Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.

2: Direct Data Entry Devices

Direct Data Entry (DDE) Devices

Topic 2.2 | Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Year 9

Learning Objectives — By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Define Direct Data Entry (DDE) and explain why it is used. 2. Describe the function, uses,
advantages, and disadvantages of: Magnetic Stripe Readers, Contactless Card Readers, Chip
and PIN Readers, RFID Readers, OMR, OCR, Barcode Readers, and QR Code Scanners. 3.
Compare OCR and OMR and select the correct device for a given scenario. 4. Identify and explain
the risks associated with QR codes (attagging).

1. What is Direct Data Entry (DDE)?

Direct Data Entry (DDE) devices input data into a computer automatically — with little or no human
involvement.

Real-Life Example:
When a cashier scans your items at a supermarket, the barcode reader reads the product details
automatically. The cashier does not type anything — that is DDE in action!

DDE devices are faster, more accurate, and more efficient than manual data entry. They reduce
human error and are widely used in business, security, healthcare, retail, and transport.

2. Card Readers
2.1 Magnetic Stripe Readers
Key Term A magnetic stripe reader reads data stored on the magnetic stripe on the
back of a card (e.g., credit/debit card). The stripe holds: account number,
sort code, expiry date, and start date.

Uses
• ATMs and EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) terminals.
• Security devices to allow entry into buildings, hotel rooms, etc.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Fast data entry — no typing needed. ✗ If the magnetic stripe is damaged (e.g., near
a magnet), data is lost.
✓ Error-free (no typing errors). ✗ Card must be in close contact with the reader
— cannot read from a distance.
✓ Information is not human-readable, so it is ✗ Information not being human-readable can be
secure. a disadvantage in some applications.
✓ Prevents access to restricted/secure areas.
✓ Not affected by oil, water, or moisture.

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 1

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices

✓ No moving parts — physically very robust.

2.2 Contactless Debit Card Readers

Key Term Contactless cards have a small chip that emits radio waves. The card is
held close to the payment terminal — no PIN needed (up to a set limit,
e.g., $50).

How Contactless Payments Work — Step by Step

1. Customer looks for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal.
2. The shop assistant enters the amount for payment.
3. The card reader informs the customer to present their card.
4. Customer holds their card close to the front of the card reader.
5. The terminal confirms the card has been read successfully.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Faster transactions (10 seconds vs 30 ✗ More expensive than normal credit/debit
seconds for magnetic stripe). cards.
✓ Uses 128-bit encryption to protect data. ✗ A thief nearby could potentially monitor your
transaction (though encryption reduces this
risk).
✓ No typing errors (no PIN needed). ✗ Can be used as both chip and PIN and
contactless — risky if card is lost.
✓ Retailers do not have access to full card ✗ Transactions are limited to a small maximum
details. value (e.g., $50).
✓ Unique transaction number is used each time ✗ Transactions have occurred without the card
— account number is not transmitted directly. holder's knowledge (though rarer today with
new technologies).

2.3 Chip and PIN Readers

Key Term Chip and PIN readers are used at EFTPOS terminals. The card is inserted
and the customer types their PIN using the keypad to complete the
transaction.

Two key differences from contactless cards:

• The customer MUST key in their PIN to make a transaction.
• These cards do NOT use radio frequency technology.

Uses
• Where payments are made using cards — restaurants, supermarkets, travel agents, etc.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ More secure than contactless payments (PIN ✗ Fraud risk — someone could watch you type
entered must match PIN on chip). your PIN (shoulder surfing).

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 2

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices

✓ More robust system than magnetic stripe

cards.

3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers

Key Term RFID readers use radio waves to read and capture information stored on
a tag. They can read tags from several metres away — a major advantage
over barcodes.

Components of an RFID Tag

• A microchip that stores and processes information.
• An antenna which receives and transmits data/information.

Tags can be passive (use the reader's radio wave energy to relay information) or battery-powered
(use a small embedded battery).

Uses of RFID
• Livestock tracking — identifies each animal and which farm it belongs to.
• Retail — similar to barcodes, but no scanning needed; multiple tags read at once (speeds up
checkout).
• Admission passes — in theme parks, RFID cards reduce waiting time and can store
personal data (e.g., height restrictions for rides).
• Libraries — books can be checked in/out automatically at the library entrance.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ No line-of-sight contact needed — tags can ✗ Tag collision — signals from two or more tags
be read from a distance. can overlap and interfere.
✓ Very robust and reliable technology. ✗ Radio waves can be jammed or interrupted
relatively easily.
✓ Very fast read-rate (typically less than 100 ✗ Data transmitted by the tag can be relatively
milliseconds). easy to hack.
✓ Bidirectional data transfer (can both read and ✗ More expensive than a comparable barcode
write). system.
✓ Bulk detection — several tags can be read at
the same time.

4. Optical Mark Recognition / Reader (OMR)

Key Term OMR is a device that reads marks made in pen or pencil on a pre-printed
form. The position of the mark tells the computer which option was
selected.

