Scorpion BarCode User Guide

Version 1.20


About Scorpion BarCode

  1. About Scorpion BarCode...
  2. Technical Support
  3. License Agreement

File Menu

  1. New
  2. Open...
  3. Close
  4. Save
  5. Save As PICT...
  6. Save As EPSF...
  7. Print...
  8. Page Setup...
  9. Quit

Edit Menu

  1. Undo
  2. Cut
  3. Copy
  4. Paste
  5. Clear
  6. Paste Data

Encode Menu

  1. EAN-13
  2. EAN-8
  3. EAN-128
  4. UPC-A
  5. UPC-E
  6. Code-128
  7. Code-93
  8. Code-39
  9. Codabar
  10. ITF
  11. ISSN
  12. ISBN
  13. PostNet
  14. RM4SCC
  15. Pharmacode

Options Menu

  1. Scorpion BarCode Help...
  2. Voice Assistance...
  3. Apple Guide...
  4. Balloon Help...
  5. Apple Script...
  6. Preferences...

Appendix To The User's Guide

  1. Appendix A - Memory (Internal RAM) Requirements


About Scorpion BarCode

About Scorpion BarCode...

The About Scorpion BarCode... menu item can be found under the Apple Menu. Selecting this feature presents a window reflecting details about the Scorpion BarCode product including the version number and various acknowledgements.

Technical Support

For Technical Support within mainland United Kingdom, please contact Scorpion Research Limited or your nearest dealer. For service and support outside of mainland United Kingdom, please contact your local dealer.

Send eMail to Support@ScorpionResearch.com

The preferred method of contacting Scorpion Research Limited is by eMail and enquiries or support requests will be replied irrespective of the location of the user.

License Agreement

Notice

The information contained in this document or the product referred therein is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Scorpion Research Limited. The software is furnished under a License Agreement and may only be used and copied in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement. This is a legal License Agreement entered into between you the end user Licensee, and us as Scorpion Research Limited a body corporate registered in England. By the creation of any data files by the software, or by being party to the creation thereof, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this License Agreement, promptly return the software and any accompanying materials received in any form or kind, to the source of your supply for a refund of the price paid.

Grant of License

Scorpion Research Limited grants you the right to use one copy of the software on a single computer. The software is deemed to be in use when it is loaded into a temporary storage medium including the RAM or installed into permanent memory including the hard disks, CD-ROMs, or other such storage devices of that computer.

Copyright

The user's guide and the software described therein are copyright materials owned by Scorpion Research Limited with all rights reserved world-wide. Under the copyright laws and international treaties for the enforcement thereof, the copyrighted materials including this user's guide and the software described therein may not be copied in whole or in part, translated into another language or format, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, optical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written consent of Scorpion Research Limited, except to make a backup copy of the software for the sole use of the Licensee. The same proprietary and copyright notices must be affixed to any permitted copies as were affixed to the original. This exception does not allow copies to be made for other parties, whether or not sold. You may use the software on any computer owned by you, if you make sure that there is no possibility of it being used on more than one computer at the same time. Multiple use licenses are available.

Other Restrictions

In addition to any restrictions already stated or implied, you may not rent or lease the software, but you may transfer your rights under this License Agreement on a permanent basis provided you transfer all copies of the software and all written materials, and the recipient agrees to the terms of this License Agreement. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or modify the software in any form or kind. Any transfer must include the most recent update and all prior versions of the software and its accompanying materials.

Limited Warranty

Scorpion Research Limited warrants that the software will perform substantially in accordance with the accompanying User's Guide for a period of 90 (ninety) days from the date of receipt. Any implied warranties on the software are limited to 90 (ninety) days or the shortest period permitted by applicable law, whichever is greater.

Licensee Remedies

The entire liability of Scorpion Research Limited and your exclusive remedy shall be, at the discretion of Scorpion Research Limited, either (a) return of the License Fee paid or (b) repair or replacement of the software that does not meet the Limited Warranty.

