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Unicode Compatible ActiveX Windows Barcode DLL for IDAutomation Bar Code Fonts

This ActiveX Barcode DLL can be easily integrated into ActiveX compliant applications or development environment for barcode automation purposes. IDAutomation's DLL contains functions for IDAutomation's POSTNET, PLANET, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128, UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, UCC-128, MSI / Plessey, Code 11, RM4SCC, 4-State, SSCC-18 and SCC-14 barcode fonts and specifications. This font DLL also contains functions for the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage™. These products may be used royalty free if a license to one of IDAutomation's barcode fonts has been purchased.

IDAutomation also has a Native Windows Barcode DLL that does not use ActiveX or COM.

Additional Font Tools: Microsoft Office Macros | Barcode Printing Application | Crystal Reports UFL | LotusScript

Over 70% of Fortune 100 companies use IDAutomation's products to automate their businesses.

The purpose of this Font DLL is to return a string formatted to one of IDAutomation's barcode fonts. If the application supports ActiveX Controls in Windows, IDAutomation sells easy to use "drag and drop" ActiveX Controls. IDAutomation's Barcode ActiveX Controls have been tested in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Visual Basic and C++. In addition, IDAutomation's ActiveX Controls do not have any runtime requirements. To see how easy Active X Controls are to use, view the ActiveX Control tutorial and manual.

IDAutomation's Font DLL is a "Global Multi-Use" DLL that supports Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) and ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) 2.0. Because the DLL is Global Multi-Use, methods of the class (barcode functions) can be invoked as if the functions were global functions. It is not necessary to explicitly create an instance of the class first, because one will automatically be created.

Licensing: IDAutomation's ActiveX Font DLL is free to use and distribute as long as it is used with one of IDAutomation's licensed barcode fonts. Redistribution of IDAutomation's fonts and components requires a Developer License.

NOTE: When selecting the font from the pull down menu, please do not use the fonts that begin with the "@" Symbol. Instead, scroll down in the list and select the ones that begin with "IDAutomation".


Tutorial for using the ActiveX DLL:

Step1: Register the DLL by running the Install.exe file. To register the ActiveX DLL manually perform the following:

Step2: Make sure the VB 6.0 runtime files are installed on the destination machine; then, copy the DLL to the %Windows%\System directory and register it. To do this, go to the command prompt, change to the %Windows%\System directory and type the following command: REGSVR32 "IDAutomationFontEncoder.dll".

Step3: After registering the DLL, the DLL can be referenced from within the application. Refer to the application's documentation for instructions on how to do this. In Visual Basic 6.0 choose Project - References and select the IDAutomationDLL. Then reference the class and function as in the following example:

	'Get input from user
StringToEncode = InputString.Text
'Format the Output by calling the "IDAutomationDLL.Postnet()" function
Output = IDAutomationDLL.Postnet(StringToEncode,"0")
'If using IDAutomation's Universal Barcode Font Advantage, format the Output by
    'calling the "IDAutomationDLL.IDAutomation_Uni_Postnet()" function

'Show the Printable Barcode String
PrintableBarcodeString.Text = Output

A Visual Basic project example is also included with the DLL file in the download package. 

The following barcode functions are available for the ActiveX DLL:

The functions listed below are available in IDAutomation's DLL and are only valid when used with the font listed in the "font to use" column. Functions beginning with IDAutomation_Uni_ are only to be used with the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage™.

PDF417 and DataMatrix functions will not work unless the appropriate 2D font package is installed.
(Refer to the PDF417 FAQ for info on the PDF417 DLL.)
(Refer to the DataMatrix FAQ for info on the DataMatrix DLL.)

ActiveX DLL: IDAutomationFontEncoder.dll
DLL Reference Name: IDAutomationDLL
Class: FontEncoder
Universal Font Class: UniversalEncoder (only to be used with the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage™.)
Functions: (listed below)

For all functions listed below, the DataToEncode is the string data type. Other data types, such as numbers or dates, may need to be converted to the string data type to be properly encoded. Additional parameters are available for some functions and are optional. For example, Code128("123456",0,True). For all number symbologies, such as POSTNET and UPC, dashes or spaces may be inputted for easier readability which will be filtered out by the function before the barcode is generated. For UPC-A, UPC-E & EAN-13, the +2 and +5 add-on codes may be created by adding the data to the end of the string.

Function Font to use Notes
Code128(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType,
Optional ApplyTilde)
IDAutomationC128 If there is a doubt as to which Code 128 set is for an application, then choose this one. This is a "Code 128 Auto" function that will automatically encode any DataToEncode from ASCII 0 to ASCII 127. It will automatically switch to character set C for numbers also. Data may be easily encoded without any options. For example, the formula Code128("123456") will encode the numbers 123456.

