Zebra Plastic Card Printers.

Zebra Plastic Card Printers come in a variety of styles and price ranges, including single-sided printers, dual sided printers, and security printers

Healthy Solutions for Healthcare.

The healthcare industry benefits from barcoding. Barcoding enhances patient safety and operational efficiency.

Seagull Scientific Products

Seagull Scientific BarTender is an industry-leading label design and barcode software. Seagull Scientific also develops true Windows printer drivers for bar code and thermal printers.

MC 9190G

The Ability To Satisfy Your Company Software Requirements.

Wireless Broadband

The unrivalled Motorola portfolio of Point-to-Point (PTP), Point-to-Multipoint (PMP), and Mesh Wide Area Network (MWAN), WLAN and VoWLAN solutions make governments, enterprises, and service providers more agile by helping them deploy voice, video, and data applications right where they need them.

Showing posts with label Data Collection Software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Data Collection Software. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

How to use Microvision ROV Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

Dealing with a Microvision ROV barcode scanner can be quite tricky. Of course, the device is scanning bar-codes immediately. But the data is sent in a special format and requires a confirmation by the receiver. That's the reason for this blog entry.

By default the ROV scanner (in our case a MS2200-BT) buffers all scanned bar codes internally. The receiver (e.g. your PC or smartphone) is required to confirm each received bar code to delete it from the ROV's memory. If such a confirmation is missing the ROV scanner sends the same bar code over and over.

The ROV scanner appends a 4 digit serialization number to each scanned bar-code. This serialization number is sent (along with the barcode data) to the receiver. The receiving device is required to acknowledge the bar-code by sending back the serialization number along with an appended ACK character (hex 06) to the ROV scanner.

Now let's demonstrate how to configure TEC-IT's software wedge TWedge to work with a Microvision ROV scanner.

Use a Microvision ROV Scanner With TWedge

TWedge is a software solution for reading data from RS232, USB (via virtual serial ports), TCP/IP and Bluetooth devices. The built-in scripting capabilities enable you to process the received data (e.g. send the data to any application by simulating keystrokes) or to implement the confirmation scenario outlined above.

Use this JavaScript snippet for the OnData section in the script editor of TWedge (you may also download the TWI).

TWedge OnData Script for Microvision ROV MS2200-BT

var myData;
var SerializationNumber;

myData = DATA.replace (/\x02/g, "");        // remove {STX}
myData = myData.replace (/\x0D\x0A/g, "");  // remove {CRLF}

// Microvision's documentation says the following:
//
// The serialization number are represented by the last four digits of the bar code.
// Send the serialization number with an ACK (hex 06) character to the
// scanner to acknowledge and delete the bar code. If the scanner has bar
// codes buffered then it sends the first stored bar code, deletes that
// bar code after it is acknowledged, and then sends the next stored bar
// code. This process continues until all bar codes have been sent.
SerializationNumber = Right (myData, 4);
WriteToDevice (SerializationNumber + "\x06", 500);  

// Prepare the read data to simulate keystrokes (remove Serialization Number)
myData = Left (myData, myData.length - 4);

SendKeyStrokes(myData.replace (/\x00/g, " "));
SendKeyStrokes("{ENTER}");

Give it a try!

Download and check out the software wedge TWedge for free. The finished configuration file (TWI file) for this blog post is available here.

Comments and suggestions regarding this article are welcome. Please feel free to contact us via MSN or email if you are facing any problems.

Update

The post How to use a Microvision ROV bar-code scanner with Android explains how to configure the scanner to work without serial numbers, buffering or special protocol requirements.

About TEC-IT

WWW.TEC-IT.COM
TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung GmbH provides high quality software in the areas of bar-coding, barcode extensions for ERP systems, label and form printing, reporting and automated data acquisition. TEC-IT products are available for all major platforms, thus customers benefit from complete and versatile software solutions for all possible requirements. The company is located in Austria / Europe and can be reached via www.tec-it.com.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Thursday, 7 July 2011

NEW: Use Android for Data Acquisition with PCs or MACs

New Version!

