barcode scanner

[anneoctaaf]

I need to design an application where i can work with barcode scanners. What kind of information can i put in a barcode and is it possible to get the info into a visual basic application?

This project needs to start yet, so i'm looking for suggestions. Is visual basic a good tool to write the application in?

The application will be a warehouse application where all locations will get a barcode and all products will get a barcode. The warehouse system needs to be able to show the current stock and also where (what location) the products are.

Thanx!

If there are other tools more suitable to get this done, i also would like to know...

 

[MattSTech]

I am using a barcode scanner in a few VB applications. The easiest way is to use one with a keyboard interface. This is just a cable that connects between the keyboard and computer and sends keystrokes to the application.

Note, make sure you have adequate licensing for the barcode fonts you use and if possible get a developer license so you can redistribute the fonts without hassle. Unless you have barcode label printer and don't use TT fonts for the barcoding.


Hope this helps

Matt

 

[Diederik]

Have a look at

http://www.adams1.com/pub/russadam

Here you'll find loads of information on barcodes
Oh, and there's also a 'bar coding' forum in tek tips...

Diederik

 

[hmckillop]

i have extensively used Visual Basic Programs and barcodes.
MattSTech is correct in saying the easiest barcode readers use a keyboard interface.
All you then need to do is write simple forms, ensuring things like focus is set to the correct text boxes, use the lost focus event to manage how you want you want to do when the barcode has been scanned etc.
There are a wide range of barcode fonts all different standards (these will limit what characters/text you can use - but generally all of alphabet and numeric keys are acceptable), also you obviously need specialist printing equipment for the barcodes.

Essentially the development of the program isnt any different than any other standard VB app, if you need samples just post a new message.


"Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.

 

[chrissie1]

if your text has non alphanumeric characters in it try going for the 2D ones they will be much smaller and can contain up to 1000 characters, however you will need a more expensive scanner and other software no fonts (an activex control perhaps) to generate the barcode.

also you obviously need specialist printing equipment for the barcodes.

here I disagree with hmckillop you can print your barcode on any paper on any printer, but the smaaler you want the barcode the better the quality needs to be and the better the scanner needs to be.

BTW if you look around you should be able too find the algoritmes to make the barcodes yourself, but there are licensing issues. I know code 39 is free and is the most popular, however it is not the smallest.

Christiaan Baes
Belgium

If you want to get an answer read this FAQ faq796-2540
What a wonderfull world - Louis armstrong

 

[johnwm]

Most of the barcode specs are now internationally agreed and recognised, and there is no licence issues with that information. There is a fairly comprehensive discussion on the different symbologies at:

http://www.barcodeisland.com/symbolgy.phtml

There are TrueType fonts available for purchase for barcodes, but from the specs on the above reference you could write your own fairly easily.

There is a limited freeware version of Code39 font here:

http://www.bizfonts.com/free/

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