It may be necessary to use the optional ReturnType and ApplyTilde for special purposes.

  • If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed as described here. ApplyTilde is False by default.
  • To encode alpha-numeric UCC/EAN-128, ASCII 202 or character Ê is entered as the FNC1 before each AI. For example, the UCC number of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as: Ê8100712345Ê2112WH5678.
    More information about AIs and UCC/EAN-128 is located here.
    (DataToEncode, 0) formats barcode output string to the Code 128 barcode fonts.
    (DataToEncode, 0, True) formats barcode output string for the Code 128 barcode fonts with ApplyTilde enabled.
    (DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable text.
    (DataToEncode, 2) returns only the check digit.
Code128a(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC128 Caution: Entering a lower case character will create a function. Use the character values 64 through 95 from set A to print characters not on the keyboard; the scanner will recognize these functions as from set A. Formats output to the Code 128 barcode fonts.
Code128b(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC128 Returns codes formatted to the Code 128 character set B. Formats output to the Code 128 bar code fonts.
Code128c(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType)
IDAutomationC128 This code128 function "interleaves" numbers into pairs for high density.
(DataToEncode, 0) formats output to the Code 128 barcode fonts.
(DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable text with the check digit included.
(DataToEncode, 2) returns only the check digit.
Code39(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC39
or
IDAutomationHC39
Formats the output to print using Code 39 fonts.
Code39Mod43(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType)
IDAutomationC39
or
IDAutomationHC39
(DataToEncode, 0) performs the mod43 checksum calculation for increased accuracy and then formats the output to print using Code 39 fonts. The mod43 checksum is usually required for LOGMARS and HIBC applications.
(DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable data with the check digit included.
(DataToEncode, 2) returns only the check digit.
Code93(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC93 Formats the output to print with the 2 required check digits using Code 93 fonts.
Codabar(DataToEncode) IDAutomationCB Formats the output to print using Codabar fonts.
Code11(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC11 Formats output to the Code11 barcode fonts. Only the "C" check digit is calculated which is the standard when encoding 10 digits or less.
EAN13(DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN DataToEncode is a number string of 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 or 18 digits with or without a check digit, add-ons are supported. Formats output to the UPC/EAN barcode font. Entering incorrect data will create a barcode containing all zeros.
EAN8(DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN DataToEncode is a number string of 7 or 8 characters (EAN-8 without the check digit). Formats output to the UPC/EAN barcode font. Entering incorrect data will create a barcode containing all zeros.
I2of5(DataToEncode) IDAutomationI25
or
IDAutomationHI25
This function "interleaves" numbers into pairs for high density without check digits and formats the return string to the Interleaved 2 of 5 fonts.
I2of5Mod10(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType)
IDAutomationI25
or
IDAutomationHI25
(DataToEncode, 0) performs the mod10 checksum calculation for increased accuracy and formats the return string to the Interleaved 2 of 5 fonts. MOD 10 checksums are required by USPS for special services and for SSC-14 when using Interleaved 2 of 5 for that purpose.
(DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable data with the MOD10 check digit included.
(DataToEncode, 2) returns the MOD10 check digit.
MOD10(DataToEncode) not applicable Returns the MOD 10 check digit for a given string of numbers according to the UCC/EAN method.
MSI(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType)
IDAutomationMSI
or
IDAutomationHMSI
(DataToEncode, 0) formats output to the MSI barcode fonts.
(DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable data with the check digit included.
(DataToEncode, 2) returns only the check digit.
Postnet(DataToEncode,
Optional ReturnType)
IDAutomationPOSTNET
or
IDAutomationPLANET
Enter a single string of Zip, Zip + 4 or Zip + 4 + Delivery Point or any number of digits for the planet code. The DataToEncode must be a number and can include dashes and spaces.
(DataToEncode, 0) formats output to the POSTNET barcode fonts.
(DataToEncode, 1) returns the human readable data with the check digit included.
(DataToEncode, 2) returns only the check digit.
RM4SCC(DataToEncode) IDAutomationRM Formats the output to print using RM4SCC fonts. Checksum calculated according to the mail sort customer bar-coding specification.
SpliceText(DataToEncode, Optional SpacingNumber, Optional ApplyTilde) Text font Returns text with a space inserted every SpacingNumber of digits to improve readability. If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed as described here. ApplyTilde is False by default.
UCC128(DataToEncode) IDAutomationC128 This symbology option calls the Code128() method with the Tilde option enabled and the FNC1 character in set C as required. It is often an easier method to use when encoding an even number of number digits. For example, to encode an SSCC-18 barcode, the user would enter 00000123455555555558 as the data input. For more information, please visit here. Formats output to the Code 128 barcode fonts.
UPCa(DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN DataToEncode is a UPC-A number string of 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 or 17 digits with or without a check digit, add-ons are supported. Formats output to the UPC/EAN barcode font. Entering incorrect data will create a barcode containing all zeros.
UPCe(DataToEncode) IDAutomationUPCEAN DataToEncode is a UPC-E number of 6, 7 or 8 digits or a UPC-A number string of 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 or 17 digits with or without a check digit, add-ons are supported only with 13, 14, 16 or 17 digits. Formats output to the UPC/EAN barcode font. Entering incorrect data will create a barcode containing "00005000000". UPC-E1 is supported when the first character is "1" instead of "0".
Functions that have changed with this release:
These functions are no longer provided and have been replaced by IDAutomation's
Code128() function.
USPS_EAN128 () IDAutomationC128 The USPS_EAN128 function is no longer provided because it has been replaced by IDAutomation's Code128() function.
Used for USPS special services labels such as delivery confirmation in EAN128 according to the USPS Delivery Confirmation Service defined in the September 2002 version of Publication 91. This is used with IDAutomation's Code 128 font IDAutomationC128L at 16 points. The following formula will create USPS_EAN128 in Code 128 with the Code128ApplyTilde() function:
IDAutomation_Code128 ("Ê" & "912312214123442441134" & "~m19", 0, True )
Where the number of 912312214123442441134 may be replaced with the user's data field, for example:
IDAutomation_Code128 ("Ê" &
{Table1.DataField1} & "~m19", 0, True )
This number encoded is made up of the following: 2 digit service code + 9 digit customer ID + 8 digit sequential package ID + MOD 10 check digit.
For more information, refer to the USPS portion of the Code 128 FAQ and the UCC/EAN portion of the Code128 Barcode FAQ.
SCC14() IDAutomationC128 The SCC14 function is no longer provided because it has been replaced by IDAutomation's Code128() function.
The following formula will create SCC14 in Code 128 with the Code128ApplyTilde() function:
IDAutomation_Code128 ("Ê" & "013001234567890" & "~m13", 0, True )
For more information, refer to the UCC/EAN portion of IDAutomation's Code128 Barcode FAQ.
SSCC18() IDAutomationC128 The SCC18 function is no longer provided because it has been replaced by IDAutomation's Code128() function.
The following formula will create SCC18 in Code 128 with the Code128ApplyTilde() function:
IDAutomation_Code128 ("Ê" & "0000801234999999999" & "~m17", 0, True )
For more information, refer to the UCC/EAN portion of IDAutomation's Code128 Barcode FAQ.
 