As of today the new version of GetBlue, an Android app for automated data aquisition, is available.

GetBlue collects device data in the background and forwards captured data to adjustable destinations. The following devices and interfaces are supported in V2.8:

  • Bluetooth SPP (server and client mode),
  • TCP/IP sockets (server and client mode),
  • HTTP,
  • 3rd party camera scanners like the app Barcode Scanner from ZXing
Captured device data can be displayed, saved, uploaded or forwarded to
  • adjustable target devices or target applications (PCs with Microsoft Windows, MAC computers, Google Docs spreadsheets, other Bluetooth devices, web applications, ...),
  • files on the SD card,
  • or injected into 3rd party applications (software wedge mode).

Highlights of the new Version:

  • Bluetooth server support
    Previous GetBlue versions worked exclusively in Bluetooth client mode. Client mode is required to connect to other Bluetooth servers like a Bluetooth barcode scanner. The new Bluetooth server mode can now be used for establishing PC connections: Data captured or scanned with the Android device can automatically sent to a PC for further processing. Server mode is supported for TCP/IP connections as well.
  • Licensing without Android Market
    For users without access to Android Market or for bulk-licensing requirements GetBlue can now be licensed by manually installing license certificates. In order to use this feature you need to download GetBlue from tec-it.com and contact TEC-IT for a certificate (price on request). Please note that the version available on Android Market does not support manual licensing.
  • Transparent Proxy
    As mentioned above GetBlue works as transparent proxy between devices and/or protocols. Data from a Bluetooth device can be forwarded via TCP/IP or HTTP. This behavior is freely adjustable by means of data-source and data-sink configuration.

Give it a try!

Download GetBlue from Android market or from TEC-IT.COM. TEC-IT supports this app, in case of questions, problems or feature requests just get in touch with us!

About TEC-IT

About TEC-IT
TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung GmbH provides high quality software in the areas of automated data acquisition and data collection, bar-coding, barcode extensions for ERP systems, label and form printing and report generator software. TEC-IT products are available for all major platforms, thus customers benefit from complete and versatile software solutions for all possible requirements. The company is located in Austria / Europe and can be reached via www.tec-it.com.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

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.

Saturday, 5 June 2010

Automated Data Acquisition for Android - Update

TEC-IT (http://www.tec-it.com) published version 0.7 of the Android data acquisition app GetBlue!


GetBlue captures device data and saves this data directly to a local file, to a Google Spreadsheet or forwards it to adjustable HTTP/TCP data logging servers. Bi-directional communication is supported, server responses as well as manually entered data can be sent to the connected device.


Currently the following devices are supported:
  • Any Bluetooth device supporting the Serial Port Profile (SPP, RFCOMM),
  • Any TCP/IP device (IP-Address/Port combination), 
  • And new in this version: any installed camera barcode scanner (e.g. the ZXing camera barcode scanner, cyrket market  information
Currently GetBlue is available as freeware - the manual data acquisition functions are available unlimited. Automated data acquisition functionality (like uploading captured data to a TCP data logger) are slightly restricted. All data collection parameters are adjustable by the user via the Settings dialog. The data-source,  the target server, various data capturing parameters like time-outs, retries, data packet size, etc. are adjustable.

Android owners are using GetBlue for a variety of functions:
  • Testing app for serial Bluetooth devices
  • Automated data collection
  • Simple TCP debugger
  • Bluetooth tester for Android 1.5/1.6 or higher
TEC-IT continues to enhance and extend the app. Every feedback from users is highly welcome. Check out the current version for yourself: Android Market Link (install it directly from the Android Market using your handset).

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Bluetooth Data Acquisition with Android

UPDATE: Bluetooth/TCP Reader GetBlue for Android™ 

TEC-IT (http://www.tec-it.com) published version 0.5 of GetBlue!

GetBlue is a smart application which communicates with Bluetooth and TCP/IP devices. The new version supports bi-directional device communication. 