No Other Warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Scorpion Research Limited disclaims all other warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the software. Scorpion Research Limited does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the software in terms of its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currentness or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the software is assumed by you. The Limited Warranty expressed herein does not affect your statutory rights.

No Liability For Consequential Losses

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Scorpion Research Limited shall not be liable for any other damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or the inability to use the software, even if Scorpion Research Limited has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any case, the entire liability of Scorpion Research Limited for actual damages from any cause whatsoever, and regardless of the form of the action whether in contract, tort including negligence, product liability, or otherwise, shall be limited to the amount actually paid by you for the software.

Licenses and Trademarks

References to various known trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., including the terms Apple, Macintosh, QuickDraw, TrueType, Balloon Help, Apple Events, Speech Manager, Apple Guide, etc., and those of Adobe Systems Inc., in respect of PostScript, have been made in the software and/or the accompanying materials. Such references do not imply any endorsement of, or other affiliations with, Scorpion Research Limited or vice versa. The reference to the known trademarks or registered trademarks names is in an editorial fashion only, and to the benefit of the trademark holder and owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. Where known trademarks or registered trademarks are referred to, every effort has been made to adhere to the holder and owner's preferred style of spelling and capitalisation.

Jurisdiction

The Laws of England shall apply in all matters relating to the Agreement.


File Menu

The File Menu contains the main features to handle Data files and has been provided primarily for completeness when making Scripts using AppleScript or the Scorpion Macro Scripting Language. Other applications in your Script may find it easier to save a text file of the intended Bar Code for the Scorpion BarCode program to receive via the Script. The resulting graphic can be saved as a PICT file or sent back via the Clipboard. The File Menu is also used for Print related functions and to Quit from the program.

New

This menu item is not supported in this version. In a future version, it may used to create a container for Bar Code data.

Open...

This menu item allows you to select a text file that contains Bar Code data in ASCII format that may have been previously created by another application. The Scorpion BarCode program uses this data to build a graphic version of the Bar Code text. The type of Bar Code that is built depends on the presence of Symbology Identifier characters but defaults to EAN-13 when recognised Symbology Identifier characters are not found. Please see the Help section under the Encode Menu for a list of supported Symbology Identifier characters.

Close

This menu item is not supported in this version. In a future version, it may used to close an open container for Bar Code data.

Save

This menu item is not supported in this version. In a future version, it may used to save Bar Code data to an existing container for Bar Code data.

Save As PICT...

This menu item allows you to save the built Bar Code graphic into a Macintosh PICT image file for use by your graphics program. It is disabled until you create a graphic Bar Code using the Encode Menu.

Save As EPSF...

This menu item allows you to save the built Bar Code graphic into a Macintosh EPSF image file for use by your graphics program. It is disabled until you create a graphic Bar Code using the Encode Menu.

Print...

This menu item allows you to print the built Bar Code graphic. It is disabled until you create a graphic Bar Code using the Encode Menu.

Page Setup...

This menu item presents you with a dialog box that allows you to define the way the program will work with your chosen printer. Usually, you would select paper sizes, print magnification/reduction, paper orientation, margin sizes, etc, from this menu item. Please see your chosen printer's User's Guide for more information on the options available for your printer. The Scorpion BarCode program is compatible with all Apple compatible printers including both QuickDraw and PostScript printers. The program also supports TrueType and other similar type managers.

Quit

This menu item allows you to quit from the program. This is the safest and quickest way to exit the program without damaging or losing any of your data. Any other method of exiting the program is strongly discouraged.


Edit Menu

The Edit Menu is to assist you in Text Editing when entering information. The standard Macintosh editing procedures are supported throughout the Scorpion BarCode program and you should refer to your Macintosh Users Guide if you are not familiar with the clipboard.

Undo

Use this feature to reverse the last action that you performed. This feature mainly applies to text editing since you cannot undo a Bar Code graphic image that is already completed and is therefore not always available.

Cut

Use this feature to remove selected text and place it on the Clipboard. The selected text can then be pasted into other areas of the Scorpion BarCode program or into other programs including most word processors, spreadsheets, databases, or graphics packages.

