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Microscan MS-4X User Manual

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MS-4X Imager
User's Manual
P/N 83-000444 Rev A

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  • Page 1 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual P/N 83-000444 Rev A...

  • Page 2: Technical Support

    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: Table Of Contents

    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 Calibration Overview ................4-2 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 4 Codabar....................6-20 UPC/EAN ....................6-23 Pharmacode ..................6-27 Postal Symbologies ................6-29 GS1 DataBar ..................6-34 PDF417 ....................6-36 MicroPDF417 ..................6-37 Composite ..................... 6-38 Narrow Margins/Symbology Identifier............ 6-39 Background Color.................. 6-41 Chapter 7 I/O Parameters MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 5 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 6 Send ...................... 12-4 Macros....................12-5 Terminal Window Menus ............... 12-6 Chapter 13 Utilities Serial Utility Commands ................ 13-2 Read Rate ..................... 13-4 Counters ....................13-6 Device Control ..................13-8 Differences from Default................ 13-9 Master Database ................. 13-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 7 Appendix F Interface Standards ............A-25 Appendix G Operational Tips ..............A-26 Appendix H Using an External Trigger ..........A-27 Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver ........A-28 Appendix J MS-4X Image Output ............A-31 Appendix K Glossary of Terms ..............A-34 Index MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 8 • Compact size for easy integration into a wide variety of applications MS-4X Communications There are three ways to configure and test the MS-4X: • Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program), which offers point-and-click ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
  • Page 9 CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. IMPORTANT: The MS-4X is intended for connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit marked Class II and rated 5 VDC at 3.5 Watts, or greater if using electrical accessories.

  • Page 10: Statement Of Agency Compliance

    Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The MS-4X has been tested for compliance with CE (Conformité Européenne) standards and guidelines, and has been found to conform to applicable CE standards, specifically the...
  • Page 11 The information provided in this certification notice is correct to the best of Microscan’s knowledge at the date of publication. This notice is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Users are responsible for determining the applicability of any RoHS legislation or regulations based on their individual use of the product.
  • Page 12 Statement of RoHS Compliance MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 13: Quick Start

    Step 11 Save Configuration in ESP ................... 1-14 This section is designed to get your MS-4X 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 Hardware

    Power Supply (90-264 VAC, 24VDC, USA/Euro plug) 97-100004-15 Object Detector 99-000017-01 Communication Cable 61-300026-03 Scanner Hardware Required Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to the system. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 15: Step 2 Connect The System

    • Plug the imager’s USB cable into the host’s USB port. • Apply power to the imager. Important: If you are using a USB MS-4X, you must connect the device to the host computer before powering-on. Otherwise the unit will not be recognized as a USB device.

  • Page 16: Step 3 Position Imager And Symbol

    Scan line Imager and Symbol Orientation Note: For accuracy of testing and performance, Microscan recommends using a mounting arm adapter kit. Contact your Microscan sales manager for details about mounting arm adapter kits and other accessories. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 17: Step 4 Install Esp

    Quick Start Step 4 — Install ESP ESP Software can be found on the Microscan Tools CD that is packaged with the MS-4X. 1. Follow the prompts to install ESP from the CD. 2. Click on the ESP icon to run the program.

  • Page 18: Step 5 Select Model

    1. Click the button showing the MS-4X. 2. Click OK. Note: You can also double-click the MS-4X button to make your selection. 3. Click Yes when this dialog appears: Note: If you need to select another model later, click the Switch Model button near the top of the screen or use Model >...

  • Page 19: Step 6 Select Protocol And Connect

    Quick Start Step 6 — Select Protocol and Connect • Choose the connection protocol you are using and click Connect. • Once you select your communications mode, follow the simple prompts to establish your connection. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 20 Note: If your RS-232 host settings cannot be changed to match the imager’s settings, check the Force Connect box in the RS-232 dialog and click the Connect. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 21: Step 7 Locate The Symbol In The Field Of View

    Important: The entire symbol should fall within the field of view (FOV) of the imager. The field of view is what appears in ESP’s Locate/Calibrate window in EZ Mode. • Click the Stop button to end the Locate function. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 22 The amber 20% LED will illuminate, 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. 1-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 23: Step 8 Calibrate

    Quick Start Step 8 — Calibrate MS-4X settings can be adjusted automatically for optimum symbol decoding performance 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 camera settings and determining the best configuration for decoding symbol data.

  • Page 24: Step 9 Test Read Rate

    Note: Read Rate can also be tested using the Read Rate interface in Utilities. Test Read Rate by Serial Command You can also start a test with the <C> <Cp> command and end it with the <J> command. 1-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 25: Step 10 Configure The Imager In Esp

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

  • Page 26: Step 11 Save Configuration 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. 1-14 MS-4X 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-4X in three different ways: • Tree Controls: Each configuration menu contains a list of all option settings that pertain to that specific element of imager operation.