In addition to its simple TELNET like functionality, GetBlue captures serial Bluetooth (SPP/RFCOMMor TCP data, displays it in a log window and forwards the collected data to an arbitrary server application. Data forwarding works even in the background or when changing screen orientation. Manually entered user data or server responses are sent then back to the device. 

All important communication parameters are adjustable: GetBlue can easily be configured to capture Bluetooth barcode data and forward it to a web-application via
  • HTTP GET requests
  • HTTP Post requests
  • Plain TCP sockets 
In addition it can be adjusted whether server responses should be sent back to the device. Using these features GetBlue can be configured for automated data acquisition or working as TCP/Bluetooth proxy. Bi-directional communication scenarios like the following are covered with the free demo version:
  1. The Android device captures barcodes with a Bluetooth barcode scanner 
  2. GetBlue forwards the scanned barcodes to your server application
  3. The server responds - for example - with a status code (like data accepted or data not accepted)
  4. GetBlue sends the server-respone back to the barcode scanner

Give it a try - Android Market Link.

Note: The free demo version replaces forwarded data sometimes with a demo text. All other features are completely unrestricted.

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

TCP and Bluetooth Reader for Android™


TEC-IT joined the Android™ Community!

TEC-IT (http://www.tec-it.com) published GetBlue - its first free App for Android smartphones!

GetBlue is a smart application which communicates with Bluetooth and TCP/IP devices. The user is able to connect to arbitrary Bluetooth devices supporting the Serial Port Profile (SPP), receive and display device data immediately and finally to send manually entered data or control commands to the device. In addition to Bluetooth SPP GetBlue supports connectivity via TCP sockets.

We encourage you to give it a try! GetBlue is completely free and is intended as debugging/testing tool for Android users. When browsing the Android Market with your handset just search for the term GetBlue!

The screen-shot shows barcode data scanned with a Bluetooth barcode scanner paired with a Google G1. GetBlue is available for Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.0 or higher. It was tested with Google G1 and Motorola Milestone/Motorola Droid. For more information get in touch with us - visit www.tec-it.com.

UPDATE 09/04/2010:
We just released an update with the following new features:
- Save to File (save received device data to an arbitrary text file)
- Copy to Clipboard
- No more demo dialogs, this version of GetBlue is completely unlimited (and still free).

Saturday, 6 March 2010

New Mobile Data Acquisition Software from TEC-IT

Press Release

TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung GmbH (www.tec-it.com) released the new version of its data acquisition software for mobile devices.

The new release of TWedgeCE simplifies mobile data acquisition significantly. This software wedge provides application-independent data collection and data logging features for mobile devices. Once installed and configured, TWedgeCE captures data from arbitrary devices like bar code scanners, readers, RF-ID transponders and ID tags, electronic meters and sensors, balances, scales, weights, gauges and many more.

TWedgeCE forwards the captured device data automatically to target applications by simulating keystrokes. This mobile software wedge extends standard applications like Office Mobile, browser based front-ends and any other system with flexible and affordable data acquisition functionality. There is no need to modify the target applications.

Guenter Kriegl, the CEO of TEC-IT, emphasizes the strengths of TWedgeCE: „The new release of the mobile software wedge offers better interface support. The integration of native Bluetooth and the TCP/UDP server capabilities ensure reliable device connectivity. Besides simple configuration and easy deployment that is exactly what our customers are looking for.“

The new version of TWedgeCE offers unmatched communication capabilities. It collects data from serial (RS232, RS485), USB, TCP/IP, UDP and Bluetooth devices. Network connections may be operated in server- or in client mode. In addition, virtual COM port drivers are no longer required for Bluetooth devices.

On demand, TWedgeCE can be configured to restore lost connections automatically, to send I-am-alive packets, to suppress duplicate data packets and to modify the captured data by applying transformation rules. Numerous automation functions are available: TWedgeCE selects the required input field in the target application automatically, activates or starts applications on demand or simulate function keys based on the captured data.

