USB interface barcode scanners

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USB interface barcode scanners

Not exactly a programming question, but close. I'll try my luck anyway.

The keyboard wedge barcode scanner inserts the translation device between the reader and the keyboard. Data sent through a wedge appears as if it was typed into the computer, while the keyboard itself remains fully functional. Because a computer using a keyboard wedge can't tell the difference between data that is entered by a scanning device, or data that is entered by keyboard typing, a wedge can be used to easily add barcode reading capability to an existing computer without modifying software applications.

I'd like to know if all USB interface barcode scanners automatically translate digital signals from a barcode reader into keyboard strokes for a applications just like wedge or is USB different from wedge?

Many thanks

+3 A:

There are all sorts of API to access barcode scanners -- by no means do they all work by making believe they're "the keyboard"!-) For example, here you can find a reasonable summary of possibilities (the classic rs232 approach, the "wedge" one, and USB-interface ones) albeit for a single firm producing them. Depending on what programming you're willing and able to do, your best choice might be any of these approaches, or others yet.

Alex Martelli 2010-05-23 15:25:34

The application is already developed with wedge (keyboard-like) input in mind, like your fellow co-worker (Matt Cutts) shows in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95ywcuGuTM :) I'm just not sure if its the wedge or USB scanner I want.

Nimbuz 2010-05-23 15:30:17

The one he's using is also USB, so I wonder if all USB scanners provide keyboard-like input?

Nimbuz 2010-05-23 15:35:02

@Nimbuz, while most USB scanners no doubt do provide at least one mode where they can emulate a/the keyboard, I wouldn't take it for granted that such a software mode "must certainly be" present just because the HW interface is USB -- rather, I'd check the spec sheet for the specific scanner brand and model to ascertain that it is.

Alex Martelli 2010-05-23 15:40:18

+1 the readers I've dealt with usually have both, since you don't always want keyboard-emulation. I remember the last one I used was really cool in that you put it in keyboard mode by reading a special barcode. Very nice, but sorry but I don't remember the name.

kenny 2010-05-23 15:57:08

ansaurus

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USB interface barcode scanners

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