Tagsys LIBHANDHLDRD1 Users Guide

L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader

User's Guide

Revision 1.2

TAGSYS

July 2003

L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader User's Guide

Publishing Information

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

All information herein is either public information or is the property of and owned solely by TAGSYS who shall have and
keep the sole right to file patent applications or any other kind of intellectual property protection in connection with such
information.

Nothing herein shall be construed as implying or granting to you any rights, by license, grant or otherwise, under any
intellectual and/or industrial property rights of or concerning any of TAGSYS’ information.

This document can be used for informational, non-commercial, internal and personal use only provided that:

 the copyright notice below, the confidentiality and proprietary legend and this full warning notice appear in all copies.

 this document shall not be posted on any network computer or broadcast in any media and no modification of any

part of this document shall be made.

Use for any other purpose is expressly prohibited and may result in severe civil and criminal liabilities.

The information contained in this document is provided “AS IS” without any warranty of any kind. Unless otherwise
expressly agreed in writing, TAGSYS makes no warranty as to the value or accuracy of information contained herein.
The document could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically added to the
information herein. Furthermore, TAGSYS reserves the right to make any change or improvement in the specifications
data, information, and the like described herein, at any time.

Therefore TAGSYS assumes no liability and is not responsible for customer applications or product or software that
include TAGSYS products.

TAGSYS HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL TAGSYS BE LIABLE, WHETHER
IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE,
DATA, PROFITS, REVENUES, OR CUSTOMERS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

TAGSYS does not and shall not warrant that this product/system/equipment will be resistant to all possible attacks, and
shall not incur, and disclaims, any liability in this respect. Even if each product is compliant with current security
standards in force on the date of their design, security mechanisms' resistance necessarily evolves according to the
state-of-the-art in security and notably under the emergence of new attacks. Under no circumstances shall TAGSYS be
held liable for any third party actions, and in particular in case of any successful attack against systems or equipment
incorporating TAGSYS products.

TAGSYS disclaims any liability with respect to security for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that result
from any use of its products. It is further stressed that independent testing and verification by the person using the
product is particularly encouraged, especially in any application in which defective, incorrect, or insecure functioning
could result in damage to persons or property, denial of service, or loss of privacy.

© Copyright TAGSYS 2000-2003

MS-DOS© and Windows© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Printed in France.

TAGSYS – 180 Chemin de St Lambert, 13821 LA PENNE SUR HUVEAUNE, France.

Tel: [phone] / Fax: [phone]

Document Reference: 10711A0

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Read This First

Read This First

Welcome to the TAGSYS Library System. This guide is designed to help you get up and running
quickly using this high-quality Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. It describes all you
need to know about how to install and use the TAGSYS system and its associated applications.

It provides a step-by-step guide for the following procedures:

 Installation of the L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader

 Configuring the product for use within your library system

 Using the product with your computer system

This guide is designed for all TAGSYS partners and for TAGSYS Expert Network customers
implementing a low-cost and high-performance RFID solution.

This document does not assume any previous knowledge of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology.

Conventions

Symbol Meaning

CAUTION: A note that advises users that a specific action could result in the loss of data or

damage the hardware.
WARNING: A note that advises users that a specific action may result in physical harm.

A note that provides additional information that helps the user perform a task or obtain the
best performance from the product.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFI Application Family Identifier

AON All Or None

API Application Programming Interface

ASK Amplitude Shift Keying

CPU Central Processing Unit

CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

DLL Dynamic-Link Library

DPU Digital Processing Unit

DSFID Data Storage Format Identifier

DSP Digital Signal Processor

EAS Electronic Article Surveillance

ETX End of Text

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L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader User's Guide

HPI Host Port Interface

I/O Input/Output

IFD Interface Device

LED Light Emitting Diode

LSb Least Significant Bit

LSB Least Significant Byte

MSb Most Significant Bit

MSB Most Significant Byte

OS Operating System

PC Personal Computer

PCB Printed Circuit Board

RAM Random Access Memory

RF Radio Frequency

RFID Radio Frequency IDentification

RFU Reserved for Future Use

RPU Radio Processing Unit

RTC Real Time Clock

SAM Security Access Module

STX Start of Text

TTF Tag Talks First

TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic

TTY TeleTYpe

UID Unique Identifier

Glossary

Anti-Collision Tag capability making it readable while other tags are present in the RF field.

Antenna An aerial that receives and/or transmits radio frequency signals. Aerials are

manufactured in a variety of forms, shapes and sizes.

Baud A unit of measure of data transmission speed representing the number of signal changes per
second.

BNC Connector Cylindrical metal connector with a copper core that is located at the tip of a
coaxial cable, and is used to connect cables together. It attaches by pushing and twisting the outer
cylinder on to two locking pins.

Coupler See Reader.

Data Storage Format Identifier Identifies the structure of the data stored in the smart label.

