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ASP .NET Barcode Web Server Control Component
User Manual & Tutorial

INDEX:

If a scanner is needed to verify barcodes, consider IDAutomation's hand-held USB Barcode Scanners.

Once installed, the server control may be easily utilized in an ASP.NET Web Solution and used like any other control in the Visual Studio development toolbox. In addition to ease of use, this method also allows the resolution to be changed, which may be necessary when printing barcodes at very precise X dimensions or if it is necessary to print to low-resolution thermal printers. The server control displays images in the web solution and browser from automatically generated temp files, which are deleted from the server after a specified amount of time. Permanent files in many formats may also be created for specific needs.

The following tutorial illustrates the installation process with the Linear Server Control. When using other Server Controls, the difference in file names must be considered accordingly.

Download and extract the files from the package. Copy the IDAutomation.LinearServerControl.dll server control DLL file to the bin project directory of the web application the barcodes are needed for.
Create a subdirectory named "IDAutomation" directly under the virtual directory, that will be used to hold the temporary barcode images that are generated. For example, an application named WebApplication1, needs the subdirectory of WebApplication1\IDAutomation to be created:

NOTE Certain IIS configurations on operating systems including Windows Vista and Windows Server 2003 require the IDAutomation.LinearServerControl.dll to be placed in the global assembly cache (GAC). On most systems, the GAC is located at C:\windows\assembly. For more information on this issue, please see the article Using the IDAutomation.com Server Controls on Windows Vista.

Grant the ASPNET user Read, Modify and Write rights to the IDAutomation sub directory created. Failure to grant these rights will produce a "specified image could not be found" error.
Open the solution or application and display the form where the barcode is needed. Choose View - Toolbox to display the Toolbox. Right-click on the Toolbox and choose Customize Toolbox. Choose the .NET Framework Components folder. Choose Browse and select the IDAutomation.linearservercontrol.dll server control DLL file.
After the control appears in the Toolbox, it may be added to the web form. The control cannot be manually sized; this is by design to eliminate scanning errors and to ensure dimensions are accurate.
Once the control is placed on the form, it will appear in the web application and browser when it is compiled. To update the barcode with data, or change other properties, use the code-behind window. For example:
LinearBarcode1.DataToEncode = TextBox1.Text

Sizing the Server Control:

The control cannot be sized manually because it must meet specific requirements such as a precise X dimensions (narrow bar width) and barcode heights specified in the properties of the control. To increase the width, increase the X dimensionCM property. To increase the height, increase the bar height property. Because the control defaults to a 96 DPI image (which is the resolution of the web browser), the X dimension can only be adjusted in increments of .03cm or 12mils. To allow other settings such as .045 CM, the image ImageResolution must be increased to 203 or 300.

Using the Control as a DLL to Create Graphic Files on the Server:

IDAutomation's server control uses the .NET framework to perform image conversions, therefore a barcode image may be created in any format that .NET supports. The Visual Studio .NET C# example below creates the control in memory for this purpose, without placing it on a form:

{
      //Create an instance of the Linear barcode server control
      IDAutomation.LinearServerControl.LinearBarcode MyBarCode = new IDAutomation.LinearServerControl.LinearBarcode();
      //Set the symbology
      MyBarCode.SymbologyID = IDAutomation.LinearServerControl.LinearBarcode.Symbologies.Code39;
      //Set the DataToEncode
      MyBarCode.DataToEncode = "123456789012";
      //Save the image. The first parameter is the full path and file name of the image. The @ sign preceding the parameter allows
      //the slash characters in the file name. The second parameter is the type of file to save; specify .bmp, gif, .jpeg, .png, etc.
      MyBarCode.SaveImageAs(@"C:\Temp\Images\Test39.jpg", System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Jpeg
}

Properties and Methods

IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise. This section explains the main configuration properties and methods of the server control. The "Parameters" column specifies the parameters used in Streaming Mode. Parameters used in the Java Barcode Package, Dynamic Barcode Generator Service and the Barcode Server for IIS are also compatible with this product. All true and false parameter values should be specified as "T" or "F" and all parameters are uppercase.