Programming knowledge is not required for using this software tool. TWedgeCE is installed and configured easily. The complete configuration of TWedgeCE is stored in plain text files; this makes deployment to a large number of mobile devices extremely simple.

The current version of this keyboard software wedge can be downloaded from TEC-IT's Website. TWedgeCE is available for Microsoft Windows CE, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile and Symbol PPT 8800. Other platforms are available on request.

Monday, 15 February 2010

New: Videos For Data Acquisition Software

TEC-IT announces the availability of the first product videos for the data acquisition software TWedge.

What is TWedge?
TWedge extends arbitrary databases and applications with flexible real-time data collection. Modifications of the target systems are not required! Use this software wedge with RS232, serial, Bluetooth, USB and TCP/IP interfaces. Captured data is forwarded immediately to databases, applications and ERP systems like SAP R/3. Choose between direct ODBC database access, file access or keystroke simulation (keyboard wedge).

In the first video the usage of the software wedge TWedge is explained.

The second video shows how to use the scripting features of TWedge. The scripting features enable you to modify the device data, to communicate with devices in a bi-directional way, to configure hot-key and timer-based functions and to perform basic user-interactions.

More information about TEC-IT products you will find on our youtube channel TECITSoftware.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Serial (RS232), TCP/IP, USB and Bluetooth Software Wedge

The service release V2.4 of TWedge (software wedge, keyboard wedge, Bluetooth wedge, TCP wedge) is now available for download. In version 2.4 an issue with failed TCP/IP and Bluetooth connections was fixed.

Check it out! Download Software Wedge.

Monday, 1 February 2010

Software for Mobile Data Acquisition

TEC-IT released the new version of TWedgeCE - a software wedge for mobile devices.

What is TWedgeCE?

Windows CE Software WedgeTWedgeCE captures data from external devices and translates them into virtual keystrokes. It acts as middleware between arbitrary data acquisition devices (like scales, gauges, barcode scanners, RFID controllers, etc.) and software applications like Pocket Excel or Mobile Internet Explorer. TWedgeCE operates in the background of the mobile device and can be configured easily via simple configuration files.

Highlights:

Version 2.0 is able to work with devices via the following interfaces:
  • Serial / RS232
  • Bluetooth (native Bluetooth, no virtual COM ports required!)
  • TCP/IP (client mode)
  • TCP(IP (server mode)
  • UDP (client mode)
TWedgeCE is able to check device connectivity (I-Am-Alive), it recovers lost connections automatically (this is especially of interest for WLAN or Bluetooth connections) and finally introduces an anti-jitter feature.

Availability:

Windows Mobile Software WedgeThe mobile software wedge is available for the following platforms:
  • Pocket PC 2003 SE (Second Edition)
  • Windows CE 5 / Embedded CE 6 (ARMV4I)
  • Windows Mobile 5
  • Windows Mobile 6

Related Software:

Also check out the universal data acquisition software TWedge for Windows operating systems. TWedge offers device connectivity, keystroke simulation, direct database access, direct file access and complete scripting features!

Free Download:

Mobile Software Wedge TWedgeCE, Universal Software Wedge TWedge (for Microsoft Windows)

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

TWedge V2.3 Release Candidate

TWedgeV23RCWe are announcing the new version of the data acquisition software / software wedge TWedge.
TWedge is smart middleware which connects to arbitrary devices via RS232 (COM port), Bluetooth (native!) and TCP/IP. The received data is either simulated as keystrokes, stored in a file or saved directly into an ODBC database.

Improvements

  • 0-byte awareness
    Previous versions clipped received or transmitted data after an 0x00 in the data stream.
  • HEX data display
    Incoming data can be displayed as HEX string for better debugging
  • Silent mode
    Device data display can now be turned off

Release Candidate Download

Download data acquisition software TWedge (MSI setup file for Windows). 

