Barcode Scanner Keyboard for Android
Type Or Scan Barcode Keyboard
Barcode Keyboard - +TEC-IT's new soft-keyboard for Android offers integrated camera scanner support. Using this keyboard you are able to scan barcodes directly into any app, application switching or copy/paste is no longer required.After the application was installed, this Barcode Keyboard can be activated in Android Settings -- Language / keyboard.
Once activated you are still able to key-in text manually using the hardware or software-keyboard of your Droid. But whenever you need to enter the data of a barcode (e.g. an EAN or UPC product code, a QR-Code, ...) just press the barcode key or long press the num/alpha modifier. A camera scanner app (choose between the built-in or an external scanner) is opened, the barcode is decoded and the Barcode Keyboard enters the barcode data automatically into the current input field. No manual typing is required.
User Manual
NEW: A complete and updated user manual in German and English is available on TEC-IT's web site!Enable Barcode Keyboard
After installing Barcode Keyboard from Android Market (Market link: market://search?q=pname:com.tecit.android.barcodekbd.demo) you need to enable the keyboard on your Droid (the keyboard must be activated too, see below!):- Navigate to Android Settings -- Language / keyboard
- Check Barcode Keyboard and confirm the security warning
Barcode Keyboard Settings
- Data Prefix
Using the placeholders ${ENTER}, ${TAB}, ${BACKSPACE}, ${DOWN}, ${UP}, ${LEFT} and ${RIGHT} you can control the cursor or input focus before the barcode data is inserted into the input field of the current app. - Data Suffix
Use the same placeholders as above to control the cursor or input focus after the barcode data is inserted into the input field of the current app. - Camera Scanner
If you prefer to select the camera scanner to be used each time, select Always ask. If a specific app is selected, the software always uses exactly this camera scanner app without asking. - Search Key Function
This entry specifies the action when the hardware search key is pressed (this key is usually marked with a magnifier symbol, it is also available on the hardware keyboard of a Motorola Droid/Milestone or Google G1): Scan Barcode Now immediately opens the camera scanner when this key is pressed (you do not need to activate the soft-keyboard beforehand). In this case the search key acts as hotkey for barcode scanning.
Choose Do Nothing if you do not want to change the default behaviour of the standard search key.
Activate the Barcode Keyboard
- Open some app which uses a text input field (e.g. Gmail, then Compose a new email).
- Long-tap in some input field like To
- A menu opens, select Input method
- Choose Camera Keyboard
90 Seconds Video Demonstration
Update Available (V1.4 - October 2012)
In addition to numerous other improvements the updated version of the bar code keyboard supports the following keyboard layouts (The layout of the barcode keyboard is automatically adjusted to the system settings):- English
- German
- French
- Russian
- Spanish - new
- Swedish
Your Feedback Please!
Feedback and feature requests are highly welcome. Just contact TEC-IT.
P.S.: +TEC-IT offers also another Android App named GetBlue. This app provides automated data collection and data entry for all apps. Connects to TCP RFID and Bluetooth SPP barcode scanners!
Im looking for an app allowing the scanned barcode to be entered into a text box on a website opened on my PC or laptop.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas?
Even better for my uses would be to scan the barcodes of, say, 20 items, and then upload the upc numbers to a file on my PC (Excel or even just notepad).
Does this exist?
Thank you.
me too, did you find a solution?
DeleteSomething like this? Video (Barcode scanning via Bluetooth)
Deletehttp://youtu.be/uMZHtj5OHXc
Hello and many thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteWe provide an other app named "GetBlue" which is able to save scanned bar-codes (either via Cam or via Bluetooth) to a file on the SD-card. You can then copy the file to your PC. GetBlue also supports direct upload of scanned data to Google Text and Tables (online document services offered by Google, also named Google Docs).
Please try it out or get in touch with us via e-mail or MSN: support@tec-it.com
Best Regards
TEC-IT
I am having trouble scanning with the app. I will be using this to scan a Vins from vehicles to text. Do you have any suggestions to make it easier? Maybe a longer scan bar? Also, the haptic feedback seems to be disabled on the new keyboard. I love the idea though.
ReplyDeleteHello and many thanks for your feedback!
ReplyDeleteThe Barcode Keyboard uses a quite current build of the open source scanner ZXing (named "Barcode Scanner" in the Market) by default. This is the "internal scanner" in the settings.
