Review: The Ricoh 500SE Camera With Bar Code Capture

With automatic association of images to barcodes, once uploaded to a PC or server, the images can be automatically integrated with databases and documents based on their barcode or entered data. The Test Center recently got a hands-on look at the 500SE, and saw potential for VARs with some bar-coding knowledge to take advantage.

First and foremost, the 500SE is an eight mega pixel camera with 3x optical zoom. At roughly one pound with the battery installed, its rubberized housing reinforces the fact that it is built to be shock resistant and waterproof in order to standup to harsh working environments. The camera comes with Ricoh Data Manager, List Editor, and RICOCH Gate La, all of which are specialized applications designed to get the most out of the barcode feature. Driver and software installation is similar to other digital cameras, and was uneventful during our testing.

Before getting to our findings, an explanation of how the 500SE works is in order; the camera has five on-board customizable text fields, with drop down lists for each field (These fields/lists are created with the aforementioned List Editor application). The data in these fields is embedded in the meta-data portion of each photo taken, which can then be used and/or manipulated by the software.

Out tests proved the 500SE to function exactly as expected. First we tested it using the pre-loaded template that Ricoh provided. In this scenario, bar-coded triage tags used by emergency first responders were included and the camera's fields were populated with information such as patient's gender and age, as well as the photographer's name and firehouse affiliation. One data field was reserved for the tag number. Our first step was to use the camera's on-board menus to choose the relative data for each field. After that, we scanned the barcode on the triage tag, which populated the first field (multiple barcodes can be scanned, with each one taking up a field), and then we took pictures.

Barcodes can be scanned via the lens of the camera, or using an optional laser scanner that mounts on the side. Our evaluation unit had the laser scanner attached, but we did run tests with it removed and found no difference in functionality. There are, however, certain case-by-case conditions where the scanner may be necessary.

When the camera is attached to a PC (using a standard USB cable), the RICOH Gate La software takes over and, transfers the photos into a preconfigured folder (it can also create sub-folders named by date if desired). Then the Ricoh Data Manager application processes the images based on different settings. It can save the image with selected meta-data imprinted on the bottom; rename the image with any combination of the fields; and, using different templates, import the images into various file formats (Text, XML, MS Word, MS Excel, Shape, and KMZ).

After the initial evaluation, testers easily created and uploaded new fields/lists and went around the lab scanning and photographing pretty much anything with a barcode (which is practically everything). The SE500 read each one without fail and populated the meta-data appropriately.

Image quality is on par with digital cameras that have similar specifications. At the lowest setting (1M), photo quality was decent and acceptable for most purposes, while the highest (8M) setting produced much sharper lines and is useful for when detail is necessary.

With wireless support, images can be transferred from the camera directly to handheld devices or servers as the images are captured. On board Bluetooth Class 2 is standard, with support for BIP, OPP, and SPP profiles. An 802.11 b/g interface is available as a $50 add-on.

Ricoh Americas has developed a camera that well serves a niche audience (the original SE500 has built-in GPS functionality) and modified it to accommodate markets where only the imagination can limit its usefulness. Any organization where information workflow involves photos as well as barcode information can see increased productivity with the use of this camera; and VARs have an opportunity to fill a previously unidentified void with the inclusion of this device.

Suggested price of the SE500 is $899 and the SE-4 laser scanning module is $349. Ricoh Americas is currently seeking qualified Developers and Value Added Resellers, with bar-coding competency, to offer the camera as part of an integrated solution.