Property Name	Default	Description
ApplyTilde	False	When ApplyTilde is True in Code 128 with the Auto character set, the format ~??? may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded and several other tilde options are enabled. For example, the data of "Web~009Component" would encode "Web <TAB> Component".
BarHeightCM	1	The height of the barcode in centimeters (CM).
BearerBarHorizontal	0	The width of the horizontal bearer bars as a multiple of the XDimension; valid options are 0-10.
BearerBarVertical	0	The width of the vertical bearer bars as a multiple of the XDimension; valid options are 0-10.
CaptionAbove	Null	When text appears in this property, it is displayed in the margin above the symbol.
CaptionBelow	Null	When text appears in this property, it is displayed in the margin below the symbol.
CharacterGrouping	0	Determines the number of characters between spaces in the text interpretation of the data encoded in the barcode. Supported values are 0 (which disables grouping), 3, 4 and 5.
CheckCharacter	True	When True, automatically adds the check digit. The check digit is required for all symbologies except Code 39, Industrial 2 of 5 and Codabar. When using symbologies that do not require the check digit, the check digit may be disabled.
CheckCharacterInText	False	When True, automatically adds the check digit that is encoded in the barcode to the human readable text that is displayed.
Code128CharSet	Auto	The set of characters to be used in Code128. Valid values are: Auto, A, B or C.
DataToEncode	123456789012	The data that is to be encoded in the barcode symbol. To update the barcode with data, use the code-behind window. For example: ServerControlBarcode1.DataToEncode = TextBox1.Text
FitControlToBarcode	True	Automatically sizes the control canvas and generated image. In streaming mode, the parameters H and W may be used to specify the height and width in pixels.
Font	Sans Serif 10 Points	Used to change the font or font point size of the text interpretation or human readable text. In VB, this property may be changed in code, for example: BarCode1.Font.Size = 10 BarCode1.Font.Name = "Times New Roman"
ImageAutoDelete	True	If set to True, automatically deletes image files after the amount of minutes specified in ImageTimeToLive.
ImageConcurrentDeletions	10	The number of files that may be concurrently deleted by a single user session. A new user session is required to delete existing images that have been created after ImageTimeToLive expires.
ImageFileName	na	A read-only method that returns the name of the current file in the IDAutomation sub folder.
ImageTimeToLive	10	The number in minutes to keep generated images on the server.
ImageResolution	96	The resolution of the image measured in dots per inch (DPI). This should be changed to 203 when using 203 dpi thermal barcode printers.
ImageType	GIF	The type of image to be created; JPEG, GIF and PNG are supported.
LeftMargin	0.2	The space of the left margin in centimeters.
NarrowToWideRatio	2.0	The narrow to wide ratio of symbologies that only contain narrow and wide bars such as Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5 and MSI. Common values are 2, 2.5 and 3.
Rotation	Zero_Degrees	Orientation indicates the orientation of the barcode. Valid values are 0, 90, 180 and 270.
ShowText	Yes	If ShowText is Yes or True, the human readable text will be displayed with the barcode.
ShowTextLocation	Below	Determines if the human-readable text is placed above or below the barcode.
StreamImage	False	Set this property to True if the barcode image should be streamed to the browser. This property is no longer supported in this component and is provided for backwards compatibility only. Streaming functionality is now only provided in the ASP Barcode Server for IIS.
SymbologyID	Code128	Selects the symbology or barcode type. To obtain more information about barcode types, visit the bar-coding for beginners site.
TextMarginCM	0.10	Sets the distance between the symbol and the text in centimeters.
TopMarginCM	0.2	The top margin in centimeters.
WhiteBarIncrease*	0	A percentage value to increase the white space between the bars to improve readability. Common values are 10, 15, 20 and 25. *
XDimensionCM	0.03	The width in centimeters of the narrow bars. The X dimension should be increased if the barcode scanner being used does not dependably decode the symbol. The X dimension may only be adjusted in increments of .03cm (12mils) unless the ImageResolution is increased.
XDimensionMILS	11.8	The width in mils (1/1000 of an inch) of the narrow bars. The X dimension should be increased if the barcode scanner being used does not dependably decode the symbol.