Copy

Use this feature to place a copy of the selected text onto the Clipboard without removing the original selection. The selected text can then be pasted into other areas of the Scorpion BarCode program or into other programs including most word processors, spreadsheets, databases, or graphics packages. To copy the Bar Code graphic image onto the Clipboard, please use the Clip button that appears below the graphic image.

Paste

Use this feature to paste the contents of the Clipboard into the selected insertion point. You may paste text which would have been placed onto the Clipboard previously using Cut or Copy either in Scorpion BarCode or through any other program including most word processors, spreadsheets, databases, or graphics packages.

Clear

Use this feature to delete the selected text without placing it on the Clipboard.

Paste Data

Use this feature to command the Scorpion BarCode application to insert text from the clipboard for use within a script. You are unlikely to use this feature unless you are recording scripts within Apple Script.


Encode Menu

The Encode Menu is used to select the particular type of Bar Code graphic that you wish to create using the Scorpion BarCode program. The following is a summary of the Bar Code symbologies that are available. Further help on e01ach Bar Code symbology is available after selecting it from the Encode menu.

EAN-13

The EAN-13 type Bar Code Symbology consists of the standard EAN 13 digit Bar Code with support for a further optional 2 or 5 Add-On digits where required. The EAN-13 type Bar Code Symbology can be used within the retail or POS applications and is not recommended for use with Traded units.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 13 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated. For certain special applications, this symbology accepts further 2 or 5 digit add-on codes which are entered in the Add On Bar Code field.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: E
Modifier: 0 - EAN 13 Digits No Add On
1 - AddOn 2 Digits Only
2 - AddOn 5 Digits Only
3 - AddOn 2 or 5 Digits Only

For further information on EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

EAN-8

The EAN-8 type Bar Code Symbology consists of the shortened EAN 8 digit Bar Code and is used in special circumstances where the EAN-13 Bar Code cannot be used. The EAN-8 type Bar Code Symbology is intended for use within specific retail or POS applications and should not be used for Traded units.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 8 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: E
Modifier: 4 - EAN 8 Digits No Add On

For further information on EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

EAN-128

The EAN-128 type Bar Code Symbology provides greater flexibility than the EAN-13 bar code through supporting a larger number of digits as well as alpha-numeric and special characters. The uses for the EAN-128 Bar Code are widespread throughout different industries and the use of special Application Identifiers offers further possibilities for standardised automation.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have greater than 25 digits in one Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: C
Modifier: 1 - EAN128 With FUNC1 In Pos 1

For further information on EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

UPC-A

The UPC-A type Bar Code Symbology consists of the standard UPC 12 digit Bar Code with support for a further optional 2 or 5 Add-On digits where required. The UPC-A type Bar Code Symbology can be used within the retail or POS applications and is not recommended for use with Traded units.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 12 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated. For certain special applications, this symbology accepts further 2 or 5 digit add-on codes which are entered in the Add On Bar Code field.

For further information on UPC (Universal Product Codes) or EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

UPC-E

The UPC-E type Bar Code Symbology consists of the shortened UPC 6 digit Bar Code and is used in special circumstances where the UPC-A Bar Code cannot be used. The UPC-E type Bar Code Symbology is intended for use within specific retail or POS applications and should not be used for Traded units.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 6 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

For further information on UPC (Universal Product Codes) or EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

Code-128

The Code-128 type Bar Code Symbology provides greater flexibility than the Code-39 bar code through supporting a larger number of digits as well as alpha-numeric and special characters. The uses for the Code-128 Bar Code are widespread throughout different industries.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have greater than 25 digits in one Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: C
Modifier: 2 - Code128 With FUNC1 In Pos 2

For further information on UCC (Uniform Code Council) please contact UCC at 7051 Corporate Way, Suite 201, Dayton, OH 45459-4924 USA.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

Code-93

The Code-93 type Bar Code Symbology provides alpha-numeric Bar Codes where text strings are to be represented in Bar Code format. The Code-93 Symbology was developed to respond to certain ambiguities within the Code-39 Symbology when used in full ASCII mode.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of alphabetical and numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have greater than 25 digits in one Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: G
Modifier: 0 - No Modifiers