You are free to install additional external barcode scanner apps. We tried ixMat scanner (offers an adjustable finder rectangle). So just install a scanner app which fits your requirements and adjust it as default scanner for the barcode keyboard.
To do this open Android Settings -> Language & Keyboard -> then open the Barcode Keyboard settings.
Pro: You are free to adjust the options of the external scanner app (e.g. vibrate on scan)
Con: Invoking the scanner may be a little bit slower - and we have not tested all available scanner apps. So please try it yourself.
Have a great weekend!
Hello, I love this app! My question is similar to the above comment. Is there a way to assign a new barcode scanner, such as mobiScan 39 to the app? mobiScan 39 works much better with vehicle identification numbers.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Hello Shane,
ReplyDeleteyes - you can assign each external scanner app. I outline the steps in detail:
1) install your preferred scanner app
2) Open "Android Settings"
3) Select "Language & keyboard"
4) Scroll down and tap on the entry "Barcode Keyboard" or "Barcode Keyboard Demo". This opens the settings dialog of the barcode keyboard.
5) Use the entry "Camera Scanner" to change the default scanner. You can select between
- "Always ask"
The barcode keyboard will ask you for each scan which barcode scanner should be used.
- "Internal Scanner"
If selected, the barcode keyboard will always use the integrated ZXing scanning engine.
- "Additional Scanner Apps"
Below the first two entries all additional installed barcode scanner apps are listed. Just select your preferred one.
Hope this helps!
TEC-IT
It must be my version of Android or something, when I select which keyboard, I only have the choice of Internal Scanner or Barcode Scanner. The dialog box will not scroll. Also, I do not get the always ask choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Shane
Hello again,
ReplyDeletemaybe the mobiscan app does not register correctly (or by intention) as scanner app. You may try other scanner apps (e.g. Zxing barcode scanner or the ixMat scanner). The mentioned apps are registered (and therefore displayed) correctly.
If I find some minutes I'll check it with the mobiscan app myself and post the result here.
I can't use the android keyboard. Is there away to embed the app in the keyboard app I use or as a stand alone?
ReplyDeleteThis is the very app I've been looking for! However, it seems theres only android version exists..could you develop one for iPhone?
ReplyDelete@Dean: Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements (send email to support@tec-it.com or give us a call ++43725272720). Time zone GMT+1
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: We are sorry - iPhone development is currently not available from TEC-IT. This may change in the near future.
Has this changed is there an iPhone version?
DeleteNo, it hasn't. I am sorry - but we are not focusing on the iPhone at the moment.
DeleteHi, i really like your product. I think that you have done a great job. I will use it to fill online web ordering form, and it can be easely set to jump to the next text line. My problem is that when next box is selected the keybord close and you have to pres that field to lunch keyboard again. Not shure that this is related to keyboard it self but maybe you have a tip.
ReplyDeleteMy other quedtion is: buying on Android Market is not suported in my country (Croatia). Can you recomend anothet way to purchase your product? thank you
Hello Jurica,
ReplyDeletethanks for your feedback!
Problem "disappearing keyboard when changing fields": This behaviour is by design (at the moment). But I'll check with development and post more information if possible.
How to buy: The keyboard uses the licensing service of Android Market. Unfortunately it is not possible to provide you with a licensed version. Hope Google adds Croatia soon.
Greetings from Austria!
TEC-IT
Found this when I was looking for a way to take inventory by barcode. This is just what I wanted, and works great on my Motorola Droid X.
ReplyDeleteTwo questions:
1. Is there more function or settings available in the paid version? Or is it just the lack of the occasional offer to purchase? I do plan on getting the paid version, so I'll find out in time, but just curious.
2. Similar to the above "disappearing keyboard", I would benefit from some form of continuous scan mode. The Search key activation scanning comes close. Better would be if, for instance, after a successful scan the scanning screen stayed up, maybe with the last scanned data displayed at the bottom, until I tapped it (or something to indicate I'm done scanning).
@brad, thanks for your feedback!
ReplyDelete1. Exactly, the nag dialog is missing in the paid version
2. Entered as request for enhancement for a future version. Development will check out possibilities.
Have a great evening!
I am testing your product for a client, and it seems to work well for reading the bardcode. The problem I have is they are connected to their inventory system as a telnet terminal and I need to produce some special keystrokes to move around in their inventory application, like "F12", "up arrow" and "dn arrow". I have been able to use the app ConnectBot to do the telnet side and the barcodes are entered correctly into it, but I need the special keystrokes to actually use it. Any way to enter special keystrokes, or add them to the symbols keyboard?
