by ESP You can access Counters from ESP’s Utilities menu. Click the Request button to display the appropriate count or Clear to set the counter to zero. 13-5 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 302: Counters By Serial Command

    Match Counter to 00000. Mismatch Counter Sending <X> displays the number of decoded symbols since the last reset that do not match the master symbol. Mismatch Counter Reset Sending <Y> sets the Mismatch Counter to zero. 13-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 303: Device Control

    (ECC level n), number of rows (n rows), number of columns (n columns), number of informative code words (n info code words), and the number of data characters (n data bits). Send <a1> again to disable PDF Information. 13-7 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 304: Master Database

    Loads the next symbol decoded into Set Master Symbol the selected index. Database Size here. Double-click a row to enter data into popup dialog box. Loads the Imager’s saved Saves the displayed master symbols into ESP. database to the Imager. 13-8 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 305: Master Symbol Database Size

    The table below specifies the maximum number of characters available to each symbol according the number of master symbols defined, from 1 to 10. Master Symbol Maximum Master Symbol Maximum Number Characters Number Characters 3000 1500 1000 # 10 13-9 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 306: Enter Master Symbol Data

    3. Double-click on each symbol number you want to set up and copy, or type your data in the popup dialog and click OK. 4. When all your data has been entered, click the Send Database to the Reader button. 13-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 307: Request Master Symbol Data

    1. Click the Utilities button and the Master Database tab. 2. Click the Receive Reader’s Database button. Request All Master Symbol Data Definition: This command will return master symbol data for all symbols enabled (up to 10). Serial Cmd: <K231?> 13-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 308: Read Next Symbol As Master Symbol

    The Imager returns: <NEWM/next master to load> Once a symbol has been read and loaded, the status will be cleared and the response will be <NEWM/0>. (See also New Master Pin in Chapter 9, Matchcode.) 13-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 309: Delete Master Symbol Data

    For example, to delete master symbol # 5, send the following: <K231,5,>. The command is entered with a blank master symbol data field, which tells the Imager to delete the selected master symbol from the database. 13-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 310: Firmware

    Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in progress. Be sure that each download is complete before moving on to the next. Important: When updating firmware, be sure that the application code and boot code versions are mutually compatible. 13-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 311: Firmware Verification

    (a request for the application code part number), the Imager returns: <#a/APP_P/N>. • When you send <#b> (a request for the boot code part number), the Imager returns: <#b/BOOT_P/N>. • When you send <#p> (a request for profile module part numbers), the Imager returns: <#p/PROFILE_P/N>. 13-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 312: Request Checksum

    (a request for the application code checksum), the Imager returns: <!a/APP_CHECKSUM> • When you send <!b> (a request for the boot code checksum), the Imager returns: <!b/BOOT_CHECKSUM> • When you send <!p> (a request for profile module checksum), the Imager returns: <!p/PROFILE_CHECKSUM> 13-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 313: Bar Code Configuration

    Once Bar Code Configuration Mode has been entered, the Data Matrix symbols can be thought of as serial data. You can configure the Imager by printing labels in Microscan’s serial command format. Commands are processed as if the data were streamed in through the serial port.

  • Page 314: Default / Reset / Save

    Imager or the <Arp> command is sent. Defaults Defaults are Microscan firmware settings or saved customer settings that can be recalled, either by software or hardware reset. 13-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 315 By first doing an EZ button default or hardware default to restore the known Microscan defaults, the user can then recall the previous customer- saved settings with an <Arc>...

  • Page 316: Imager Status Requests

    All Range Status Request This request will return the current settings of all commands within the user-defined range, starting with the lowest user-defined K command value and ending with the highest user- defined K command value. 13-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 317 This request returns the basic functional description of all fields in the requested K command. <Knnn?#> Single Range Status Request This request will return the value range and storage type description of all fields in the requested K command. 13-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 318: Other Operational Serial Commands

    All files in “root” directory /saved All files in “saved” directory All files in all directories /del Deletes all files in the root director /saved/del Deletes all files in the saved directory del*.* Deletes files in all directories 13-22 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 319: Output Format

    Format Assign ..........................14-4 Format Extract..........................14-5 Format Insert ..........................14-7 Output Filter Configuration ......................14-9 Ordered Output Filter ......................14-13 This section explains how to control the formatting and filtering of decoded symbol data for output. 14-1 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 320: Output Format Serial Commands