Monday, 9 November 2009

Reading RFID Tags with TWedge


TEC-IT's data acquisition software TWedge allows an easy implementation of RFID controller protocols. TWedge can be adjusted to communicate with RFID controllers in a bi-directional way. Reading and processing tag identifiers is as easy as reading/writing tag data!

The following TWedge script can be used to read RFID Tag IDs from EMS Datalogic RFID Controllers (utilizing the ABx Fast Protocol).

The following script performs the following functions:
1) Query the RFID controller by pressing the hotkey

2) When data is received test it for a valid response

3) Display data in MessageBox

Try it yourself - Download the software wedge for free! Keep in mind: V2.3 or higher is required!

Global Helper Functions

HEX Conversion

function encodeHex(input) {
hexOutput = "";
for (i=0; i < input.length; i++) {
hexOutput = hexOutput + ' ' + Dec2Hex(input.charCodeAt(i));
}
return hexOutput;
}

function encodeDec(input) {
decOutput = "";
for (i=0; i < input.length; i++) {
decOutput = decOutput + ' ' + input.charCodeAt(i);
}
return decOutput;
}

function Dec2Hex(Decimal) {
var hexChars = "0123456789ABCDEF";
var a = Decimal % 16;
var b = (Decimal - a)/16;
hex = "" + hexChars.charAt(b) + hexChars.charAt(a);
return hex;
}

Test for TAG ID

function IsRFIDTagID (data)
{
// 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
// 02 02 00 09 0F E0 04 01 00 35 7F 5E 19 03

return data.length >= 14
&& data.charCodeAt(0) == 2
&& data.charCodeAt(1) == 2
&& data.charCodeAt(4) == 15;
}

Test for TAG Response

function IsRFIDReadResponse(data)
{
// 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
// 02 02 00 06 05 31 32 33 34 35 03

return data.length >= 6
&& data.charCodeAt(0) == 2
&& data.charCodeAt(1) == 2
&& data.charCodeAt(4) == 5;
}

Send RFID READ Request

var escZero = "\\0";
var escBack = "\\\\\\\\";

function SendRFIDReadRequest ()
{
var request;
// read 5 Bytes from address 1 with timeout 2000 msec
// 02 02 00 07 05 00 01 00 05 07 D0 03

//request = String.fromCharCode ( 2, 2, 0, 7, 5, 0, 1, 0, 5, 7, 208, 3 );
request = "\x02\x02" + escZero + "\x07"
+ "\x05" + escZero + "\x01" + escZero + "\x05"
+ "\x07\xD0\x03";

// MessageBox ('WriteToDevice: ' + request);
WriteToDevice (request, 2000);

}

Get RFID Response Data

function GetRFIDDataFromResponse ( data )
{
// 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
// 02 02 00 06 05 31 32 33 34 35 03
var len;
var out = "";
if (data.length >= 5)
{
len = data.charCodeAt(2) * 256 + data.charCodeAt(3) - 1;
for (i=0; i< len; i++)
{
out = out + String.fromCharCode(data.charCodeAt(5 + i));
}

//MessageBox ('Len: ' + len + ', ' + out);
return out;
}
return null;
}

OnData Script

if ( IsRFIDTagID (DATA) )
{
SendRFIDReadRequest ();
}
if ( IsRFIDReadResponse (DATA) )
{
MessageBox (encodeHex(DATA) + ' (' + DATA.length + ' Bytes)');
MessageBox ('Nutzdaten: ' + GetRFIDDataFromResponse (DATA));
}

HotKey Script

SendRFIDReadRequest ();

Monday, 12 October 2009

Bluetooth Wedge Software


Want to capture data from Bluetooth devices? Then consider the software wegde TWedge. The latest version of TWedge supports direct Bluetooth connections - without virtual COM ports!

Just select the Bluetooth device of interest in the Interface dialog or enter the Bluetooth address directly (see screenshot). The software wedge TWedge connects to the device automatically and captures all data reliable.

What is the great advantage of direct Bluetooth support? The answer is easy - interrupted Bluetooth connections (e.g. because your bar code scanner is out of range) will be reconnected automatically.

