Barcode

Cambridg readers,
scanners and
e cameras
IGCSE Unit 4: Input and
Computer output devices
Science
1 Paper 1
Objectives:
• Describe the principles of operation of the following
direct input devices:
• QR (Quick Response) code scanners
• Describe how these principles are applied to real-life
scenarios
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Applications of barcode
• Stock control
• The barcode number is looked up in the stock database.
• When the barcode number is found, the stock item record is
looked up. The price and other stock item details are sent back
to the checkout (or POINT OF SALE TERMINAL (POS)).
• The number of stock items in the record is reduced by one each
time the barcode is read. This new value for number of stock
items is written back to the stock item record.
• The number of stock items is compared to the re-order level; if
it is less than or equal to this value, more stock items are
automatically ordered.
• Once an order for more stock items is generated, a flag is added
to the record to stop re-ordering every time the stock item
barcode is read.
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Applications of barcode
• Libraries
• The barcode system is used in many other areas.
• It can be utilised in libraries where barcodes are used in books
and on the borrower’s library card.
• Every time a book is taken out, the borrower is linked to the
book automatically.
• This allows automatic checking of when the book is due to be
returned, for example.
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Applications of barcode
• Libraries
• The barcode system is used in many other areas.
• It can be utilised in libraries where barcodes are used in books
and on the borrower’s library card.
• Every time a book is taken out, the borrower is linked to the
book automatically.
• This allows automatic checking of when the book is due to be
returned, for example.
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Advantages of barcode
• Advantages of using barcodes to the management
include:
• much easier and faster to change prices on stock
items
• much better, more up-to-date sales information/sales
trends
• no need to price every stock item on the shelves (this
reduces time and cost to the management)
• allows for automatic stock control
• possible to check customer buying habits more easily
by linking barcodes to, for example, customer loyalty
cards.
• Can you think of the disadvantages?
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Advantages of barcode
• Advantages of using barcodes to the customers include:
• faster checkout queues (staff don’t need to
remember/look up prices of items)
• errors in charging customers are reduced
• the customer is given an itemised bill
• cost savings can be passed on to the customer
• better track of ‘sell by dates’ so food should be
fresher.
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Other input and output devices at

the checkout
QR (Quick
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Response) codes
QR (quick response) codes are another type of barcode. For example,

• QR codes are 2D barcodes and can be read by

smartphones or tablets
• This is made up of a matrix of filled-in dark squares on
a light background.
If you scan this code you will see the URL: http://www.pgonline.co.uk. If you are u
tablet or a smartphone, after scanning the QR code (using the built in camera), it wi
• Normal
you barcodes
immediately can website.
to the pgonline hold up to 30 digits; QR codes
can hold over 7000 digits.
QR codes can be used for information purposes only; for example,
• This allows greater amount of information to be stored.
QR (Quick
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Response) codes
• QR codes can be scanned anywhere.
• This allows advertising of products on trains, buses,
shopping malls and many other places.
• By using the camera on modern phones and the
appropriate application (or app),
QR (quick response) it isanother
codes are possible
type of to readFor exam
barcode.
the QR code.They can contain:
• Links to websites or
• Information

If you scan this code you will see the URL: http://www.pgonline
tablet or a smartphone, after scanning the QR code (using the b
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

QR codes around us
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Uses of QR codes in society

• Common uses include:
• Restaurant coupons
• ID bracelets for pilgrims
• Real estate agency
• Business cards
• Tourist information
• Advertising posters
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Advantages of QR codes
• There is no need for the user to write down or key in
a website address; scanning the QR code does this
automatically. They are a very efficient way of storing
information and just linking to it.
• QR codes can store different types of information
e.g. website addresses/URLs that appear in
magazines, trains, buses or even on business cards,
giving a very effective method of advertising.
• QR codes have an in-built error correction method
called the Reed Solomon method. Therefore even if
some parts of the QR codes are missing or covered
up, the code can still be read.
 Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Disadvantages of QR codes
• They are not yet as common as barcodes and so
some people might not understand what they are for.
• People need a smartphone (and internet connection)
in order to be able to access the information stored.
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Islam – Our way of life!

• Conceal your good deeds and avoid showing
off!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cx-u90rOm0
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Plenary - Past paper practice

Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Plenary - Past paper practice

• Solution
(a) QR (quick response) Code
[1]
(b) A50
101001010000
[4]
(c) Any three from:
• visitor scans the QR code with (the camera on) the mobile device
• App is used to read/interpret the QR code
• links to a website/opens a document …
• … to access local tourist information
• can store the QR code to refer to again for the information [3]
Barcode readers, scanners and cameras
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Copyright

© 2019 PG Online Limited

The contents of this unit are protected by copyright.

This unit and all the worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, teaching guides and other associated files
distributed with it are supplied to you by PG Online Limited under licence and may be used and copied by you
only in accordance with the terms of the licence. Except as expressly permitted by the licence, no part of the
materials distributed with this unit may be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of PG Online Limited.

Licence agreement

This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and PG Online Limited. This unit and all the worksheets,
PowerPoint presentations, teaching guides and other associated files distributed with it is licensed, not sold, to
you by PG Online Limited for use under the terms of the licence.

The materials distributed with this unit may be freely copied and used by members of a single institution on a
single site only. You are not permitted to share in any way any of the materials or part of the materials with any
third party, including users on another site or individuals who are members of a separate institution. You
acknowledge that the materials must remain with you, the licensing institution, and no part of the materials may
be transferred to another institution. You also agree not to procure, authorise, encourage, facilitate or enable any
third party to reproduce these materials in whole or in part without the prior permission of PG Online Limited.