“Lux” Explained for Barcode Scanning
The Granit user guide has a performance chart that says – “Granit 1980i/1981i Scanner Typical Performance (200 lux). So what is this “lux” thing?
Lux is the amount of ambient light in the area. A full sun, no clouds in the sky, summer day would be considered about 100,000 Lux. A completely dark area with no ambient light at all would be 0 Lux. A typical office environment is usually between 500 – 700 Lux. Granit scanner are used typically in a warehouse which are usually dimmer than offices. It would be safe to say that a warehouse would measure about 200 Lux of ambient lighting.
Empowering Healthcare Providers with Honeywell’s 1900h Series Imagers
With the ever changing healthcare landscape, hospitals are constantly under pressure to consistently perform to always evolving regulations. Add to this that many hospitals are being forced to do more with less staff and you have a genuine need to improve the efficiency and accuracy of every process from identifying patients and accessing electronic medical record data to general bedside care.
Providing hospital staff with the right barcode scanner is a simple step to take to empower them to do more with less. Honeywell is leading the way with a line of scanners designed specifically to meet the needs for healthcare applications.
All of these scanners provide full decoding of any 1D, 2D, and Stacked barcodes and have disinfectant-ready housings that will handle daily cleaning without ever effecting performance.
Xenon 1900h Area-Imaging Scanner
- Corded Scanner – USB, PS/2, RS232, and IBM 46xx options
- Custom Sensor Optimized for barcode Scanning
- Laser-Free Solution
Xenon 1902h Wireless Area-Imaging Scanner
- Cordless Scanner
- Long-Lasting Lithium-Ion Battery with Tool-Free Access
- Flexible Radio Power Management
- Vertical Base
- Laser-Free Solution
Datalogic’s New PowerScan PBT9500-DPM EVO Rugged Imager
Datalogic has recently announced that the PowerScan PBT9500-DPM Evo rugged handheld imager is now available.
The PowerScan DPM family is relying on the new enhanced Datalogic DPM decoding software and new electronics for improved results when scanning standard barcodes as well as bar codes marked with DPM (Direct Part Marking) technology.
Direct Part Marking is a process that allows users to imprint a bar code directly on an item instead of printing the code on a paper label. Different technologies are available to directly mark objects: laser/chemical etching, dot peening and ink jet printing. Each of these methods has specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, cost and ease of reading. The PowerScan PBT9500-DPM Evo reader is a cordless rugged handheld area imager specifically addressed and capable of reading codes marked with DPM.
Future-Proof Scanning with Honeywell’s Voyager 1450g
With the ever growing use of 2D barcodes in couponing and mobile advertising, more and more retailers are finding a need to embrace 2D Imagers in their checkout process. Being able to easily read barcodes from a smartphone screen or capture customer data from a driver’s license can greatly improve the customer experience and help generate repeat business.
Beyond retail applications, many government regulations and supplier mandates are requiring the use of 2D barcodes due to their ability to store more data. Enterprises are also looking to leverage emerging trends that require area-imaging technology, today or in the near future, without the need to purchase additional scanning hardware, or settle for reduced scanning performance.
Design Meets Technology in the Datalogic Heron 2D
Datalogic’s latest addition to their scanning line, the Heron HD3430 2D area imager brings unmatched elegance along with the latest advanced 2D reading technology to the modern point-of-sale. The retailer is able to offer their customer a positively charged checkout experience through the combination of: a high-performing 2D imager; customization options such as personalizing the scanner with a company logo; specific enclosure options; specific targeted LED light colors; and custom sounds at the POS.
Datalogic’s New Heron HD3430 2D Imager for Point-of-Sale
Datalogic has announced the release of the Heron HD3430 2D area imager. The HD3430 2D area imager is the first handheld reader featuring a proprietary 2D multi-purpose imaging engine developed by Datalogic.
This high-performance 2D scan engine features a global shutter WVGA sensor optimized for high speed-to-read and outstanding motion tolerance, a key feature for the Retail market and POS checkout applications. In particular, whenthe Heron HD3430 2D area imager is used in its stand, the high motion tolerance allows bar codes to be read easily and precisely even when moving quickly and carelessly in front of the scanners’ window.
The unmatched ergonomics of this product versus any other competitor is further enhanced by an efficient white illumination and precise 4-dot center-cross laser aiming system for the most effective data capture activity at the POS checkout. Furthermore, Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ technology is included, providing visual feedback with each bar code read.
Zebra DS4208 vs. DS4308 Side-By-Side Comparison
When choosing the right 2D imager you ultimately need a device that meets the demands of your specific application while being easy to use out of the box.