Advanced Server Control Properties and Methods
IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise.
Name	Default	Description
AllowCustomPaths	False	By default all of the images are created in the IDAutomation subdirectory of the directory where the page is being served. When set to true, custom paths may be used for the generated image files. For example: LinearBarcode1.AllowCustomPaths = true; LinearBarcode1.ImageLocalPath=@"C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\WebApplication\Images\Barcode"; LinearBarcode1.ImageRelativePath=@"Images/Barcode"; Note: "WebApplication" is the virtual directory used in the above code.
ImageLocalPath	IDAutomation	The local path used to save images. The ASPNET user must have Read, Modify and Write rights in this directory. Additionally, this directory must reside below the virtual directory.
ImageRelativePath	IDAutomation	The Image Relative Path to the generated images. The relative path is based off the virtual directory of the website. If it is necessary to use a slash for the relative path, make sure it is the forward slash ( / ). This will allow the control to work properly on all web browsers.
SaveImageAs (filename, format)		This method allows the barcode object to be saved in image file formats, which include JPEG, GIF and PNG. It also allows for conversion to any image type that the framework supports. For example: Barcode1.SaveImageAs(@"C:\Temp\Images\bar-code-image.gif", System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Gif)

PDF417 Specific Properties:
IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise. For a complete list of properties, see the PDF417 API.
Name	Default	Description
ApplyTilde	True	When set to True, the format ~??? may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. Commonly used ASCII codes are ~009 which is a tab function and ~013 which is a return function.
PDFErrorCorrectionLevel	0	The Reed Solomon error correction level encoded in the symbol. More error correction creates a larger symbol that can withstand more damage. The default setting of 0 performs automatic selection.
MacroPDFEnable	False	When true, indicates that this barcode is part of a MacroPDF sequence.
MacroPDFFileID	0	Assigns a file id to the MacroPDF barcode. Each barcode in the MacroPDF sequence must have the same file id assigned to it. Valid options are 0-899.
MacroPDFSegmentIndex	False	The index number of each MacroPDF symbol must have a unique segment index, starting at zero and incrementing thereafter by one.
MacroPDFLastSegment	0	When set to True, indicates that this is the final barcode in the MacroPDF sequence.
PDFColumns	0	The number of data columns in the PDF417 barcode. When this is left at zero "0," the control will automatically adjust this parameter internally.
PDFMode	Binary	The mode of compaction used to encode data in the symbol. When set to "Text," a smaller symbol may be created. Text mode encodes all characters on the U.S. keyboard plus returns and tabs.
PDFRows	0	Sets the number of rows. It is recommended to leave this property at 0, the default.
Truncated	0	A truncated PDF417 symbol is more area efficient than normal PDF417. When true, the right hand side of the PDF417 is removed or truncated.
XtoYRatio	3	The X multiple height of individual cells; default = 3, usually 2 to 4 times the NarrowBarCM (X).

Data Matrix Specific Properties:
IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise. For a complete list of properties, see the DataMatrix API.
Name	Default	Description
ApplyTilde	True	When set to True the tilde (~) will be processed as explained in the DataMatrix FAQ and the format ~d??? may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. For example, "ECC200~d009Code128" encodes "ECC200 <TAB> Code128."
EncodingMode	E_BASE256 (3)	Valid Encoding Mode values are E_ASCII, E_C40, E_TEXT and E_BASE256.
PreferredFormat	Auto	Sets the preferred format; valid selections are from (10X10) to (144X144) and from (8X18) to (16X48); the default value of "Auto" is recommended. If the component needs more space to create the symbol, this selection will be ignored.
XDimensionCM	0.06	The width in centimeters of the squares that make up the symbol. This value may need to be increased if the scanner cannot read symbols with small X dimensions. When working with a high quality 2D imager, this value may be decreased to create a smaller symbol.

