Direct Data Entry Devices

Recognition systems
• A recognition system is a computer application that can automatically
identify an object or person.
• The recognition system can automatically process the data without a
human operator being present, which saves time and money.
• Recognition systems include:
• OMR
• barcode readers
• QR code readers
• OCR
• RFID
• biometric
 Optical mark recognition (OMR) (Revision)
• is a device which can read marks written in
pen or pencil on a form.
• The places where the pen or pencil marks can
be made are clearly shown on the form
usually in form of lozenges
• Uses of OMR devices
• to read questionnaires, multiple-choice
examination papers, voting papers and
many other types of form where
responses are registered in the form of
lines or shaded areas.
Optical mark recognition (OMR)
Use of OMR to read multiple-choice question (MCQ) papers

• Using OMR software, a template is created to map out the X-Y coordinates of each lozenge
(area which is filled in by pencil/ink or left blank) – a value is then assigned to each lozenge.
• As each question is scanned, a light passes through the scanner which picks up the position
of any lozenge which has been filled in by pencil/ink.
• The position of the filled in lozenges is compared to the corresponding coordinates on the
‘answer sheet template’.
• If the position matches to the X-Y coordinates, then the answer is recorded as being correct.
• The scanned results are exported to a database or spreadsheet.
• If more than one lozenge is filled in for each question, then the OMR software simply
discards that result.
Optical mark recognition (OMR)
Advantages of OMR devices
• It is a very fast way of inputting the results of a survey, etc. – the documents are fed in
automatically and there is no user input.
• Because there is no typing, they are more accurate than keying in the data.

Disadvantages of OMR devices

• The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure the marks/shading are correctly
positioned to gather accurate information.
• There can be problems if they have not been filled in correctly, and sometimes have to be
manually checked before being read – this is both time consuming and expensive.
• They often only work with black pen or pencil.
• They are limited to the questions on the paper; it is not possible to get expansion to
answers in a questionnaire, for example.
 Optical character recognition (OCR) (Revision)

• a device that converts the text on hard copy

documents into an electronic form.
• OCR software converts this electronic data
into a form that can then be used in various
application packages, such as word
processors or presentation software.
 Optical character recognition (OCR) (Revision)
• Uses of OCR
• One of the most recent uses is the processing of passports and identity cards.
• Converting hard copy documents into electronic form which can be stored on a
computer.
• Used in 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.
Optical character recognition (OCR) (Revision)

• Advantages of OCR
• It is a much faster data entry system than manually keying in data.
• Because there is no manual data entry, the number of errors is also reduced.
• Disadvantages of OCR
• The system still has difficulty reading some handwriting.
• Still not a very accurate technique.
 Barcode readers (Revision)

• Used to read information in the form of a bar code

• The readers are usually in the form of a barcode
scanner and are often built into POS terminals in
supermarkets.
• Handheld scanners or wands are also very
common for reading barcodes if portability is
required (for example, if the barcodes are on large
or fixed objects).
Barcode readers (Revision)

• Uses of barcode systems

• Used in supermarkets and other shops where the goods are
marked with a barcode; the barcodes are used to give
information about the product which enables automatic stock
control, itemised billing, etc. to take place.
• Used in libraries to keep track of books on loan.
• Used as a safety function in many companies to ensure that
electrical equipment is checked on a regular basis (barcodes are
placed on an item to identify it and a database holds all the
information related to that barcode so it is possible to
interrogate the system as part of a safety audit).
Barcode readers (Revision)
Barcode Data: What's Included and What's Not

Information Included in Barcode Information Not Included in Barcode

The first digit: Number System Digit
Product Name
(Indicates product type or industry)
The next five digits: Manufacturer Code
Product Description
(Identifies the manufacturer or company)
The last five digits: Product Code
Price
(Identifies the specific product)

Expiration Date

Location in Store
Weight or Quantity
Product Images

Ingredients and Allergen Information

Manufacturing/Production Date

Warranty Information
 Barcode readers (Revision)

• Advantages of barcode systems

• Much faster than keying in data manually and fewer mistakes will be made.
• They allow automatic stock control.

• Disadvantages of barcode systems

• Relatively expensive system to administer.
• Not fool-proof (barcodes can be swapped around on items).
• Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes.
 Quick response code (QR) (Revision)

