Barcode Scanner
The third semester of this project added significant functionality to the project by incorporating barcode scanners into the application. The scanners let MDTF1 speed up the checkin process during an emergency and let the administrators know where each member of the team is at a given time.
The scanners we use are Symbol PPT8846 Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile 2003 software. The interface is written in C# .NET and the server backend that the scanners communicate with is written in PHP. The scanners have built-in 802.11b wi-fi so the scanners can operate independently of a physical network connection. This allows the scanners to be taken on scene and moved as necessary.
Using the scanners, members of the task force can be assigned the status of "Checked-In", "Medical", "Deployable", "Non-deployable", and "On Scene". Administrators viewing the status monitor on the availability site can watch as the task force members move through the checkin process during an emergency.