  • Page 28: Ez Mode

    EZ Mode screen, and also in Quick Start. Click Locate to activate the MS-4X’s blue target pattern LEDs. Center the target pattern on the symbol. The 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 sections of this manual. MS-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 31 To connect to another model, select New Model, choose a new model from the menu that appears, and click OK. Note: When you save an ESP file, you are saving the settings of all the models defined in that file. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 32 At startup, shows the model menu displaying all supported readers. Show Connect Prompt At startup, displays the Would you like to connect to the MS-4X? prompt. Receive After Connect At startup, loads the imager’s settings into ESP. (This is not recommended if you want to preserve your ESP settings for future use.)
  • Page 33 Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus When Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus is enabled, data from the imager will continue to appear in the terminal even when ESP is not the top window. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 34 The Bar Code Options dialog allows you to set the size of user-created symbols. Sizing Information Sets the bar width or module width (in mils, or thousandths of an inch) of user-created symbols. Example: A bar width of 18 is 0.018 inches. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 35 Images can be saved from the Evaluation tab in the Camera view, or by right clicking an image in any other image capture view and then saving. Send XON with Autoconnect Sends an XON (Begin Transmission) command to the imager before starting the Autoconnect routine. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 36 The .esp file will be saved in the location of your choice. Connect to Readers via TCP/IP When enabled, shows a TCP/IP option on the Connection Wizard. Use Default Storage Location When enabled, automatically stores data in ESP’s Application Data folder. 2-10 MS-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 38 • When a connection is established, the green indicator in the status bar at the bottom right of the screen will be visible. • If your RS-232 connection attempt fails, click the Auto Connect button to establish a connection between the MS-4X and the host. 2-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 39: View

    Create a 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-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Send/Receive Options

    Send and Save as Customer Defaults (<Zc>) Saves your default settings for quick retrieval. This option will be visible only if you have checked Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer Defaults’ in ESP Preferences. 2-15 MS-4X 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 in any blank section of a tree control view. 2-16 MS-4X 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-4X for use with EZ Trax, see Setting Up the...
  • Page 44 Using EZ Trax 2-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 45: Communications

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

  • Page 46: Communications By Esp

    Communications by ESP Communications by ESP Click the Parameters button and then the Communication tab. To open nested options, single-click the +. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 47: Communications Serial Commands

    Host Port Protocol <K140,protocol,address> Preamble <K141,status,preamble characters> Postamble <K142,status,postamble characters> 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> Autoconfiguration Daisy Chain <K150DAISY> MS-4X 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 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 49: Host Port Protocol

    Used only with 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 50: Poll Address

    1 to 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 for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4X 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 for sample ACK/NAK communication scenarios. Note: See USB HID Interface for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 52: Polling Mode Options

    STX: (Start of Text) ETX: (End of Text) ACK: (Acknowledge) NAK: (Negative Acknowledge) Note: See Polling Mode Data Flow Examples for sample Polling Mode communication scenarios. Note: See USB HID Interface for protocol information relating to USB. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 53: Rs-422 Status

    <K102,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 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. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 54: Auxiliary Port Connections

    Default: 115.2K Options: 0 = 600 1 = 1200 2 = 2400 3 = 4800 4 = 9600 5 = 19.2K 6 = 38.4K 7 = 57.6K 8 = 115.2K 9 = 230K 3-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 55 Only changed if necessary to match host setting. Definition: Number of bits in each character. 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 3-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 56: Transparent Mode

    Data Originating from the Host Aux. • All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 60: Command Processing Mode

    • 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-4X 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-17 MS-4X 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 3-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 63: Daisy Chain Autoconfigure

    3. If necessary, set the primary imager to Edge. After Autoconfigure you may set the primary imager to Edge (S), but the other imagers must remain in Serial (S): Secondary Secondary Primary Host Imager Imager Imager 3-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Response Timeout

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

  • Page 65: Lrc Status

    (two 1s = 0, two 0s = 0, a 1 and a 0 = 1). The extra LRC character is then appended to the transmission, and the receiver (usually the host) performs the same addition and compares the results. Serial Cmd: <K145,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 3-21 MS-4X 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 <K101,5,6,0,1,1> Command Processing; Baud Rate: 230K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8 3-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 67: Usb Hid Interface

    Communications USB HID Interface The USB version of the MS-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X, 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-4X 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-4X: Configuration Symbols (Data Matrix with “Configure Reader” Flag) Symbol configuration can be performed “out-of-the-box”, as the MS-4X 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-4X, 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 for a more detailed explanation of this command shortcut.) 3-32 MS-4X 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-33 MS-4X 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 3-34 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 79: Calibration

    Calibration Overview........................4-2 Calibration Options ........................4-3 Calibration by ESP........................4-10 Initiating Calibration ........................4-12 Additional Notes about Calibration..................... 4-18 This section shows the MS-4X’s calibration options, and explains the different ways that those options can be configured. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 80: Calibration Serial Commands