• Type of barcode is the (QR) code made up of a matrix

of filled-in dark squares on a light background.
• Can includes a web address in the code.
• QR codes can hold considerably more information
than conventional barcodes.
• It can presently hold up to 4296 characters (or up to
7089 digits) and allows internet addresses to be
encoded within the QR code. This compares to the 30
digits which is the maximum for a barcode. However,
as more and more data is added, the structure of the
QR code becomes more complex.
 Quick response code (QR) (Revision)
• Uses of QR codes
• Used in advertising to contain data such as business addresses, phone numbers, email
addresses and website addresses; scanning the QR code gives all the necessary data on the
smartphone screen, or the user is sent automatically to the website embedded in the QR code.
• For promotional materials for products
• Event tickets
• Contain links to apps (for example, they can be found in app stores to enable the appropriate
apps to be quickly downloaded onto a user’s device).
• Wi-Fi authentication; QR codes can be used to store Wi-Fi network authentication (proof of
identity) details, including passwords and type of encryption used – when the QR code is
scanned using a smartphone/tablet, it will be able to automatically join that network.
• QR codes can be used to deliver augmented reality experiences, by helping an AR system to
determine the positions of objects in three-dimensional space.
• QR codes have been used to establish virtual online stores, where a gallery of product
information and QR codes are presented to the customer, for example,
on a train station wall. The customers scan the QR codes, and the products are automatically
delivered to their homes.
 Quick response code (QR) (Revision)
• Advantages of QR codes
• They can hold much more information than normal barcode.
• There will be fewer errors than with barcodes; the higher data capacity of
the QR code allows the use of built-in error-checking systems; normal
barcodes contain almost no data redundancy (that is, data which is
duplicated) therefore it is not possible to guard against badly printed or
damaged barcodes.
• QR codes are easier to read; they do not need expensive laser or LED (light
emitting diode) scanners like barcodes – they can be read by the cameras
used on smartphones and tablets.
• It is easy to transmit QR codes either as text messages or images.
• It is also possible to encrypt QR codes, which gives them greater protection
than traditional barcodes.
 Quick response code (QR) (Revision)
• Disadvantages of QR codes
• More than one QR format is available.
• QR codes can be used to transmit malicious codes; known as
attagging. Because there are a large number of free apps
available to a user for generating QR codes, that means anyone
can do this. It is relatively easy to write malicious code and
embed this within the QR code. When the code is scanned, it is
possible the creator of the malicious code could gain access to
everything on the user’s smartphone/tablet (for example,
photographs, address book, stored passwords, etc.).
• The user could also be sent to a fake website, or it is even
possible for a virus to be downloaded.
Biometrics (Revision)
Finger Print Recognition
Authentication using unique patterns of ridges and valleys on an individual's fingers.

Facial Recognition
Identifying individuals by analyzing and comparing facial features, often using digital images or video.

Iris Scan
Authenticates individuals by capturing the intricate patterns in the iris of the eye.

Retina Scan
capturing and analyzing the unique patterns of blood vessels in the back of the eye, known as the retina

Handwriting Recognition
The conversion of handwritten text into digital text using software that analyzes writing styles.

Signature Recognition
Verification of an individual's identity through the analysis of their handwritten signature.

DNA Matching
Identifying individuals by comparing genetic information, typically through DNA analysis.

Voice Pattern Recognition

Authentication based on the unique vocal characteristics of an individual's voice.

Typing Cadence Detection

Verifying users based on their typing rhythm and patterns on a keyboard or touchscreen.

Palm Veins
Capturing and analyzing vein patterns in an individual's palm.

Gait Identification
A method that identifies individuals by analyzing their unique walking patterns and movements.
Biometrics (Revision)
• Biometrics relies on certain unique characteristics of human beings;
examples include:
• fingerprint scans
• signature recognition
• retina scans
• iris recognition
• face recognition
• voice recognition
• Uses of Biometric
• latest mobile phones use fingerprint matching before they can be operated
• companies use face recognition or retina scans to allow entry to secure areas.
• most common use is in marking attendance in schools and offices
Fingerprint scans
• Images of fingerprints are compared against previously scanned fingerprints stored in a
database; if they match then access is allowed.
• The system compares patterns of 'ridges' and 'valleys', which are fairly unique
(accuracy is about one in 500).
• Advantages of Fingerprint scanning
• everybody’s fingerprints are unique, therefore this technique would improve security
since it would be difficult to replicate a person's fingerprints
• other security devices (such as magnetic cards) can be lost or even stolen, which
makes them less effective
• it would be impossible to 'sign in' for somebody else since the fingerprints would match
up to one person only on the database
• fingerprints can't be misplaced; a person always has them!
• Disadvantages of fingerprints
• relatively expensive to install and setup
• if a person's fingers are damaged through an injury, this can have an effect on the
scanning accuracy
• some people may regard it as an infringement of civil liberties.
• Hygiene issues
Retina scans

• Retina scans use infrared light to scan the unique pattern of

blood vessels in the retina (at the back of the eye).
Disadvantage
• It is a rather unpleasant technique, requiring a person to sit
totally still for 10 to 15 seconds while the scan takes place.
Advantage
• It is very secure as nobody has yet found a way to duplicate
blood vessels patterns (the accuracy is about one in ten
million).
Comparison of the six common biometric techniques
Biometric Comparative Comparative Social What can interfere
Devices needed
technique accuracy cost acceptability with the procedure

damaged fingers
Fingerprint scans high accuracy medium scanner medium
(e.g., cuts)