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm scanning an Interleave 2-5 barcode (I25).
When the barcode starts with 0, the application does not recognize it (can't capture the code).
e.g. 298751 - good scan
02987510 - NO GO...
@anonymous: Thanks for your comment, we will check this out.
ReplyDeleteAs a work-around you may download additional barcode scanning apps and use them instead of the built-in engine. Just adjust the default scanner app in the settings of the barcode keyboard.
Hope this helps!
@anonymous (10.05.2011): Sorry for the delayed reply.
ReplyDeleteWe have to check this out. If you tell us your timeline (mailto support@tec-it.com) this would be great.
All the best!
Can not download for app market due to device not compatable, would like to try anyway Star 200a. Any ideas please
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteWe will implement an alternative licensing scheme. because more and more devices without access to Android Market are in "the wild". Please be patient.
I have tried this software with a VNC connection.....it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI open VNC via Android to my PC. On the PC, I have Notepad open.
I select the Barcode keyboard, scan a barcode....and nothing comes up.
It works when I select an app on android, but not with a VNC connection.
Thanks for your comment,
ReplyDeletewe have not tested the Barcode Keyboard in this scenario.
If you are looking for a solution to capture barcodes with your handset and to forward the data to a PC I suggest to use our app "GetBlue". It offers camera scanner support and is able to transfer the data to a PC via Bluetooth or TCP/IP (or store it directly in the Google Cloud - Google Docs).
Hope this helps!
For question please contact us directly via email or MSN: support@tec-it.com
Will love to see this app works with MobiSave 39 or MobiScan VIN. So far, it seems that this app could not see both apps as "Scanner". IS there any tested scanner that can scan VIN?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Thanks for your comment @anonymous. We will do our best (MobiSave 39 or MobiScan VIN). Your suggestion was entered in the enhancements database.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry but I can't recommend a VIN scanner right now. It is impossible to test this out at the moment. If demand increases we may extend some open source scanner with this possibility.
I hope for your understanding!
andosbox does not work, the program is great, add more programs or know of any compatible MS-DOS emulator to work?
ReplyDeleteI use samsung galaxy tab with thai keyboard.when I switch between barcode keyboard and samsung keyboard very complicate for user.Any idea for this cause?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance
Pawit.
@koalacs: Barcode Keyboard supports two different methods for keystroke simulation (see Barcode Keyboard Settings, Application Prefix/Suffix).
ReplyDeleteSuch a "policy" controls the keystroke simulation mode as well as additional control keys which are simulated. Policies are valid for a specific target application only.
Create a new policy, select the app in question and try Barcode Keyboard with checked and unchecked "Simulate single keystrokes" option.
Please let us know if this was helpful.
@anonymous: You are right. As far as we know a slight improvement is possible (at least the fallback to the original keyboard may be improved). We will check it out in detail ASAP.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned!
Thanks for your quick result.I have application for use your product and clients very please but have problem for switch between keyboard quickly and smoothly.If you can improve it I think a big lot of your client very happy.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance,
Pawit,
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI test switch from samsung to barcode keybord by press and hold on textbox control and have windows appear to select keyboard but press four-five time for each switching.
Regards,
Pawit
First off, Nice app!! Totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, with the placeholders. I wanted to do something like this:
1st Scan, Tab, 2nd Scan, Enter
${INPUT}${TAB}${2ND_INPUT}{ENTER}
Is that possible?
Again, thanks for the app!!
Hello Juan,
ReplyDeletewe appreciate your comment!
Unfortunalety this is currently not possible.
I have entered your request for enhancement in our issue tracking system. Please understand that this does not ensure (timely) implementation - but we will do our best.
Have a great day!
Hello from New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteI have an application that I would like a QR code that has four pieces of information. Creating the QR code is easy. Is it possible to get the four pieces of information into four separate fields in my android database program from one QR code? I have tried some combinations of key strokes but it all ends up in one field. Is this possible?
Thanks, Matt.
@matt: Many thanks for your request!
ReplyDeleteA software keyboard like our app can only access the current input field. Thus it is hard to scan a QR-Code, split it up and assign the different data pieces into the correct fields.
Maybe you have a chance to scan the complete QR-code (using some suitable delimiters) into a separate field and split it up in an extra step?
I have been using this app for a short period at my small business. It is working great for me at the moment, but I've been wanting to created a bar code that takes advantage of the "date" feature in Microsoft Word or use the barcode scanner to simulate the keyboard's commands such as "Enter" or "Spacebar".
