Know and understand characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of direct data entry devices including magnetic stripe reader, chip and PIN reader, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR), Optical C

Direct Data‑Entry Devices (ICT 0417 – Section 2.2)

Direct data‑entry devices read information directly from a physical medium (card, tag, paper, etc.) and convert it into a digital format that can be processed by a computer. The following devices are required for the Cambridge IGCSE ICT syllabus. For each device the key characteristics, typical uses, advantages, disadvantages and any security or data‑protection issues are listed.

1. Magnetic Stripe Reader

• Characteristics

  • Reads the magnetic stripe on cards (normally three tracks; some cards have 7‑ or 13‑track versions).
  • Uses a magnetic head that detects changes in magnetic flux as the card is swiped.
  • Outputs a string of alphanumeric characters (usually ≤ 100 bytes).

• Typical Uses

  • Credit and debit card transactions.
  • Hotel key cards, access‑control cards.
  • Transport tickets, loyalty cards, membership cards.

• Advantages

  • Low purchase and maintenance cost.
  • Very fast read time – typically under 0.5 s.
  • Simple integration with POS and access‑control systems.

• Disadvantages / Security Issues

  • Data are static and can be easily cloned or skimmed.
  • Physical wear of the stripe reduces reliability over time.
  • Limited data capacity (≈ 100 bytes).

2. EMV Chip‑and‑PIN Reader (Contact or Contactless)

• Characteristics

  • Reads an integrated circuit (IC) chip embedded in a payment or access card.
  • Requires a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for user authentication.
  • Operates via a contact interface (card inserted) or a contactless interface (NFC, ≤ 10 cm).¹

• Typical Uses

  • Secure payment terminals in shops and kiosks.
  • Banking ATMs.
  • High‑security access‑control systems (e.g., corporate ID badges).

• Advantages

  • Data are encrypted and change for each transaction (dynamic authentication).
  • Lower fraud rates and higher transaction limits than magnetic‑stripe cards.
  • Contactless option enables faster service.

• Disadvantages / Security Issues

  • Higher equipment cost compared with magnetic‑stripe readers.
  • Transaction can be slower when a PIN must be entered.
  • Requires regular software/firmware updates to stay EMV‑compliant.

3. Radio‑Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader

• Characteristics

  • Communicates with RFID tags using radio waves (LF, HF, UHF frequencies).
  • Read range varies from a few centimetres (HF) to several metres (UHF) depending on tag type (passive, semi‑passive, active).
  • Can read many tags simultaneously using anti‑collision protocols.

• Typical Uses

  • Inventory management and asset tracking in warehouses, libraries, hospitals.
  • Contactless payment and ticketing (e.g., transit cards, event passes).
  • Access‑control and attendance systems.

• Advantages

  • No line‑of‑sight required – tags can be read through packaging.
  • Very fast bulk reading of multiple items.
  • Durable tags survive harsh environments (temperature, moisture, chemicals).

• Disadvantages / Security & Data‑Protection Issues

  • Radio interference from metal surfaces or liquids can reduce reliability.
  • Tags can be read without the holder’s knowledge, raising privacy concerns (GDPR, e‑Safety).
  • Higher initial cost for readers, antennas and tags.

4. Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Reader

• Characteristics

  • Detects the presence or absence of a dark mark (usually ink) in predefined positions on a paper form.
  • Works with answer sheets, surveys, ballots, etc.
  • Outputs binary data – “marked = 1”, “unmarked = 0”.

• Typical Uses

  • Standardised examination answer sheets (e.g., GCSE, A‑Level).
  • Customer‑feedback questionnaires.
  • Voting ballots and election results.

• Advantages

  • Extremely fast processing of large volumes of forms.
  • Low error rate when forms are correctly filled and printed.
  • Simple hardware – cheaper than full OCR systems.

• Disadvantages

  • Requires specially designed forms with fixed mark positions.
  • Cannot read handwritten or printed text – only the presence of a mark.
  • Mark quality (light pencil, smudges) can affect accuracy.

5. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Reader

• Characteristics

  • Converts printed or handwritten characters into machine‑readable text.
  • Uses pattern‑recognition algorithms; modern systems add AI / machine‑learning for higher accuracy.
  • Processes scanned documents, photographs, or live camera feeds.

• Typical Uses

  • Digitising printed archives, books and newspapers.
  • Automated data entry from invoices, receipts, forms and ID cards.
  • Assistive technology for visually impaired users (text‑to‑speech).

• Advantages

  • Greatly reduces manual typing effort.
  • Creates searchable, editable digital documents.
  • Can be trained for multiple languages, fonts and layouts.

• Disadvantages / Accuracy Issues

  • Performance drops with poor image quality, low contrast, or unusual fonts.
  • Handwritten text remains challenging for most systems.
  • Critical data often need post‑processing proofreading.

6. Bar Code Reader (1‑Dimensional)

• Characteristics

  • Uses a laser or LED light source and a photodiode to detect reflected light from printed bars.
  • Decodes 1‑D barcodes such as UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128.
  • Outputs a numeric or alphanumeric string (typically ≤ 20 characters).

• Typical Uses

  • Retail point‑of‑sale scanning.
  • Warehouse inventory control and stock‑taking.
  • Asset tagging (equipment, library books, etc.).

• Advantages

  • Very low cost; technology is mature and reliable.
  • Read time measured in milliseconds.
  • Easy integration with databases and inventory software.

• Disadvantages / Limitations

  • Requires a clear line‑of‑sight between reader and barcode.
  • Limited data capacity – usually under 20 characters.
  • Print quality, dirt or damage to the barcode can cause read errors.

7. QR Code Scanner (2‑Dimensional Barcode Reader)

• Characteristics

  • Captures a matrix of black and white squares using an imaging sensor (camera).
  • Can store up to several thousand alphanumeric characters (≈ 7 KB).
  • Often built into smartphones or used with dedicated scanners.

• Typical Uses

  • Mobile payments, ticketing and public‑transport passes.
  • Linking to URLs, contact details, product information or promotional offers.
  • Inventory and asset management where label space is limited.

• Advantages

  • High data density in a small printed area.
  • Can be read from any orientation; error‑correction allows reading even when partially damaged.
  • Requires only a camera – no moving laser parts.

• Disadvantages / Security Issues

  • Scanning requires a camera‑based reader, which can be more complex than a laser scanner.
  • Low‑resolution cameras may read more slowly.
  • QR codes can link to malicious websites – users must be taught to verify the destination.

Summary Comparison Table

Footnotes

1. EMV – the global standard for chip‑based payment cards (Europay, MasterCard, Visa). EMV cards store encrypted data and generate a unique transaction code for each use.

Action‑able Review Checklist – Aligning Your Notes with the Cambridge IGCSE ICT (0417) Syllabus

Use the table below to confirm that the direct‑data‑entry section meets every requirement of the official syllabus.