Socket Communications today unveiled the Cordless Ring Scanner (CRS) 9P. A first of its kind product, the CRS uses an exclusive Liquidmetal housing for extreme durability. The CRS combines the power of laser bar code scanning with the convenience of Bluetooth wireless technology to provide an efficient, hands-free solution that makes scanning as simple as pointing a finger.

The CRS 9P is IP54 compliant for water and dust resistance and can sustain multiple drops from four feet. The CRS 9P also features Fuzzy Logic technology for scanning damaged, poor quality or hard-to-read bar codes. Socket’s exclusive patent-pending Error Proof Protocol ensures that scanned data is correctly received by the mobile computing device and allows for real-time validation of data and error notification to the user.

“The ability to capture data without having to handle a scanner gives an enormous boost to our customer’s workforce efficiency and productivity,” said Scott Allen, sales manager at Infologix, a provider of mobile wireless computing hardware and consulting solutions to the healthcare, industrial, pharmaceutical and enterprise mobility solution markets. “Bar coding is indispensable in warehouses and distribution environments to maintain inventory accuracy. Using a hands-free scanner such as Socket’s Cordless Ring Scanner will enable our customers to communicate data that is more accurate than the traditional methods of hand written or voice confirmations.”

The CRS 9P is tethered to a Class 1 Bluetooth device that is strapped on the wrist. The Bluetooth wrist device transmits scanned data wirelessly to a mobile computer. The wireless wrist module has a powerful Bluetooth radio that maintains a strong connection to the mobile computer without dangling cables or protruding antennas to slow the user down, restrict their movement or cause potential hazards.

The CRS 9P includes SocketScan, the keyboard emulation software that directs scanned data into any Windows, Palm or Symbian application as virtual keystrokes. A Software Developers Kit is available separately for developers who wish to embed control of the CRS into their applications.

Scanning features

• Features a powerful Class 2 laser for demanding scanning applications such as outdoors, long distances or through Mylar or glass
• Fuzzy Logic for scanning damaged, poor quality or hard-to-read bar code labels
• SocketScan keyboard emulation software directs scanned data into any Windows, Palm or other application as virtual keystrokes with no need for custom programming
• SocketScan allows the user to add Prefix and/or Suffix functions, such as Carriage Return and Tab, to further eliminate manual keystrokes
• Supported bar code symbologies can be easily enabled or disabled with SocketScan’s “Symbology Selector”
• SocketScan “Scan Demo” reports symbology, length and decoded data of any scanned bar code (supported in Windows CE/Mobile and Palm OS)
• 2005 Sunrise Date compliant

Ruggedized Features

• Exclusive Liquidmetal construction - more than two times stronger than titanium
• IP54 compliant which protects from dust and water
• Splash proof
• Dust proof
• Built to sustain multiple drops from four feet to concrete

BluetoothFeatures

• Class 1 radio with Bluetooth wireless technology has a maximum range of 300 ft (100 m) if connected to another Class 1 Bluetooth device.
• Uses Bluetooth Serial Port profile
• Connection indicator light
• When connected to the Class 2 Bluetooth radio found in many host devices, CRS range should be approximately 50 percent greater when used in an indoor environment and 100 percent greater when used outdoors. Bluetooth range can be affected by many variables and may be significantly greater or shorter than specified.

Socket’s CRS is compatible with the following mobile computers if Bluetooth enabled: Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 5.0, and Palm OS v5.2 and later. The CRS will be available through Socket’s worldwide distribution channels for an MSRP of $1199 starting in February 2006.