Flic Newsletter: January 2006

January 31, 2006

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This edition of FlicWatch Developer Newsletter presents you with:

Events
Flic Fact— New Flic Scanner Website Launches
Flic Product Spotlight— PC, PPC SDK and Wedge Software
You Ask, We Answer— Operating Modes
Flic Developer Resources
Partner with Microvision—Solutions Guide Launches
What else would you like to see in this newsletter?

Events:

http://www.cebit.de
Mar 9-15, Hannover - Germany
If you are going and would like to meet, please let us know

http://www.himss06.org/index.asp
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference 2006
Feb 12-16, 2006 San Diego, CA
If you are going and would like to meet, please let us know.

http://www.flickerfest.com.au/
Australia’s premier international Short Film Festival
Various locations through Mar 26th
Wish we were there; this sure looks like a great time.

On December 29th, 2005 Microvision launched the new Flic Scanner website. Some of the changes that you see are improved support for Developers, End Users, and Resellers. There is now a dedicated section for Developers that includes FAQs, device drivers, compatibility matrix, a form to request additional help, and FlicWatch newsletter archives.

Other noteworthy changes on the new website include an app note about wedge software, case studies, an updated Product Configurator and a dynamic Solutions Guide that shows End User solutions across a variety of computing platforms.

If you have an application that supports the Flic Scanner and wish to be listed in the Solutions Guide, please let us know.

What else would you like to see in this newsletter or in the Developer Section of the website?

Product Preview: Microvision Scanner Wedge Software and Software Development Kit (SDK) Upgrades

Microvision is working on an updated version of our wedge software and SDK tools that support the Flic Scanner and Flic Cordless Scanner. What is new?

Wedge Software: Scanner Wedge Software is a keyboard wedge application that provides the simplest connection of a Microvision scanner to an application. It provides data input from the scanner into the active application just as if it were typed on a keyboard. No programming is required and installation is easy.

The Flicware name is changing to Scanner Wedge Software. Microvision provides scanners to a wide range of customers and resellers. The more generic name of “Scanner Wedge Software” addresses requests we’ve received from our customers.

Scanner Wedge Software now works with Flic Scanners AND Flic Cordless Scanners. No more confusion over getting the right software. Just select your platform, PC or PPC, and you have the software that works with your scanner.

SDK: The Microvision Scanner Software Developers Kit (SDK) provides programmers and developers the tools needed to integrate Microvision Scanner products into new or existing applications. An API is provided for easy integration along with sample programs and documentation. Demo projects include the SDK and full source code. We have demo projects for VB6, VC6, VB.NET, C#.NET, and C#.NET Compact. Gain control over your data capture. Know when bar coded data enters your program and take action. Differentiate your data collection application by taking advantage of unique features like batch mode, time stamps, and User ID.

SDK Features

Supports Flic Scanners and Flic Cordless Scanners
Manages scanner connections
Handles multiple scanner connections
Supports Real-time data transfer mode
Batch data transfer mode
Bluetooth, serial or USB connections
Auto-reconnect for Bluetooth
Time Stamp setting and management
Scanner feature setting and management

Please notify me when this software is available!

You Ask, We Answer: Operating Modes: To Connect or not to Connect? That is the question.

By Tony Cataldo

Question: What operating mode should I use with my Flic Scanner?

The Microvision Flic Scanner is highly configurable and supports a number of operating modes including Connected (or tethered), Batch, auto-download, manual download, etc. The operating mode used depends on the specific requirements of your application.

To Connect or not to Connect

The first interface question for you to ponder is whether or not you want to run in connected mode (“tethered”) or batch mode.

In connected mode you operate while connected to a host (whoa, how profound was that?). Use connected mode for applications that immediately process the scanned data. Examples include library check-out, point of sale, retail shelf price audit (connected to a portable host of some sort), or other applications where the scanned data must be immediately validated or processed. You have two options for connected mode, namely, cabled and wireless.

Batch applications are those that do not need to process the scanned bar codes immediately. Batch applications include inventory tracking, attendance tracking, physical inventory, job costing, time tracking, security tour tracking, etc.

Which operating mode should you use? The operating mode you choose depends entirely on the application. Be sure to use the operating mode that is most appropriate for your application. Don’t add complexity to your solution purely for the sake of using more advanced technology. If you need a live wireless connection to your host then use the Flic Cordless Scanner. If you need a live cabled host connection then use the Flic Scanner in tethered mode. If you need batch processing then use the Flic Scanner in batch mode.

Auto versus Manual Download

When using the Flic Scanner in batch mode you can operate in either manual or auto-download modes. In manual download mode the Flic Scanner sends its stored data after it receives a download request from the host. Typically, the application provides a button for the user to initiate the download after they have plugged in the scanner. Or the download command may be part of a process flow in the application. In auto-download mode the stored data is sent after the scanner is connected. The scanner detects a connection and begins sending data immediately. We found that office and retail users tend to prefer auto-download while the more industrial workers prefer manual download. The Flic SDK/Technical Manual contains implementation details for both modes. Microvision Technical Support also provides a number of demo projects that contain the integration code for both auto and manual download modes.

Combining Connected and Batch Modes

Some applications may require a combination of connected and batch operations. For example an inventory application that receives items in real time but also requires monthly inventory audits. The receiving function may be connected while the audit is batch. This scenario is supported by the Flic Scanner and more details can be found in our August 2005 Edition of FlicWatch.

Handling Multiple Flic Scanners

Some applications require multiple Flic Scanners. These applications include trade show attendance tracking, physical inventory, or other applications where you must collect large amounts of batch data. Downloading large amounts of data can be time consuming. Here are some ways multiple scanners may be used:

A single cable or docking station connects to the host computer. Each user connects their scanner and waits for the data to download. This is probably the easiest method to implement but may require users to wait for other users to complete their download.
You can also use multiple cables or docking stations to the same or multiple hosts. You can run a separate application for each connection or create multiple connections in the same application. This provides parallel processing of users but still requires each user to wait for their data to download.
Lastly, if it is impractical to have users wait for their Flic Scanner to download then consider using rotating scanners. In this method, the user approaches the host computer, removes an empty scanner from a docking station, and connects their full scanner to the same docking station. The user takes the empty scanner and resumes work. The host downloads the data in the docked Flic Scanner which is then ready for the next user (after its download finishes). The user simply swaps scanners and resumes.

Summary

Well, to summarize, keep your solution simple. Consider the needs of your user and the cleanest interface into your host system. Use the appropriate operating mode and connection type that best suits your customer and your application.

Flic Developer Resources

Developer FAQ

App Note

Case Studies

Take advantage of this Special Coupon to Evaluate the Flic Scanner for your Application.

Integrate the Flic Scanner into your application. Request the free SDK

Check out the Compatibility Matrix.

Report device compatibility issues or successes.

Flic Support. Need Help?