Uses of OMR Devices

• Reading questionnaires and surveys.
• Multiple-choice examination answer papers.

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 3

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices
• Voting papers.
• Any form where responses are registered with lines or shaded areas.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Very fast — documents are fed in ✗ Forms need to be carefully designed so
automatically with no user input. marks/shading are correctly positioned to gather
accurate information.
✓ More accurate than manual keying — no ✗ Problems arise if forms have not been filled in
typing involved. correctly — they may need manual checking,
which is time-consuming and expensive.
✓ More accurate than OCR methods.

5. Optical Character Recognition / Reader (OCR)

Key Term OCR is a device that converts text on hard-copy documents into electronic
form. OCR software then converts this data into formats usable in word
processors, spreadsheets, or presentation software.

Uses of OCR
• Processing passports and identity cards.
• Converting hard-copy documents into electronic form for storage on a computer.
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems in car parks.
• Digitising historic newspapers and rare books so they can be archived and used by
researchers, preventing damage to the originals.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Much faster data entry system than manually ✗ The system still has difficulty reading some
keying in data. handwriting.
✓ Because there is no manual data entry, the ✗ Still not a very accurate technique.
number of errors is reduced.

Comparison of OMR and OCR Features

A company needing to design a data-capture form must choose wisely between OMR and OCR.
The table below summarises when to use each:

OCR OMR
Because this method reads handwriting, it is Because this involves shading in lozenges to
possible for customers to extend their answers to answer set questions, the information obtained is
questions. limited to the choices offered in each question.
This method can read handwriting — but if the OMR relies on simply detecting where marks have
handwriting is poor it may cause reading errors. been made on a page; the position of the marks is
compared to a template stored in memory.
OCR is used for converting printed documents to OMR simply reads the position of marks so it is
an editable electronic format. ideal for multiple-choice exam papers.
OCR requires a complex recognition system. This method requires complex (and expensive)
forms to be completed; but the recognition system
is simpler than OCR.

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 4

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices

Fewer 'how to fill in' instructions are needed for While this method requires more 'how to fill in'
forms designed to be completed and then read by instructions, it is easier and faster for customers to
OCR. complete OMR forms than to complete OCR
forms.
While OCR is more accurate than data entered OMR is essentially a more accurate method for
into a computer by keyboard, there are still reading data than OCR.
problems recognising all types of handwriting
leading to inaccuracies.

Quick Memory Tip:

OCR = reads Characters (letters/words/text). OMR = reads Marks (shaded circles/ticks on a form).
If it reads WRITING → OCR. If it reads TICKS & SHADING → OMR.

6. Barcode Readers
Key Term Barcode readers read information stored in a barcode — a series of light
and dark lines that encode data about a product. Readers can be fixed
scanners (built into POS terminals) or handheld scanners/wands.

Uses of Barcode Systems

• Supermarkets and shops — barcodes provide product info enabling automatic stock control
and itemised billing.
• Libraries — to keep track of books on loan.
• Safety audits in companies — electrical equipment is checked on a regular basis using
barcodes to identify items; a database holds all related information.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Much faster than keying in data manually, ✗ Relatively expensive system to administer.
and fewer mistakes will be made.
✓ Can help improve safety (e.g., recording ✗ Not fool-proof — barcodes can be swapped
safety testing of electrical components). around on items.
✓ They allow automatic stock control. ✗ Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags
or magnetic stripes.
✓ A tried and trusted technology.

7. Quick Response (QR) Code Scanners

Key Term A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D matrix of filled-in dark squares on a
light background. It can hold up to 4296 characters (or 7089 digits) —
much more than a standard barcode.

How QR Codes Work

The three large squares at the corners act as alignment markers. The small corner square ensures
the correct size and angle of the camera when the QR code is scanned.

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 5

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices
QR codes can be scanned anywhere using modern smartphones and tablets with a built-in camera
or a QR app:
6. Point the phone/tablet camera at the QR code.
7. The app processes the image, converting the squares into readable data.
8. The browser reads the data and decodes any web addresses within the QR code.
9. The user is sent to a website automatically (or a phone number, if embedded).
10. If the QR code contained a boarding pass, it is automatically sent to the phone/tablet.

Uses of QR Codes
• Advertising — contains business addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and website
addresses.
• Linking to apps — QR codes in app stores enable the appropriate app to be quickly
downloaded.
• Wi-Fi authentication — QR codes can store Wi-Fi network authentication details including
passwords and encryption type.
• Boarding passes at airports and train stations.
• Augmented reality (AR) experiences — helps an AR system determine positions of objects
in 3D space.
• Virtual online stores — customers scan QR codes to view products and have them delivered
automatically.

