Hi,
We are looking for an easy way for the operators to answer certain batch prompts which require entering numbers/strings.
Does anyone have experience with connecting a barcode scanner to an operator station?
I do not see a reason why it would not work, if we are using a standard keyboard driver. In that case it should be acting exactly the same way as a keyboard: entering the text to a field where the cursor is blinking.
Istvan
Hi, We are looking for an easy way for the operators to answer certain batch prompts which require entering numbers/strings. Does anyone have experience with connecting a barcode scanner to an operator station? I do not see a reason why it would not work, if we are using a standard keyboard driver. In that case it should be acting exactly the same way as a keyboard: entering the text to a field where the cursor is blinking. Istvan
I've done work with barcode scanners on Syncade terminals, but as you stated, it should all be transparent to the system. I would make sure your scanner/barcode configuration does not include carriage return/linefeed characters, used commonly to execute input forms (unless the prompt has confirmation/verification)
In reply to Youssef.El-Bahtimy:
There are many types of barcode scanners that could be used - there are "wedge" types (as mentioned above) that can be used simultaneously with the existing keyboard, USB-connected scanners and also serially connected types. You'll want to consider the human factors depending on the type of automation desired and potential impact of scanning incorrect codes....you may want to have DeltaV do some error checking in the fields before accepting the scanned result (if you don't do that now). Good luck!
We have a USB barcode scanner that can do just this. The scanner 'types' the barcode it scans, just like the keyboard you'r using now. Optionally, it can send a return key when the code is fully scanned, so the text will be submitted.
I'll include our site if you want to check the specs for the barcode scanner :
Hope this answer helps you a bit further.