DIRECT DATA ENTRY DEVICES
1) CARD READERS
1.1) MAGNETIC STRIPE READERS – Used to read information on the magnetic stripe found on
the back of a credit/debit card.
The stripe contains useful information such as account number, sort code, expiry date etc
Used as:
Credit/Debit cards used in ATMs or EFTPOS terminals
Security devices to allow entry to hotel rooms or buildings
Advantages
Faster data entry when compared to keyboard data entry
Error free as no typing involved
Not affected by oil or water
Secure as information is not in human readable form
No moving parts, so physically very robust
Disadvantages
If the magnetic stripe gets damaged, the data will be lost
Doesn’t work from a distance from the reader
Data not in human readable form
1.2) CONTACTLESS DEBIT CARD READERS
This card has a small chip embedded in it which emits radio waves.
This card is held within a few centimetres of the payment terminal to pay for an item The
reader picks up the signal and allows transaction to be proceeded
Advantages
Faster transaction than Magnetic stripe card readers
Uses Encryption to protect data
Error free as no typing involved
Retailers do not have access to the credit or debit card information
Disadvantages
Transaction limited to a small maximum amount
Transactions have been carried out without customer’s knowledge as he stands in the queue
More expensive than normal credit/debit card
Can take money twice if the customer uses it as a Chip and PIN card also
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1.3) CHIP AND PIN READERS
Used to:
Make payments at EFTPOS (restaurants, super markets)
Advantages
More secure system, as entered PIN has to be matched with the PIN stored in the chip
More robust than magnetic stripe cards
Disadvantages
Fraud- You should ensure than no one else reads your PIN while entering
2) RFID –RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION READERS
Radio Frequency Identification reader use radio waves to read and capture information
stored in a tag. The tag could be read from a distance and the reader transfers the data to
the computer.
Applications of a RFID tags.
Livestock tracking to identify each animal in a farm
In libraries to keep a track of the book being taken from the library
Could be used in the admission passes of parks
Can be used in the checkout process in retail as several tags could be read at the same time it
will speed up the process
Advantages of RFID
The tags could be read from a distance (unlike barcode readers). No line of sight is required
Allows both read and write operation (bi directional data transfer)
Bulk detection is possible (several tags could be read at the same time)
RFID reader could read hundreds of tags within seconds
RFID tags are durable against environmental factors
These tags could be rewritten and reused
Disadvantages of RFID
While reading multiple tags tag collision could occur
RFID uses radio wave s which could get jammed
Data transmitted by the tag can get hacked
RFID is more expensive than Barcode reader
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3) OMR-Optical Mark Reader
Reads the shaded lozenges and compares it with the template
Used in multiple choice exam papers
OMR is more accurate than OCR
Uses simple recognition system
More how to fill in instructions
4) OCR- Optical Character Reader
Can read handwriting. But poor handwriting could lead to errors
Used to convert printed documents to an editable electronic format
OCR can lead to inaccuracies
Requires complex recognition system
Less how to fill in instructions
5) BAR CODE Reader Uses
Used in super markets and in shops to read the information about a product
Used in libraries to keep track of the books issued
Used on electrical equipment to do safety check them on a regular basis
Advantages
Much faster than keying in data manually
We can record data correctly
They allow automatic stock update
Tried and trusted technology
Disadvantages
Relatively an expensive system
Not foolproof as barcodes could swap around items Barcodes could get
easily damaged
6) Quick response (QR) Code Reader
Advantages
No need for the user to key in the website address. He can get it by scanning the QR code
QR codes can store website addresses/URLs that appear in magazines, trains, business cards etc.
providing an efficient way of advertising
Disadvantages
More than one QR format is available.
Can be used to transmit malicious codes.
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