ReplyDeleteBackground: We are scanning products and using SAP notes. We manually enter the date, is there a way to program a barcode to fetch the date and enter it as mm/dd/yy?
@anonymous: Just to be sure: You are looking for a possibility to scan special bar codes with the function enter, space, insert date, .. and so on?
ReplyDeleteplease confirm - or get in touch with us at support@tec-it.com
Yes, well we are using both the Android app and a Motorola LS2208, is there a way to generate barcodes that can emulation those functions? (Enter, space, date, etc)
ReplyDelete@anonymous: Got it. Was entered into our issue database, but will take some time.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Would like codabar format support, but otherwise it's great.
ReplyDeleteI need to be able to 'scan' a simple linear EAN barcode and have the barcode numbers (not the data that they refer to) transferred to a text field.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, I need an alternative to manually entering the numbers printed below the barcode itself.
Is this possible in your applicatoin, please?
hello,
ReplyDeleteI installed this app on my Asus tablet. Everything works as expected, however, when I invoke the scanner to scan a barcode, the app settings screen pops up... I want the numeric number reprecented by the barcode to simply populate the text field... however, it appears that when I scan, nothing happens and my screen reverts back to the barcode settings page :-(
Any help would be appreciated!
thank you
@anonymous: Sorry for the delayed answer. The numbers below an EAN code should be identical to the numbers encoded in the code. At least this is the normal use case.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps!
@site builder corp: On our Asus tablet (TF101 with latest Android version released by Asus) the app works exactly as required by you - that's the purpose of the app...
ReplyDeleteWhich Asus are you using, which Android is running - and are you using a docking station?
Works for me on my Viewsonic ViewPad 7, and has a nicer layout than the "touchpal" default keyboard.
ReplyDeleteSeems to scan some codes very easily, but not others. In two days of tinkering I haven't figured out which ones.
Thanks for the comment @anonymous. Please send us scans/pictures of the unreadable codes (support@tec-it.com): We'll check if they are supported.
ReplyDeleteI have been having the same issues as 'site builder corp'. I have installed the zxing barcode scanner and the barcode keyboard. When I scan a barcode I am taken to the keyboard settings. I am attempting to scan to a field within firefix with no success. Any help you can provide will be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI am using a Samsung Galaxy 10.1
Andriod 3.2
Barcode Scanner v3.72
Firefox v9.0
Barcode Keyboard Demo v1.2.16867
Hello mikeds,
ReplyDeletethanks. Does this happen directly after installation of the Barcode Keyboard? If yes - would it be possible to reboot the tablet and try the Barcode Keyboard again (please make sure to NOT execute the setup wizard after a reboot - because I suspect this is the reason)?
Any feedback is HIGHLY welcome.
Thank you for the quick response. I turned on the device and started firefox. This time, the barcode would scan and the device would remain within firefox, but nothing would populate in the text box.
ReplyDeleteI was able to capture a barcode and populate into a field within the native android browser without any issues this time around.
Could this be a Firefox issue?
Again, thanks for your help.
You need to add a new simulation rule for Firefox with the settings listed below.
DeleteTo add a new rule visit Android Settings -> Language & keyboard -> Barcode Keyboard Settings -> Simulation rules.
Press "Add Simulation Rule", enter FF as rule name, change the simulation mode to "One key at a time" (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) and select Firefox as target app. If Firefox is not available in the app-list you need to reboot your device.
Hope this helps.
To make it easier we will add standard rules for Opera and Firefox in the next version.
Hi,
DeleteI just tried this solution but it didn't work. I add ${E} in the simulation rules, removed it, but no change. I tried under Opera, it didn't work, but with the default browser it's fine... unfortunately, my application is not fully functionnal under default browser...
Hello!
DeleteCan you forward us the URL, please? We will try it ourself - just send an email to support@tec-it.com.
We will also release an update of the Barcode Keyboard (most likely tomorrow) - so please stay tuned...
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI just purchased the app, but I don't see the data prefix and suffix options in the keyboard settings. I must be doing something wrong?
Hello - sorry for the delays. Please check out the manual for details:
Deletehttp://www.tec-it.com/en/software/data-acquisition/barcode-keyboard/barcodekeyboard/Default.aspx
This is one of the good technique.I like your blog features.This is one of the best post.Thanks for share with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteIs there a way to enable the flash on my device when I scan a barcode?
