April 30th, 2007
Events
MEDC 2007
April 30 - May 3, 2007
Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.medc2007.com
If you are going and would like meet,
please let us know .
RIM WES 2007
May 8-10, 2007
Orlando, Florida
http://www.wirelessenterprisesymposium.com
If you are going and would like meet, please let us know .
SID 2007
May 20-25, 2007
Long Beach, California
http://www.sid.org
If you are going and would like meet, please let us know .
Yasothon Rocket Festival
May 13-15, 2007
Yasothon, Thailand
Click here to learn more.
Product Spotlight - New Bar Code Scanner!
Microvision has announced a new member to it Bar Code Scanner product line, the ROV Scanner. The ROV Scanner leverages the sleek attractive form factor from the Flic Scanner but has many differences. The biggest difference is the departure from the mechanical scan engine of the Flic Scanner in favor of a new MEMS scan engine. The ROV Scanner utilizes the same MEMS scanning technology that is prevalent in our other technology offerings including Pico Projector Displays, Vehicle Displays, and Wearable Displays. See the related article in this issue “What is MEMS, Anyway?".
Leveraging MEMS for the scan engine keeps the cost low so the ROV Scanner is Simple and Affordable. When the Scanner is released in the Summer of 2007 it will be more Connected than ever, allowing users to scan into the mobile computing platform of their choosing including Windows®, Windows Mobile®, BlackBerry®, Symbian® and Palm®.
See the ROV Scanner with Bluetooth at MEDC (link) or RIM WES (link). See a preview of the ROV Scanner and sign up to stay informed.
ROV Scanner |
ROV Scanner w/Bluetooth |
|
Platforms |
Windows, Linux, iDen, Mac |
Windows, Windows Mobile (Pocket PC), Mac, BlackBerry, Palm, Symbian (Nokia E-series only) |
Interface |
Serial, USB |
Bluetooth |
Bar Codes |
UPC/EAN/JAN, Code 39, Code 128, RSS, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar |
|
Memory |
Store approximately 4,000 UPC-A codes in non-volatile memory |
|
Power |
3 AAA alkaline batteries |
|
Scan Engine |
Microvision proprietary MEMS-based Class 1 Laser product |
|
Dimensions |
Length: 4.5in (11.4cm); Width: 2in (5cm); Height 1in (2.5cm) |
|
Radio |
Bluetooth® class 2, 2.0 complaint |
|
The new ROV Scanner has a simplified API
Microvision has created a new API for the ROV Scanner called XSP, eXstensible Scanner Protocol. Our goals in modifying our API include
- Simplify the Scanner interface for enhanced features
- Have a single Scanner Mode
- Eliminates confusion
- Avoids incompatibilities
- Improves portability
- Have a single Scanner communication protocol with options
- Make all connections behave the same
- Bluetooth connection can be a true cable replacement and does not require a complex protocol to get data
- Better Support Developers
- Use an ASCII based standard communication protocol
- Simplify coding
- Easier to troubleshoot
- Based on industry standards
- Leverages the epcGlobal Reader Protocol
Can I still use my Flic Scanner applications with the new ROV Scanner?
Many existing Flic Scanner applications will work with the new ROV Scanner.
Two Flic Scanner functions are not backwards compatible on the ROV Scanner.
- All timestamp functions work differently with the ROV Scanner.
- Plus Mode / Plus Protocol: The Plus Mode and Plus Protocol have been eliminated.
To receive more information on XSP, updated SDK’s, and other ROV Scanner development information, please click here.
What is MEMS, anyway?
As mentioned in the Product Spotlight the new ROV Scanner uses MEMS technology. We’ve put together a MEMS Bar Code Scanner Technology Overview to help those new to MEMS, to better understand what this all means. Read the MEMS Technology Overview.
Microvision offers multiple Flic Scanner connectivity solutions for end-users and developers alike. The Flic Scanner is connectable to most host platforms using Bluetooth, Serial or USB. Developers who desire advanced bar code data control can use the Microvision Software Development Kit (SDK) or SerialMagic API. If your required solution doesn’t warrant custom scanner integration, use wedge software to scan bar codes into a commercially available application. To see an example of a successful wedge implementation, read the Customer Success Story in this issue.
View the connectivity diagram »
Developers of commercial software applications need customers to survive and thrive. Microvision can increase exposure of your solution by including it in the Microvision Solutions Deck. The Solutions Deck is provided to mobile operator and mobile distributor representatives in order to teach them about mobile data solutions.
It is easy to get in the Deck. We simply need to know that your application supports our scanners through native integration or that it works through the use of wedge software.
Our Solutions Deck includes any application that supports Microvision scanners. You may also elect to resell Microvison products but that is not a requirement.
Already support Microvision Scanners? Tell us about it.
Using existing PCs with Microsoft Office productivity software, the Texas division of a global soft drink company deployed Flic Scanners in regional repair warehouses to improve shipping, receiving and auditing inventory.
Efficiency – More time is now allocated to equipment repair, increasing overall warehouse throughput.
Accuracy – Scanning bar codes has virtually eliminated inventory tracking errors.
Fast Implementation – Leveraging existing hardware and software made deployment and implementation quick and easy.
Developer FAQ
Case Studies
Three ways to put the Flic Scanner to work for you right now.
Purchase the Microvision SDK for BlackBerry.
Check out the Compatibility Matrix.
Report device compatibility issues or successes.
Flic Developer Support - Need Help?
Last month we struggled with a caption for a user submitted photo of a truly Irish Flic Scanner. So we asked for some help. Luckily for us, Andrew Curtis from C1 Consulting, answered the call and delivered.
“Forget the luck of the Irish –
Grab a Flic and get the job done!”
Runner up:
"Flicker Flicker little Flic, how I wonder what you Flicked. Up above the code so high, like a laser in the sky."