    Output Format Serial Commands Format Extract <K740,output index,start location,length> Format Insert <K741,output index,length,hex string> Format Assign <K742,symbol number,status> Output Format Status <K743,output format status> Output Filter Configuration <K744,filter number,symbology type,length,wildcard, placeholder,data,unused,database index> Ordered Output Filter <K745,number of filters> 14-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 321: Output Format Status

    When Format Status is set to Enabled, output formatting is enabled. However, Format Assign, Format Insert, and Format Extract must be properly set up as well. By ESP On the Output Format tab, check the Enable Output Format 14-3 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 322: Format Assign

    Use the Set Number of Symbols spin box to determine the number of symbols to be included in the output phrase. Then check the Parse boxes beneath the symbols that you wish to format for user-defined output. 14-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 323: Format Extract

    Defines the length (in consecutive characters) that will be extracted and placed in user-defined output. Serial Cmd: <K740,output index,start location,length> Default: (disabled; end of format cell array) Options: 1 to n (maximum number of characters in the symbol data). 14-5 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 324: Format Extract By Esp

    Symbol Parse dialog shows the selected character positions extracted and output as desired. Simultaneously, the data string from the actual selected symbol is displayed at the bottom left of the Parse Table, followed by the user-defined extracted output. 14-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 325: Format Insert

    (00 in hex) Options: 00 to FF (As many as 4 bytes, or hex pairs.) ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 14-7 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 326: Format Insert By Esp

    The Format Insert process is very similar to the Format Extract process, except that Insert allows you to enter characters using the Insertion Calculator (shown above). Notice that Extract and Insert share the same Parse Table. 14-8 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 327: Output Filter Configuration

    No Read message will be output in place of the symbol (assuming the No Read message is enabled). For example, if there is not a symbol that meets filter 3’s requirements, then a No Read message will be output in the third output position. 14-9 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 328 • 7 = EAN 128 • 8 = Code 93 • 10 = GS1 DataBar • 11 = MicroPDF417 • 12 = Composite • 13 = BC412 • 14 = Data Matrix • 15 = QR Code 14-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 329 Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters. Example: 3F = ? 00 = disabled ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 14-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 330: Database Index

    The index of the database entry that decodes a given symbol must equal this setting for filtering to occur. A setting of allows any database index for this filter entry. Serial Cmd: <K744,filter number,symbology type,length,wildcard,placeholder,data, unused,database index> Default: (any index) Options: 0 to 10 14-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 331: Ordered Output Filter

    For example, if the number of filters is 1, then only filter index # 1 will be applied. If the number of filters is 2, then only filter index # 1 and filter index # 2 will be applied, etc. Serial Cmd: <K745,number of filters> Default: Options: 0 to 10 14-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 332 Ordered Output Filter 14-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 333: Appendices

    Appendix E ASCII Table......................A-21 Appendix F Interface Standards....................A-22 Appendix G Object Detector....................... A-23 Appendix H Operational Tips ..................... A-24 Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver..............A-25 Appendix J Glossary of Terms ....................A-28 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 334: Appendix A General Specifications

    Stacked Symbologies: PDF417, MicroPDF417, GS1 DataBar (Composite & Stacked). Linear Symbologies: Code 39, Code 128, BC412, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC/EAN, Codabar, Code 93. Read Parameters Pitch: ±30° Skew: ±30° Tilt: 360° Decode Rate: Up to 10 decodes per second. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 335: Ms-4 Imager User's Manual

    3.0 to 4.5" (76 mm to 114 mm) .015" (0.38 mm) .020” (.51 mm) 5.0” (127 mm) 2.5 to 5.5” (64 mm to 140 mm) .020" (0.51 mm) .030” (.76 mm) 5.8” (147 mm) 2.0 to 6.8” (51 mm to 173 mm) MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 336 Product specifications are given for typical performance at 25°C (77°F) using grade A labels. Performance characteristics may vary at high temperatures or other environmental extremes. Warranty–One year limited warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranty available. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 337: Appendix B Electrical Specifications

    Can sink 10 mA and source 10 mA. b. The default is activated by connecting pin 8 to ground pin 4. c. Chassis ground: Used to connect chassis body to earthground only. Not to be used as power or signal return. MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 338: Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands

