Multiple Barcode Scanners Simultaneously?

[i234i]

Hi there,

I wondered if anyone here may be of help to me as i'm struggling to find a solution.

I'm looking for a scanner or a company which has some sort of API that can work with all models of scanners and work via my website or a solution to the below.

I need to be able to have multiple scanners connect to a central database and scan via ethernet or internet connection simultaneously and return an action back to the scanner (IE. Accepted or Denied etc) - Each barcode can only be scanned once no matter how many scanners connected at this time.

I'm having trouble finding the right solution or the best/easiest way to do this so that it can be setup with my website. I need it to be able to let my clients run it from there end via there internet connection.

- Bonus would be to have the system work with as many scanners and models as possible that can be programmed.

- I'm un-sure which scanners would be ideal for my solution and be able to be programmed and used via Ethernet without each scanner being direcly connected to a computer.

If someone here is able to look at a solution i would be very greatful and also if anyone is interested in working on the project to get it running i would be very greatful and can look at paying to get setup correctly!

Anymore questions you need to know please just ask!

Appreciated,
Mark

[olivthill2]

The two scanners for barcodes, that I have seen in two different companies, were connected to the PC via the cable for the keyboard. The scanner was sending each character like a keyboard sends each character corresponding to each key that is pressed. Therefore, it is very easy. Whenever the user can input something with its keyboard, the same can be done with its scanner.

Of course, you can have only one keyboard per PC, and therefore one scanner per PC. But that should not be a problem with a client/server application where you can have several clients (and therefore several scanners) connected to your server.

Returning an action to the scanner may not be possible. The PC does not return actions to the keyboard, except, maybe to light on the "num" key. Besides I don't know what kind of actions a scanner can receive. Some devices for games can give feedback to the user. But with a scanner the feedback is simply given by messages on the screen. The scanner and the screen are working together like the keyboard and the screen.

[PeejAvery]

A barcode scanner is simply an input device. It acts as a keyboard with the final character passing a return keystroke. There doesn't need to be APIs for a keyboard, why would you search for APIs for a barcode scanner?

Basically, all you need is a web application that has an input textbox set with focus. When someone swipes their card, it will automatically read the card into that textbox. The return keystroke would simulate the forms submission.