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best method to scan a credit card

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    best method to scan a credit card

    What would be the best method to scan a credit card?
    Here are the issues.
    Now I am using a memo field (sized to one character), it takes the scan from a mag-reader and an �onchange� event script split the value of the memo field and fills the name field, Exp., and CC#. This operation is kind of uncivilized, because the field as a memo field, I do not know how to format it, so it will not display the information string of the card.
    Also the user can click on the field and see the entire string. (Unsafe)
    If I use a regular field (which it would be much better for formatting), somehow no matter how long the field is, the scan results splits the result after the ? character and send the rest of the string to the next fields.
    Hope I explained myself correctly.
    Recommendations will be appreciated.

    #2
    Re: best method to scan a credit card

    I am not sure what flexibility there is in "programming" the mag card reader. With a barcode scanner I generally set up preamble and/or postamble control codes. This lets me read the scan into a dialog box field, do any processing in an xbasic script, and save the values into any needed fields.

    For example, a preamble might be Ctl-2. This would match the hot key on a hidden button which could do the following.
    1.display a ui_get_text() to accept results of the scan. (for a scan gun an {enter} is usually automatically included at end of scan, so that closes the dialog box.) This happens so quickly a user never sees the box flash on the screen.
    2. parse the results of the scan.
    3. save to fields as needed.
    4. script ends.

    Again, I have no idea the capabilities of your mag card reader, but this may give you some ideas.

    Bill.

    Comment


      #3
      Re: best method to scan a credit card

      The mag reader is the unit that you see in stores and you slide your credit card. (it reads the magnetic strip behind the CC.)
      I have attached to the PC a barcode and a mag reader.
      The Bardcode is instant, but is used for merchandise.
      The magreader is not as fast.

      Comment


        #4
        Re: best method to scan a credit card

        I know what it is, but not what capability this particular unit has to add codes to the front and back of the scanned string.

        My guidelines for what to do are the same. If there is no ability to add control codes, you could create a visible button that the uses pushes before swiping the card. That button would do the same as above, i.e. display a ui_get_text(), etc.

        Bill.

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          #5
          Re: best method to scan a credit card

          The capabilty is to read the magenetic stripe. Just that. It is not like a barcode scanner that you can change features.
          That is what I do now.
          The limitation is that I have to use a memo field instead of a regular field. I have very little control on memos. (they are great, but in this case, only thing it does, collects the reading of the CC).
          As you mentioned, perhaps a button operation may give me the control I need.
          I will follow this Idea.
          Thanks for the replies.

          Comment


            #6
            Re: best method to scan a credit card

            Ron,
            format it, so it will not display the information string of the card.
            Also the user can click on the field and see the entire string
            Maybe missed something but sure seems that simply enabling the Hide feature of the memo field would do what you want---if focus is required for the scan to initially take place, have it first unhidden, then code could be used to hide it immediately after, parse the info into the fields as you are doing, delete the memo contents, then unhide again.......
            Mike
            __________________________________________
            It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.
            It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
            Henry David Thoreau
            __________________________________________



            Comment


              #7
              Re: best method to scan a credit card

              Originally posted by CarverRon View Post
              The limitation is that I have to use a memo field instead of a regular field. I have very little control on memos. (they are great, but in this case, only thing it does, collects the reading of the CC).
              As you mentioned, perhaps a button operation may give me the control I need.
              Just use a variable and XDialog to capture the magnetic strip. There is absolutely no reason you need to use a memo field here (as far as I know) and has many technical disadvantages.
              Regards,

              Ira J. Perlow
              Computer Systems Design


              CSDA A5 Products
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                #8
                Re: best method to scan a credit card

                I was working a button to do it, but I am finding to cumbersome.
                The idea of a field and a xdialog could do it.
                I have to try as I did use a field and no matter how big the field is, the reading can not pass the ? character.
                What it does is that it reads the whole strip and places the character prior the ? and fills the next field with the rest.
                In the memo field it does not happens.
                I will try both ideas.
                Thanks

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