Advantages Disadvantages
✓ Can hold much more information than a ✗ More than one QR format is available — not
normal barcode. all readers support all formats.
✓ Fewer errors — higher data capacity allows ✗ Attagging — malicious code can be
built-in error-checking systems. embedded in a QR code; when scanned, it is
possible for the creator to gain access to the
user's personal data (photos, address book,
passwords, etc.), send the user to a fake
website, or even download a virus.
✓ QR codes are easier to read — no expensive
laser or LED scanners needed (camera phones
suffice).
✓ Easy to transmit QR codes as text messages
or images.
✓ Possible to encrypt QR codes, giving greater
protection than traditional barcodes.

Safety Warning — Attagging:

Because free apps allow anyone to generate QR codes, malicious code can be embedded.
Always scan QR codes from trusted sources only. If a QR code takes you to an unexpected
website, leave immediately.

8. Quick Comparison Summary — All DDE Devices

Use this table to compare all DDE devices at a glance for exam questions:

Device Technology Contact? PIN? Key Use

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 6

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices

Magnetic Stripe Magnetic field Yes (close) No ATMs, security doors

Contactless Card Radio waves No (few cm) No Fast payments
(NFC)
Chip and PIN Chip + keypad Yes (insert) Yes Secure payments
RFID Radio waves No (metres) No Libraries, retail, livestock
OMR Light/optical Yes (fed in) No Exams, surveys, voting
OCR Light/optical Yes (fed in) No Passports, ANPR, digitising docs
Barcode Reader Laser/LED light No (line-of- No Supermarkets, libraries, stock
sight)
QR Code Scanner Camera/light No (camera) No Advertising, boarding passes, Wi-Fi

Cambridge Exam Tips — Remember These!

1. Always give specific examples — e.g., 'RFID is used in libraries to check books in and out
automatically.' 2. When asked for advantages/disadvantages, aim to give at least TWO points. 3.
Do NOT confuse Contactless with Chip and PIN — they differ in PIN usage and radio technology.
4. RFID can read from a DISTANCE — biggest advantage over barcodes and magnetic stripes. 5.
OMR reads MARKS on forms; OCR reads TEXT/CHARACTERS — do not mix them up. 6. QR
codes hold MORE data than barcodes and can be scanned by a smartphone camera. 7. Attagging
is the specific term for embedding malicious code in a QR code — use it in the exam. 8. When
asked to 'justify your choice' of a DDE device, link it to the context: e.g., 'RFID is best here
because no line-of-sight is needed and multiple items can be read simultaneously.'

9. Exam Practice Questions

Try these Cambridge-style questions in your exercise book:

11. Define the term 'Direct Data Entry' and give ONE example of a DDE device. [2 marks]
12. State TWO advantages and ONE disadvantage of using a magnetic stripe reader. [3 marks]
13. Explain how a contactless card transaction works. [4 marks]
14. A theme park wants to track visitor entry and manage ride access. Suggest a suitable DDE
device and justify your choice. [3 marks]
15. Compare RFID and OMR, stating ONE similarity and TWO differences. [3 marks]
16. Explain why a school would choose OMR rather than OCR for marking multiple-choice exam
papers. [2 marks]
17. State TWO uses of OCR and explain ONE advantage of using OCR over manual data entry.
[3 marks]
18. A shop uses barcodes to manage its stock. Describe ONE advantage and ONE
disadvantage of using barcodes compared to RFID. [2 marks]
19. Explain what is meant by 'attagging' and describe ONE risk it poses to a user. [2 marks]
20. State TWO ways in which QR codes are better than standard barcodes. [2 marks]

10. Keyword Glossary

Learn these terms — they appear in Cambridge exams!

DDE Direct Data Entry — inputting data automatically with little or no human
involvement.

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 7

 Cambridge IGCSE ICT | Year 9 | Topic 2.2: Direct Data Entry Devices

Magnetic Stripe A stripe on the back of a card that stores data magnetically.

EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale — card payment at a shop

terminal.

Contactless A payment method using radio waves; no PIN or contact needed (up to a
limit).

Chip and PIN A card reader where the chip is inserted and a PIN is typed to verify
identity.

RFID Radio Frequency Identification — uses radio waves to read tags from a
distance.

RFID Tag Contains a microchip and antenna used to store and transmit data.

OMR Optical Mark Recognition — reads pencil/pen marks on pre-printed forms.

OCR Optical Character Recognition — converts text on hard-copy documents

into electronic form.

ANPR Automatic Number Plate Recognition — uses OCR to read vehicle

registration plates.

Barcode A pattern of lines encoding product data, read by a laser or LED scanner.

QR Code Quick Response code — a 2D matrix barcode that holds much more data
than a standard barcode.

Attagging Embedding malicious code inside a QR code to trick users into visiting
harmful websites.

Encryption Converting data into coded form to prevent unauthorised access.

Tag Collision When signals from two or more RFID tags overlap and interfere with each
other.

Augmented Reality Technology that overlays digital information onto the real world (QR codes
can trigger this).

Prepared by: Sir Daniel | Year 9 | Cambridge IT | Page 8