Generating 2D Barcodes using the Call Function

[Tweedy]

Currently we are applying a font-based 2D Barcode to our work using a
DLL called from within Microsoft Access. The databse is then linked as
a Generic DB within XMPIE. This works perfectly, but storing the 2D
barcode information within Access leads to databases that are very
large and we run the risk of hitting file size limits.

I’ve noticed the CALL Function within XMPIE and wondered if this could
be used to call the 2D Barcode DLL directly from the server
environment to create the barcode on the fly?

If this is feasible, how would we go about achieving/testing this?

Any help gratefully received,
Steve @ Inc

[Timothy Perrett]

Steve,

You can only use CALL to call C++ DLL's that conform to the XMPie
uPlan
extension interface and implement the type conversion handlers so
uPlan
knows what the return type of the DLL is.

Can I ask, why don't you just use the 2D barcodes that ship with
XMPie?
Currently supported codes are:

2D PDF417
2D DataMatrix
2D Aztec Code
2D QRCode
2D Maxi Code
2D Micro PDF

Is that of any help?

Timothy Perrett

blog: http://blog.getintheloop.eu
lift: http://liftweb.net

[Bill]

> that ship with XMPie?

Shipped with XMPie version 4.5 on Windows.
Available for download on http://www.xmpie.com/index.php?id=280

[Tweedy]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the response.

We currently run a 2D Aztec Barcode which creates a textual output.
This field is placed on the Indesign artwork and styled with an Aztec
Barcode font, which then displays the 2D Barcode. (I.e. there is no
imagery involved).

If we use the 2D Aztec Code shipped with XMPIE (version 4?), would we
have to pre-generate the 2D barcode imagery offline, prior to running
the job live on the server?

If the barcodes are generated "on the fly", is their a How to/Idiot's
guide or existing documentation to how I can ahieve this?

Many Thanks Again,
Steve

[Barak Danin (XMPie)]

Steve,

Barcode images are indeed generated on the fly. To add personalized
barcodes to your document, you'll need to add a Graphic ADOR to your
Plan file, call the right function (for Aztec, this is
XMP2DAztecCode), and as a parameter pass the text you need to encode.
Then place the Graphic ADOR in a graphic box in the InDesign
document.

Barak

[Tweedy]

Many thanks to you all (Tim, Bill and Barak) for your help on this
one. Sounds like I have a workable solution! All the best, Steve