generate and print data matrix code from a vi

[stoeckel]

Folks,

does anyone know how to code a string into a data matrix code? How can the code be printed most straightforward? Probably it's the best way to generate the code in an image or picture format and send it to the printer that way? The printer we are using is a barcode printer, not an usual laser printer. According to the specifications this printer is able to print data matrix codes. Unfortunately, the vendor of the printer wants the user to use the proprietary software and does not provide a LabVIEW driver.

Thanks for any hint,

P.

[chrisger]

Hi there

A barcode printer is just a simple text printer (not an image printer!). The application sends a formated string to the printer containing the data needed to build up the barcode. All you have to do is to find the format specification of that string. Take a look at the user manual or at the web page of the vendor.

Worst case would be to sniff the data send between the application and the printer over COM/LPT/USB to discover the format.

[Coq_Rouge]

Hi

I think the Dymo Labelwriter is a general purpose printer. So you may send data as you do to any printer. Her is a link to free barcode kit for labview http://code.google.com/p/lvbarcode/downloads/list

[stoeckel]

Hi,

the Dymo Labelwriter is not yet capable of printing 2D codes. The Dymo people say that they are working on it.

The barcode kit you are pointing to may be useful but it doesn't contain any vis for the generation of 2D code.

Is there really no 2D matrix code solution for LabVIEW available yet?

Peter

[stoeckel]

Chrisger,

you are right. Barcode can be generated easily by an appropriate True Type Font and sent to the printer. However, we haven't found yet a suitable True Type Font for the generation of a 2D matrix code. Any idea?

P.

Message Edited by stoeckel on 02-17-2009 12:05 PM

[stoeckel]

Chrisger,

you are right. Barcode can be generated easily by an appropriate True Type Font and sent to the printer. However, we haven't found yet a suitable True Type Font for the generation of a 2D matrix code. Any idea?

P.

[chrisger]

In fact Barcodes are defined by a TTF ("3of9" for example). I'm not sure but i think it's the same with 2D barcodes.

The question is, what kind of barcode the READER expects. You then have to create this type of barcode.

So: 

1. What kind of barcode does the reader expect or what barocdes are the reader(s) capable to read?
2. What printer do you use (vendor/type)