    Auxiliary Port System Data Status <K146,aux status> ACK/NAK Options <K147,RES,REQ,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK> Polling Mode Options <K148,RES,REQ,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK> USB HID Reports <K149,Microscan HID IN report status,keyboard IN report status> Autoconfiguration Daisy Chain <K150DAISY> Calibration Calibration Options <K529,gain,shutter speed,focus position,symbol type,WOI framing, WOI margin,line scan height>...
  • Page 339 <K718,finder pattern status,symbol size status,symbol size 1,symbol size 2,symbol size tolerance,dimension status,dimension 1,dimension 2,dimension tolerance,orientation status,orientation value> Frame Information <K734,output frame number,output coordinates> LED Configuration <K737,LED mode,ISO/IEC 16022 grade> Image Output <K739,image output mode,communication port,file format,jpeg quality> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 340 Enter Master Symbol Data <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data> Request Master Symbol Data <K231?,>[for all] or <K231?,master symbol number> Delete Master Symbol Data <K231,master symbol number,> Match Replace <K735,status,match replacement string> Mismatch Replace <K736,status,mismatch replacement string> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 341 Output Format Format Extract <K740,output index,start location,length> Format Insert <K741,output index,length,hex string> Format Assign <K742,symbol number,status> Output Format Status <K743,output format status> Output Filter Configuration <K744,filter number,symbology type,length,wildcard,placeholder, data,unused,database index> Ordered Output Filter <K745,number of filters> MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 342 To ensure that any command was received and accepted, you can send the Show Reader Status command: <?>. The status of a specific serial command can be requested by entering the command followed by a question mark. For example, send <K142?> to request the status of Postamble. A-10 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 343 Entering Control Characters in Serial Commands To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the Ctrl key while typing the desired character. Example: To enter a carriage return and line feed (^M^J), enter <K141,1,CNTL-m CNTL-j> A-11 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 344: Appendix D Communications Protocol

    Control Characters Protocol Command (Entered in menu or Effect of Command (Mnemonic displayed on menu) Value serial command) Reset Request Reset Start of Text End of Text Acknowledge Negative Acknowledge Begin Transmission XOFF Stop Transmission A-12 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 345 HOST_TX ‘NAK’ (host rejects) IMAGER_TX symbol data (resend data) HOST_TX ‘ACK’ (transaction complete) Transfer 2 HOST_TX <K141?> IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ IMAGER_TX <K141,0> timeout reached... timeout reached... timeout reached... Timeout Reached transaction aborted, data is flushed A-13 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 346 0x06 0x15 enabled Transfer 1 HOST_TX <K141,0>a IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ Transfer 2 HOST_TX <K141?>B IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ IMAGER_TX <K141,0>a HOST_TX ‘ACK’ Error Condition Transfer 1 HOST_TX <k141,0>x (BAD LRC) IMAGER_TX ‘NAK’ HOST_TX <K141,0>a (GOOD LRC) IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ A-14 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 347 Appendices Setup 3 0x00 (disabled) 0x00 (disabled) 0x28 ‘(‘ 0x29 ‘)’ 0x06 0x15 enabled Transfer 1 HOST_TX (<K141,0>)H IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ Transfer 2 HOST_TX (<K141?>)k IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ IMAGER_TX (<K141,^M>)w HOST_TX ‘ACK’ A-15 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 348 ‘ACK’ IMAGER_TX ‘!’ Error Condition Transfer 1 HOST_TX (<K141,0>)H IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ HOST_TX (<K100?>)n IMAGER_TX ‘ACK’ HOST_TX ‘!’ IMAGER_TX (<K100,8,0,0,1>)X timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘=’ timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘=’ timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘=’ timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘!’ A-16 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 349 IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1, data is flushed) A-17 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 350 ‘NAK’ (Host rejects data frame) (Retry Event) IMAGER_TX ‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ <T/00000> ‘ETX’ (Unit sends again) HOST_TX ‘ACK’ (Host receives data) IMAGER_TX ‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1) The protocol makes 3 retry attempts before data is flushed and transfer is aborted. A-18 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 351 IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again) timeout reached... IMAGER_TX ‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1, data is flushed) A-19 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 352 (Retry Event) IMAGER_TX ‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ <T/00000> ‘ETX’ ‘GOOD LRC’ (Unit sends again) HOST_TX ‘ACK’ (Host receives data) IMAGER_TX ‘RES’ Terminate Transfer 1) The protocol makes 3 retry attempts before data is flushed and transfer is aborted. A-20 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 353: Appendix E Ascii Table

    Appendices Appendix E — ASCII Table Ctrl “ & < > A-21 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 354: Appendix F Interface Standards

    In the MS-4 Imager, selection of interface is made by pin assignment and, in the case of host communications, by software switching between RS-232 and RS-422.