    <@CAL> Calibration Overview Autocalibration is one of the most powerful features of the MS-4X. 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

    Shutter Speed Line Speed 0 - 250 static 250 - 750 5” / sec 750 - 1500 10” / sec 1500 - 2000 15” / sec 2000 - 2500 20” / sec MS-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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 for the EZ button calibration procedure. 4-12 MS-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 92 This process is designed to quickly identify symbology type, and any image processing parameters that are already calibrated, as well as determining focus position. Running Search Pass Prog Rating Decode Quality Focus Shutter Gain Locate 2174 4-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 93 Rating Decode Quality Focus Shutter Gain Locate 4256 4236 4236 4232 2128 2144 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 4280 Inside Focus = 200; Outside Focus = 572; Center Focus = 386 4-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 94 Rating = 8505; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 32 Rating = 8488; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 28 Rating = 8476; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 24 4-16 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 95 Rating = 6476; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 44 Rating = 6462; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 43 Rating = 6449; Focus = 386; Shutter = 250; Gain = 42 Calibration PASSED. 4-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 96: Additional Notes About Calibration

    Window of Interest for image captures. However, when the search process is completed, the WOI will be reduced to include only the symbol of interest and some additional boundary area. 4-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 97: Read Cycle

    Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax....................5-27 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 98: Read Cycle By Esp

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

  • Page 99: Read Cycle Serial Commands

    <K229,start character> Stop Trigger Character <K230,stop character> 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> Image Processing Timeout <K245,image processing timeout> MS-4X 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-4X can read multiple symbols in a single image frame.

  • Page 101: Multisymbol

    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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 102: Trigger Mode And Filter Duration

    Note: When to Output and No Read options have no affect on Continuous Read. Serial Cmd: <K200,0> MS-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 106 Serial Cmd: <K200,trigger mode,leading edge trigger filter,trailing edge trigger filter> Default: (~10 ms) Options: 1 to 65535 (Trigger filter range: 32.0 µs to 2.10 seconds) 5-10 MS-4X 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-4X 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 5-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

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

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K229h,3C> For >: <K229h,3E> <K229h,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 5-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 110: Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K230h,3C> For >: <K230h,3E> <K230h,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 5-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 111: 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. 5-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 112: 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: (x10 ms) Options: 1 to 65535 5-16 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 113: Capture Mode

    Capture Start of Read End of 1 2 3 Cycle read cycle Processing time 5-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 114 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 5-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 115: 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 5-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 116: 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 5-20 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 117: 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 5-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 118: 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 5-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 119: 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. 5-23 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 120: 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. 5-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 121 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 5-25 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 122: Minimum Good Reads

    Minimum Good Reads 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 5-26 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 123: Setting Up The Imager For Ez Trax

    Read Cycle Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax If you are using EZ Trax software, it is important to set up the MS-4X correctly before beginning. Click the Read Cycle tab to display the Read Cycle tree control. Set Trigger Mode, <K200>, to External Edge.
  • Page 124 Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax 5-28 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 125: Symbologies

    GS1 DataBar ..........................6-34 PDF417 ............................6-36 MicroPDF417 ..........................6-37 Composite ..........................6-38 Narrow Margins/Symbology Identifier ..................6-39 Background Color........................6-41 This section describes the various symbol types that can be read and decoded by the MS-4X. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 126: Symbologies By Esp

    Symbologies by ESP Symbologies by ESP Click the Parameters button and then the Symbologies tab. 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 127: Symbologies Serial Commands

    <K480,status> BC412 <K481,status,check character output,fixed symbol length status, fixed symbol length> DataBar-14 (RSS-14) <K482,status> DataBar Limited <K483,status> (RSS Limited) DataBar Expanded <K484,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> (RSS Expanded) MicroPDF417 <K485,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 128: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 129 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 130: Aztec Code

    The level of Reed-Solomon error correction used with Aztec Code is configurable, from 5% to 95% of the total data region. The recommended error correction level is 23% of symbol capacity plus codewords. Serial Cmd: <K458,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 131: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 132: Micro Qr Code

    Definition: Micro QR Code is a 2D matrix symbology that comes in 4 different symbol sizes, the largest capable of encoding 35 numeric characters. Serial Cmd: <K459,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 133: Code 39

    No Read message to be transmitted at the end of the read cycle. Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check character status,check character output status,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 134 (this does not include start and stop and check character characters). The imager ignores any symbology that does not match the specified length. Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check character status,check character output status,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 135 ASCII character set, from 0 to 255. Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check character status,check character output status,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,full ASCII set> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 136: Code 128

    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 6-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 137 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 6-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 138 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 6-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 139: Bc412

    When enabled, the check character character is read and compared along with the symbol data. When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check character. Serial Cmd: <K481,status,check character output,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 140: 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 141 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. 6-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 142 Length # 2 fields can form the start or end of the range. Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check character status,check character output,symbol length #1,symbol length #2,guard bar status,range mode status> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 143: 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 6-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 144: Codabar

    Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start/stop match,start/stop output,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check character type,check character output> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-20 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 145 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 character type,check character output> Default: Options: 1 to 64 6-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 146 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 character type,check character output> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 147: Upc/Ean

    Usage: Used primarily in point-of-sale applications 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 148 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 6-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 149 Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K473h,,,,,3C> For >: <K473h,,,,,3E> <K473h,,,,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 6-25 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 150 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 6-26 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 151: Pharmacode

    Sets the minimum number of bars that a Pharmacode symbol must have to be considered valid. Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,minimum number of bars,bar width status,direction,fixed threshold value> Default: Options: 1 to 16 6-27 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 152 Used when Bar Width Status is set to Fixed Threshold. Defines the minimum difference in pixels that will distinguish a narrow bar from a wide bar. Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,minimum number of bars,bar width status,direction,fixed threshold value> Default: Options: 1 to 65535 6-28 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 153: Postal Symbologies

    Symbologies Postal Symbologies Important: Postal Symbologies must have a minimum pixels-per-element value of 4 to be decoded reliably by the MS-4X. The imager must be configured to specific read range, field of view, and camera parameters before decoding Postal Symbologies.
  • Page 154 B and B’ fields,Australia Post allow 0 FCC> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = U.S. Post (POSTNET, PLANET, USPS4CB) 2 = Australia Post 3 = Japan Post 4 = Royal Mail 5 = KIX 6 = UPU 6-30 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 155: Australia Post

    When UPU is enabled, the imager will decode UPU symbols. For example, if Postal Symbology Type is set to UPU and POSTNET Status is enabled and (<K460,6,1>), the imager will attempt to decode both UPU and POSTNET symbols. 6-31 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 156 If U.S. Post and PLANET Status are both enabled, the imager will decode PLANET symbols. Serial Cmd: <K460,postal symbology type,POSTNET status,PLANET status, USPS4CB status,POSTNET allow B and B’ fields,Australia Post allow 0 FCC> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-32 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 157 0 FCC in Australia Post symbols. Serial Cmd: <K460,postal symbology type,POSTNET status,PLANET status,USPS4CB status,POSTNET allow B and B’ fields,Australia Post allow 0 FCC> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-33 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 158: Gs1 Databar

    Specifies the exact number of characters that the imager will recognize (this does not include start, stop, and check character 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 6-34 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 159 1-digit indicator. DataBar-14 is 96 modules wide. It can be stacked in two rows, it can read omnidirectionally if printed in full height, or horizontally if height-truncated for small marking. Serial Cmd: <K482,status> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 6-35 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 160: Pdf417

    Serial Cmd: <K476,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length> Default: Options: 1 to 2710 Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take effect. 6-36 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 161: 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. 6-37 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 162: 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 6-38 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 163: Narrow Margins/Symbology Identifier

    Serial Cmd: <K450,narrow margins,symbology identifier status> Default: Enabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled Enabled When Narrow Margins is set to Enabled, the imager uses a 5x margin requirement for standard linear symbols. 6-39 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 164: Symbology Identifier

    Australia Post; a 3 indicates PLANET; a 4 indicates Royal Mail; a 5 indicates KIX; a 6 indicates UPU (56-bar); a 7 indicates UPU (75-bar); and an 8 indicates USPS4CB. Example: ]Y0 indicates a POSTNET symbol. • For all other symbologies, the modifier is 0. 6-40 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 165: Background Color

    When Black background is enabled, the bars of the symbol are recognized as light on a dark background. 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. 6-41 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 166 Background Color 6-42 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 167 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 168: I/O Parameters By Esp

    I/O Parameters by ESP Click the Parameters button and then the I/O tab. 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 169: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 170: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 171 It’s typically used in tracking applications in which each object is uniquely identified. Definition: With Good Read enabled, the imager transmits symbol data on any good read regardless of Matchcode Type setting. Note: A No Read can still be transmitted if Enabled. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 172: 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. End of read cycle Start of read cycle Read cycle duration Host This is when host activates trigger expects output MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 173: No Read Message

    Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and can only be entered as hex pairs: For <: <K714h,,3C> For >: <K714h,,3E> <K714h,,2C> ASCII Character Entry Modifier for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 174: Output Indicators

    Output Indicators Output Indicators The MS-4X 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 175 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. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 176 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. 7-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 177: 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 10 ms increments) 7-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 178: 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. 7-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 179: Led Configuration

    Determines which ISO/IEC 16022 parameter 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 = Axial Non-Uniformity 4 = Unused ECC 7-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 180: 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 7-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 181 When set to Control, two characters are transmitted to represent a non-displayable character. For example, a carriage return will be shown as: ^M. Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status,control/hex output> Default: Control Options: 0 = Control 1 = Hex 7-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 182: 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. 7-16 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 183 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 7-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 184: 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. 7-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 185: Bar Code Configuration

