Actually, capslock biffs it, as it makes everything all-uppercase.
No it doen't observe:
.C3nZC3nZC3nXDNf2C3zYC3nX.fHmc.C3fXDNPXC3n0C3j3.
.c3Nzc3Nzc3NxdnF2c3Zyc3Nx.FhMC.c3Fxdnpxc3N0c3J3.
Without capslock:
.C3nZC3nZC3nYDhv7D3DWCxnX.fHmc.C3DWC3nZCxnZC3z1.
with caps lock:
.C3NZC3NZC3NYDHV7D3DWCXNX.FHMC.C3DWC3NZCXNZC3Z1.
-M
Since the scanner's output runs through your keyboard port, you can invert the case all by yourself by hitting caps lock. I wonder if
windows users would have trouble reaching web pages if they scanned with their caps lock on then?
Actually, capslock biffs it, as it makes everything all-uppercase.
For those of you that are curious, all the CRQ software does is invert the case of the output of the CueCat scanner, and insert it into the SCANDATA section of the url: http://SERVER.dcnv.com/1..ACTIVATIONCODE.X.SERIALN UMBER.SCANDATA.0
http://www.barpoint.com/ offers a wireless laser-equipped barcode scanner, with a docking cradle, and software that gets you coupons and produces shopping lists. $29 deposit, plus $25/year. They were smarter than CueCat, in that they made it clear that they own the device, but also made it cheap and useful.
Of course, you can always use your cuecat to get a $25 discount on a 'real' barcode scanner...
Interestingly, http://www.readerware.com/ has added support for the CueCat to their software, and it does not report back to Digital Hemorrhoid. Normally, the CueCat device sends a request with your serial number and activation code embedded.
THe CueCat output looks like this:
.C3nZC3nZC3nYDhv7D3DWCxnX.fHmc.C3rXD3T1C3nXD3nW.
It's an ALT-F10, your serial number, the bar code type, and the bar code data, spearated by periods and lamely base64+XOR67 'encrypted'. The CueCat software turns that into a request that looks like this:
YOu can actually replace your activation code with anything. My software replaces it with "ACTIVATIONCODE". It briefly replaced it with "MOTHERFUCKER" but I switched it back. The X seems to usually show up as "04" but doesn't have to be, and seems to be irrelevant in any case. And the Serial number can also be replaced.
Their game is to track all products and magazines, books, etc. scanned by their users in order to target marketing. YOu have to answer a long list of nosy questions when you install the windows software, unless you don't run the "autorun" program, and just run "setup" instead.
This probably explains why they're pissed about Free software existing. Mine, for instance, strips out the activation code unless you actually want to send it in. This anonymizes your scans.
Of course, I can't distribute my software because of some questionable legal shennanigans. I wonder if ReaderWare got a nasty letter... oh wait, they're a company that can probably afford lawyers, unlike me.
No big trick. barcodes are designed to be read bidirectionally. Also, the cuecat has a single light sensor, Hold it however you want; all it looks for is changes in luminosity. That's why a "quiet area" is needed before and after the barcode itself.
Are they kidding? "You too can be part of this valuable tool and project?" How about "You too can help us invade the privacy and track the purchasing habits of millions of people; We're willing to 'work with you', in the sense of 'ignore you totally except for sending threatening letters', for a mere $20 per device! We'll tell you nothing you don't already know. What a deal!"
3.encourage others in the Linux community to work with us hand-in-hand to develop a various solutions and useful applications. You
too, can be part of this valuable tool and project!"
And, by the way, the AT HOME - PERSONAL USE DEVELOPER LICENSE is $20 USD! So please, HELP US PROTECT, what a group
of talented developers, have worked so very hard on for over the last 5 years!
Moderate this as flamebait if you must, but I have written CueMammal software, I've gotten a Letter, and, to quote "Network," I'm Mad As Hell And I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore! Who do these corporate aristocrats think they are? Are they really expecting people to roll over and hand them $20 each to use hardware that THEY OWN? Someone get Ralph Nader on the phone.
I asked the specifically if they would support me in creating Linux software for he CueCat. They told me "not under any circumstances."