  • Page 355: Appendix G Object Detector

    As the item continues to move down the line, its symbol moves into the imager beam and is decoded. Object and Symbol Object Detector Object and Symbol Imager A-23 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 356: Appendix H Operational Tips

    Operational Tips Appendix H — Operational Tips Cleaning The MS-4 Imager has a hard coated window that should only be cleaned with alcohol (100% isopropyl). Mounting When mounting the MS-4 Imager, do not insulate the stand mount. The bottom panel is the hottest part of the Imager and metal-to-metal contact is necessary for heat dissipation.

  • Page 357: Appendix I Usb-To-Serial Virtual Com Port Driver

    ® (For use with Windows Vista (32-bit), XP (32-bit), and 2000 Operating Systems) Microscan’s USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver allows you to send serial data using a USB MS-4 Imager. The driver is available at www.microscan.com or on the Microscan Tools CD.
  • Page 358 5. The driver files will begin installing. This may take several seconds. Do not interfere with the installer during this process. 6. Once the driver is installed successfully, you will receive the message shown below. Click Finish. A-26 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 359 Manager button. 3. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) item on the Device Manager menu. Right-click on Microscan Reader and select Properties. 4. Select the Port Settings tab in the Properties dialog and click the Advanced button. 5. Expand the COM Port Number menu on the Advanced Settings dialog and select your new COM Port number.

