Data Capture
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Scanning Considerations
Scanning consists of aim, scan, and decode. Scanning performance can be optimized by considering the range
and the scanning angle.
Range
Any scanning device decodes well over a particular working range (minimum and maximum distances from the
barcode). This range varies according to barcode density and scanning device optics.
Scanning within range brings quick and constant decodes; scanning too close or too far away prevents decodes.
Move the scanner closer and further away to find the right working range for the barcodes being scanned.
However, the situation is complicated by the availability of various integrated scanning modules. The best way to
specify the appropriate working range per barcode density is through a chart called a decode zone for each scan
module. A decode zone simply plots working range as a function of minimum element widths of barcode symbols.
Angle
The scan angle is important for optimizing decode performance. When laser beams reflect directly back into the
scanner from the barcode, this specular reflection can “blind” the scanner.
To avoid this, scan the barcode so that the beam does not bounce directly back. But do not scan at too sharp an
angle; the scanner needs to collect scattered reflections from the scan to make a successful decode. Practice
quickly shows what tolerances to work within.
NOTE:
Contact the Zebra Global Customer Support if chronic scanning difficulties develop. Decoding of properly print-
ed barcodes should be quick and effortless.
Imaging
The imagers have the following features:
• Omnidirectional (360°) reading of a variety of barcode symbologies, including the most popular linear,
postal, PDF417, and 2-D matrix code types.
• The ability to capture and download images to a host for a variety of imaging applications.
• Advanced intuitive laser aiming for easy point-and-shoot operation.
The imager uses digital camera technology to take a digital picture of a barcode, stores the resulting image in its
memory, and executes state-of-the-art software decoding algorithms to extract the data from the image.
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