Ctrl+ in a barcode
Dave
question...
I have an application which uses CTRL+I, CTRL+S and CTRL+Q, as well as
the tab and return key for data entry. I want to use a wedge reader to
facilitate data entry (make it faster). So instead of the user typing
CTRL+I, then entering a number, tabbing to the next field, entering
more data, tabbing twice, entering data, keying RETURN, tabbing, etc.,
I want to barcode the data and embed in the barcode along with the data
the CTRL+I, or TAB, or RETURN (or several of them). The wedge readers
I have looked at can have programmed into them a tab or carriage
return, but it is after every pull of the trigger (hard programmed into
the reader, not the barcode). In my application, there are some fields
which should be followed by one tab, some by more than one tab, some
with a return, and some by a CTRL+ combination.
It is also my understanding that the standard 39 barcode format cannot
encode CTRL+ combinations.
Here is my question... It's my understanding that a wedge sits between
the keyboard and the computer. If, when I press CTRL+I, the keyboard
sends some electrical impulse to the computer representing CTRL+I, then
why can't I have a wedge reader send the same signal when it reads a
certain barcode? Is this possible? Is there a barcode standard and
wedge reader which can handle this?
It will cost me at least $20K to have my application customized for
faster data entry. Several wedge readers could do the same job, if I
could get the CTRL+ and tab characters embedded into the barcode. So
even if the solution is some high end reader and software, it may be
cheaper in the long run.
TIA for any advice.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
elf...@my-deja.com
Dave <dtra...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Here is my question... It's my understanding that a wedge sits between
> the keyboard and the computer. If, when I press CTRL+I, the keyboard
> sends some electrical impulse to the computer representing CTRL+I,
then
> why can't I have a wedge reader send the same signal when it reads a
> certain barcode? Is this possible? Is there a barcode standard and
> wedge reader which can handle this?
>
Bar codes 3/9, 93, and 128 can all embed standard control codes into
your bar code. Bar code 3/9 requires a bar code reader that supports
Full ASCII mode to do this. The other bar code types will do it
automatically. For more info, visit our web site:
Jon Munro
>I am a newbie and have what may be to experienced folks a dumb
>question...
>
>I have an application which uses CTRL+I, CTRL+S and CTRL+Q, as well as
<snip>
>Here is my question... It's my understanding that a wedge sits between
>the keyboard and the computer. If, when I press CTRL+I, the keyboard
>sends some electrical impulse to the computer representing CTRL+I, then
>why can't I have a wedge reader send the same signal when it reads a
>certain barcode? Is this possible? Is there a barcode standard and
>wedge reader which can handle this?
>TIA for any advice.
>
>
>Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>Before you buy.
Dave
I have a general purpose barcode data collection system which will do
what you want. It is available at www.powerup.com.au/~jndmunro
Download the trial and read the documentation, then email me your
questions - I will help you set it up and give you registration, free!
For your application it will need to use a scanner connected via a
serial port instead of a keyboard wedge. The Open Barcode system is
able to parse any barcode into data fields and include any control
characters you need between them so that when it is transfered into
your application via the Barcode Bridge, your data lands on the right
spot and in the right format! The system runs in the background,
minimised, so you will just see the data magically appear in your
application.
HTH
Jon Munro