Multicode Data
Formatting and
Preferred Symbol
MN-002895-02
User Guide
MULTICODE DATA FORMATTING AND
PREFERRED SYMBOL
USER GUIDE
MN-002895-02
Rev A
March 2018
ii MDF and Preferred Symbol User Guide
Revision History
Changes to the original guide are listed below:
Change Date Description
Rev A 8/2016 Initial release
Rev A 3/2018 Deleted ’MDF Actions’ heading from top of page A-26.
Aligned ’MDF Action’ with ’Output’ (below it).
Changed ’Option’ to ’Case’ (Multiple Bar Codes Satisfy One Bar Code Criteria).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Revision History ................................................................................................................................. ii
Table of Contents
About This Guide
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... vii
Chapter Descriptions ........................................................................................................................ vii
Notational Conventions.................................................................................................................... viii
Related Documents and Software ................................................................................................... viii
Service Information .......................................................................................................................... viii
Chapter 1: Multicode Data Formatting (MDF) Overview
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1-1
MDF ......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Preferred Symbol ..................................................................................................................... 1-2
Chapter 2: Preferred Symbol
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Consistent Prioritization Across Multicode Rules ..................................................................... 2-1
Preferred Symbol Timeout ....................................................................................................... 2-2
Parameter Range ............................................................................................................... 2-2
If No Preferred Symbol is Present During the Allotted Time .............................................. 2-2
Specifying a Preferred Symbol ................................................................................................. 2-2
Option 1 - A Single Symbol ................................................................................................ 2-2
Option 2 - A Group Of High Priority Symbols ..................................................................... 2-2
Multicode Override Of Preferred Symbol ................................................................................. 2-3
When No MDF Pattern Match Occurs ................................................................................ 2-3
iv Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
Chapter 3: Multicode Data Formatting
Exiting an MDF Scanning Session ................................................................................................. 3-1
Criteria to Exit an MDF Session ............................................................................................... 3-1
1. Trigger is Released ........................................................................................................ 3-1
2. MDF Group is Satisfied .................................................................................................. 3-1
3. Time Since Last Scanned Bar Code Exceeds Limit ....................................................... 3-1
4. Second Similar Bar Code That Also Meets Pattern Match Scanned ............................. 3-1
MDF Programming Capabilities ..................................................................................................... 3-2
MDF Rules Within an MDF Group ........................................................................................... 3-2
MDF Groups Within a Configuration File ................................................................................. 3-2
Order of Execution ................................................................................................................... 3-2
MDF Memory Within the Scanner ............................................................................................ 3-2
MDF Pattern Match ........................................................................................................................ 3-2
Identifying Bar Codes Within the Pattern Match (Bar Code Criteria) ....................................... 3-2
Code Type .......................................................................................................................... 3-2
Code Length ....................................................................................................................... 3-2
String .................................................................................................................................. 3-2
String Starting Position ....................................................................................................... 3-2
Pattern Match Met .................................................................................................................... 3-3
Output Sequencing ............................................................................................................ 3-3
Optional Output Of Bar Code Data .................................................................................... 3-3
Data Formatting ................................................................................................................. 3-3
Pattern Match Not Met ............................................................................................................. 3-3
Option 1 - Discard Bar Code .............................................................................................. 3-3
Option 2 - Transmit Partial Set of Pattern Match Bar Codes ............................................. 3-3
Bar Code(s) Scanned Not Within Pattern Match ...................................................................... 3-4
Option 1 - Transmit Bar Code Not Within Pattern Match ................................................... 3-4
Option 2 - Discard All Bar Codes Not Within Pattern Match .............................................. 3-4
Multiple Bar Codes Satisfy One Bar Code Criteria .................................................................. 3-4
Case 1 - Different Data in Each Bar Code (Two Unique Bar Codes) ................................. 3-4
Case 2 - Same Data in Each Bar Code (Duplicate Bar Codes) ......................................... 3-4
Scanning a UPC Outside of an MDF Group ............................................................................ 3-4
Terms and Definitions .................................................................................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4: Data Formatting Within an MDF Rule
Data Formatting Actions: MDF Versus ADF .................................................................................. 4-1
MDF Supported Communication Protocols .............................................................................. 4-1
Combining MDF and ADF ........................................................................................................ 4-1
Actions Supported in MDF ....................................................................................................... 4-1
Actions Supported in ADF but Not MDF .................................................................................. 4-1
Host Tag Details ....................................................................................................................... 4-2
New MDF Functionality .................................................................................................................. 4-2
Code Length Criteria - MDF ..................................................................................................... 4-2
String Criteria - MDF ................................................................................................................ 4-2
Table of Contents v
Chapter 5: User Feedback Controls (LEDs, Beeper, and Vibrate)
Consistent Feedback Across MDF Rules ...................................................................................... 5-1
LED, Beeper, and Vibrate Behavior ......................................................................................... 5-1