Signature signatures can

low accuracy medium an optical pen high
recognition change with time

Retina scans high accuracy high digital camera low irritation of the eye

Iris recognition high accuracy high digital camera low wearing of glasses
medium-low
Face recognition medium digital camera high facial hair or glasses
accuracy

background noise or
Voice recognition medium accuracy medium microphone high
person has a cold
 Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the
six common biometric techniques
Biometric
Advantages Disadvantages
technique
• one of the most developed biometric techniques very high
accuracy • for some people it is very intrusive, since it is still related to
Fingerprint
• very easy to use criminal identification
scans
• relatively small storage requirements for the • it can make mistakes if the skin is damaged (e.g., cuts)
biometric data created
• non-intrusive • if individuals do not sign their names in a consistent manner
Signature
• requires very little time to verify (about five seconds) there may be problems with signature verification
recognition
• relatively low-cost technology • high error rate (one in 50)
• it is very intrusive
• very high accuracy
Retina scans • it can be relatively slow to verify retina scan with stored scans
• there is no known way to replicate a person’s retina
• very expensive to install and setup
• very intrusive
Iris • very high accuracy
• uses a lot of memory for the data to bestored
recognition • verification time is generally less than five seconds
• very expensive to install and set up
Face • non-intrusive method • it is affected by changes in lighting, the person's hair, their age, and
recognition • relatively inexpensive technology if the person is wearing glasses
• a person’s voice can be recorded easily and used for unauthorised
• non-intrusive method access
Voice
• verification takes less than five seconds • low accuracy
recognition
• relatively inexpensive technology • an illness, such as a cold, can change a person's voice, making
absolute identification difficult or impossible
Radio frequency identification RFID (Revision)
• use radio waves to read and capture information
stored on a tag.
• The RFID tag is made up of two components:
• contains a microchip that stores and processes
information,
• an antenna which is used to receive and transmit
data/information.
• The tags can be passive or battery-powered.
• Passive tags use the reader’s radio wave energy to relay
back the information
• Battery-powered tags use a small embedded battery to
power the RFID.
 Uses of RFID
• Livestock tracking
• keep track of the whereabouts of every animal on a farm using active
tags
• allow farmers to identify who owns an animal; particularly important
where animals graze freely on farms where it is possible for animals
to stray into neighbouring fields
• keep data about the animals on the tag (for example, medical history,
date of birth, identification (passport) number, and so on).
 Uses of RFID
• Retail
• similar to barcodes, but can contain much more
information and do not require any manual
scanning; details, such as price, description, and so
on, can all be stored on the tag and then
automatically read at a checkout – a big advantage
is that several tags can be read at the same time,
thus speeding up the checkout process
• can be used in distribution centres; an item can
easily be located because the tag can store its
exact location in the warehouse
• allow automatic tracking of an item from
warehouse to customer; the customer can be
informed at all stages where the item is.
 Uses of RFID
• Passport
• Tiny RFID chips and antenna (i.e. tags) are now embedded
into passports.
• The RFID tags in passports have no power supply, so they
are examples of passive tags.
• When the passport is presented to an RFID scanner, the
scanning device provides enough energy so that the chip
can broadcast its stored information.
• This information is then sent to a computer. The tiny chips
can contain security data, which makes it almost impossible
for a person to falsify their identity. For example,
photographs and fingerprints can be encoded into these
chips.
• The data sent to the computer is encrypted, increasing the
security of the system.
• The RFID in a passport can be read from six metres which, of
course, does pose a security risk; but this risk is mitigated
against by encrypting the data.
 Uses of RFID
• Use of RFID in vehicles
• The tags allow or deny access to parking in a
secure, private car park.
• RFID tags in lorries and delivery vans can be used
at weigh-stations to ensure the vehicle is not
carrying too much weight.
• Tags can be used on toll roads; the driver registers
their vehicle and attaches a tag to the
windscreen; as the vehicle approaches the
barrier, a device near the barrier (a transponder)
reads the tag and checks the stored reference
number, and if it is valid the barrier will open
without them having to stop.
• RFID tags can be used on a car production line to
track its progress through the assembly process.
Uses of RFID
• Admission passes (for example, in
theme parks RFID cards eliminate the
need to scan or swipe people before
‘rides’, reducing the waiting time
• allows the tracking of people in the
theme park and certain information,
such as height or age, can be stored to
prevent entry to certain rides on safety
grounds).
Uses of
RFID
• Libraries (books
can be tracked
in and out
automatically by
readers at the
library entrance;
no need to scan
barcodes or use
magnetic stripe
cards, making
the process
quicker and
more accurate).
Advantages of RFID
• No line-of-sight contact is necessary; the tags can be read from a distance.
• It is a very robust and reliable technology.
• Very fast read-rate (typically less than 100 milliseconds to respond).
• Bidirectional data transfer (that is, it allows read and write operations to take
place).
• Bulk detection is possible (that is, it can detect several RFID tags at the same
time).

Disadvantages of RFID
• Tag collision (this is when the signals from two or more tags overlap, interfering
with each other).
• Because RFID uses radio waves, they are relatively easy to jam or interrupt.
• It is relatively easy to hack into the data/signal transmitted by the tag.
• RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode system.