Good Afternoon Mr. Rothwell,
We do appreciate your interest in our software (:CRQ (TM)) and our hardware
(:CueCat (TM) reader). Unfortunately, not under any circumstances, will we
give out information about "how to reproduce" our products. The:CueCat
reader and the:CRQ software is proprietary hardware and software of
Digital:Convergence.
If you would like to know more about our company, please visit
www.DigitalConvergence.com If you would like to learn more about our legal
policies, please visit www.crq.com/privacy.html
We hope we have addressed your concerns and help correct your issue,
Efaqadmin
Digital:Convergence
Changing the Way You Surf the Internet
I wouldn't boycott RadioShack. It's not their fault. Lots of people are handing them out. It's Digital Convergence that's the problem. I imagine if you order a reader from DCNV for "shipping costs," you will be bound by their agreement.
I understand that a minority of the people on the planet speak English. I also understand that some of the world's most powerful militaries and richest economies currently speak English.
But, one thing hasn't been mentioned: English-speakers invented the technology. C, Unix, Windows, Perl, Python, HTML, etc. are all written "in english" -- that is, they use english words as their lexical basis. Until there is an All-Mandarin programming language, OS, etc. that takes the world by storm, I don't expect computers to be programmed "in mandarin." I imagine it is simply easier to cope with computer programming if you understand at least a little English. It doesn't have to stay this way, but I imagine it will be easier to move everything to another western language than to a non-Western one, for reasons of keyboards and alphabets.
... it understands ISBN, UPC, EAN, Code128 and parts of other barcode formats. I do not know what the actual protocol is, but I reverse-engineered a rather large lookup table. Digital Convergence replied to my request for documentation on its output format with "over our dead corporate body," more or less. So, lookup table it is, until I discover the true pattern, if one exists.
It would have been nice of them to mention the Libertarians as well as the Green Party. Last I checked, the Libertarians were polling ahead of Pat Buchanan.
Pacifica probably doesn't like the Libertarians, though...
TV news is pap, anyway. Anyone who trusts the likes of Bryant Gumbell and Ted Koppel, not to mention Geraldo, to give them an accurate picture of reality probably won't be affected by editing and product placement. Every time I happen to catch one of the TV "news" shows, I want to throw a hammer through the TV just like the runner in the 1984 Apple ad. They are all smear artists with some type of agenda. I don't care if I agree with the agenda or not -- it's still not the news, it's an opinion and entertainment show. Mind control. Kill your television. </cynic>
Slashdot Mirror
with caps lock:
-M
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Actually, capslock biffs it, as it makes everything all-uppercase.
---- ----
Guess what? They all speak English.
---- ----
For those of you that are curious, all the CRQ software does is invert the case of the output of the CueCat scanner, and insert it into the SCANDATA section of the url: http://SERVER.dcnv.com/1..ACTIVATIONCODE.X.SERIALN UMBER.SCANDATA.0
... a simple case inversion.
---- ----
http://www.barpoint.com/ offers a wireless laser-equipped barcode scanner, with a docking cradle, and software that gets you coupons and produces shopping lists. $29 deposit, plus $25/year. They were smarter than CueCat, in that they made it clear that they own the device, but also made it cheap and useful.
.C3nZC3nZC3nYDhv7D3DWCxnX.fHmc.C3rXD3T1C3nXD3nW.
://a.dcnv.com/CRQ/1..ACTIVATIONCODE.X.SERIALNUMBER .FhMC.c3Rxd3t1c3Nxd3Nw.0
Of course, you can always use your cuecat to get a $25 discount on a 'real' barcode scanner...
Interestingly, http://www.readerware.com/ has added support for the CueCat to their software, and it does not report back to Digital Hemorrhoid. Normally, the CueCat device sends a request with your serial number and activation code embedded. THe CueCat output looks like this:
It's an ALT-F10, your serial number, the bar code type, and the bar code data, spearated by periods and lamely base64+XOR67 'encrypted'. The CueCat software turns that into a request that looks like this:
http
YOu can actually replace your activation code with anything. My software replaces it with "ACTIVATIONCODE". It briefly replaced it with "MOTHERFUCKER" but I switched it back. The X seems to usually show up as "04" but doesn't have to be, and seems to be irrelevant in any case. And the Serial number can also be replaced.
