Autoread

What is Autoread?

With Autoread, you can read a number from a card. (For all other read operations, use VHL.) Your development effort is reduced to a minimum as the reader works completely autonomously:

• The reader scans for cards, validates and reads them.
• It interprets the data and converts it into the required format.
• It forwards the converted data to the host or provides it for retrieval (depending on the implementation mode).
• It interacts with the card holder, e.g. it emits feedback via beeper/LED or switches a door relay.

All information needed for these tasks is stored in the reader configuration.

Implementation modes

	Unidirectional communication	Bidirectional communication via BRP
Supported interfaces	USB keyboard emulation USB virtual COM port RS-232/UART	USB HID Recommended with SDK We provide an SDK for Windows, macOS, and Linux. USB virtual COM port Recommended when not using SDK RS-232/UART Ethernet
Cross-platform API	No Every platform has its own API	Yes if SDK is used No if SDK is not used
Integration effort	Medium	Low if SDK is used High if SDK is not used
Feedback to card holder (beeper/LED)	Via reader configuration Limited options, but easy to implement	Via reader configuration OR host application Via host gives you more extensive options, but requires more development effort
Control reader hardware (e.g. firmware and config update)	Not possible	Possible
Retrieval of read results	Not needed Reader sends data to host autonomously	Needed, but not time critical Read results are buffered in the reader memory for 5 seconds
	View Details	View Details

Not sure which option to use?

If your use case is supported by both implementation modes, we recommend implementation via BRP: It scales better with growing requirements, and you can use our SDK with a lot of application notes that help you get started. You'd like some personal advice? We're happy to help.