softwedge: A serial software keyboard wedge for *nix X11
(c) 2007 Yann Ramin <atrus@stackworks.net>
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softwedge is a small Linux utility which forwards
data from a serial port (such as from a tty, or a barcode
scanner) and re-issues the data as X11 key press events.
softwedge was designed to allow ordinary applications to accept data from a Bluetooth barcode scanner (for testing,
the author used a Metrologic FocusBT, though any *decoded* serial
or Bluetooth barcode scanner should work). Un-decoded scanners won't work - softwedge expects input near the US-ASCII character-set, though not all control codes work at this time.
Quick start:
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make
make install
(If serial port is /dev/rfcomm0)
softwedge
(or)
softwedge -c /dev/ttyWhatever
Options:
--------
-c:
Sets serial port -f:
Run in the foreground - don't fork
-v:
See version information
Limitations:
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- Softwedge can't set any serial port parameters - use
stty
- No support of input cleanup is supported (extra LF removal, etc)
- Not all escape codes will directly transfer to X11 input at this time.
I.e., FedEx PDF417 codes, UPS MaxiCode
- International barcode character sets are untested (i.e. QR Code)
Future:
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- Multiple input methods to allow for more international control
i.e. text to clipboard
- Testing of more control codes
- Support of more Barcode specific features - FocusBT encryption support, 2-way support
- GUI config tool
- and more...