Direct Data Entry and Card Readers Quiz

Direct Data Entry (DDE)

• Direct Data Entry (DDE) devices input data into a computer with minimal human interaction.
• Barcodes are a common example - a reader points at the barcode, and the data automatically transfers to the computer.

Card Readers

• Magnetic Stripe Readers
  • Used on credit/debit cards for ATMs and EFTPOS terminals.
  • Used as security devices for building and hotel room access.
• Advantages of Magnetic Stripe Readers
  • Prevents access to restricted areas.
  • Unaffected by oil, water, moisture, etc.
  • Robust due to having no moving parts.
• Contactless Debit Card Readers
  • Advantages
    • Faster transactions (approximately 10 seconds compared to 30 seconds for magnetic stripe readers).
    • Uses 128-bit encryption for data protection.
    • Eliminates typing errors by customers.
    • Retailers do not have access to customer card information.
    • Transactions use a unique, encrypted number for each transaction.
  • Disadvantages
    • More expensive than traditional credit/debit cards.
    • Potential for theft by someone with a suitable reader if PINs are not used.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers

• RFID readers use radio waves to read information stored on a tag.
• RFID tags have two components:
  • A microchip storing and processing information.
  • An antenna receiving and transmitting data.
• Tags can be passive, powered by the reader's radio waves, or battery-powered.

Uses of RFID Readers

• Livestock tracking - location and ownership identification.
• Retail - Price details stored on the tag, enabling automatic checkout with faster processing, multiple tags can be read simultaneously.
• Admission passes - eliminates scanning or swiping for fast entry to theme parks, tracks location in the park, and stores information such as height or age for safety restrictions.
• Libraries - automatic book tracking in and out, eliminating barcode scanning.

Disadvantages of RFID Readers

• Tag collision - signals from multiple tags can overlap and interfere with each other.
• Radio waves are easily jammed or interrupted.
• Data transmitted by the tag is easily hacked.
• More expensive than comparable barcode systems.

Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR)

• Reads marks written in pen or pencil on a form.

Uses of OMR Devices

• Reading questionnaires, multiple-choice exams, voting papers, and other forms with marked responses.

Advantages of OMR Devices

• Fast and automatic input of survey results.
• More accurate than manual data entry.
• More accurate than OCR methods.

Disadvantages of OMR Devices

• Forms require precise mark/shading placement for accurate information.
• Incorrectly filled forms may cause inaccuracies and require manual verification.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

• Converts printed text on documents into electronic form.
• OCR software then transforms the electronic data into usable formats for applications like word processors and presentation software.

Uses of OCR

• Processing passports and identity cards.
• Converting hard copy documents into digital form.
• Automatic number plate recognition in car parks.
• Digitizing historical newspapers and rare books for archival and research purposes.

Barcode Readers

• Read information encoded in barcodes.
• Often built into POS terminals in supermarkets.
• Handheld scanners or wands are used for barcodes on large or immobile items.

Uses of Barcode Systems

• Supermarkets and other shops for automatic stock control, itemized billing, and product information.
• Libraries for tracking loaned books.
• Safety function in companies for regular equipment checks.

Advantages of Barcode Systems

• Faster than manual data entry with fewer errors.
• Improved safety by enabling automatic testing records of components.
• Allows automatic stock control.
• Well-established and reliable technology.

Disadvantages of Barcode Systems

• Relatively expensive to administer.
• Not foolproof, barcodes can be switched.
• More vulnerable to damage than RFID tags or magnetic stripes.

Quick Response (QR) Code Scanners/Readers

• QR codes are made up of filled-in dark squares on a light background.

Uses of QR Codes

• Advertising - Contain business addresses, phone numbers, email, and website addresses, the smartphone screen displays the information, or automatically opens the linked website.
• Boarding passes - Automatically sent to a phone or tablet.

Advantages of QR Codes

• Higher data capacity than normal barcodes.
• Reduced errors due to built-in error-checking.
• Easy transmission via text messages or images.

Disadvantages of QR Codes

• Multiple QR code formats exist.
• Malicious code can be embedded (attagging) to gain access to the user's device, redirect them to fake websites, or download viruses.

Test your knowledge on Direct Data Entry (DDE) and various types of card readers including magnetic stripe and contactless technologies. Explore the advantages of these devices and their applications in everyday transactions. This quiz will enhance your understanding of data input methods and secure transaction processes.