  • Page 360: Appendix J Glossary Of Terms

    Baud Rate — The number of discrete signal events per second; bits per second. Capture — The act of acquiring and storing video images in an imager or host computer. Also, the image captured. CCD — See Charge-Coupled Device. A-28 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 361 DMA — See Direct Memory Access. DSP — See Digital Signal Processor. Dynamic Range — The difference between the minimum and maximum thresholds of discernible images; the amount of usable signal. A-29 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 362 Gradient — The rate of change of pixel intensity (first derivative). Gray Scale — Variations of values from white, through shades of gray, to black in a digitized image with black assigned the value of zero and white the value of one. A-30 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 363 Normally Open — A discrete output state that is only active when closed. Object Plane — An imaginary plane in the field of view, focused by an imager’s optical system at the corresponding image plane on the sensor. A-31 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 364 Firmware. Real-Time Processing — In machine vision, the ability of a system to perform a complete analysis and take action on one part before the next one arrives for inspection. A-32 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 365 Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) — The creation of integrated circuits by combining thousands of transistor-based circuits on a single chip. VLSI — See Very Large-Scale Integration. Watchdog Timer — A security device that detects system crashes and attempts to reset the imager. A-33 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 366 Glossary of Terms A-34 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 367 Hyperlink Index A/D Converter Aberration About the MS-4 Imager About This Manual Absorption ACK / NAK (Main Port) ACK / NAK Options ACK/NAK Active Illumination Add / Remove Exception Add Exception Add Macro Advanced Options Advanced Tab All Descriptor Status Request...
  • Page 368 Calibrate (EZ Button Modes) Calibrate Button Calibrate by ESP Calibrate by EZ Button Calibrate by Serial Command Calibrate Settings Calibration Calibration Options Calibration Overview Calibration Serial Commands Camera Camera and IP Setup Camera and IP Setup by ESP MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 369 Code 128 / EAN 128 Code 39 Code 93 Codeword Collection (PDF417) Column Column Pointer Column Width Command Processing Mode Communication Port Communication Protocols Communications Communications by ESP Communications Serial Commands Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Composite Composite Enabled Composite Required MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 370 Customer Default Parameters Cycle Max Cycle Min Cycle Step Daisy Chain Daisy Chain Autoconfigure Daisy Chain ID Daisy Chain ID Status Daisy Chain Mode Damaged Symbol Darkfield Illumination Data Data Bits, Auxiliary Port Data Bits, Host Port MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 371 Defaults Definable Delete Master Symbol Data Delimited Depth-of-Field Detailed No Read Message Device Control Device Control by ESP Device Control by Serial Command Diagnostic Warning Diagnostics Output 1 Diagnostics Output 2 Diagnostics Output 3 Diffused Lighting MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 372 Edge Enhancement Edit Macro Editing a Macro Effects of Protocol Commands Electrical Specifications Embedded Memory Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer Defaults’ Enable Both (Dimension Mode) Enable Both (Orientation Mode) Enable Both (Symbol Size Mode) Enable Echo MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 373 EZ Button Modes EZ Button Operation EZ Button Trigger EZ Mode Falling Edge Fast Linear Mode (FLM) Direction Fast Shutter Field-Programmable Gate Array File File Format Fill Factor Filter Number Find Find Next Find Previous Finder Pattern Status MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 374 Format Insert by ESP Format UPC-E as UPC-A (UPC / EAN) Four Beeps (Position #4) FPGA Frame Frame Count/Time Frame Grabber Frame Information Front End System Full ASCII Set (Code 39) Full Duplex Full Duplex Mode MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 375 Hardware Required (RS-232 / RS-422) Hardware Required (USB) Height (Row Depth) Hex String Hex Values High Highlighting Histogram Hollow Mode Horizontal (FLM) Host Host Communications Host Connector / Pin Assignments Host Port Connections Host Port Protocol Hours MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 376 Import/Export In Read Cycle Include Image Index Indicators Initialize Input Install ESP Installing ESP from the Microscan Tools CD Integration Interface Standards Interleaved 2 of 5 IP Mode IP Threshold ISO Certification ISO/IEC 16022 Grade ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output...
  • Page 377 Load Current Settings from Configuration Database Load Current Settings from Configuration Database by ESP Load New Master (EZ Button Modes) Locate Symbol by ESP Locate Symbol by EZ Button Locate Tab Locate the Symbol in the FOV MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 378 Microscan HID IN Reports Microscan HID IN Reports Disabled Microscan HID IN Reports Enabled Microscan HID Report Format Microscan Symbol Quality Output Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP Minimum Good Reads Minimum Number of Bars Minimum Number of Qualified Scan Lines Minutes Mirrored Image MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 379 No Read Message No Read Message Mode No Read Message Mode Disabled No Read Message Mode Enabled No Read or Good Read Normally Closed Normally Open Number of Active Indexes Number of Active Indexes by ESP MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 380 Output Format Output Format (Code 128 / EAN 128) Output Format Serial Commands Output Format Status Output Format Status by ESP Output Format Status Disabled Output Format Status Enabled Output Frame Number Output Frame Number Disabled MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 381 Point-to-Point (Standard) Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF Poll Address Polling Mode Polling Mode (Main Port) Port Position Imager and Symbol Postamble Postamble Characters Postamble Status Power On / Reset Counts MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 382 Read Cycle Read Cycle by ESP Read Cycle Serial Commands Read Cycle Setup Read Cycle Timeout Read Duration Output Read Duration Output Mode Read Duration Output Separator Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol Read Parameters Read Ranges MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 383 Request New Master Status Request Part Number Request Part Number by ESP Request Part Number by Serial Command Request Selected Index Settings Resets RES-NAK Defaults Resolution Response Timeout Row and Column Row Depth Row Pointer RS-232 RS-232 Protocol RS-422 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 384 Send No Save Send XON with Autoconnect Send, No Save Send/Receive Options Send/Recv Separator Separator Character (Composite) Separator Character (UPC / EAN) Separator Status (Composite) Separator Status (UPC / EAN) Sequence on Mismatch Sequence on No Read MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 385 Start / Stop Match (Codabar) Start / Stop Output (Codabar) Start Location Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited) Start/Stop Status Statement of Agency Compliance Static Presentation Mode 1 Status Status Byte Steps for Entering and Using Master Symbols MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 386 Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode Symbol Size 1 Symbol Size 2 Symbol Size Mode (2D Symbology Qualification) Symbol Size Mode Disabled Symbol Size Tolerance Symbol Transitions Symbologies Symbologies by ESP Symbologies Serial Commands Symbology Symbology ID Symbology Identifier Symbology Type MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 387 Top (Row Pointer) Total Read Time Transparent Mode Tree Control Trend Analysis Trend Analysis Mode Trend Analysis Output 1 Trend Analysis Output 2 Trend Analysis Output 3 Trigger Trigger Counter Trigger Counter Reset Trigger Evaluation Period MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 388 Using EZ Trax Utilities Value Vertical (FLM) Very Large-Scale Integration Video View VLSI Warning and Caution Summary Warranty Watchdog Timer When to Output Symbol Data White Background Width (Column Width) Wild Card Character Wildcard Window of Interest MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 389 Index Window of Interest (WOI) by ESP Window of Interest (WOI) Framing Window of Interest (WOI) Margin Window of Interest by ESP Window of Interest by Serial Command Y-Modem Download Transfer Options Y-Modem Upload Transfer Options MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 390 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual...

Table of Contents