Check out the new version TWedge V2.2: Download the Bluetooth Software Wedge.

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Using a Software Wedge with Citrix XenApp

The Requirement:

Recently a customer of TEC-IT reported some troubles when using the software wedge TWedge on a tablet PC (running XP-based Windows Embedded) in combination with Citrix XenApp v11.0.0.x.
The customer was looking for a solution to connect a Bluetooth barcode scanner (from Intermec) with a legacy database application. Scanned data should be transferred to an input field followed by a TAB key. The database application in question is hosted by an ASP and provided to the tablet PC via XenApp from Citrix.

The Problem:

The initial problem was that the scanned barcode data was not reliable transferred to the database application - scanned data was not transferred completely.

The Solution:

The clipboard-functionality of TWedge solved the problem. Instead of simulating single keystrokes based on the scanned data the barcode value is copied into the clipboard and then pasted to the Citrix client. Thereafter a TAB key is simulated. One very important point in this approach is to use some short delays between the single commands. These delays are required to allow Windows and Citrix messaging to work correctly. Here is the OnData() script of TWedge:
CopyToClipboard (DATA);         // copy barcode data into the clipboard
Sleep (50); // allow clipboard value to settle
SendKeyStrokes (CTRL, "V"); // paste the clipboard to Citrix
Sleep (50); // wait until pasted
SendKeyStrokes ("{TAB}"); // press the TAB key
Sleep (20); // wait until TAB was processed
Hope this helps other customers too!

Wednesday, 20 May 2009

How to Suppress Duplicate Barcodes or RFID Tags with the Software Wedge?

The Problem:

Maybe you are familiar with this scenario: You are connecting a barcode scanner, an electronic scale or an RFID reader to your computer. When capturing data it turns out that the device is sending identical values multiple times. This happens if the user scans a barcode repeatedly, a scale sends the weight of the item periodically or if a RFID reader reports the value of a RFID tag at regular intervals.

The Solution:

TWedge provides a very flexible and elegant solution to this problem. The software wedge can be customized to suppress multiple, identical values easily: Just save the last data value received from the device and compare it with the current one. Forward the device data to target application only if these values are not identical. Here is the script:

The Software Wedge Script:

OnStart() is the perfect place to initialize the last received data value (sLastData) with a null value. OnStart is executed when device communication is initialized (e.g. the serial port was opened):
// This script is executed whenever communication is started.
// Use it to perform one-time initializations like opening a file or a database connection.
// message informaing the user what this sample is good for
MessageBox("This script demonstrates how to suppress duplicate data packets from a device.\n\nSometimes devices like barcode scanners or RFID controllers are sending the same data packet multiple times. This very useful feature just forwards unique values to the target application.");
sLastData = null; // initialize with a value which is never received from a device
nDuplicates = 0; // set the number of duplicates to 0

OnData() is executed whenever device data is received. Compare the current data value (stored in DATA) with the last one (sLastData). In this example keystrokes are only simulated if these two values are not identical:

// Check if the current device data is identical to the last one
if (DATA != sLastData)
{
SendKeyStrokes(DATA); // not identical: simulate keystrokes
sLastData = DATA; // set the last value to the current one
nDuplicates = 0; // increment the duplicate counter (for info only)
}
else
{
nDuplicates++; // duplicate received, just display an info-message
NotifyInfo ("Duplicate data received. The value " + DATA + " was suppressed " + nDuplicates + " times");
}

More information as well as the script explained in this post will be available soon on www.tec-it.com.

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

TWedge Hotfix

This hotfix solves a problem when saving the settings of the software wedge into a TWI file.

The format of the TWI files was changed. This ensures that the settings can be saved even if special characters (like STX, ETX, EOT, DC1, DC2, ...) are part of the script. TWI files from previous version can be loaded without problems!