Digital Signal Processor This part of the Radio Processing Unit (RPU) performs real-time smart

label decoding and manages the Medio L200 configuration.

Dynamic-Link Library Executable routines that are stored as separate files with DLL extensions
and executed only when needed by the program.

Host Port Interface Interface used to access the DSP memory.

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Read This First

IEC Connector Three-pin connector used on sockets that carry mains electricity to the computer.
All PCs use a male IEC connector and mains lead with a female IEC connector.

Interrogation Pulse A signal transmitted by the coupler to activate the smart label’s transponder.

Monitoring Port Parallel Port granting access to the HPI. It communicates directly with the Radio

Processing Unit

Multi-Read See Anti-Collision

Nibble Half a byte (4 bits)

Packaged Reader A reader in its casing.

Phase Shift Difference of phase between the 13.56 MHz field emitted by two antennas. This

feature is dedicated to rotating field applications and three-dimensional volume smart label
detection.

Protocol A set of rules governing a particular function, such as the flow of data/information in a
communication system (communication between a smart label and a reader or a reader and a PC
or host computer).

Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) An automatic identification and data capture
system comprising one or more readers and one or more smart labels in which data transfer is
achieved by means of suitable modulated inductive or radiating electromagnetic carriers.

Radio Processing Unit This unit controls the main features of the Medio L200, such as the RF
channels, the multiplexer and the smart label decoding.

Reader Electronic system for the communication between smart labels and host computers.

Reader Talks First Chip protocol for exchanges between the reader and the chip, whereby the

chip waits for a command from the reader to which it responds.

RS-232 Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard for serial interfaces between computers
and peripherals which defines the function, the electrical characteristics and the timing of signals.

RS-485 Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard for multipoint, differential data
transmission. It allows multiple nodes to communicate bi-directionally over 1 or 2 twisted pairs.

Smart Label Small, flexible, injectable tag from the 13.56 MHz TAGSYS product line. A smart
label is made of a chip connected to an etched antenna.

Tag See Smart Label.

Tag Talks First Chip protocol for exchanges between the reader and the chip, whereby the tag

sends information continuously, without waiting for a specific command from the reader.

Transceiver A combined transmitter and receiver.

Transponder A combined receiver/transmitter that automatically transmits a signal when a ‘trigger’

is received by it. The trigger is often a pulse, called an interrogation pulse.

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L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader User's Guide

If you need assistance

Please contact your nearest TAGSYS sales representative or the TAGSYS welcome desk at:

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Contact for Comments

We welcome your feedback to help us provide high quality documentation.

For technical comments, please contact our welcome desk:

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Please remember to quote the Document Reference Number 10711A0, your job title and your
company.

Quality Issues

TAGSYS implements stringent quality controls at all stages of its manufacturing process. However,
should you find a defect with this product, please notify your customer service representative using
the dedicated Product Return Form.

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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Read This First

Table of Contents

Publishing Information 2

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability 2

Read This First 3

Conventions 3
Abbreviations and Acronyms 3
Glossary 4
If you need assistance 6
Contact for Comments 6
Quality Issues 6

1 For Your Safety 9

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

2 Certification 12

2.1

2.2

General Use 9
Electrical Considerations 9
Battery Information 9

1.3.1 Charging and Discharging the Battery 9

1.3.2 Using the Batteries 10

Care and Maintenance 10
Important Safety Information 11

1.5.1 Operating Environment 11

1.5.2 Medical Devices 11

Occupational Health and Safety Notices 12
Regulatory Notices 12

2.2.1 In Europe (CE and RTTE Directives) 12

2.2.2 In USA (FCC Directive) 13

2.2.3 In Canada 13

3 Overview 14

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

4 Installation 17

4.1

4.2

4.3

5 Operation 19

5.1

6 How to Improve Performance 21

6.1

6.2

7 Troubleshooting 26

7.1

8 Maintenance 27

8.1

9 Technical Data 28

9.1

Handheld Inventory Reader Overview 14
L-HR1 Reader 15
Personal Digital Assistant (not included) 16
Battery Charger 16

Delivery Kit 17
How to Install the Application Software on the PDA 18
Connecting the L-HR1 Reader to the PDA 18

Reading Books on a Shelf 19

Verification of L-HR1 Reader Performance 21
Upgrading the Firmware 23

Troubleshooting Procedures 26

Servicing the L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader 27

Mechanical Characteristics 28

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L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader User's Guide

9.2

10 Warranty Conditions 29

10.1 Warranty 29

Appendix A: Tag Positioning 32

10.2 Tag Positioning Diagram 32

Appendix B: S002 Explorer 33

10.3 Verification of L-HR1 Performances 33

Battery Charger Characteristics 28

10.1.1 Warranty Exclusions 29

10.1.2 General Provisions 30

10.1.3 How to Return Defective Products 30

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For Your Safety

1 For Your Safety

1.1 General Use

The L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader is designed to be rugged and reliable and to
provide years of trouble-free service. Please observe the following general tips:

 Take care not to scratch the device. Keep the device clean. When working with the device,

use only TAGSYS-approved accessories.