Good Decode Indication (Scan Last Bar Code of Pattern Match) ...................................... 5-1
Chapter 6: Multicode Configuration and Deployment
Programming Through 123Scan .................................................................................................... 6-1
MDF Group Name .................................................................................................................... 6-1
Programming an MDF Rule With 123Scan .............................................................................. 6-1
Deployment Through SMS ............................................................................................................. 6-1
Application Control ......................................................................................................................... 6-2
Enabling/Disabling MDF Groups .............................................................................................. 6-2
Enabling / Disabling Preferred Symbol .................................................................................... 6-2
Chapter 7: MDF Non-Supported Capabilities
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7-1
Customer Specific Check Digit Calculations ............................................................................ 7-1
Location Based Pattern Match Requirements .......................................................................... 7-1
Time Delays ............................................................................................................................. 7-1
Non-ASCII Values .................................................................................................................... 7-1
Appendix A: Examples
Example 1: Preferred Symbol - UPC for Retail ............................................................................. A-1
Customer Use Case ................................................................................................................ A-1
Preferred Symbol Approach .................................................................................................... A-1
Programming Details: Criteria & Actions ................................................................................. A-2
Preferred Symbol in 123Scan ................................................................................................. A-2
Validate Output: Programming Bar Code for This Example .................................................... A-4
Example 2: Simple MDF Example ................................................................................................ A-5
Customer Use Case ................................................................................................................ A-5
MDF Approach ........................................................................................................................ A-5
Programming Details: Criteria & Actions ................................................................................. A-6
Global Setting .................................................................................................................... A-6
Output 1 = Code 39 ........................................................................................................... A-6
Output 2 = Code 128 ......................................................................................................... A-7
MDF Output ............................................................................................................................. A-8
MDF Rule in 123Scan ............................................................................................................. A-9
Validate Output: Programming Bar Code For This Example ................................................ A-10
Example 3: Sending a Pause Using ADF ................................................................................... A-11
Customer Use Case .............................................................................................................. A-11
MDF Approach ...................................................................................................................... A-11
Programming Details: Criteria & Actions ............................................................................... A-11
MDF Output ........................................................................................................................... A-11
ADF Rule in 123Scan ............................................................................................................ A-12
Validate Output: Programming Bar Code For This Example ................................................ A-13
Example 4 ................................................................................................................................... A-14
Customer Use Case .............................................................................................................. A-14
vi Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
MDF Approach ...................................................................................................................... A-14
Programming Details: Criteria & Actions ............................................................................... A-15
Global Setting .................................................................................................................. A-15
Output 1 .......................................................................................................................... A-15
Output 2 .......................................................................................................................... A-16
MDF Output ........................................................................................................................... A-17
MDF Rule in 123Scan ........................................................................................................... A-18
Validate Output: Programming Bar Code For This Example ................................................ A-18
Example 5: iPhone Box Label ..................................................................................................... A-20
Customer Use Case .............................................................................................................. A-20
MDF Approach ...................................................................................................................... A-20
Programming Details: Criteria & Actions ............................................................................... A-21
Global Setting .................................................................................................................. A-21
Output 1 = Universal Product Code ................................................................................ A-21
Output 2 = Part Number .................................................................................................. A-22
Output 3 = Serial Number ............................................................................................... A-23
Output 4 = IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) ................................. A-24
Output 5 = ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) ...................................................... A-25
MDF Output ........................................................................................................................... A-27
MDF Rule in 123Scan ........................................................................................................... A-27
Validate Output: Programming Bar Code For This Example ................................................ A-27
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Introduction
The Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide provides programming instruction for using MDF
and Preferred Symbol on select Zebra 2D imaging scanners.
NOTE Screens and windows pictured in this guide are samples and can differ from actual screens.
Chapter Descriptions
Topics covered in this guide are as follows:
•
Chapter 1, Multicode Data Formatting (MDF) Overview, provides a basic description of MDF functionality.
•
Chapter 2, Preferred Symbol, provides a basic description of Preferred Symbol functionality.
•
Chapter 3, Multicode Data Formatting, describes MDF scanning session parameters, MDF programming
limits and pattern match criteria.
•
Chapter 4, Data Formatting Within an MDF Rule, describes MDF data formatting options within a MDF rule.
