How to use Microvision ROV Barcode Scanners with Android - Update!

Bluetooth Data Acquisition on Android

Currently TEC-IT offers two Android apps for data acquisition with Bluetooth devices:

• GetBlue provides universal data acquisition and device communication with Bluetooth SPP, TCP and camera scanners. GetBlue communicates with serial Bluetooth devices (Serial Port Profile like SPP/RFCOMM barcode readers), TCP/IP devices and camera scanners. Captured data is displayed, saved (File, Google Docs), forwarded (HTTP, TCP) or injected as virtual keystrokes into Apps (GetBlue virtual keyboard).
• BluePiano extends all Apps with automated Bluetooth data acquisition. This new input method provides a Bluetooth-enabled soft-keyboard. This virtual keyboard captures data from Bluetooth SPP devices (serial port profile) and forwards the received data to input fields of arbitrary apps.

Microvision ROV Bluetooth Scanners

Problem:
Some users are experiencing the following issue: once a bar code is scanned with the Microvision ROV barcode scanner the bar code data is sent over and over again.
Cause:
This problem is because the scanner by default requires an acknowledgement of the receiving party (the Android device). The current versions of GetBlue and BluePiano do not acknowledge received data, thus you need to adapt the configuration of the Microvision device.
Solution:
The required acknowledgement can be switched off by configuring the scanner accordingly.
To do this please check out the Microvision ROV PDF user manual (page 74) for the configuration barcodes. You need to set the following values:

• ForceSerializationOverBT
  must be set to false to force compatibility mode and to disable serial numbers. Scan the Set FSOBT,0 = Force Serialization Over BlueTooth barcode.
• BCDataACK
  must be false so no ACK is required. Scan the Set Ack,0 = Bar Code Data Acknowledgement is False barcode.
• SeqNum
  must be false to disable serial numbers. Scan the Set Seq,0 = Sequence Number is False barcode.
• AutoDownload
  must be true to send scanned barcodes immediately to the Android device. Scan the Set ADl,1 = Auto Download is True barcode.

The Microvision ROV scanner user manual as compressed CHM file may also be of interest. Refer to this blogpost for displaying this file on Windows 7. Use the search function in the manual and search for Bar Coded Menu Cards.

Please note that the configuration information above was posted based on user feedback of TEC-IT's Android apps. If there are any problems let us know. Thanks!

Feedback

TEC-IT hopes this article is valuable for you. If there are any questions please feel free to contact us via email or MSN (support@tec-it.com).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Software for Mobile Data Acquisition

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

What is TWedgeCE?

TWedgeCE 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:

The 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)

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TWedge V2.3 Release Candidate

We 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). 

Technorati Tags: Database Wedge,software wedge,keyboard wedge,daq,aidc,barcode wedge,BlueTooth Wedge,Data Collection Software,Data Capture Software,TWedge,TEC-IT

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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 ();

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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:

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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.

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Software Wedge: TWedge V2.1 RC

Based on user-feedback a new service release of the data acquisition software TWedge is announced. TWedge V2.1 installs and runs on all current Windows-based operating systems (32 bit and 64 bit).


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.

TWedge V2.1 was released on 04-29-2009. More details are available here: Barcode Software Wedge TWedge V2.1


Readers of this blog can download the release candidate here: Software Wedge TWedge V2.1.

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Data Acquisition Software TWedge 2.0 Released

Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas. In Austria that usually includes snow, silence (for some people), last-minute gift-shopping (for most people) and holidays. For TEC-IT customers this also means that the new version of the data acquisition software TWedge was released to the public.

New and Flexible Data Acquisition Software
TWedge version 2.0 captures data from serial, USB, Bluetooth or TCP/IP based devices and forwards this data to arbitrary applications or databases.



The highlight of TWedge is the embedded scripting language (based on JavaScript). Using this scripting language any user can embed custom logic or data acquisition functions. It is very easy to extend the functionality of this software wedge, even direct database access functions (via ODBC) and file access methods are available.

