Collector - Can you use camera to scan barcodes?

[Center_City_DistrictPhiladelph]

Collector - Can you use camera to scan barcodes?

We are looking into adding unique barcodes to each asset in the city that we maintain with integration with feature services hosted on ArcGIS online using the Collector App. I have come across this articlehttp://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2014/06/15/do-more-with-collector-using-barcode-scanners/#comment-...by @Jeff Shaner that shows that you can purchase seperate barcode scanners to use with collector but wondering if collector can use the camera that is already on the iPhone or iPads that we use in the field daily?

I know that there are many apps which have the ability to scan barcodes and pay or get additional information on items (Apple Store App) and there are plenty of QR code readers out there that the iOS devices can use. How can I use that technology that would scan a bar code, pull up the feature and location within collector and edit attributes the attributes of this barcode.

Thank you !

[Center_City_DistrictPhiladelph]

Yes thanks for the suggestion of the PC software that reads photos of tags, but the workaround that is mentioned really does not make the job any easier. I believe sooner rather than later we will be able to have a custom keyboard that will read barcodes, and have the search box able to turn on the flash and camera to scan a barcode in order to populate it. Also when we edit a text field or an attribute we should have the ability to use the flash and camera to scan the barcode to populate it.

Thanks

[PatriciaMoehring]

Rich:  How are you coming along on this project?  Have anything yet?  Need a tester?  Please let me know, we are very interested in seeing how this would work.

Thanks,

Patricia Moehring

City of Lebanon, OH

[RichardHughes]

Hi Patricia,

Yes, there is a barcode scanner that works with the iPad as an external Human Interface Device (HID) bluetooth device.  Initially we were having a problem getting the codes to enter into the fields in Collector.  What caused this was that the device was not setup to be an HID.  The setup is done by scanning a specific qr code from the manufacturer.

I cannot remember the scanner make or model, but it was advertised as working with the iPad

Richard

[PatriciaMoehring]

Ok thanks for the info!

Sent from my iPhone

[PatriciaMoehring]

Do you think it could have been an BarcodeGuy’s UnionNet SP2100?

Patricia

GIS Specialist

O: 513.228.3242

F: 513.933.7208

M: 513.505.5227

E: pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov <mailto:pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov>

[BrandonKeinath1]

Just so I'm clear you're still talking about something external to the Ipad and not the Ipad's built in camera?  I'd still be interested in the model you're using an a little explanation as to the workflow in the field for using it as a HID.

[PatriciaMoehring]

Brandon: Richard would have to speak on the workflow since he actually has it working. However, today I researched an external scanner “BarcodeGuy’s UnionNet SP2100” which appears to do everything except push the button. It will also come with the SDK! So, if you are a programmer or know one then the sky is the limit!

Right now you can’t necessarily do both on the iPad because you can normally only have one app open at a time. However, I believe someone was taking about trying to redesign the keyboard to have a scanner button.

It sure seems like someone somewhere has to have this together! We can’t be inventing a new wheel here! Could we?

Anyway, if you find more; please share!

Thanks,

Patricia

GIS Specialist

O: 513.228.3242

F: 513.933.7208

M: 513.505.5227

E: pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov <mailto:pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov>

[BrandonKeinath1]

Hi Patricia,

It would be nice if it was all together but the scanner you found seems like a good option.  Have you checked out the options listed in the original posting Do more with Collector using barcode scanners | ArcGIS Blog ?  I haven't done a ton of research on the external scanners but I'd be interested in your pros/cons.  I like the option of having the SDK.

Best,

Brandon

[RichardHughes]

The we use is the Socket Mobile 7XIRx.

[PatriciaMoehring]

Thanks Richard! Are you guys looking to try and do something with the iPad keyboard or was that someone else?

Patricia

GIS Specialist

O: 513.228.3242

F: 513.933.7208

M: 513.505.5227

E: pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov <mailto:pmoehring@lebanonohio.gov>