Triggering and Reading Multiple Barcode Readers

[CBenfer]

Hey all. I don't know if this is something realistic or not, but here's what I want to do:

I will have a PC and a number of scanners in a production line. I will need at least 15-20 scanners and would like to plan for more if needed. When an operator clicks on a button I would like to have each of the scanners triggered and return the value. They can be done in turn or all at once (preferred for speed). I need to know which value came from each scanner. I would then compare the barcode read at each station versus what is supposed to be at that station and either pass or fail.

The data comparison should be fairly straightforward, even for an idiot like me. However, I'm not sure how to trigger and read each scanner. Has anyone had any experience with something like this? I've seen some stuff through Google, but none of it quite fit with what I'm trying to do.

Thanks!

 

[ConnorGiles]

No clue how to do this , But it shouldn't be too hard to realise which piece of data is coming from which scanner, because you would just assign it to something and give it a name ( then that scanner would go by that name) - That's how it works in my head though

I should think the scanners would need to be connected to the operating system you are working on through some kind of server and through those means would you "press the button" so to speak - sort of like sending a document to print

But yet again I have no clue how to do it. Its just what would work in my mind (I wouldn't trust it myself )

 

[spikepl]

A single barcode reader is an input device like a keyboard. AFAIK scanners can be programmed so that the input can be preceded or followed by specific characters, which would allow discerning between them.

I am not sure how you'd trasmit commands to a specific scanner, but that must be doable, for some models at least. Knowing no better I'd start off by contacting the manufacturer to ask what advice software they have.