 This device is not waterproof and should not be exposed to rain or moisture. Under extreme

conditions, water may enter the circuitry. In general, treat the device as you would a pocket
calculator or other small electronic instrument.

 Take care not to drop the device or subject it to any strong impact.

 Protect the device from extreme temperatures. For example, do not leave the device on the

dashboard of a car or truck on a hot day or on a day when temperatures are below
freezing, and keep it away from heaters and other heat sources.

 Do not store or use the device in any location that is extremely dusty, damp, or wet.

 Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the device. If the surface of the device becomes soiled,

clean it with a soft cloth moistened with a diluted window-cleaning solution.

1.2 Electrical Considerations

The device comes with a NiMH battery which is recharged each time you connect the device to the
battery charger.

Please note the following considerations about the batteries in the device:

 If the battery becomes low in the course of normal use, a warning light will appear

describing the low battery condition. If this alert appears, back up the data; then recharge
the unit. This helps prevent the accidental loss of data.

 If the device does not turn on when you press the ON/OFF button, you should recharge the

unit immediately.

 There are no serviceable parts inside the device, so do not attempt to open the unit.

CAUTION: To replace the batteries, return the unit to TagSys using the form provided at the
end of this document.

1.3 Battery Information

The device is powered by a rechargeable battery.

1.3.1 Charging and Discharging the Battery

 A new battery must go through three complete charge/discharge cycles before obtaining full

performance.

 The battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times but it will eventually wear out.

When the operating time is noticeably shorter than normal, it is time to procure a new battery.

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L-HR1 Library Handheld Inventory Reader User's Guide

 Use only TAGSYS-approved batteries and battery chargers.

 When a charger is not in use, disconnect it from the power source. Do not leave the battery

connected to a charger for longer than one week, since overcharging may shorten its life. If left
unused, a fully-charged battery will discharge itself over time.

 For good operation times, discharge the NiMH battery from time to time by leaving your device

switched on until it turns off itself. Do not attempt to discharge the battery by any other means.

 Extreme temperature will affect the ability of your battery to charge. Allow the battery to cool

down or warm up before switching on the device.

 When the battery is running out of power, a warning light is displayed.

 Charge batteries within an ambient temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F).

Ambient temperature during charging affects charging efficiency. Charging efficiency is best
within a temperature range of 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).

1.3.2 Using the Batteries

Use the battery only for its intended purpose.

Never use any charger or battery that is damaged or worn out.

Leaving the device in hot or cold places, such as a closed car in summer or winter conditions, will
reduce the capacity and lifetime of the battery. Always try to keep the device between 15 °C and
25 °C (59 °F and 77 °F). A device with a hot or cold battery may temporarily not work, even when
the battery is fully charged. Battery performance is particularly limited in temperatures below the
freezing point.

NiMH batteries performance is particularly limited in temperatures below –10 °C (14 °F).

CAUTION: To dispose of the batteries, return the unit to TagSys using the form provided at
the end of this document.

1.4 Care and Maintenance

This device is a product of superior design and should be handled with care. The suggestions
below will further increase the lifetime of this device.

 Keep the device and all parts and accessories out of the reach of small children.

 Keep the device dry. Precipitation, humidity and liquids contain minerals that will corrode

electronic circuits.

 Do not use or store the device in dusty, dirty areas. Its moving parts can be damaged.

 Do not store in hot areas. High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic devices,

damage batteries and warp or melt certain plastics.

 Do not store in cold areas. When the device warms up (to its normal temperature), moisture

can form inside the device, which may damage electronic circuit boards.

 Do not attempt to open the device. Non-professional handling of the device may damage it.

 Handle the device with care. Shocks may break internal circuit boards.

 Do not clean the device with harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents or strong detergents.

Gently wipe the device with a soft cloth slightly dampened in a mild soap-and-water
solution.

 Do not paint the device. Paint may clog the device’s moving parts and prevent proper

operation.

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For Your Safety

 If the device, battery, charger or any accessory are not working properly, take it to your

nearest qualified service facility.

1.5 Important Safety Information

1.5.1 Operating Environment

Follow all special regulations that are applicable in any area and always switch off the device
whenever its use is prohibited, or when it may cause interference or danger.

When connecting the device or any accessory to another device, read its user’s guide for detailed
safety instructions. Do not connect incompatible products.

As with all RF equipment, users are advised that the equipment should only be used in its normal
operating position.

1.5.2 Medical Devices

Most modern electronic equipment is shielded from radio-frequency (RF) signals. However, other
electronic equipment may not be shielded against the RF signals from your device.

Operation of radio transmitting equipment, including cellular mobile phones, may interfere with the
functionality of inadequately protected medical devices. Consult a physician or the manufacturer of
the medical device to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you
have any questions.

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