ReplyDeleteSee answer below....
Delete@Andries Venter: Thanks - and sorry for the delayed answer. This feuture will be implemented in one of the next updates. Please be patient - we are quite busy.
ReplyDeleteAny chance you can add Nexus 7 support? It has a front facing camera but it doesn't show as compatible from Google Play.
ReplyDeleteFront cam support will be implemented as soon as possible.
DeleteOff topic: Google should ship the Nexus tablet in Europe too :-)
Any chance for support on Galaxy Tab 7?
ReplyDeleteHello there,
Deletethanks for the reminder - we will be working on it ASAP.
Hi. Great app, congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI use it on Samsung Note with success, but it's annoying that when you strike a key, the key image that pops up to confirm that you have stroked the good one shows the symbol in soft grey instead of in black, being difficult confirm if I've used the right key. Could you please correct it? Or given a choice.
Thank you!
It was working on my galaxy note last week, but now is not.what is going on? Update broke it?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Gord
Hello! Please make sure to install any update of the Barcode Keyboard.
DeleteI just tried the latest version on a SG Note without problems. What's the exact problem? We will look into it asap.
ok. working again. i think the setting for "selected camera scanner" was set to null along the way (maybe with the update)
Deleteall is good. thanks.
btw: is this software not available to samsung galaxy note 7"?
thanks
gord
Which model do you mean exactly? A Samsung Tab 7 inch?
DeleteAll I can say is that Barcode Keyboard is not available via Google Play for the Nexus 7 tab (despite the fact that the app works well on this model).
A manual install may help, we will publish the APK shortly on http://tec-it.com
yes i meant the sg tab 7". sorry..
ReplyDeletethanks in advance for the apk
gord
Thanks.
DeleteStrange - the developer console of Google Play says that the app is available for more or less all Samsung devices (only 3 exceptions). Among others the following tabs are listed as available device:
....
Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 WiFi(espressowifi)
Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus(GT-P6200)
Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus(SGH-T869)
Galaxy Tab 8.9(GT-P7300)
Galaxy Tab 8.9(GT-P7310)
Galaxy Tab 8.9(SGH-I957)
Galaxy Tab2 10.1(espresso10wifi)
Galaxy Tab™ 10.1(SGH-T859)
Galaxy Tab™ 7.7(SCH-I815)
.....
May I ask you to check your exact model number?
And I can confirm that it also works on gtp5113 galaxytab 10"
DeleteThx!
DeleteHave you played with the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 ? I can't get any of the scanners to read any printed bar codes - is it the camera that is particularly bad? It will read bar codes off a screen brilliantly, but somehow not in printed form. Is this a rubbish autofocus "feature" ?
ReplyDeleteWe have no access to a GT2 right now, but I can't believe that the cam of it is the reason. Maybe it's a matter of contrast? Would be glad to eval the code, please scan some examples and send them to us (along with the dimensions of the code - email to support@tec-it.com.
DeleteThanks!
We are having problems with the Galaxy Tab 2 7 . It won't auto-focus on the barcode. It works fine on the Galaxy Note that we have.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else seeing similar things?
Thanks
saya tertarik dengan aplikasi barcode nfc Anda, saya berniat untuk memasukkan aplikasi Anda ini ke dalam website saya.
ReplyDeleteMohon bantuan dan saya ucapkan terima kasih
After I scan the bar code I want to add a Tab, so it exits the field. I have Scanner Keyboard Preference>bar code scanner>settings>Suffix I have tried ${TAB] but what is sent is the exact code at the end instead of the tab . I even tried \t nothing... Is there something I am missing
ReplyDeleteWill, many thanks for reaching out to us!
DeleteI dont know if it's a typo in your comment, but you need to enter ${TAB} (use curly braces, not square brackets). If this is not the problem, please let us know what you mean with "the exact code"? A screenshot of your Scanner Keyboard settings - and the result after scanning would be helpful. Let us also know the app you use as target. Thanks, TEC-IT (support@tec-it.com)
I am sending an email , Since I cannot add attachments here
DeleteThanks, my colleagues will get back to you via mail. Yours, TEC-IT (support@tec-it.com)
DeleteWow, I came to learn about machines, and your information is absolutely amazing! For more insights and if your are looking for the QR Scanners, Barcode Scanner
ReplyDelete! We specialize in reliable solutions to meet all your Top barcode Scanner Machines Suppliers needs. Keep up the great work!