Nintendo's Japanese 3DS Will Include QR Codes

Mii Studio characters can be converted into a QR code that users can print or post on a website to share their Mii's. Friends then scan the QR with their 3DS camera to retrieve the Mii.via IGNimage via Duck Fluff

Read More

GetBlue Bluetooth SPP Problems: Android Troubleshooting

Bluetooth SPP Data Acquisition

GetBlue is an Android App which captures data from a data-source (Bluetooth SPP, TCP and Camera Scanners) and forwards the collected data to an adjustable data-sink (TCP, HTTP, File, Display, Online Spreadheets provided by Google Docs, GetBlue virtual keyboard). Data collection is done completely in the background.

Bluetooth SPP Connection Problems

Recently some users reported problems when using Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile) devices with GetBlue: A Bluetooth SPP device can be paired without problems but GetBlue is unable to connect to it.

A Possible Solution

In order to avoid the connection problems please do the following in EXACTLY the given order:

a) Disable all GetBlue functions: Set datasink to "None", do NOT use keyboard output and deactivate the GetBlue keyboard in Android settings (required only if previously enabled).
b) Reboot the phone
c) Enable Bluetooth
d) Pair the Bluetooth device with your handset (Android settings)
e) Start GetBlue
f) Adjust datasource - select the device just paired
g) Press start in GetBlue

Background

The reason for this nasty behavior is a buggy Bluetooth implementation in the firmware of the handsets. HTC Desire, HTC Legend, HTC Wildfire, SonyEricson X10, Samsung Galaxy S and possibly more models are affected.
Google G1, G2 and Motorola Milestone work perfectly.

Please let us know your smart-phone model if you are experiencing this bug. We will update the list above accordingly.

Read More

The Basics of Barcode Fonts

by Nate Schubert

Barcode generation can be accomplished in a variety of ways, and the best method of depends largely on environment. Barcode images can be streamed into applications via the Internet or internally within an organization. They can be static or dynamic depending on the information required. There are a lot of different ways barcode technology can be integrated into your environment, but barcode fonts continue to be the most flexible choice.

What is a Barcode Font?

Like traditional fonts such as Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman and even the dreaded Comic Sans, barcode fonts can be applied to an encoded string of data to transform it into a readable barcode representation of that data. That may sound complicated, but it is a lot easier to understand in practice rather than in theory.

What is Encoded Data?

If you want to create a barcode from a font in a program like Microsoft or Excel, then that data needs to be encoded before the appropriate barcode font can be applied to it. Well, that's not completely true. It's absolutely possible to highlight your un-encoded data and then select the appropriate barcode font from the font drop-down list. It may look like a regular barcode, but you won't find a barcode scanner that can read it because there is important information missing in an un-encoded barcode. The absence of that information results in a barcode that looks correct but doesn't have things like start and stop characters which, as you may have guessed, tell a barcode scanning device where the targeted barcode begins (starts) and ends (stops).

Encoding is also important because it can include a check digit, which is a digit identifier in the barcode that may help to determine the standard or some other important aspect of it. IDAutomation provides a wide selection of free font encoder tools that can assist it's customers in encoding data strings to create a readable barcode which is a huge convenience given how cumbersome the manual process of calculating check digits can be.

The Benefits of Barcode Fonts?

Choosing to integrate barcode fonts into your process as opposed to components or stand-alone barcode generation programs is a decision that shouldn't be made lightly. While the Java Barcode Component may create the same barcode as our Postnet & Intelligent Mail Barcode Font Package, they way they are created is quite different.

They're just fonts, which means they can integrate into a number of different operating systems, production environments and software applications. This means you can use the same barcode fonts on a Windows platform, a Unix or Linux system or even Macintosh.

With IDAutomation Font Tools, users are free to integrate barcode fonts into popular reporting software such as Crystal Reports, Oracle Reports, Access, FileMaker and much more. This means you are not limited in your environment when generating barcodes which can be a plus, especially if the barcode fonts will be used in multiple departments.

Drawbacks of Barcode Fonts

While barcode fonts may bring greatly increased levels of flexibility across platforms and applications, it is important to note that there are some drawbacks which can influence any integration decision.

Barcode Fonts need to be installed on a computer or a server where the computer is connected, or the user will not be able to view, let alone generate the barcode. This can be an issue when distributing documents outside of your organization where the recipients will not have access to the barcode font, which will result in no barcode displayed on the document once it leaves your organization. This problem can be solved by embedding barcode fonts into documents but the process is usually more complicated than a standard user has time to grasp and execute.

While barcode fonts increase cross-platform and application compatibility, the actual types of barcodes generated are limited to just the type that exists in the package itself. For example, the Code 128 Barcode Font Advantage Package allows generation of any barcode that is created from the Code 128 symbology. This includes UCC-128, EAN-128, GS1-128, SCC-18 and more. On the same token, the .NET Linear Barcode Forms Control component allows generation of code 128, code 39, codabar, postal barcodes and many other types, but only in a .NET environment.

