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        Windows CE handheld scans barcodes at 50 feet

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 28, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Intermec has introduced the CK31ex, said to be the first handheld computer with "integrated near-far imaging technology." This allows the Windows CE-based device to read barcodes and other symbology at distances from six inches to 50 feet, the company says.



        (Click here for a larger view of the CK31ex)

        According to Intermec, the unit's auto-focus scan engine reads and decodes 1D and 2D barcodes as well as composite and postal codes, from near or far in any orientation. It can also read barcodes printed on plain paper at long distances, reportedly eliminating the need for expensive retro-reflective label media.

        The company says workers don't need to twist their wrists to align the CK31ex with barcodes, improving scanning efficiency. The CK31ex can also operate as a digital camera, letting users capture images suitable for proof of delivery and documentation of damaged, expired or unsealed goods.

        Todd King of Kemira, a chemical group based in Helsinki, Finland, stated, "The ability of the CK31ex to read from any distance, in any orientation, and at any angle dramatically improves our workers' productivity. For example, we have pallets full of bags wrapped in plastic wrap that are hard to read using most scanners, but with the CK31ex we have had few problems."

        The CK31ex is available with factory-loaded terminal emulation support. Web-based applications can reportedly be implemented easily with Internet Explorer or with Intermec's own browser.

        With the exception of the near-far imager, technical specifications for the CK31ex are nearly identical to its 2005 predecessor, the CK31. Intermec lists the following key features and specifications for the CK31ex:
        • Processor -- 400 MHz Intel PXA255
        • Memory -- 64 MB SDRAM, 64 MB Flash
        • Display -- 3.5-inch, 16-bit color, 240x320 resolution transflective LCD with resistive touchscreen
        • Keypad -- Bezeled elastomeric keypad with 52-key alphanumeric layout including four function keys
        • Expansion -- SD card slot
        • Wireless -- built-in 802.11b/g WiFi; compatible with Cisco extensions
          • Security protocols -- WEP, WPA, 802.1x (EAP-TLS, TTLS, LEAP, PEAP), Microsoft VPN
        • I/O interfaces:
          • Optional Bluetooth
          • USB version 1.1 (through charging dock)
          • Snap-on adapter for DB9 interface to serial or printer peripherals
        • Barcode scanning:
          • Options for 1D/2D area imager and multiple lasers (standard and long range)
          • Supported codes -- Code 39, I 2 of 5, S 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, Code 128, Code 93, Code 93i, Codabar, Codablock, MSI, Plessey, UPC, EAN/EAN128, ISBT128, Code 11, RSS, Telepen, PDF417, Micro-PDF417, UCC-EAN Composite, Maxicode, Datamatrix, QR Code
        • Environmental:
          • IP64 dust and water sealing rating
          • Survives multiple 6 foot drops to steel or concrete
          • Tested to MIL-PRF-28800F for shock and vibration
        • Dimensions -- 9.2 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches in the grip area
        • Software:
          • Operating system -- Windows CE 4.2
          • Development Environments -- Embedded Visual C++ 4.0, .NET Compact Framework (VB .NET and C#)
          • Browser support -- IE6 and Intermec Browser
          • Software development kit -- Supports device-specific features and barcode scanning
          • Bundled productivity applications -- WordPad, Transcriber, and Imager scan demo program
          • Terminal Emulation -- VT/ANSI, 5250, 3270
        Optional accessories, according to the company, include a pistol grip; vehicle mount cradles; a four-slot battery charger, a single bay communications cradle with serial/USB/Ethernet; and a 4-slot communications dock with serial/Ethernet.

        Availability

        The CK31ex scanning handheld appears to be available now. Pricing was not disclosed.


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