All the functions listed below are preceded with IDAutomation_Uni_ and are only to be used with the IDAutomation Universal Barcode Font Advantage™ and are supplied in the IDAutomationNativeWindowsDLLVBA.bas file provided with that package.
Function Font to use Notes
C128(DataToEncode, ApplyTilde) IDAutomation_Uni This is a "Code 128 Auto" function that will automatically encode any data from ASCII 1 to ASCII 127. It will automatically switch to character set C to encode numbers as necessary. To encode alpha-numeric UCC/EAN-128, ASCII 202 or character Ê is entered as the FNC1 before each AI. When any barcode begins with the FNC1, it automatically starts in Set C as required.
For example, the UCC number of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as a formula of:
IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("Ê8100712345Ê2112WH5678", TRUE)
or
IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("Ê" &
{Table1.DataField1} & "Ê" & {Table1.DataField2}, TRUE)
More information about AIs and UCC/EAN-128 is located here.

If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed. ApplyTilde is False by default in this function.

C128HR(DataToEncode, ApplyTilde) Text font If the user is creating Code 128 barcodes which need the text formatted, the user may use this function. It is generally only used to format the text for UCC/EAN barcodes according to IDAutomation's Code128 Barcode FAQ. For example:
IDAutomation_C128HR ("Ê" & "8100712345" & "Ê" & "2112345678"
, TRUE )

If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed. ApplyTilde is True by default in this function.