Downloads
Check out the demo version: scriptable data acquisition software
Press release: Universal Data-Acquisition Software

Example (Simple)
After adjusting the interface for data acquisition (e.g. serial port COM1, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) TWedge should be supplied with at least one script which is called whenever data is received via the configured interface.

The perfect place for this script is the the OnData() section. TWedge also offers OnStart(), OnStop(), OnTimer() and OnHotkey() - I assume you guess what these scripts are for.

A very simple OnData() script looks like this:

// start of script
SendKeyStrokes(DATA);
// end of script

The function SendKeyStrokes() simple converts captured data into virtual keystrokes. In other words: Using this simple command TWedge works as keyboard wedge. The captured data is available in the variable DATA by default (TWedge ensures correct device communication).

Example (Complex)
A more complex script writes captured data into a database. OnStart() is used for database initialization and it gets called by TWedge automatically whenever the user invokes device communication:

// start of script
// open the database
if (!myDB.Open("DSN=TWedge_Sample;"))
{
MessageBox("Could not open database TWedge_Sample!");
return;
}

// delete all records stored in a previous session
myDB.Execute ("DELETE * from tbl_Scans");
// end of script

Each time TWedge receives data from the external device it calls the function OnData(). The OnData()-code below enters captured data into the database (along with the hostename and the current date/time):

// start of script
// get the current date and time
var d = new Date();
// d.getMonth returns the month zero-based (e.g. 0=January, 11=December); thus add 1
var sDate = (d.getMonth() + 1) + "-" + d.getDate() + "-" + d.getFullYear();
var sTime = d.getHours() + ":" + d.getMinutes() + ":" + d.getSeconds();

// build the INSERT statement
var insert = "INSERT INTO tbl_Scans (ProdID, ScanDate, ScanTime, Host) VALUES (";
insert += "'" + DATA + "', ";
insert += "'" + sDate + "', ";
insert += "'" + sTime + "', ";
insert += "'" + "localhost"  + "');";

// execute the INSERT statement
var nRet = myDB.Execute(insert);
if (nRet < -1)  MessageBox ("Error during INSERT:" + myDB.LastError); else if (nRet == -1)  MessageBox ("This should not happen when executing an INSERT statement"); else  MessageBox (nRet + " record(s) inserted!"); // end of script 

Nice - But I don't know JavaScript!
Don't worry. TWedge comes with predefined scripts for common usage scenarios (e.g. keyboard wedge functionality). Just select the template which matches your requirements. Or contact TEC-IT for support.

End of Post
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Software Wedge - Data Acquisition Software

Beside barcode, labeling and reporting software TEC-IT offers software tools for data acquisition. One of these tools is named TWedge - a software wedge.

The main purpose of such a software wedge (also named keyboard wedge) is to transform data read from an external device (connected via RS232, RS485, serial, COM, USB, Bluetooth or TCP/IP) into keyboard strokes. These keyboard strokes are then be forwarded to arbitrary applications. Using such middleware it is possible to automate data acquisition tasks - even with software applications which are not able to communicate with devices directly (e.g. like using a serial barcode scanner with Microsoft Excel).

The existing version of TWedge fulfills its main purpose perfectly. Serial data is captured and forwarded to applications. But customers often require powerful possibilities for adjusting and modifying data prior it is forwarded to a target application.

The solution to this problem? Scripting!

The new version of TWedge supports JavaScript(tm). Thus customers are able to do more or less everything with TWedge. Received data can be transformed, modified, checked and adjusted. But the most interesting point is, that TEC-IT extended JavaScript with direct database and file access. In other words: the upcoming version of TWedge enables users to store data directly into ODBC databases and files. It is also possible to implement complex application logic in JavaScript.

If interested just contact TEC-IT. A release candidate is available for testing!

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