•
Chapter 5, User Feedback Controls (LEDs, Beeper, and Vibrate), describes user feedback settings applied
across all MDF rules and Preferred Symbol modes.
•
Chapter 6, Multicode Configuration and Deployment, describes MDF programming and remote management
options.
•
Chapter 7, MDF Non-Supported Capabilities, describes functionality not supported in Multicode Data
Formatting.
•
Appendix A, Examples, includes simple to advanced programming examples.
viii Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
Notational Conventions
The following conventions are used in this document:
•
Italics are used to highlight the following:
• Chapters and sections in this guide
• Related documents
•
Bold text is used to highlight the following:
• Dialog box, window and screen names
• Drop-down list and list box names
• Check box and radio button names
• Icons on a screen
• Key names on a keypad
• Button names on a screen.
•
Bullets (•) indicate:
• Action items
• Lists of alternatives
• Lists of required steps that are not necessarily sequential.
•
Sequential lists (e.g., those that describe step-by-step procedures) appear as numbered lists.
Related Documents and Software
To program MDF and Preferred Symbol download the 123Scan configuration utility at:
http://www.zebra.com/scannersoftware
For the latest version of this guide and all guides, go to: http://www.zebra.com/support.
Service Information
If you have a problem with your equipment, contact Zebra Global Customer Support for your region. Contact
information is available at: http://www.zebra.com/support
When contacting support, please have the following information available:
•
Serial number of the unit
•
Model number or product name
•
Software type and version number.
Zebra responds to calls by email, telephone or fax within the time limits set forth in support agreements.
.
If your problem cannot be solved by Zebra Customer Support, you may need to return your equipment for servicing
and will be given specific directions. Zebra is not responsible for any damages incurred during shipment if the
approved shipping container is not used. Shipping the units improperly can possibly void the warranty.
About This Guide ix
If you purchased your Zebra business product from a Zebra business partner, contact that business partner for
support.
x Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
CHAPTER 1 MULTICODE DATA
MC920LL/A iPhone 4, White, 8GB
Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China
Other items as marked thereon Model A1332
(1P) Part No. MC920LL/A
(S) Serial No. SC8PJMN9CDTD0
()ICCID 00010002000300040005
UPC
IMEI/MEID 013183004709357
FORMATTING (MDF)
OVERVIEW
Introduction
This User Guide documents two new user programming options:
• Multicode Data Formatting (MDF)
• Preferred Symbol.
MDF
MDF enables a 2D imaging scanner to scan all the bar codes within a label, with one trigger pull, and then modify
and transmit some or all of them to a host application. For working MDF examples that can be programmed to a
scanner, see Ap pendix A, Examples.
Figure 1-1 Sample Scanned Label
Programming options include:
• Outputting all or specific bar codes
• Controlling bar code output sequence
• Applying unique MDF to each output bar code
8 8 5 9 0 9 4 5 9 8 5 8
1 - 2 Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
• Discarding scanned data if all required bar codes are not present.
MDF is easy to program using 123Scan. Programming an MDF rule follows the same paradigm and user interface
as Advanced Data Formatting (ADF). MDF programming is saved within the 123Scan configuration file.
MDF can be deployed to a fleet of 2D imaging scanners using the Scanner Management Service (SMS) through a
traditional SMS Package, just like ADF.
Preferred Symbol
Preferred Symbol is a bar code prioritization technique. When scanning a label with multiple bar codes, one or
more bar code(s) can be singled out for decoding while excluding the others. The Preferred Symbol is the only bar
code that is decoded and output within a preset time (called the Preferred Symbol Timeout). During this time, the
scanner attempts to decode the prioritized bar code and reports only this bar code. With Preferred Symbol only one
bar code is output per trigger pull.
CHAPTER 2 PREFERRED SYMBOL
Introduction
Preferred Symbol is a bar code prioritization technique that enables favored decoding of a user designated high
priority bar code(s). Basically, if scanning a label with multiple bar codes, one bar code can be singled out to be
decoded instead of the others. See Example 1: Preferred Symbol - UPC for Retail on page A-1 for a real world
example.The Preferred Symbol is the only bar code that is decoded and output within a preset time called the
Preferred Symbol Timeout. During this time, the scanner attempts to decode the prioritized bar code and reports
only this bar code. With Preferred Symbol only one bar code is output per trigger pull. For more details including a
working Preferred Symbol example see Appendix A, Examples.
Figure 2-1 123Scan
> Configuration Wizard > Symbologies Screen
Consistent Prioritization Across Multicode Rules
The decoding of a Preferred Symbol is prioritized above all other scanning.
