softwedge

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softwedge: A serial software keyboard wedge for *nix X11 (c) 2007 Yann Ramin [email protected]

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.

Build status:

https://travis-ci.org/theatrus/softwedge.svg?branch=master

Quick start:

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:

• 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:

• 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...