Barcode Reader Software?

[zyir01]

Heya folks,

I'm looking for a solution to scan ISBN codes from my book collection into a some sort of library or catalog database.
I'm wondering if someone here would know of a software that can be used on the HTC TyTN II (at&t Tilt), or any Win Mobile device with a camera.

I've found the Barcode/13 program, but that's only for palmOne Treo 600. I could work with something similar just to create a CVS file of ISBN numbers and transfer that to another program on my PC, but would rather have an all-in-one software.

Thanks,

Zyir

[pmow]

I'm also looking for a way to integrate barcode scanning into a .NET app. For the enterprise...I'd like to keep track of assets.

[lthown]

sounds like you want to use the built-in camera.

I've used PPCs to do barcode reading using SerialMagic and the LaserCHamp Bluetooth scanner from http://serialio.com/

It works quite well.

[zyir01]

sounds like you want to use the built-in camera.
I've used PPCs to do barcode reading using SerialMagic and the LaserCHamp Bluetooth scanner from http://serialio.com/
It works quite well.

I might have to go that route, but would rather find a software that will use the Kaiser's camera to read the barcodes.
I'm trying to avoid purchasing an additional device just to scan a couple hundred books. ;)

[ZiYi]

http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp

[pmow]

sounds like you want to use the built-in camera.

I've used PPCs to do barcode reading using SerialMagic and the LaserCHamp Bluetooth scanner from http://serialio.com/

It works quite well.

Yeah, it's just that the idea is to avoid having them lug around a barcode scanner to track assets. If they have to carry something extra we can just get to a computer. =/

[zyir01]

http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp

Will QuickMark scan linear (1D) barcodes like the ISBN on books? Everything I've found indicates that it only reads 2D barcodes (like QR Codes, etc.).

[GSLEON3]

Take a look at MS A.U.R.A. at http://aura.research.microsoft.com

[pmow]

Take a look at MS A.U.R.A. at http://aura.research.microsoft.com

Doesn't work...

[zyir01]

Take a look at MS A.U.R.A. at http://aura.research.microsoft.com

Can't get that now... :p
From the link... "Microsoft Research AURA project and all AURA services have terminated as of June 30, 2007."

From what I've found, that would have worked for what I want, but alas...

[hypest]

There seems to be a free java implementation that decodes 1D barcodes. I had no success trying it on my kaiser: http://people.inf.ethz.ch/adelmanr/batoo/
Perhaps it is a good starting point to use this source to develope something useful.

[notten]

I found this a while ago. I think I remember their SDK was free for 1D codes, or something. I forget, check the link. Cool video included.

http://www.mobileama.com/Barcode.htm

EDIT: Yep, this is what you want.

[zyir01]

I was able to find a download for Microsoft's A.U.R.A.
It's kinda nifty to play with. It'll scan 1D barcodes, but I'm not finding any options to export the codes after they've been scanned. Also, it requires a 'manual' photo of the barcode; it opens the camera utility and ya use it like taking a normal macro photo (Zoom in, hope your hand is steady, and snap, then find a blurry image. Repeat multiple times until ya get a clear image that can be read).

QuickMark and i-nigma are great for 2D barcodes; they both make good use of the device's auto-focus and will read a 2D barcode without the need to manually take a photo. Though, neither of them will read 1D linear barcodes like the ISBN numbers on the books I'd like to scan.

Also, the one that Notten pointed out ( http://www.mobileama.com/Barcode.htm ) looks like it would work wonderfully, but I wasn't able to find any Windows Mobile software that uses it, nor a download for a working implementation.

So, does anyone else know of something that could be used by an individual who just wants to scan their books with an HTC Windows Mobile device?
I'm still hoping for something more like 'Barcode/13', or an inventory software that will make use of the device's camera.