MaxiCode Specific Properties:
IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise. For a complete list of properties, see the MaxiCode API.
Name	Default	Description
ApplyTilde	True	When set to True, the format ~ddd may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded as explained in the Maxicode FAQ. A setting of "False" will disable ApplyTilde.
Country	na	A 3-digit number representing the country code. Proper implementation for UPS and other transportation applications will automatically override this field.
EncodingMode	Mode2	The mode of compression and encoding used in the symbol. Modes 2 and 3 are designed for use in the transport industry. Mode 4 encodes up to 93 characters or 138 digits. Mode 5 encodes up to 77 characters and provides more error correction capabilities than mode 4. Mode 6 indicates that the symbol encodes a message used to program a reader system (scanner).
ServiceClass	na	A 3 digit number representing the service code. Proper implementation for UPS and other transportation applications will automatically override this field.
ZipCode	na	The postal code; mode 2 uses a 9-digit numeric postal code and mode 3 uses a 6 character alphanumeric postal code. Proper implementation for UPS and other transportation applications will automatically override this field.

Aztec Specific Properties:
IDAutomation recommends using default values for all properties, unless requirements dictate otherwise. For a complete list of properties, see the Aztec API.
Name	Default	Description
ApplyTilde	False	When set to True, the format ~d??? may be used to specify the ASCII code of the character to be encoded. Commonly used ASCII codes are ~d009 which is a tab function and ~d013 which is a return function.
MessageAppend	na	Specifies the message appended across multiple symbols. Only valid if NumberOfSymbols is greater than 1.
NumberOfSymbols	1	Invokes MessageAppend across # symbols.
XDimensionCM	0.06cm	The width in centimeters of the squares that make up the symbol. This value may need to be increased if the scanner cannot read symbols with small X dimensions. When working with a high quality 2D imager, this value may be decreased to create a smaller symbol.

Technical Issues and Support

Free product support may be obtained by reviewing articles that are documented at the ASP.NET Support Site and by searching resolved public help desk issues. Priority phone, e-mail and help desk support is provided up to 30 days after purchase. Additional priority phone, e-mail and help desk support may be obtained if a Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription is active.

Common Issues and Solutions:

IDAutomation Subdirectory Files:
The barcode images generated are high quality GIF, JPEG or PNG images that should display in all web browsers. The files that are generated are stored in the IDAutomation subdirectory. By default, the control will automatically delete the image files after the amount of minutes specified in ImageTimeToLive. Each call to the web page produces a new image, which are then deleted by FIFO, first in and first out. If ImageAutoDelete is set to false, make sure a method is in place to delete the files occasionally.
Processor and Memory Benchmarks:
IDAutomation's Server Controls are fast and efficient managed-code components, compiled in C# .NET. IDAutomation has not conducted any benchmarks to measure server delay when files are generated or being deleted, because of the many variables that change results such as the data being encoded, symbology used, server's memory, disk speed and available bandwidth.
IDAutomation Subdirectory Rights:
The ASPNET user must have Modify and Write rights to the IDAutomation subdirectory. Failure to grant rights will produce a "specified image could not be found" error.
Error - "Specified image could not be found":
This error is caused because either the IDAutomation directory does not exist in the correct location or the ASPNET user does not have Modify and Write rights to the IDAutomation directory.
It is important to have the ability to test printed barcodes with a barcode scanner.
If a scanner is not available for testing purposes, IDAutomation also provides hand-held barcode scanner kits.

Image Resolution

The default resolution of the generated images is 96 DPI, which allows the image to be displayed properly in the web browser. At times, it may be necessary to increase the resolution of the image for printing purposes. This can be easily accomplished by changing the ImageResolution property.

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ASP .NET Barcode Web Server Control Component User Manual & Tutorial

ASP .NET Barcode Web Server Control Component
User Manual & Tutorial