Enhanced Web Browser

Windows CE devices come with a built-in Web Browser application. However, this Browser is highly inadequate for data collection solutions. Here are some reasons why:

• Cannot lock out the operating system and prevent users from navigating away from the web application
   
• Cannot remap hardware keys
   
• Cannot intercept barcode data in the web page JavaScript for intelligently filling web forms
   
• Cannot control device and its peripherals programmatically from within web page HTML source
   
• Solution essential keys such as TAB do not work correctly within the built-in browser
   
• Cannot control display and hiding of the built-in SIP (Standard Input Panel or Soft Keyboard)
   
• Cannot lock down the device and run the application in full screen mode

The Belgravium Data Collection Web Browser extends the built in browser on Windows CE devices to offer features and functionality for web based data collection applications. Here are some of the benefits:

.NET and Windows Mobile platform support

Our integrated Web Browser fully supports any Windows CE device running either Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows CE .NET OS platforms. We are the only vendor with such a breadth of offering.

Multiple Web Browser sessions

You can run up to four simultaneous, independent Web Browser sessions. Separate instances of the application are not needed. This significantly eases proper and reliable lockdown of the device. Ability to run simultaneous multiple Web Browser sessions is unique to our product.

Associate keypad hardware keys

Touch screen navigation may not be suitable in every web based application. Therefore we provide the ability to associate menu options, URLs, text string or any application operation to a hardware key. You can also assign a hardware key to a JavaScript function.

Operating System lockout & SIP Control

Unlike the built-in web browsers on your .NET or WM2003 terminals, you can completely lock out a user from the operating system by hiding the address, navigation and Start bars. This prevents users from exiting the web application or launching any other application and locks down the device completely.

Device Control from Java Script functions

The handheld device and its integrated peripherals, such as barcode scanner, RFID reader, and printers can be fully configured and controlled using HTML META tags embedded JavaScript within your web page. You can specify JavaScript functions to be invoked on various HTTP and Form triggers. You can also programmatically control the device from within your JavaScript functions: Invoke beeps, sounds and device vibration, Trigger JavaScript function on events such as device power on, web page load etc., enable or disable the barcode scanner, control and route data to printers etc using the ID Action (IDA) codes.

Parse scanner decoded data

Your web based applications can have the ability to validate, manipulate and parse the barcode scan data. A single 1D or 2D barcode can automatically be read into multiple input fields within a web form.

Full screen readability & Context Menus

You can hide the “Start” bar, application menu, toolbar, and keybars to maximize usage of your screen real estate giving you the full 320 x 240, ¼ VGA screen for display. “Tap and hold” Context menus are available for application control.

RF Signal, Battery and Wait State Indicators

When the device is fully locked down, the Start bar is hidden. This also hides the operating system provided status icons. You can configure display and update of various Indicators, such as RF Signal and Battery strength in your Browser sessions.

TAB Key processing

By default, the behaviour of the tab key within the built-in browser is incorrect and non-intuitive. We correct this. You can also invoke the tab key as part of a barcode pre or post amble.

Application Launcher

You can configure an HTML page to act as an application launcher to invoke various legacy host or web based applications.

Seamless Migration

Terminal emulation and HTML sessions can co-exist under the same application. You do not have to run two separate applications and can easily switch between the two. This provides a seamless migration path from legacy text based to GUI rich applications.