Thanks,

Zyir

-----
I may just have to bite the bullet and buy a cheap barcode scanner to connect to my PC instead. :p

[udgn]

Jus look for a post where they have a new camera Apps to upgrade the one that comes with your TyTN II aka tilt, aka kaiser, aka etc. With this update you just need to do a halfpress release and it will autofocus and shoot, and there you go nog blurry images.
I used it with the Worlcard Mobile aplication to get a photo of our patients Health Plan Card, and without that new camera apps it would be a pain in the #$%$%@%@%.
So give it a try. Search for NEW CAMERA in the Forum.

[hypest]

Since I haven't found any ready-made and free solution, I started experimenting on my own in C#. I have managed to develop a basic functionality where the application automatically takes snapshots (320x240, no autofocus... thanks to www.wimobot.com) and does the recognition. Well, the recognition algorithm is still in a very alpha-stage (it can detect the stop bits of a code-128)...

Anybody with some links to free C# recognition source to speed up things? I will also try the batoo code (java) sometime.

hypest

[zyir01]

Thanks, udgn. I already have the 'new camera' and video framerates are greatly increased outdoors. :) Sadly, it didn't help the fact that I tend to move the camera a bit as I press the button, which is the main cause of my blurry photos with indoor lighting.

Back on topic...
I've also run across Google's ZXing project ( http://code.google.com/p/zxing/ ) but it's a Java implementation that doesn't run on Windows Mobile devices. Yet.


Zyir

[hypest]

UPDATE: latest version can be found here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=368798)


I've also run across Google's ZXing project ( http://code.google.com/p/zxing/ ) but it's a Java implementation that doesn't run on Windows Mobile devices. Yet.


Zyir

Great find Zyir!
I took the code, converted it into c# and incorporated it in the app I'm developing and... well, there was partial success! I have attached the binary (Usual disclaimer applies: I have NO RESPONSIBILITY whatsoever for any harm done!).
The application is in alpha stage but usable. Unzip in any directory and run using a file manager. Button "Shoot" opens the normal photo-shooting app to take a photo (thus utilizing higher resolution and auto-focus), while "Live" starts auto capture (320x240, no auto-focus). The whole "thing" is quite slow, as the decoding takes a while.
I had successful decoding using the "live" mode reading a code-128 barcode (that had previously shoot in my local supermarket) displayed on my laptop's screen.

hope to hear any feedback!

hypest

[ChaOConnor]

Great, I'll give it a shot!

[zyir01]

Great find Zyir!
I took the code, converted it into c# and incorporated it in the app I'm developing and... well, there was partial success!
hope to hear any feedback!

hypest

Thanks!
I'll give it a whirl this evening and let ya know how it went. :)

Zyir

[zyir01]

I didn't have a lot of time last weekend to check it out, but it didn't scan well for me. It wouldn't read any barcodes with "Shoot" or "Live". The Live ran at avout five seconds per frame, so was a bit of a challenge to get the camera on the barcode.
Might be due to the relatively low lighting in my house. Also, I'm using Nadavi's Camera 5.0.4.2915.00 with HTC Album, so I'm not sure if that might be part of my issue.

Zyir

[hypest]

UPDATE: latest version can be found here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=368798)

I didn't have a lot of time last weekend to check it out, but it didn't scan well for me. It wouldn't read any barcodes with "Shoot" or "Live". The Live ran at avout five seconds per frame, so was a bit of a challenge to get the camera on the barcode.
Might be due to the relatively low lighting in my house. Also, I'm using Nadavi's Camera 5.0.4.2915.00 with HTC Album, so I'm not sure if that might be part of my issue.

Zyir

Thank you for the response Zyir.
Actually the "live" mode is definitely useless as my tests show that the 320x240 resolution plus the "unfocusness" does not get the job done on actual product barcodes (too small). "Live" mode does work on my laptop screen where the barcode is way too zoomed, so 320x240 are enough.

Anyway, I have put together a newer version, removing the "live" mode and modifying the algorithm to function both vertically and horizontally (free angle is a future-feature). Perhaps you would be triggered enough to try this version too :)

I've also attached an actual photo I took with the program and is successfully recognized. Notice that it is not even megapixel-sized (although 3M does seem to crash the program).

