Socket Communications has made availabile a software developers kit (SDK) for its newest image capture bar code plug-in scanner, the In-Hand Scan Card-Imager.

The company said this bar code scanner incorporates new miniature image sensor technology to enable image capture by mobile computers running Windows CE. It also expands the types of bar codes capable of being scanned with Socket's family of mobile bar code scanning plug-in products. The company said markets where both bar code scanning and image capture may be required include package pickup and delivery, auto insurance claims, sales automation, law enforcement and field service.

According to Socket, the In-Hand Scan Card-Imager combines the latest in CMOS image sensor technology, illumination and optics from HHP to create a compact, lightweight optical scanner capable of reading 1D linear codes, 2D stacked/matrix codes, OCR fonts and postal codes as well as capturing VGA digital images. The SocketScan SDK with imager includes: upgraded SocketScan Software 4.0 with added imager support; a development CompactFlash In-Hand Scan Card Imager unit which plugs into a Pocket PC or Pen Tablet running Windows CE v3.0 or later; and instructions for using or adapting the hardware and software to meet specific developer needs including the capture and management of scanned information. Additional product information is available on Socket's website at

The SDK is slated to be released in three phases. The first phase, available now, addresses linear and PDF 417 bar code scanning. The second phase, expected to be available in late December, will cover additional 2D bar code scanning technologies. The third phase, scheduled for completion by the end of January, will address image capture. Purchasers of the SDK will receive the updates as they become available at no additional charge.