C128A(DataToEncode) IDAutomation_Uni Formats output to set A of Code-128. Use caution with this option because any lowercase character creates a function. Use the letter "i" for a tab and "m" for a return. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function instead of this one.
C128B(DataToEncode) IDAutomation_Uni Formats output to Code-128, character set B. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function instead of this one.
C128C(DataToEncode) IDAutomation_Uni This code128 function "interleaves" even numbers into pairs for high density. An even number of digits is required. For most purposes, it is better to use the C128() function instead of this one.
C39(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni Formats the output for bar-coding in Code 3 of 9 with the universal font. A MOD 43 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true. For example: IDAutomation_Uni_C39 ("123456789", 3, TRUE )
Codabar(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, StartChar, StopChar) IDAutomation_Uni Creates Codabar (aka NW7) with the universal font. StartChar and StopChar are also required as the start and stop characters. Valid start and stop characters are A, B, C and D.
I2of5(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni This function "interleaves" numbers into pairs for high density without check digits and formats the return string to the universal font. An even number of digits is required. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true.
MSI(DataToEncode, N_Dimension, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni Formats output for bar-coding in the MSI/Plessey symbology. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true.
Planet(DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni NOTE: Because this bar-code type has a specific height requirement, this function only works with the XS, S or M size of the Universal Font. XS is the normal version, S has the bars narrow by 10% and the M font has the bars narrow by 20%. DataToEncode is a single string of Zip, Zip + 4 or Zip + 4 + Delivery Point. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true.
Postnet(DataToEncode, IncludeCheckDigit) IDAutomation_Uni NOTE: Because this bar-code type has a specific height requirement, this function only works with the XS, S or M size of the Universal Font. XS is the normal version, S has the bars narrow by 10% and the M font has the bars narrow by 20%. DataToEncode is a single string of Zip, Zip + 4 or Zip + 4 + Delivery Point. A MOD 10 checksum will be calculated if IncludeCheckDigit is true.
SpliceText(DataToEncode, Optional SpacingNumber, Optional ApplyTilde) Text font Returns text with a space inserted every SpacingNumber of digits to improve readability. If ApplyTilde is set to True, the tilde will be processed as described here. ApplyTilde is False by default.
UCC128(DataToEncode) IDAutomation_Uni This symbology option automatically encodes the FNC1 character in set C as required for UCC-128 barcodes. All functions of ApplyTilde are enabled in this function for calculating the required MOD 10 check digit and cannot be disabled, for example:
IDAutomation_Uni_C128 ("00000123455555555558"
& "~m19" ) For more information, please visit the UCC/EAN FAQ.
MODU10(DataToEncode) not applicable A MOD 10 check digit is returned. This is useful in calculating check digits for UCC/EAN 128 barcodes where a MOD check digit is needed. More information about UCC/EAN-128 is located here.

To sign up for monthly updates about new products or upgrades, please click here.Description of the parts of the functions:

  • DataToEncode - this is a string value that represents the data being encoded.
  • N_Dimension - determines the width of the wide bars which is a multiple of the X dimension. Valid values are 2, 2.5 and 3. The default is 2. The X dimension is determined by the font point size.
  • IncludeCheckDigit - a Boolean value that determines whether a check digit should be automatically calculated and included for the DataToEncode.
  • ApplyTilde - In Code 128 auto and UCC128, if the ApplyTilde option is set to True, the tilde will be processed and allow the following encoding options:
    • ASCII characters: the format ~ddd may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. As an example, enter the following text in the Data field: 66~02977, it will actually encode 66GS77 where GS is a delimiter ASCII 29 character. Other commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function. For encoding other functions, please refer to the ASCII chart.
    • Encoding UCC/EAN-128: to encode alpha-numeric UCC/EAN128, the character must be set to "AUTO" for automatic. Then, ASCII 202 or character Ê is entered as the FNC1 before each AI and the required start C is included automatically. For example, the UCC number of (8100)712345(21)12WH5678 should be entered as: Ê8100712345Ê2112WH5678. In most cases, the AI's will be properly represented in the human readable text. If the parenthesis is not around the correct number for the AI, enter the following extended ASCII character as the FNC1 for the correct number of digits in the AI:
      ASCII 212 = 2 digits
      ASCII 213 = 3 digits
      ASCII 214 = 4 digits
      ASCII 215 = 5 digits
      ASCII 216 = 6 digits

      ASCII 217 = 7 digits
      For example, to encode (1277)56, enter Ö127756.
      For more information about this, please refer to the UCC/EAN 128 section of IDAutomation's Code 128 FAQ
    • Create a Mod 10 Check digit: to Create a Mod 10 check digit for xx number of characters add the following to the DataToEncode: ~mnn (where nn is a 2 digit number representing the number of characters preceding the tilde in which to base the Mod 10 calculation). The additional MOD 10 check digit is commonly used in UCC or EAN barcode types. For example, setting the DataToEncode property to Ê4021234567890123456~m16 will cause a mod 10 check digit to be created based on all 16 characters before the tilde. The human readable text and scanned data will display as (402)12345678901234566. The final 6 is the mod 10 check digit and replaces ~m16.
    • FNC2: When necessary, the FNC2 character may be inserted into the DataToEncode string by using ASCII 197. For example; Å8012349091. IDAutomation's SC5USB Scanner can be programmed to hold the barcode starting with the FNC2 in memory and only transmit it to the computer after scanning a barcode containing the FNC1.

 

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