Implementing a BarCode Scanner

PHP/Form approach

[vincevincevince]

I'm looking into using a keyboard wedge barcode scanner, which outputs the decoded-code as text, as if it was typed in.

I'm hoping for some way in which I can automate this system to interact with a remote database via PHP -> MySQL

My thoughts so far are:-
- Using javascript to set focus to form
- Using javascript to detect a certain number of characters and submit automatically (how many characters)

Any ideas?

[nipear]

actually you can do it with an outside program. I've used one from wasp barcode. it can be configured to do a sequence of events after each scan. it's great for shipping etc. Scan the order number and tracking number, and the web system, sends them a confirmation email, checks the order as shipped etc...

[vincevincevince]

The issue here is I already have a fully functioning web-store which is doing the job brilliantly - the barcode implementation is for rapid entry of product details to add to stock or an order etc... That's why I want to do this with a purely web-based approach (or am I missing something?)

[RailMan]

i did this about 2 years ago, so memory is a bit vague

you've got the right idea - barcode scanners can be used "as keyboard entry" and javascript can be used to detect the number of characters and to submit automatically

also helps to have your own special barcode for "submit" etc - stick that to the side of the PC so you can scan it any time you need to - i had a couple of other special codes of my own to do other things like this

just check that the scanner you want to use will read the barcodes on your products