Reading From a Barcode Scanner into A Java Application

Dear Sirs et Madames,
I am trying to create an application which reads IDs of blood samples via a barcode reader. How do I read a barcode from a barcode reader into a Java Application for further processing (e.g pulling patient details from database)? Example code and explanations much appreciated.

P.S same applies to fingerprint reader, also need to be able to pull data from database based on usb fingerprint reader. how do I get fingerprint reader data into the java application for further processing?

Thanks in advance,
Tumaini

How does the data from the scanner get into the PC? Are there native code drivers?
Do you have API doc for the scanner?

I really am not clued up on the technicalities which is why I asked the question... What would I need to do to get a barcode scanner talking to a Java application?

To understand what the device does you'd need documentation on how it works including how it connects to a PC and what drivers are needed to make it available for other programs to get its data.

Is it java the best application for the Barcode application??

I looked around a bit and found several things that confirm what NormR is saying. You need to look at the documentation of your device. It will tell you how the data is decoded when it is sent to the computer. Once you know that, you will be able to write code based on what the input.

One helpful post I found deals with treating scanner input as keystrokes. I don't know if this is true for the scanners you want to program for, but that does appear to be the standard. Take a look at this URL.


If your scanner is using a COMM interface, take a look at this API.


Hope that helps.

Cheers, Cam.

Why not integrate a barcode reader into your java project? I read some articles about Java barcode reader and I think it is feasible? Why did you turn down this proposal?



Barcodelib.com