    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). 7-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 186: 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. 7-20 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 187: Symbol Quality

    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. 7-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 188: 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. 7-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 189: 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). 7-23 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 190: Trend Analysis Mode

    Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers. Decodes per Trigger Output will be activated when the number of decodes equals the value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers. 7-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 191: 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 per trigger threshold> Default: Options: 0 to 65535 7-25 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 192: 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 7-26 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 193: Symbol Contrast Threshold

    UEC,UEC threshold> Default: Grade C Options: 0 = Grade A 1 = Grade B 2 = Grade C 3 = Grade D 7-27 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 194: 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 7-28 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 195: 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 7-29 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 196: Configurable Output 2

    UEC,UEC threshold> Diagnostics 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> 7-30 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 197: Configurable Output 3

    UEC,UEC threshold> Diagnostics 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> 7-31 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 198: 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. 7-32 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 199: 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. 7-33 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 200: Service Message

    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 7-34 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 201: 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) 7-35 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 202: 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. 7-36 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 203: 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) 7-37 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 204 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 7-38 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 205: 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 7-39 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 206: 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 per trigger status> Default: Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 7-40 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 207: 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 tab in App Mode to display the I/O Parameters tree control. 7-41 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 208: 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. 7-42 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 209 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. 7-43 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 210 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. 7-44 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 211 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) 7-45 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 212 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 7-46 MS-4X 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

    Matrix Output Mode ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality <K709,symbol contrast,print growth,axial non-uniformity, Output unused ECC> 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-4X 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

    Symbol Quality by ESP To open nested options, single-click the +. Click the Parameters button and then the Symbol Quality tab. To change a setting, double-click the setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. MS-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 218 Click the Calibrate Click the Locate button to optimize button to display the camera settings. symbol in the imager’s field of view. MS-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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-4X 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,ECC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-13 MS-4X 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,ECC level,matrix size,quiet zone,symbol angle> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 8-14 MS-4X 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-4X 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 Serial Commands ...................... 9-3 Overview of Matchcode ........................ 9-4 Matchcode Type ........................... 9-5 Match Replace..........................9-10 Mismatch Replace ........................9-11 New Master Pin .......................... 9-12 This section explains the MS-4X’s matchcode output functions and the master symbol database setup. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 230: Matchcode By Esp

    Matchcode by ESP Matchcode by ESP Click the Parameters button and then the Matchcode tab. To change a setting, To open nested options, double-click the single-click the +. setting and use your cursor to scroll through the options. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 231: Matchcode Serial Commands

    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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 232: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 233: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 234: 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 mismatch> Default: Options: 1 to 3000 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 235: 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 236 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 237: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 238: 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 9-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 239: 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 for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 9-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 240: 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> 9-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 241: Camera And Ip Setup

    Illumination Brightness......................10-22 Skew Correction ........................10-23 Morphological Pre-Processing....................10-26 Morphological Operation and Operator Size ................10-27 This section provides adjustment parameters for the physical controls of the camera, image acquisition, database settings, and image diagnostics. 10-1 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 242: Camera And Ip Setup By Esp

    Camera and IP Setup by ESP Click the Setup 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 243: Camera And Ip Setup Serial Commands

    Focal Distance Table (Read-Only) <K526,number of focal distances,focal distance> Illumination Brightness <K536,brightness> Skew Correction <K537,line speed,symbol direction> Camera <K541,shutter speed,gain> Pixel Sub-Sampling <K542,pixel sub-sampling,AEC/AGC mode,AEC/AGC brightness> Morphological Pre-Processing <K550,morphological pre-processing> Morphological Operation <K551,0,morphological operation,operator size> 10-3 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 244: Video

    The focal distance value is displayed just below the icon. When enabled, shows the Symbol data and symbol in higher contrast Test results are than the default contrast shown in this field. value. 10-4 MS-4X 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-4X 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 247: 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. 10-7 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 248: Calibration

    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 10-8 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 249: 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. 10-9 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 250 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. 10-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 251 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) 10-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 252: Configuration Database

    Configuration Database for full documentation of this feature. Configuration Database view, set for 5 Active Indexes, with Capture Settings highlighted 10-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 253: Dynamic Setup

    An external trigger is used to activate image captures so the user can make timing adjustments as capture events occur. 10-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 254: X-Mode

    X-Mode™ X-Mode™ The MS-4X is equipped with powerful X-Mode™ technology, which provides industry-leading decode performance on both printed and direct part mark symbols, with minimum configuration required out of the box. The X-Mode algorithm identifies symbol candidates within the imager’s field of view and uses sophisticated image processing to decode valid symbols.

