Compact Framework: Barcode Scanning

[hitechboy78737]

I know that this isn't necessarly the "correct" forum for this question- but I'll bet SOMEBODY here has dealt with this!

I'm developing an PocketPC appliactaion for a Symbol handheld running PPC-2000. I need to access Symbol's API's for the barcode scanner. I've been all over their developer site and come away confused about what SDK to download and just how to use it. The information on the site is very ambigous (to me anyway) and offers little in the way of hard example.

Has anyone else worked with this? Could you show me specific examples of reading a barcode scan from your code?

Thank you so much!

Kevin Howell
Briefcase of Talent
Austin, Texas

 

[NoCoolHandle]

Kevin, I haven't use the symbol handheld (and havn't delt with any pocket pc type apps) but I do work with barcodes and barcode scanners (at least a reasonable amount)

But... How is the scanner attached?

A barcode reader is really nothing more than a keyboard extension. (at least on a pc) and any input from the scanner acts much the same as if you had hit the keyboard - all you need for it is to have a control that would accept keystrokes have the focus and "bam" the data shows up there when you scan the barcode..

(sorry this probably wasn't very helpfull, but hopefully it will provide at least one or two clues)

Rob

 

[hitechboy78737]

Yes, thank you that did provide some clues.

The scanner is built into the unit, its a handheld PocketPC, a 2800 I believe.

Thanks for your reply... anyone else.... please?!

Kevin Howell

 

[NoCoolHandle]

Kevin,

what happens if you have some kind of notepad program open and scan a barcode?

Also be aware that the quality of the printer will have a major impact on if the code will scan as is the font.

I work with a scanner that only supports about 5 of the main 9 or so barcodes. Have you tried scanning different barcode types?

Rob

 

[hitechboy78737]

Haven't even gotten that far into it. I was assembling the materials for this project and realized that I know ZERO about this aspect.

The barcodes that are being scanned are on little aluminum asset tags on the university's equipment. I believe it's 3 of 6 or something like that... I'll have to look back at my notes.

I tried scanning with "pocket word" and it didn't work, the program that I'm replacing does work though... I assume that they've accesed symbol api's.

Kevin Howell

 

[NoCoolHandle]

Kevin, most barcodes are really just fonts.

very much like morse code. 1 short 2 long = a letter.

The barcode readers have built in font recognition. (they will work with some and not others - more likley than not your barcode is standard enough that it will be recognized. You will need to do nothing.)

What I do in troubleshooting barcode reading, is to simply open a program that would accept keyboard input. On a handheld you probably need to move the app into edit mode or somethign that isn't reading bitmaps (text recognition stuff).

One a program is open that would accept a key stroke from a keyboard, then I just simply try to scan a barcode. If it works - the text is in the app (textbox - whatever) and if it doesnt' it isn't there.

If it isn't there, then the key is to look at the physical connections. (in your case I would tend to think you might need to toggle an input mode.)

Bottom line your pocket pc shouldn't need to do anything fancy. it should all be in the application mode and what it is using for input.


HTH


Rob

 

[hitechboy78737]

As I understand it, this is what the Symbol API for the scanner does.

Thanks for all of your assistance- I suppose when I get to that part in the coding process I'll spend more time understanding what is actually going on.

Kevin Howell