Download the hotfix here: Software Wedge for Windows

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Data Acquisition with a System Service

The software wedge TWedge is able to save data from serial or TCP based devices (e.g. barcode scanners, gauges, scales, controllers) directly into any database (ODBC) or file. When operating TWedge as a system service data acquisition can be automated completely and performed in the background without any user interaction.

Starting TWedge as service is done with the help of a Microsoft tool named srvany.exe (part of the Windows Resource Toolkit).

Check out more details here: how to install the Software Wedge TWedge as Windows Service? The primer explains the required Registry settings in detail.

Monday, 4 May 2009

Scan & Store: Scan Barcodes directly into any Database

Are you looking for a basic inventory solution or you are just interested in registering items based on their barcode?

The data acquisition software TWedge provides an elegant solution - TWedge captures data from arbitrary devices (like a serial or USB barcode scanner) and can be configured to store captured data directly into any ODBC database.

Additional database software is NOT required! 

Smart Software Wedge

Configuration of TWedge is extremely flexible: The data acquisition functionality can be configured to meet your exact requirements. TWedge is able to perform read/write access to files, databases and may also simulate keystrokes.

To implement the required functionality you need:

  • A serial (or USB) barcode scanner. The used COM port as well as the interface parameters are important (most likely it will be 9600,N,8,1 - meaning 9600 bits per second, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit)
  • TWedge (download)

Determine Bluetooth COM Port

For this example I use a Bluetooth bar code scanner (Metrologic Voyager). The scanner provides scanned data via COM3. This serial interface was adjusted manually in the services dialog of the available Bluetooth Devices on Microsoft Windows:

Configure TWedge Interface

Now start TWedge and configure the interface parameters. Adjust COM3 as displayed in the Bluetooth dialog above:

Test Scanner Communication

The next step is to test the interface configuration: just start communication in TWedge. Whenever you scan a barcode the number should appear in the protocol window:

Provide a Database

Now its time to connect the barcode scanner with a database. For demonstration purposes we use an empty database which was pre-installed by the setup application of TWedge:  A so-called System DSN which is named TWedge_Sample.

On 32 bit Windows you can check out the installed DSN by opening the Data Sources (ODBC) administration (Windows Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Set up data sources (ODBC)). If you are running Vista x64 then execute the command c:\windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe to view this dialog:

On Vista systems the database is usually stored in the folder C:\ProgramData\TEC-IT\TWedge\2.1\Examples\Database. When you open this database with Microsoft Access you see two tables. The example below stores captured data in the initial empty table tbl_Scans:

Configure Software Wedge

In order to configure TWedge open the script editor and select the predefined template which is named Database - Write. Double click it and close the script editor. This script reads data from the configured interface, determines the current date and time and enters the scanned data in the database mentioned above.

Data Acquisition

Start device communication again and scan some barcodes:

Finished! Barcodes are stored in Database

That's all! TWedge connects to the barcode scanner via the configured COM3. It waits for scans - and whenever a barcode was scanned it enters the barcode number into the database. And this is the result– the scanned barcodes are stored with some additional information like date/time and hostname:

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Barcode and RFID Wedge / Software Wedge: TWedge V2.1

As of today TEC-IT released a new version of the data acquisition software TWedge.

TWedge is a smart data collection tool which is in use as barcode wedge, software wedge, keyboard wedge, serial wedge, scale wedge, etc. Just choose the name you prefer :-).
V2.1 introduces:
  • User Input Functionality: The new function 'InputBox' allows a user to enter data in real-time (validation is optional).
  • Clipboard Access Functions: The clipboard functions "CopyToClipboard" and "GetFromClipboard" were introduced. These functions are useful for larger amounts of data, where a simulation of keystrokes is not feasible or too slow.
  • Multiple Control Strings: Now it is possible to send a combination of key constants and modifier keys using the '+' character' (e.g.: "{CTRL+f}" or "{CTRL+SHIFT+h}"). Multiple modifier keys can be now processed through multiple control string.
  • Improved User Interface (GUI): Toolbar and application icons were redesigned.
Product descriptions and downloads are available here: Software Wedge TWedge V2.1.