Services Plugins FAQs

Barcode reader customization

Plugins
#1

I am using the barcode reader. I have been looking for the ability to make this experience better for end users.

  1. For example, the camera frame (in the demo and in my app) takes up 1/3 to 1/2 of the screen. Can I make the image render bigger for mobile users? If so how?

  2. It seems that the camera is unable to read normal sized QR codes and it’s also quite slow to read these codes. For example, I have to hold it perfectly up to the scanner and be just a few inches apart. It doesn’t compare well to other barcode reader experiences. Can it read images faster or further away?

Even in great daylight and very steady camera conditions, I am finding the camera reader is still not getting the barcode as expected. i’d love to hear how others are making this plugin work for their needs.

#2

Hello @r4epr0hl ,
Thank you for reaching out.

1. For example, the camera frame (in the demo and in my app) takes up 1/3 to 1/2 of the screen. Can I make the image render bigger for mobile users? If so how?
2. It seems that the camera is unable to read normal sized QR codes and it’s also quite slow to read these codes. For example, I have to hold it perfectly up to the scanner and be just a few inches apart. It doesn’t compare well to other barcode reader experiences. Can it read images faster or further away?

Even in great daylight and very steady camera conditions, I am finding the camera reader is still not getting the barcode as expected. i’d love to hear how others are making this plugin work for their needs.

To avoid confusion could you please provide more details regarding your use case?

Namely:
-The Full Plugin Name.
-Screenshots/Video recordings of the issue you see and the plugin element’s configuration.
-Workflows associated with the plugin.
-Any additional details you believe are important for us to replicate and understand your use case.

These details will help us provide you with a more precise answer to your question, and get a clearer understanding of your use case.

Looking forwards to your reply.
Have a nice day! :sunny:

#3

The full plugin name: Barcode & QR Code Reader

Let me know if there are any other specific questions. This use case is not dependent upon my site alone, also comparing to demo.

I was successfully able to adjust the size of it for mobile but it does seem to still have quite a hard time reading codes even in full daylight.

Happy to share more!

#4

Hello @janiece.lincoln ,
I hope you are doing well. :slightly_smiling_face:

The full plugin name: Barcode & QR Code Reader

Thank you for confirming the name of the plugin.

Let me know if there are any other specific questions.

  1. What type of barcode you are referring to? For example, is RSK, UPC, EAN, or another format?

  2. Additionally, it would be helpful to know more about the device you are using. Could you share the type of device (e.g., iPhone, Android, tablet) and the OS version it’s running on?

I was successfully able to adjust the size of it for mobile but it does seem to still have quite a hard time reading codes even in full daylight.

Could you please share with us a screen recording of the issue you see with adjusting the size?

Kindly note there are many factors that can influence the plugin’s ability to scan the code:

Print Quality: The resolution at which the barcode is printed can significantly impact the scanner’s ability to read it. Low print quality can lead to blurred or smeared lines, making it difficult for the scanner to decipher.
​
Paper Quality and Condition: The type of paper and its condition (e.g., wrinkles, smudges, or tears) can also affect scanning. High gloss or reflective paper surfaces can sometimes cause issues as well.

Lighting Conditions: Unlike electronic displays that emit light, paper barcodes rely on external lighting for visibility. Poor or uneven lighting can hinder the scanner’s ability to accurately read a barcode.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Have a nice day! :sunny:

#5

Hi Vasile,

I will have to tackle some of these issues one at a time as I gather user feedback. First, I was able to successfully improve the size of the scanner on mobile which has seemed to help.

Is there a way to default the camera to the back camera for all of my users? There seem to be a lot of extra clicks to do just to get to the scan part - allowing camera access and then choosing the back camera after it reverts to the front one across devices.

Other details:
Testing on iPhone 13 and two Samsung Notes; Opera, Safari and Chrome browsers. Similar experiences. Scanning UPCs.

#6

Hello @janiece.lincoln ,
I hope you are doing well. :blush:

I will have to tackle some of these issues one at a time as I gather user feedback. First, I was able to successfully improve the size of the scanner on mobile which has seemed to help.

Take your time, we will be happy to discuss any feedback or findings from your users or any of your own discoveries.

Is there a way to default the camera to the back camera for all of my users ? There seem to be a lot of extra clicks to do just to get to the scan part - allowing camera access and then choosing the back camera after it reverts to the front one across devices.

At the moment the plugin doesn’t have such a feature, but it’s a great suggestion we will check if it’s feasible and if the plugin library allows us to implement these changes - we will notify you once there are any updates but can’t provide any timeframes.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Have a nice day! :sunny:

#7

Hello @janiece.lincoln ,
I hope you are doing well. :slightly_smiling_face:

I’m excited to share that inspired by your suggestion our devs have added the improvement allowing to display only the back camera without any additional steps as you initially proposed and have updated it to version 1.55.0
The only thing you need in order to use this feature is to click this checkmark of its respective field.

image
image349×557 32.7 KB

Could you kindly update the plugin within your app to this latest version and confirm whether everything is now operating smoothly?

The more feedback we get, the more motivated we are to make things better in Bubble.

Thanks again for your patience and cooperation.
Take care! :sunny: