ZXing Test DataMatrix binary data view request for addition

[Stuart Tyler]

I just tried to use Zxing android apps to scan a barcode, but the data is encoded as binary data, not ASCII.

 

Both apps: ‘Barcode Scanner’ and ‘ZXing Test’ both do not return any access to the binary data.

 

It would be really nice if ZXing Test app -> Scan Anything screen returned a hex display of the data as well as an ASCII view.

 

I used a Samsung i9300 phone to decode the Datamatrix: Screen shot from ZXing Test app is attached…

 

Zxing Test says it is V1.4(9). Not too sure how to check it is the latest.

Barcode Scanner V4.4 says similar information.

 

It would be great if ZXing Test had a binary output (hex display) of the scanned data to easily access somewhere.

 

 

[Sean Owen]

The thing is, a 'hex' view of the data is not a standard view, and is not what the data encodes. I don't think it makes sense for the apps to show this.

However you can access the raw byte payload if you use the library code directly.

[Stuart Tyler]

Yes, hex view is non-standard. Ascii barcodes I would guess make up 99% of all barcodes. There are a few applications where data density in the barcode is important to keep the barcode small and having easy access to the binary stream is real nice. This is one of those times. Surely adding a 'scan anything and return in hex' option to zxing test isnt too hard. Well looks like I have to pull out the java manual, and a getting started with android apps tutorial, and roll my sleeves up and get dirty. Thats the good thing about open source at least.

[Sean Owen]

Yes it makes some sense in the Test app. Note that the online decoder at zxing.org already does what you are talking about.