For further information on UCC (Uniform Code Council) please contact UCC at 7051 Corporate Way, Suite 201, Dayton, OH 45459-4924 USA.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

Code-39

The Code-39 type Bar Code Symbology provides alpha-numeric Bar Codes where text strings are to be represented in Bar Code format.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of alphabetical and numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have greater than 25 digits in one Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: A
Modifier: 0 - No Check Character Or Full ASCII
1 - Mod 43 Checked
2 - Mod 43 Checked And Stripped
4 - Full ASCII Converted

For further information on UCC (Uniform Code Council) please contact UCC at 7051 Corporate Way, Suite 201, Dayton, OH 45459-4924 USA.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

Codabar

The Codabar type Bar Code Symbology provides a numeric Bar Code with certain additional characters which are often used with numbers that are to be represented in Bar Code format.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of alphabetical and numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have greater than 25 digits in one Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: F
Modifier: 0 - No Modifiers

For further information on UCC (Uniform Code Council) please contact UCC at 7051 Corporate Way, Suite 201, Dayton, OH 45459-4924 USA.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

ITF

The ITF (Interleaved Two of Five) type Bar Code Symbology consists of the standard 14 digit Bar Code. The ITF Bar Code Symbology is intended for use with Traded Units and is not recommended for retail or POS applications.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 14 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Support for AIM Symbology Identifiers is offered when text files are dragged onto the Scorpion BarCode application icon or opened via the File menu. The decoder relies on the following string of characters prefixed to the data message:

Indentifier: ]
Symbology: I
Modifier: 0 - No Check Digit
1 - Check Digit Checked
2 - Check Digit Stripped

For further information on EAN (European Article Numbering Association) please contact EAN at Rue des Colonies 54, Kolonienstraat, Bruxelles 1000, Brussels, Belgium.

For further information on AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers Inc) please contact AIM at 1326 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 USA.

ISSN

The ISSN type Bar Code is a variant of the EAN-13 Bar Code representing the International Standard Serial Number for use with serial publications.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 11 numeric digits. The first 7 digits are the ISSN number minus its check digit. The next 2 digits are the special indicators. The last two digits are the week number:

ISSN Number: SSSSSSS
Price Indicator: P (PP for Weekly items)
Day Indicator: D (Not used for Weekly items)
Week Number WW

The final data is coerced into a 13 digit number with 2 add-on digits for compatibility with the EAN-13 symbology. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

For further information on ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) please contact ISBN at 245 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 USA.

ISBN

The ISBN type Bar Code is a variant of the EAN-13 Bar Code representing the International Standard Book Number for use with non-serial publications.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of 10 numeric digits which is coerced into a 13 digit number for compatibility with the EAN-13 symbology. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

For further information on ISBN (International Standard Book Number) please contact ISBN at 245 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 USA.

PostNet

The PostNet type Bar Code consists of the United States Postal Service Bar Coding symbology for marking bulk postal items to enable automated sorting. The 5 digit, 9 digit and 11 digit Zip Code formats are supported.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of either 5 or 9 numeric digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

RM4SCC

The Royal Mail Four State Customer Code (RM4SCC) type Bar Code consists of the English Royal Mail Bar Coding symbology for marking bulk postal items to enable automated sorting.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology consists of a series of 7 to 12 alphabetical and numerical digits. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.

Pharmacode

The Pharmacode type Bar Code Symbology provides a numeric Bar Code originally intended for use primarily within the pharmaceutical industry.

To create the Bar Code image, enter the numeric data into the Bar Code Value field. The Bar Code image is updated automatically during entry. The usual size of this bar code symbology depends on the number of numeric digits that are included. It is not recommended to have more than 4 numeric digits in one Pharmacode Bar Code graphic. Although the text appearing below the Bar Code image reflects the data that has been entered, the actual image is based on data after it has been validated.


