Description:
Barcode/13 is a full software barcode scanner for palmOne Treo600 and palmOne Treo650. Barcode/13 uses the Treo camera to scan ISBN, UPC-A and EAN-13 barcodes and exports the decoded value to the system clipboard.
Barcode/13 can be launched within any application, and the returned value can be retrieve from the clipboard to make use of it into the initial application.
Barcode/13 is a free alternative to expensive hardware solutions. Barcode/13 can't be seen as a business solution, but it is definitely the cheapest solution for non-business use, like cave, books, CDs or DVDs inventories.
Press a long time the 5-way navigation center button to launch Barcode/13. Your Treo will return to the current application when you will leave Barcode/13. If you have confirmed a barcode, the decoded value of your barcode is available in your clipboard and can be copied within any application allowing clipboard manipulations.
Press a long time the side button to launch Barcode/13. Your Treo will return to the current application when you will leave Barcode/13. If you have confirmed a barcode, the decoded value of your barcode is available in your clipboard and can be copied within any application allowing clipboard manipulations.
Barcode/13 works on palmOne Treo600 and palmOne Treo650, however palmOne Treo600 has a camera measuring the brightness and producing very saturated pictures: due to this, it can be difficult to get a sharp image, sharp enough to recognize the barcode. palmOne Treo650 has a camera that will make it easier to use with Barcode/13. If you don't have a proper contrast with you palmOne Treo600 you can place a sheet of blank paper close to your barcode, this will force the camera to modify the automatic contrast level.
During preview mode you can see two red targets and a green line. Green line is the position that will be used to analyse the barcode, targets are recommended sizes for large and small barcodes. Recent barcodes are often large barcodes, but some products have smaller barcodes.
- If you have a large barcode, point your device to fill the large target with your barcode (keep the barcode inside, don't oversize it).
- If you have a small barcode, the small target will be a better idea.
- If your barcode is medium size, something between the 2 targets will be fine.
Barcode/13 will give you best results if you follow some recommendations:
- Your barcode should be lighted without any shade, the easiest way and recommended way is to face the light source.
- Best distance is about 15cm with barcode parallel to your Treo.
- Barcode/13 works best with surfaces like CDs or DVDs, it is possible to use it with bottles but it may require a little training to get the good lighting conditions and to have a symmetric position.
- Don't move your Treo while scanning the barcode: a fuzzy image won't help!
If you don't have a proper contrast in preview mode, for example when scanning a black colored item, you can place a sheet of blank paper close to your barcode: this will force the camera to adjust the contrast level.
Reviews:
**** [May 22, 2008] by John
I wish it had support for other camera-enabled PalmOS devices like the Sony Clie NR70V. That would be great. At lease I can make barcodes on the spot...
** [Nov 27, 2006] by patrick
This application froze my treo 600, so I had to delete it. I would have loved it if it did work.
*** [Mar 22, 2006] by FreeiPodGuy.com
Points for ingenuity. I couldn't get it to work on my Zire 71 perfectly, but it isn't advertised to so I can't fault them for that. Interestingly, it does basically function. However, the Zire camera needs to be slid halfway open so that the lens is exposed, but not all the way (which causes the camera application to execute) To get it to execute, you must hold down the "capture" button for several seconds. Even so, the code it captured wasn't anything like the one I was scanning, probably due to the Zire 71's poor lens quality. I'm surprised more developers haven't written apps to utilize the camera.
**** [Aug 28, 2005] by Run3_kn1ght
I like it although you have to be very still and attempt the barcode many times. I used Zire 72 but I couldn't find the "Clipboard" on my Zire.
***** [Jun 21, 2005] by Mangetout
Fantastic concept! And it works! Somewhat let down by the lack of image quality on a Treo 600, but that's hardly the fault of the author. As devices improve, this program will become more useful.
***** [Jun 20, 2005] by Peter Brewer
This software is excellent and also works on the Zire 72.
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