2 - 2 Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
Preferred Symbol Timeout
When Preferred Symbol is enabled within the scanner, the Preferred Symbol Timeout specifies how long the
scanner attempts to decode a prioritized bar code before reporting the other bar codes in the field of view.
Parameter Range
The parameter range is 200 ms to 5000 ms and the default is 200 ms.
If No Preferred Symbol is Present During the Allotted Time
When no Preferred Symbol is found during the Preferred Symbol Timeout ( allotted time) then any symbol in the
field of view may be decoded.
Specifying a Preferred Symbol
A preferred symbol can be specified in one of the following ways.
Option 1 - A Single Symbol
A single high priority bar code can be defined according to the bar code criteria used with traditional ADF.
Code Type
This is a required field when specifying a preferred symbol.
Code Length
This is an optional field when specifying a preferred symbol.
String
This is an optional field when specifying a preferred symbol.
String Starting Position
This is an optional field only active when specifying a string.
A string can be defined at a particular position:
= which means the strings starts at a particular location.
Option 2 - A Group Of High Priority Symbols
A group of up to five high priority bar codes can be defined by symbology. This list of symbologies can be selected
from the total list of 123Scan supported symbologies.
Scanning Priority Within a Group Of High Priority Symbols
If a group of high priority preferred symbols was set, whichever bar code within this list is scanned first is output
first.
Preferred Symbol 2 - 3
Multicode Override Of Preferred Symbol
The user has the option to override the preferred symbol prioritization when the scanner encounters a set of bar
codes that satisfy an MDF pattern match by clicking Multicode override of preferred symbol.
Figure 2-2 Multicode Override Of Preferred Symbol
When No MDF Pattern Match Occurs
If a pattern match does not occur, the scanner outputs a preferred symbol, if one was scanned.
2 - 4 Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
CHAPTER 3 MULTICODE DATA
FORMATTING
Exiting an MDF Scanning Session
While in an MDF scanning session, decode only previously non-scanned (unique) symbols.
Criteria to Exit an MDF Session
Upon meeting one of the criteria below, end the acquisition mode of the Multicode session.
1. Trigger is Released
The scanner exits a Multicode session if the trigger was released.
2. MDF Group is Satisfied
The scanner exits a Multicode session if an MDF rule criteria is satisfied and actions were initiated.
3. Time Since Last Scanned Bar Code Exceeds Limit
Multiple bar codes, each on a different side of a package, can be scanned within an MDF session as long as the
trigger remains depressed, and the Time betwee n MDF codes is not exceeded. With the factory default of 10
seconds, after decoding label A , there are 10 seconds to decode label B.
The scanner exits an MDF session without completing a pattern match if the time since the last decoded bar code
exceeded the time limit. The programmable time limit defaults to 10 seconds and can range from 5 to 25 seconds
in 1 second increments.
The highlighted option is a global setting implemented across all MDF groups and rules.
Figure 3-1 Time Between MDF Codes
4. Second Similar Bar Code That Also Meets Pattern Match Scanned
The scanner exits an MDF session if a second bar code is scanned that satisfies an already fulfilled bar code
criteria within this MDF session's pattern match.
3 - 2 Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol User Guide
MDF Programming Capabilities
MDF Rules Within an MDF Group
The scanner can hold up to 20 MDF rules per MDF group. Each rule can specify criteria to identify a unique bar
code such as any 1D, stacked 1D (such as GS1 DataBar), 2D, and postal code.
MDF Groups Within a Configuration File
The scanner can hold up to 9 MDF groups within a configuration file.
Order of Execution
MDF Group 1 executes before MDF Group 2.
Within an MDF group, MDF Rule 1 (left most rule in 123Scan UI) executes before Rule 2.
MDF Memory Within the Scanner
The available MDF memory within the scanner is shown within 123Scan.
MDF Pattern Match
A pattern match is the criteria used to determine if a set of scanned bar codes generally on one label qualify for
manipulation based on an MDF rule. A pattern match is determined through analysis of the criteria used within the
programmed MDF rules.
Identifying Bar Codes Within the Pattern Match (Bar Code Criteria)
Each bar code within the pattern match is defined according to the bar code criteria identified below.
Code Type
This is a required field when specifying a bar code within the pattern match.
Code Length
This is an optional field when specifying a bar code within the pattern match.
String
This is an optional field when specifying a bar code within the pattern match.
String Starting Position
Specific location: This is an optional field when specifying a bar code within the pattern match.
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