Options Menu

The Options Menu contains the commands that will enable or disable various support functions. These support functions are available to you at all times and are designed to operate simultaneously with the application program as system enhancements.

Scorpion BarCode Help...

The Scorpion BarCode Help option provides you with a permanent window that provides you with documented help on the options presently available to you, and some detailed context sensitive help on a particular selected function.

The Scorpion BarCode Help window can be activated using the Scorpion BarCode Help menu item that appears in the Options Menu or the System 7 Balloon Help Menu. If you are running under an operating system prior to System 7, specifically System 6.08 or greater, the Scorpion BarCode Help menu can be found under the Apple Menu instead of under the Balloon Help Menu.

When enabled, the Scorpion BarCode Help window presents some detailed context sensitive help on the menu previously selected. As you select features from other menus, the contents of the Scorpion BarCode Help window will update itself accordingly. There are three buttons on the Scorpion BarCode Help window called Print plus More... and OK respectively. The Print button enables you to print the existing Help screen in a User Guide format. The More... button enables you to toggle through various Help screens. Specifically, it provides help on all presently available menus that you could select. Pressing this button repeatedly will eventually return you to the original context sensitive help screen. The help topics available will vary depending on which module is presently in use. If a module's function is presently selected, the context sensitive help screen will provide highly detailed information to complete function's input screen.

The Scorpion BarCode Help option is enabled using the Scorpion BarCode Help... menu item under the Options Menu or its system based equivalents described above. When enabled, the Scorpion BarCode Help menu item changes to the √Scorpion BarCode Help menu item which takes it place under the Options Menu. If you select the √Scorpion BarCode Help menu item when the Scorpion BarCode Help window is not in the foreground, the Scorpion BarCode Help window is brought to the foreground. This is useful in the event that the window gets hidden behind larger windows. To disable the Scorpion BarCode Help option, select the √Scorpion BarCode Help menu item under the Options Menu, or its system based equivalents described above, with the Scorpion BarCode Help window in the foreground. The Scorpion BarCode Help can also be disabled by pressing the OK button in the Help window.

Voice Assistance...

The Voice Assistance option requires Apple's Speech Manager software to be installed which is often referred as MacinTalk II or MacinTalk Pro. When installed, you can use this option in addition to the onscreen Help. The Scorpion BarCode system will speak to you keeping you informed of the progress of activities described under the System Status section whilst also providing you with voice prompts to provide help on what you are expected to do next!

The Voice Assistance option is enabled using the Voice Assistance... menu item. When the feature is first selected, you will be presented with the Voice Assistance dialog box asking you to define the Voice characteristics. Using the mouse over the scroll box, you can click on any Voice to select it. A brief message will be spoken to sample the voice in its default state which can be repeated using the Sample button. You can also change the Pitch (Hz) of the voice as well as its rate of spoken speech in Words Per Minute. Pressing the Sample button lets you sample the Voice with your revised Pitch and Rate settings. Pressing the Cancel button will remove the dialog box and leave Voice Assistance switched off. Pressing the OK button will remove the dialog box and enable Voice Assistance with your selected Voice using your selected Pitch and Rate settings.

Although you may find many novel Voices being made available in time to come, the ten voices which have been tested and approved by Scorpion Research Limited are Ben, Boris, Brenda, Mariel, Marvin, Mr Hughes, Otis, RoboVox, Votron, and Xero. These voices are available from Apple through your dealer.

When enabled, the Voice Assistance menu item changes to the √Voice Assistance menu item which takes it place. To disable the Voice Assistance option, select the √Voice Assistance menu item.

You should note that the MacinTalk II or MacinTalk Pro software is very RAM hungry, thus, you may need to exercise caution if you do not have at least 2M of spare RAM. You can determine your RAM position using the About This Macintosh menu item under the Apple Menu from the Finder. Further information about RAM and general memory requirements can be found in Appendix B.

Apple Guide...