A Word About 2D Barcode Fonts

If you need something with a little more power, consider a two-dimensional barcode font like Data Matrix, PDF417 or QR Code. These fonts are more complex than the standard linear fonts above and so their encoders are usually available for Java, .NET, ASP, ActiveX and others. These fonts have more in common with components, although they are still fonts and should be considered appropriately.

At The End of The Day...

Finally, it's the end of the road. You've identified which barcode type you want to generate. You've made the font vs. component decision based on which barcode(s) you want to create, which environment(s) you'll be creating them in, and how you'll be encoding the data, and you're ready to pull the trigger. Whether you're a developer working to integrate the product inside an existing application, a custom application or even an internet web page or just a regular joe who wants to turn a zip code into a barcode, barcode fonts are going to help you make that possible.

Read More

Online Retailer Gets QR Codes Really Right

Fashion retailer Bluefly and Bravo have teamed up to create a commercial QR experience that's both useful and savvy.45-second commercials running on the cable network feature QR codes along the bottom of the screen that when scanned with a cellphone bring up online extras, full-length video and special Bluefly discounts.This is how QR should be done!via the New York Times

Read More

The Beautiful Barcode

by Nate Schubert

Barcodes are so widely in use today that many times, we don't even notice them around us. These unassuming, square or rectangular symbols don't just look pretty, however. A barcode can encode loads of data which can be read and output with a simple barcode scanner or, more recently, a smart phone equipped with a camera-based barcode scanning app.

All Barcodes Are Not The Same

Because different barcode types can encode different amounts (and types) of data, it's important to note their differences. For instance, linear barcodes are rectangular symbols with black lines running vertically like prison-style bars. These barcodes have start and stop characters that tell the barcode scanner where the barcode begins and ends. Some barcodes, like Code 39, require only an asterisk for the start/stop characters while others, like Code 128, require special check digits to be calculated depending on the information encoded in the barcode itself. Linear barcodes are excellent for encoding numbers, letters and even functions such as Tab, Enter and more.

2D barcodes are more complex, two-dimensional square-style barcodes that resemble a checkerboard. These barcodes can often encode large amounts of data, upwards of 800 characters which tends to be more a limitation of the scanner than the actual symbology. Data Matrix is a popular 2D symbology that is in use by many industries for it's small size and parsing-capability via data encoded in the barcode. Additionally, QR Codes have quite possibly become the most mainstream 2D barcode, finding their way into a variety of different global marketing arenas not just to encode data, but to work with smart phone barcode scanning apps that, when scanned, can take you directly to a web URL for a deeper look into the product, event or service.

What Are Barcodes Used For?

Over the years, industries have come up with so many different uses for barcode technology that you can find them implemented in nearly every corner of business. UPC stands for Universal Product Code which is a unique number that identifies a specific product available for sale in retail environments. The UPC Code often contains encoded data referencing the product and price. This practice is not limited to just the retail markets, however, as businesses seek to track documents and other equipment with unique identification barcodes.

Most recently, 2D barcodes have become very useful in marketing where simply scanning them can take your mobile phone device to a web address which may contain a discount or other information specific to you.

What's Next For Barcode Technology?

Over the past few years, RFID technology has been hot on the heels of barcode technology, and many thought it would usurp traditional barcodes as the primary method of tracking. While RFID has been a great benefit to large warehousing and logistical implementations, it has yet to trickle down to Main Street. Moreover, traditional barcodes have seen a resurgence due to their compatibility with barcode scanning apps and their ease-of-use in traditional business environments. The integration of barcodes into everyday work environments should remain consistently strong with a growing level of functionality in marketing and the Internet.

Read More

Excel Spreadsheets & Barcodes

There's a way to put barcodes in Excel spreadsheets. Use Azalea's fonts and free Excel spreadsheets with macros.

Read More

Datalogic Memor Pocket Mobile Computer

by Nate Schubert

The latest in a line of excellent Datalogic products available at IDAutomation, the Datalogic Memor Pocket Mobile Computer is a compact, lightweight yet robust scanning device that combines integrated barcode reading and wireless communication capabilities into one powerful Portable Memory device. Following are some of the most impressive features of the Memor:

• Full Windows CE 5.0 operating system with an Intel XScale microprocessor
• Color TFT QVGA touch screen display provides extra bightness and sharpness
• 64+128 MB of on-board memory and a Secure Digital card slot to expand storage capacity
• Direct connection for power supply and data transfer with a Bluetooth wireless option
• Includes Terminal Emulation, DL Application Manager and Locked Web Browser software tools
• Reads UPC/EAN, Code 39, Codabar, Code 128, MSI, Code 93, Code 11 and more.

The Datalogic Memor Batch Mobile Computer is available with free ground shipping for just $899. Order the Datalogic Memor today and start enjoying the benefits of this advanced, quality portable memory device!

