jay-are
asked on
Barcode scanning & VB.Net
Hello Experts
I'm trying to develop a webform using vb.net that will print barcodes and also scan them. I've never done anything with barcodes before. I see some recommendations for Symbol scanners. What's the easiest/best way to proceed with this? If I purchase a Symbol scanner will it come with some sort of API I can use to tie it into my web app? I'd only really need the barcode to be a simple series of numbers like "12345".
So I'm trying to write two programs, one that can print off a barcode and another that will scan that same code and retrieve some info from a ms sql db. Ideas/Suggestions?
Thanks!
I'm trying to develop a webform using vb.net that will print barcodes and also scan them. I've never done anything with barcodes before. I see some recommendations for Symbol scanners. What's the easiest/best way to proceed with this? If I purchase a Symbol scanner will it come with some sort of API I can use to tie it into my web app? I'd only really need the barcode to be a simple series of numbers like "12345".
So I'm trying to write two programs, one that can print off a barcode and another that will scan that same code and retrieve some info from a ms sql db. Ideas/Suggestions?
Thanks!
ASKER
The Symbol scanners seem to cost about $150 a pop which isn't unreasonable to me. I like the idea of a hand-held scanner to provide my clients with something that is very easy to use.
As I stated, a scanner with keyboard interface will be the easiest solution, you have to look to specific model. This way, the scanner simulates a keyboard input, and you won't need any kind of API or special programming.
ASKER
So when a client scans a barcode it just automatically types in the barcode for them? "12345"?
So if I set focus to a textbox when the program loads and they scan something it just automatically uses a kb interface to input the barcode?
So if I set focus to a textbox when the program loads and they scan something it just automatically uses a kb interface to input the barcode?
ASKER
>>So when a client scans a barcode it just automatically types in the barcode for them? "12345"?
YES
>>So if I set focus to a textbox when the program loads and they scan something it just automatically uses a kb interface to input the barcode?
YES
>>Something like this?
>>http://www.nationalbarcode.com/Symbol/LS2208.htm
Specific model:
LS2208-SR20001R-KR LS 2200 Scanner
(Keyboard Wedge Kit, Scanner, PS/2 Cable, Software and Stand)
YES
>>So if I set focus to a textbox when the program loads and they scan something it just automatically uses a kb interface to input the barcode?
YES
>>Something like this?
>>http://www.nationalbarcode.com/Symbol/LS2208.htm
Specific model:
LS2208-SR20001R-KR LS 2200 Scanner
(Keyboard Wedge Kit, Scanner, PS/2 Cable, Software and Stand)
ASKER
Wow that makes life a lot simpler. How about an app that prints the barcodes? There's a way to print the webform and convert the code "12345" into a barcode using a font? Any code samples out there?
>>There's a way to print the webform and convert the code "12345" into a barcode using a font
Just use a barcode font instead of Arial or similar. The is a deployment problem with a webform. You cannot ensure the truetype barcode font is installed in every client machine. Your best chance IMHO is to create a bitmap at server side.
Just use a barcode font instead of Arial or similar. The is a deployment problem with a webform. You cannot ensure the truetype barcode font is installed in every client machine. Your best chance IMHO is to create a bitmap at server side.
ASKER
Is there some vb.net code you know of that handles this sort of thing?
There are some examples at codeproject.com (search for 'barcode' keyword), but almost all are written in C# and C++.
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ASKER
I think I have enough to get started now. Thanks for all the help!
Scanning. Choose a keyboard-interfaced scanner, usually a wedge. Symbol is a great brand, but why to pay $1000 for a state-of-the-art scanner when you can pay just $100 or $200 for a simple application?
Printing. Printing a barcode can be as easy as selecting a "barcode" font, and write to your form as with any other text.