Apple Guide is Apple's formal standard towards providing detailed context sensitive help from within applications in a consistent format. Although it is only available as part of System 7.5, most users may find that their needs are sufficiently met by the Scorpion BarCode Help facility which already provides detailed context sensitive help. This menu item checks if you are able to have Apple Guide available depending on your System configuration although Apple Guide is normally switched on or off using the Help menu. If you are running System 7.5 or greater and find you cannot use Apple Guide, please ensure the Scorpion BarCode Guide file is in the same folder as the Scorpion BarCode program. This file will be updated with useful hints and latest versions will be available from usual outlets.

Balloon Help...

Balloon Help provides balloons resembling Speech Balloons to display themselves on most parts of the screen when the cursor is over an item of interest whilst running System 7.0 or greater. This menu item checks if you are able to have Balloon Help available depending on your System configuration although Balloon Help is normally switched on or off using the Help menu.

Apple Script...

Apple Script provides a method of automating tasks using a special sequence of commands known as a Script. Unlike certain Macro languages that are specific to a particular software, the Apple Script software works with all Scriptable (modern) software thus enabling you to write a Script which will control more than one application simultaneously. The Apple Script software is available as part of System 7.5 which includes a Script Editor to help you create, edit, and run Scripts for use with the Scorpion BarCode program as well as any other Scriptable program. If you are familiar with Script writing, you could for (for example) create a Script which would extract some information from an application program and use the Scorpion BarCode to create the Bar Code and send the equivalent Bar Code image to another application. As a rule of thumb, you should use Scripts to enhance your productivity by automating certain repetitive user actions. You should not use Scripts to replace an operator unless your Script is sufficiently complete to react to all eventualities! When Scripting within Scorpion BarCode, please note that a Script will supress all Warning Message Boxes to prevent annoying interruptions to your Script. Scorpion Research Limited will be planning to provide some useful Scripts which will be made available from usual sources.

Preferences...

The Preferences... option is used to alter the settings that define the way the program can operate on your computer. When first used, the program makes certain assumptions about your preferred choices and retains them until changed. For example, if you are using a utility that creates special window graphics that conflict with the default 3D window effects, you may wish to set the program to create plain windows. The Preferences... option is also used to enter the Registration Details of the owner.


Appendix To The User's Guide

Every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive and useful User's Guide which remains consistent and logical in its layout. However, certain useful reference material would be best placed outside of this layout since it could apply to many areas of the program. This additional reference information has therefore been placed in the Appendix section.

Appendix A - Memory (Internal RAM) Requirements

The Scorpion BarCode system is very efficient in its use of memory by needing no more than 300K to operate when some other systems recommend RAM levels of many times this amount. However, your individual RAM requirements will alter depending on two major factors, Firstly, the use of colour windows will increase your RAM requirements and secondly, the use of the Voice Assistant will increase your RAM requirements. The default setting has therefore been set at 350K since this will allow you to use both colour windows as well as the Voice Assistant under most normal circumstances.

You can review your RAM position by selecting the "About This Macintosh" option from the Apple Menu within the Finder. The User's Guide documentation that came with your Macintosh can explain this more fully. If you find that RAM is very limited on your machine, you can reduce the amount of RAM reserved for the Scorpion BarCode program back down to 300K using the Get Info option under the File Menu (from the Finder) having first selected the Scorpion BarCode program. Again, full details of this can be found in your Macintosh User's Guide. If you reduce the RAM in this manner, you must ensure that the Monitors Control Panel is set to Black & White (to prevent colour windows) and that you refrain from using the Voice Assistance feature.

If you plan to use some of the more exotic voices within the Voice Assistance feature, you may need to increase the amount of memory reserved for Scorpion BarCode using the Get Info feature under the File Menu of the Finder. Based upon which voice you use, you will need to increase your memory requirements accordingly. The Apple voices which have been recommended (see Voice Assistance Menu) should work with the 350K setting under normal circumstances, however, if you see "Not enough RAM" error messages then you should increase the amount of RAM reserved for the Scorpion BarCode program. You should remember that whilst some voices can work very comfortably within this extra RAM, there are some voices where an extra 4M of RAM may still not be enough!


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