Read More

Opticon OPN 2003 Pocket Memory Scanner

by Nate Schubert

IDAutomation is pleased to provide the new Opticon OPN 2003 Pocket Memory Scanner as a replacement to the OPN 2001. Both of these models are very similar in functionality and ease-of-use with slight changes in design and appearance. Following are some of the more notable features of this new OPN 2003:

• 512 KB Memory allows storing of up to 10,000 barcodes with time stamp
• Utilizes easy data transfer via USB port which is also used to charge the battery
• Reads Code 128, Code 39, DataBar, ISBN, PDF417 and many other barcode types
• Housed in a protective plastic case which increases product life
• Free Application Generator Softwrae, Barcode Label Software and Code 39 Barcode Font provided with purchase
• Includes Scanner, Lithium-Ion rechargable battery, hand strap and USB cable

The Opticon OPN 2003 Pocket Memory Scanner is available for same-day shipping as late at 7pm eastern, is priced at just $129 and ships free via UPS Ground. Order the OPN 2003 today!

Read More

Japanese Town Utilizes 2D Barcodes in Worst Way Ever

Sad, awful fourth-sign-of-the-apocalyse dating simulation game LovePlus+ and the resort town of Atami, Japan have joined forces to create the ne plus ultra creeptastic "romantic holiday" for terrible male humans. 2D barcodes are scattered at locations throughout the town where the men can have CGI-type pictures taken with their "virtual girlfriend". At a dozen romantic locations in and around the

Read More

Barcode Scanner Keyboard for Android

Type Or Scan Barcode Keyboard

Barcode Keyboard - +TEC-IT's new soft-keyboard for Android offers integrated camera scanner support. Using this keyboard you are able to scan barcodes directly into any app, application switching or copy/paste is no longer required.

After the application was installed, this Barcode Keyboard  can be activated in Android Settings -- Language / keyboard.
Once activated you are still able to key-in text manually using the hardware or software-keyboard of your Droid. But whenever you need to enter the data of a barcode (e.g. an EAN or UPC product code, a QR-Code, ...) just press the barcode key or long press the num/alpha modifier. A camera scanner app (choose between the built-in or an external scanner) is opened, the barcode is decoded and the Barcode Keyboard enters the barcode data automatically into the current input field. No manual typing is required.

User Manual

NEW: A complete and updated user manual in German and English is available on TEC-IT's web site!

Enable Barcode Keyboard

After installing Barcode Keyboard from Android Market (Market link: market://search?q=pname:com.tecit.android.barcodekbd.demo) you need to enable the keyboard on your Droid (the keyboard must be activated too, see below!):

1. Navigate to Android Settings -- Language / keyboard
2. Check Barcode Keyboard and confirm the security warning

Barcode Keyboard Settings

• Data Prefix
  Using the placeholders ${ENTER}, ${TAB}, ${BACKSPACE}, ${DOWN}, ${UP}, ${LEFT} and ${RIGHT} you can control the cursor or input focus before the barcode data is inserted into the input field of the current app.
• Data Suffix
  Use the same placeholders as above to control the cursor or input focus after the barcode data is inserted into the input field of the current app.
• Camera Scanner
  If you prefer to select the camera scanner to be used each time, select Always ask. If a specific app is selected, the software always uses exactly this camera scanner app without asking.
• Search Key Function
  This entry specifies the action when the hardware search key is pressed (this key is usually marked with a magnifier symbol, it is also available on the hardware keyboard of a Motorola Droid/Milestone or Google G1): Scan Barcode Now immediately opens the camera scanner when this key is pressed (you do not need to activate the soft-keyboard beforehand). In this case the search key acts as hotkey for barcode scanning.
  Choose Do Nothing if you do not want to change the default behaviour of the standard search key.

Activate the Barcode Keyboard

1. Open some app which uses a text input field (e.g. Gmail, then Compose a new email).
2. Long-tap in some input field like To
3. A menu opens, select Input method
4. Choose Camera Keyboard

90 Seconds Video Demonstration

Update Available (V1.4 - October 2012)

In addition to numerous other improvements the updated version of the bar code keyboard supports the following keyboard layouts (The layout of the barcode keyboard is automatically adjusted to the system settings):

• English
• German
• French
• Russian
• Spanish - new
• Swedish

In addition the placeholders ${ENTER}, ${TAB}, ${BACKSPACE}, ${DOWN}, ${UP}, ${LEFT} and ${RIGHT} can now be abbreviated with ${E}, ${T}, ${B}, ${D}, ${U}, ${L} and ${R}. You can specify a multiplier immediately after the placeholder (e.g. ${E5}). This instructs the barcode keyboard to simulate the specified key n times (5 times Enter key in the example above).

Your Feedback Please!

Feedback and feature requests are highly welcome. Just contact TEC-IT.

P.S.: +TEC-IT  offers also another Android App named GetBlue. This app provides automated data collection and data entry for all apps. Connects to TCP RFID and Bluetooth SPP barcode scanners!

Read More