Historically, the DS4208 was one of the most popular imagers from Motorola/Zebra which has been discontinued and replaced with the even more capable Symbol DS4308. The chart below is a quick comparison of the new features and capabilities found in the newer DS4308.
If you’re looking for a new 2D imager, the DS4308 is a scanner that will easily improve the efficiency and speed of any scanning application.
 DS4208 |
 DS4308 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Market Positioning | Introductory: 1D/2D Imager for paper/ mobile bar codes | 2nd Generation: 1D/2D Imager with PRZM technology which enhances decode performance and snappiness, dramatically improving the user experience |
| Market Advantage |
|
|
| DEFAULT SETTINGS | ||
| Quick Keypad Emulation | Disabled | Enabled |
| Unique Barcode Reporting in Continuous Barcode Mode | Disabled | Enabled |
| Emulate Numeric Keypad | Disabled | Enabled |
| Length for Code 39 | 2 to 55 | 1 to 55 |
| Code 93 | Disabled | Enabled |
| Length for Code 93 | 4 to 55 | 1 to 55 |
| Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) | Disabled | Enabled |
| Lengths for I 2 of 5 | Fixed Length = 14 | 6 to 55 |
| Length for D 2 of 5 | Fixed Length = 12 | Any Length (1 to 55) |
| Codabar | Disabled | Enabled |
| Lengths for Codabar | 5 to 55 | 4 to 55 |
| Matrix 2 of 5 Lengths | Fixed Length = 14 | 4 to 55 |
| GS1 DataBar Limited | Disabled | Enabled |
| USB Fast HID | Disabled | Enabled |
| USB Polling Interval | 8ms | 3ms |
| Different Symbol Time-out | 200ms | 100ms |
Datalogic’s Magellan 9800i Redefines Retail Checkout Scanning
Leading the way in retail checkout scanning, the Datalogic Magellan 9800i is the world’s first in-counter barcode scanner driven completely by high performance digital imaging, resulting in the ability to increase checkout performance in the world’s busiest checkout environments. Compared to traditional laser based in-counter scanner/scales, the 9800i greatly improves checkout speeds but also opens new interactions with a customer facing imager to easily scan digital coupons from smartphone screens and traditional paper/card based coupons.
Key Features
- Advanced digital imaging in all reading planes
- Seamless reading of 1D and 2D codes in all planes with good-read audio and visual confirmation for fast, uninterrupted scanning
- Optional Top Down Reader (TDR) adds large topside field-of-view as well as a customer-facing mobile device reader
- The largest ever All-Weighs scale platter enables effortless, accurate weighing of long or bulky items
- ScaleSentry Shrink Monitoring/Prevention System reduces losses from oversized items outside the weighing surface
- Low bonnet height allows for accessibility and flexibility in checkstand layout
- Top side accessible service port allows for the product to stay in the counter for most service calls (including software upgrades)
- Illumix Intelligent Illumination Technology designed for digital imaging in retail
Honeywell’s New Granit 1980i Industrial Full 2D Imager
The Granit 1980i industrial-grade scanner features full-range area-imaging technology capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes across a wide range of distances. From poor quality 2 mil codes scanned at close range, to 100 mil codes hanging from warehouse rafters scanned at ranges of 52 feet, the 1980i is built to perform. With an unmatched range that provides incredible versatility, Granit enables maximum operator productivity in the harshest environments.
The 1980i is packed with technologies that make it simple to use. An integrated laser pointer aiming system with auto-illumination, omni-directional reading capability, and support for centering take the guesswork out of scanning at extended ranges. Operators of fork trucks equipped with vehicle-mounted mobile computers, such as the Honeywell Thor series, will appreciate how the full-range scanning capability of 1980i allows them to remain seated—and hence more productive—while scanning pallets at extended ranges.
Easily Access 2D Imaging with the Affordable Honeywell 1452g
Specifically driven by the use of mobile devices, 2D barcodes have emerged from the realm of high cost, speciality applications to everyday uses like retail couponing, event ticketing, and advertising. Historically, the choice between a traditional 1D laser scanner or 2D imager was primarily driven by the large cost and performance difference. Jump to today and 2D imagers have made drastic technological improvements which have brought down cost and improved overall performance beyond laser scanners on all types of barcodes.
For many businesses the decision to go with a full 2D imager is still based around cost despite the improvements and added capabilities they can provide. This is where the new Honeywell Voyager 1452g is the perfect solution for any business that may be on the fence about 2D imaging. All of the units are technically imagers but some are available with a 1D barcode only scanning option at a significant lower cost. These units can later be upgraded (firmware update) to enable full 2D capabilities when needed.
This flexibility makes the Voyager 1452g an exceptional value for businesses that require the versatility of area-imaging technology today or may need it in the future.