  • Page 255: Pixel Sub-Sampling

    Since the resolution of the output image is reduced, the frame rate will increase, but not by the factor of the image reduction. This is due to the overhead time of digital pixel data processing and minimum row time requirements of the image sensor. 10-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 256 Pixel Sub-Sampling AEC/AGC Mode Note: AEC/AGC Mode is only applicable to the High Speed version of the MS-4X. Definition: AEC/AGC Mode (Automatic Exposure Control/Automatic Gain Control Mode) maintains optimal self-adjusting exposure and gain settings. This ensures that acquired images fall in a desirable region of the camera’s sensitivity range for optimal image luminance.

  • Page 257: Camera Settings

    Camera Settings are typically obtained during the calibration process, and do not necessarily need to be modified directly by the user. Optics The MS-4X 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 258 Before configuring gain settings, the desired shutter speed should already be set and the gain should be configured to optimize the shutter speed setting. Serial Cmd: <K541,shutter speed,gain> Default: Options: 0 to 48 10-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 259: Focal Distance

    Camera and IP Setup 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: 10-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 260: 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: 10-20 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 261: 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. 10-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 262: Illumination Brightness

    When set to Constant, the illumination is the same as the Medium setting. However, the LEDs will always be on during a read cycle and will only be off between read cycles. This cuts down on perceptible LED flashing. 10-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 263: Skew Correction

    Camera and IP Setup Skew Correction Note: Skew Correction does not apply to the High Speed version of the MS-4X, which has a global shutter. The MS-4X’s CMOS image sensor has a “rolling shutter” mechanism that controls pixel integration row-by-row, unlike a global shutter,...
  • Page 264 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. 10-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 265 • 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. 10-25 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 266: Morphological Pre-Processing

    Important: This command must be set to Enabled for Morphological Operation to function. Serial Cmd: <K550,morphological pre-processing> Default: Disabled Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 10-26 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 267: Morphological Operation And Operator Size

    Erode increases the dark cell size of a symbol. Useful for increasing the dark cell size of a dark-on-light Data Matrix symbol. Dilate Dilate increases the light cell size of a symbol. Useful for increasing the light cell size of a light-on-dark Data Matrix symbol. 10-27 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 268 Open removes minor light defects of dark cells by performing a Dilate function followed by an Erode function. Close Close removed minor dark defects of light cells by performing an Erode function followed by a Dilate function. 10-28 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 269 (measured in pixels) in which the morphological operation is being performed. Serial Cmd: <K551,0,morphological operation,operator size> Default: Small Options: 3 = Small (3 pixels by 3 pixels) 5 = Medium (5 pixels by 5 pixels) 7 = Large (7 pixels by 7 pixels) 10-29 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 270 Morphological Operation and Operator Size 10-30 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 271 Request Selected Index Settings ..................... 11-17 Request All Configuration Database Settings ................11-18 This section concerns the various capture settings and processing settings that can be used to fine-tune the MS-4X’s performance in your application. 11-1 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 272: Configuration Database Serial Commands

    Configuration Database Status depth,column width,narrow margins,background color,symbology> 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?> <K256,switch mode,frame count/time,image process Database Mode looping,image dimensions> 11-2 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 273: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 274: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 275 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 276 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 277 ECC level has been configured, the imager will not decode Data Matrix symbols. QR Code (Add 4) If enabled, QR Code will be active for this database index. Code 128 (Add 8) If enabled, Code 128 will be active for this database index. 11-7 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 278 Important: If the stacked and non-stacked operation is required, the DataBar Expanded command must be configured as follows: <K484,2>. If the DataBar Expanded status parameter in the <K484> command is set to either DISABLED or ENABLED, the imager will only read non-stacked DataBar Expanded symbols. 11-8 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 279 If enabled, Micro QR Code will be active for this database index. Aztec Code (Add 131072) If enabled, Aztec Code will be active for this database index. Postal Symbologies (Add 262144) If enabled, Postal Symbologies will be active for this database index. 11-9 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 280: 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 11-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 281 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. 11-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 282 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. 11-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 283 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. 11-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 284 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. 11-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 285: Save Current Settings To Configuration Database

    This command phrase saves the imager’s current, active configuration settings to database index 5. Save Current Settings to Configuration Database by ESP Click the Load Current to Index button to save the Imager’s current configuration parameters to the selected database index. 11-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 286: 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. 11-16 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 287: Request Selected Index Settings

    Configuration Database Request Selected Index Settings Definition: Returns configuration settings for the selected database index. Serial Cmd: <K255?,index> Example: <K255?,5> This command phrase returns the configuration settings for database index 5. 11-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 288: Request All Configuration Database Settings

    Request All Configuration Database Settings Request All Configuration Database Settings Definition: Returns configuration settings for all indexes in the Configuration Database. Serial Cmd: <K255?> Example: <K255?> This command phrase returns the configuration settings for all 10 database indexes. 11-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 289 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 290: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 291: 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 left of the text field to locate additional instances of “ABC”. 12-3 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 292: Send

    The Send function allows you to enter serial commands and then send them to the imager. 1. Type the command into the Send box. 2. Press Enter. 3. Click the Send button to the left of the text field to send . 12-4 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 293: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 294: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 295 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 296: 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 Default/Reset/Save <Arp> Reset and Recall Power-On Parameters <Arc> Reset and Recall Customer Default Parameters <Z> Save Current Settings for Power-On 13-2 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 297 Utilities Save Current Settings as Customer Default <Zc> Parameters for Power-On 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 <K??> All Descriptor Status Request...