In general, keep the phone about 5~10cm away from the subject. Of course, daylight produces better results!

hypest

ps. I also use the Nadavi's Camera version.

[laakness]

I just tried this and it crashes everytime I take a picture. I adjusted the camera down to Basic mode but it still gets and exception error.

[hypest]

I just tried this and it crashes everytime I take a picture. I adjusted the camera down to Basic mode but it still gets and exception error.

Thanks for the feedback! Could you please post the exceptions details? Also, does the same happen if you load the sample photo I provided?

hypest

[laakness]

Your image does work.

Here is the error I get.

ArgumentNullException
An error message cannot be displayed because an optional resource assembly containing it cannot be found

Then there are a bunch of System.IO.FileStream errors
Microsoft.AGL.Forms.EVL.EnterModalDialog() at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ShowDialog() at TestNS.TestCL.Main()

Does this require .net CF 3.5?

[pizzaguy]

the 3gvision Barcode Reader SDK (http://3gvision.com/prod-bar.htm) (the makers of i-nigma) looks perfect but i dont think its public because i cant find any download liks...

[SilentlyScreaming]

Tried out the new version (forgot to lower the res with the older version of the program), and got

An unexpected error has occurred in Barcorama.exe. Select quit and restart the program, or select details for more information.
An error message cannot be displayed because an optional resource assembly containing it cannot be found



I hit details and got the following...


Barcaroma.exe
ArgumentNullException
An error message cannot be displayed because an optional resource assembly containing it cannot be found
at System.IO.FileStream..ctor()
at System.IO.FileStream..ctor()


at this point I got bored of transcribing and fired up SOTI...
so correct error msgs read
1)
An unexpected error has occurred in Barcorama.exe.
Select Quit and then restart this program, or select Details for more information.

An error message cannot be displayed because an optional resource assembly containing it cannot be found


and then
2)
Barcorama.exe
ArgumentNullException
An error message cannot be displayed because an optional resource assembly containing it cannot be found

at System.IO.FileStream..ctor()
at System.IO.FileStream..ctor()
at System.Drawing.Bitmap..ctor()
at TestNS.TestCL.decode()
at TestNS.TestCL.button1_Click()
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick()
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick()
at System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WnProc()
at System.Windows.Forms.Control._InternalWnProc()
at Microsoft.AGL.Forms.EVL.EnterModalDialog()
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ShowDialog()
at TestNS.TestCL.Main()


If I'm missing some framework, please do let me know.
HTC TyTnII unbranded, original ROM, purchased in UK. No camera mods installed that I can think of. In case it is important, the camera res is fixed to 640x480.
Have this program and all other files from your archive stored in \sd card\program files\barcaroma\

To those having the normal problems with moving camera as you take the photo, don't forget the self-timer option - find the right focus, then you get two/whatever you set to steady yourself after pressing the button. (Didn't use that feature when I got the error message above.)

[hypest]

I managed to try it on a different Kaiser (original rom etc...) and it does crash. My phone has the Panosha's Joannita Light rom and .net 3.5, but these shouldn't matter! I'm compiling it using the 2.0 assemblies and I don't use any 3.5 specific APIs. I will investigate it further. I'm at work now (it's 10am here in Greece), so I'll see to it later tonight. Thank you guys for your patience and interest to practically be beta testers :). (ofcourse the software will stay free; No plans to take advantage of this great community!)

hypest

[hypest]

By the way, in case any of you guys are not aware of it, the application is runnable on the desktop PC too (nice .net capability). Just run the .EXE. You can load an image to scan (try the the photo previously attached). Just don't use the "Shoot" button.

hypest

[hypest]

To prevent polluting this thread with the Barcorama related messages, I've set up a dedicated thread here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=368798).

I've already uploaded a modified version, trying to address the crash-always issue.

hypest

[zyir01]

Thank ya for all the efforts, hypest!
I'll try the new app, and post my results in the new thread.

Zyir

[orb3000]

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=368798