Is this possible with a barcode?

[Chris.Tanti]

I have an application used for logging back returned questionnaires. The logging involves finding the data using a URN key and then date stamping and selecting an outcome.

We have a barcode reading pen.

Would it be possible to print a barcode that included the commands to:
Save the current record (F9)
Call up the index (ctrlK)
Enter the ID Number
Press Enter

All in a single swipe?

We have used Code 39, but as I understand it this includes just the basic character set, so how would I get the ctrl and function keys translated. Eventually I would like the date stamping to be included, but one step ata a time!

Any ideas?

Thanks,

[Pat Bremkamp]

RE: Is this possible with a barcode?

Chris,
Instead of putting all that in the barcode, you could build it into the form using the field events, such as the onchange event which could validate the data and commit the record.

[csda1]

RE: Is this possible with a barcode?

Chris,

Most scanners have a programmable prefix and suffix that they output along with the barcode. Normally, you want the prefix to be the hotkey (like CTRL-G for example) for an Alpha 5 form button (use ampersand before hotkey in button text). It could also be some other special key (e.g. ALT-F10) that can be watched for by the onkey event of the form. For either case, it starts some Xbasic code that captures all the rest of the barcode. Then the code does the find as needed.

The suffix is normally a Carriage return (Ascii 13), which will terminate a dialog prompt for the barcode that the above code will use. Then the code can do whatever it needs, like finds, date-stamping the record etc.

This code is basically easy to do. I have created an A5 add-in package to add functionality like this to A5 with alot less programming, but it will not be released until version 5. If you need something sooner and don't want to do it yourself, contact me and I'll see what I can do.

Regards,

Ira J. Perlow
Computer Systems Design & Associates
[email protected]

[Thomas Henkel]

RE: Is this possible with a barcode?

As a follow-up to what Ira said, we use barcodes to scan cases in an d out of the filerooms. The scanner software is programmed with commands to tell alpha to do a "find", then date and timestamp the record. It works great!

Tom

[Thomas Henkel]

RE: Is this possible with a barcode?

One more note. We did find, however that a more robust bar code reading device became necessary. The pen and then an inexpensive reader just couldn't handle everything accurately.

[PARCODE]

RE: Is this possible with a barcode?

Most barcode decoder boxes are capable of embedding macros and also making use of extended code 39 to implement function keys. In addition, Code 128 is capable of embedding even more function keys. A durable pen scanner such as this can be purchased for about $159.00.