  • Page 298: Read Rate

    (the Start button becomes a Stop Read Rate information is displayed in button during an active Read Rate test.) the lower portion of the Utilities view. Serial commands can also be sent to the imager from this screen. 13-4 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 299 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. 13-5 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 300: Counters

    Click the Request button to display the appropriate count or Clear to set the counter to zero. Trigger, Good Read, No Read, and Mismatch counters can be requested and cleared simultaneously (Request All and Clear All buttons) or individually (Request and Clear buttons to the left of each item). 13-6 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 301: 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. 13-7 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 302: Device Control

    Disabling the imager will not affect any commands that have already been downloaded. Enable Reader Sending <H> will turn the imager ON and allow it to enter read cycles. 13-8 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 303: Differences From Default

    • Click Send and Save to send the settings to the imager and save them, or Send to Reader to send the settings without saving them. Important: To use Differences from Default, connect to the imager and Receive Reader Settings via the Send/Recv button on the toolbar. 13-9 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 304: Master Database

    Loads the next symbol decoded Set Master Symbol into the selected index. Database Size here. Saves the database to the imager. Loads the imager’s saved master symbols into ESP. Double-click a row to enter data into popup text box. 13-10 MS-4X 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 13-11 MS-4X 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. 13-12 MS-4X 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?> 13-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 308: Read Next Symbol As Master Symbol

    Serial Cmd: <NEWM> 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 Matchcode.) 13-14 MS-4X 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. 13-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 310: Firmware

    Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in prog- ress. 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. 13-16 MS-4X 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>. 13-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 312 (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> 13-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 313: Default/Reset/Save

    <Arp> command is issued. Defaults Defaults are Microscan firmware settings or saved customer settings that can be recalled, either by software or hardware reset. 13-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 314 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 315: 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. 13-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 316 This request will return the value range and storage type description of all fields in the requested K command. <Knnn?*> Display Command Wildcard This request will return the individual K command status, description, and range for each parameter. 13-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 317: Learn Operations

    • A MS-4X in a Learned state has not been saved. Cycling power will remove any Learned state information and the imager will power-on in its configured state. • A MS-4X is saved in a Learning state. The imager will power-on in the Learning state and will learn the first Data Matrix symbol decoded.

  • 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 13-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 319: Bar Code Configuration Mode

    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 320 Other Operational Serial Commands 13-26 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 321: Output Format

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

  • Page 322: 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> Format Status <K743,output format status> Output Filter Configuration <K744,filter number,symbology,length,wildcard,placeholder data,unused,database index> Ordered Output Filter <K745,number of filters> 14-2 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 323: Output Format Status

    When Output 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. Output Format Status by ESP On the Output Format tab, check the Enable Output Format box. 14-3 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 324: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 325: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 326: Format Extract By Esp

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

  • Page 327: Format Insert

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

  • Page 328: Format Insert By Esp

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

  • Page 329: 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-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 330 10 = GS1 DataBar (RSS) 11 = MicroPDF417 12 = Composite 13 = BC412 14 = Data Matrix 15 = QR Code 16 = Micro QR Code 17 = Aztec Code 18 = Postal Symbologies 14-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 331 Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters. Example: 3F = ? 00 = disabled ASCII Character Entry Modifier for a detailed explanation of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values. 14-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 332: Database Index

    The index of the database entry that decodes a given symbol must equal this setting for filtering to occur. A setting of 0 allows any database index for this filter entry. Serial Cmd: <K744,filter number,symbology,length,wildcard,placeholder,data, unused,database index> Default: (any index) Options: 0 to 10 14-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 333 Use these settings to determine Symbology Type, Length of the symbol, a user-defined Matching String, ASCII Lookup, Wildcard Character, Placeholder Character, and Database Number. Click Apply to save the settings to the corresponding filter. 14-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 334: Number Of Filters

    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 14-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 335: Appendices

    Appendix F Interface Standards....................A-25 Appendix G Operational Tips ..................... A-26 Appendix H Using an External Trigger ..................A-27 Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver..............A-28 Appendix J MS-4X Image Output....................A-31 Appendix K Glossary of Terms....................A-34 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 336: Appendix A General Specifications

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

  • Page 337: Field Of View

    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-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 338: General Specifications

    General Specifications FIS Options MS-4X Imager MS-4X IMAGER, SD, X-MODE, RS-232, 5VDC FIS-0004-2001G MS-4X IMAGER, LD, X-MODE, RS-232, 5VDC FIS-0004-2002G MS-4X IMAGER, SD, X-MODE, USB, 5VDC FIS-0004-2003G MS-4X IMAGER, LD, X-MODE, USB, 5VDC FIS-0004-2004G MS-4X IMAGER, SD, X-MODE, USB+I/O, 5VDC...