Their game is to track all products and magazines, books, etc. scanned by their users in order to target marketing. YOu have to answer a long list of nosy questions when you install the windows software, unless you don't run the "autorun" program, and just run "setup" instead.
This probably explains why they're pissed about Free software existing. Mine, for instance, strips out the activation code unless you actually want to send it in. This anonymizes your scans.
Of course, I can't distribute my software because of some questionable legal shennanigans. I wonder if ReaderWare got a nasty letter... oh wait, they're a company that can probably afford lawyers, unlike me.
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The website h ere describes how to make your own RS232-output barcode scanner.
---- ----
Look here.
---- ----
You would actually be better off buying a laser scanner. They can tolerate distance, perspective, dirt, etc. when the CueCat cannot.
---- ----
No big trick. barcodes are designed to be read bidirectionally. Also, the cuecat has a single light sensor, Hold it however you want; all it looks for is changes in luminosity. That's why a "quiet area" is needed before and after the barcode itself.
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
Use Gnu Barcode.
---- ----
I've not given in yet. I jsut want to make sure that I don't bury myself deeper later without meaning to...
-M
---- ----
I wouldn't boycott RadioShack. It's not their fault. Lots of people are handing them out. It's Digital Convergence that's the problem. I imagine if you order a reader from DCNV for "shipping costs," you will be bound by their agreement.
See "i-opener" in the archives.
---- ----
When the counter jockey at Radio Shack handed me my scanner, I was told nothing about restrictions. I signed nothing.
---- ----
Now at: http://www.flyingbuttmonkeys.com/cuecat/
---- ----
I understand that a minority of the people on the planet speak English. I also understand that some of the world's most powerful militaries and richest economies currently speak English.
But, one thing hasn't been mentioned: English-speakers invented the technology. C, Unix, Windows, Perl, Python, HTML, etc. are all written "in english" -- that is, they use english words as their lexical basis. Until there is an All-Mandarin programming language, OS, etc. that takes the world by storm, I don't expect computers to be programmed "in mandarin." I imagine it is simply easier to cope with computer programming if you understand at least a little English. It doesn't have to stay this way, but I imagine it will be easier to move everything to another western language than to a non-Western one, for reasons of keyboards and alphabets.
---- ----
Update: now understands everything...
---- ----
I've written a decoder, available at:
http://www.flyingbuttmonkeys.com/~rothwell/
... it understands ISBN, UPC, EAN, Code128 and parts of other barcode formats. I do not know what the actual protocol is, but I reverse-engineered a rather large lookup table. Digital Convergence replied to my request for documentation on its output format with "over our dead corporate body," more or less. So, lookup table it is, until I discover the true pattern, if one exists.
---- ----
Can mass corporate acceptance be far behind?
You mean, like Sun and HP dumping CDE in favor of Gnome? Whee!
---- ----
Worse: cold fusion. Guess their server needs more deuterium, or fantasium, or something.
---- ----
It would have been nice of them to mention the Libertarians as well as the Green Party. Last I checked, the Libertarians were polling ahead of Pat Buchanan.
Pacifica probably doesn't like the Libertarians, though...
---- ----
Let's just edit out those pesky protestors, then. Oh wait, they already did.
---- ----
Why not TV?
Lots of it on TV already. Watch any Sci-Fi show. But it is not acceptable on the news (not that what's on TV is really "news").
---- ----
TV news is pap, anyway. Anyone who trusts the likes of Bryant Gumbell and Ted Koppel, not to mention Geraldo, to give them an accurate picture of reality probably won't be affected by editing and product placement. Every time I happen to catch one of the TV "news" shows, I want to throw a hammer through the TV just like the runner in the 1984 Apple ad. They are all smear artists with some type of agenda. I don't care if I agree with the agenda or not -- it's still not the news, it's an opinion and entertainment show. Mind control. Kill your television. </cynic>
---- ----