  • Page 339: Appendix B Electrical Specifications

    The default is activated by connecting pin 8 to ground pin 4. c. Chassis ground: Used to connect chassis body to earth ground only. Not to be used as power or signal return. Direct Input / Output Diagrams MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 340 Electrical Specifications Optoisolator Trigger Inputs for IC-332 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 341 Appendices MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 342 Electrical Specifications New Master Pin MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 343: Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands

    Image Storage <K244,image storage type,image store mode> Image Processing Timeout <K245,image processing timeout> Symbologies Narrow Margins/Symbology ID <K450,narrow margin status,symbology identifier status> Background Color <K451,background color> Composite <K453,symbology status,separator status,separator> Aztec Code <K458,status> MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 344 Beeper <K702,status> Quality Output <K704,quality output separator,decodes per trigger status> Symbol Data Output <K705,symbol data output status,when to output> No Read Message <K714,status,message> Frame Information <K734,output frame number,output coordinates> LED Configuration <K737,LED mode,ISO/IEC 16022 grade> A-10 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 345 No Read,sequence on mismatch> Number of Master Symbols <K224,number of master symbols> New Master Pin <K225,status> Enter Master Symbol Data <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data> Request Master Symbol Data <K231?,>[for all] or <K231?,master symbol number> A-11 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 346 Output Format Format Extract <K740,output index,start location,length> Format Insert <K741,output index,length,hex string> Format Assign <K742,symbol number,status> Format Status <K743,output format status> Output Filter Configuration <K744,filter number,symbology,length,wildcard,placeholder, data,unused,database index> Ordered Output Filter <K745,number of filters> A-12 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 347 For example, if only the last field in the following command is changing, <K100,4,1,0,0> can be entered as <K100,,,,0>. • All fields following a modified field can be omitted. For example, to change Baud Rate only, send <K100,3>. A-13 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 348 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-14 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 349 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-15 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 350 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-16 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 351 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-17 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 352: Appendix D Communications Protocol

    Communications Protocol 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-18 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 353 ‘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-19 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 354: Appendix D Communications Protocol

    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-20 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 355 ‘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-21 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 356 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-22 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 357 (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-23 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 358: Appendix E Ascii Table

    ASCII Table Appendix E — ASCII Table Ctrl “ & < > A-24 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 359: Appendix F Interface Standards

    Interface Standards, established by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), specify such things as the signaling voltage levels, maximum cable lengths, and number of drivers. In the MS-4X, selection of interface is made by pin assignment and, in the case of host communications, by software switching between RS-232 and RS-422/RS-485.

  • Page 360: Appendix G Operational Tips

    The MS-4X has a hard-coated window that should only be cleaned with alcohol (100% isopropyl). Mounting When mounting the MS-4X, 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. A-26...

  • Page 361: Appendix H Using An External Trigger

    Appendices Appendix H — Using an External Trigger Two types of inputs are used on Microscan readers. 5 volt devices have NPN trigger inputs. 10-28 volt devices have optoisolated inputs and outputs. 5 Volt Devices To trigger a 5 volt device, the input has to be pulled down to “signal ground” (NPN). This can be done by relays or by a transistor-sourced signal.

  • Page 362: Appendix I Usb-To-Serial Virtual Com Port Driver

    ® (For use with Windows 7 (32-bit), 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-4X. Installing the USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver 1. Download the driver files from the Microscan website or Microscan Tools CD.
  • Page 363 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-29 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 364 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 365: Appendix J Ms-4X Image Output

    Appendices Appendix J — MS-4X Image Output This section explains how to extract (download) a video-captured image from a MS-4X. Y-Modem Method The easiest download method is to issue the <op,9> command to get a list of available images, then initiate a download sequence using a Y-Modem utility or protocol sequence.
  • Page 366 • From the menu bar, select Transfer, Receive File… • Select a file storage location, and then select ‘Y-modem’, click Receive. • HyperTerminal will upload the image and save the file to the directory specified. A-32 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 367 = the length of data to follow, 32 bit integer from ‘00000000’ to ‘FFFFFFFF’ FRAMETYPE SCHEMA DATA = image data = CRC16 check digit at the end includes SOH, and everything after, except the CRC More information on these formats is available at: http://partners.adobe.com/public/developer/en/tiff/TIFF6.pdf http://www.exif.org/specifications.html A-33 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

  • Page 368: Appendix K 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-34 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 369 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-35 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 370 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-36 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 371 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-37 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 372 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-38 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 373 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-39 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...
  • Page 374 Glossary of Terms A-40 MS-4X Imager User’s Manual...

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