RE: Proposal to add Barcode Scanning API to Sysapps

I agree that a desired outcome is to obviate the need for a dedicated API. The addition of the requested functions (autofocus, macro mode, flash) to getUserMedia will be very helpful.

On the last two (resolution ability and reliability), can you drop a link to the current constraints proposal? I don't remember seeing anything on the Media Capture list related to Barcode Scanning. These concerns are specifically related to the Barcode Scanning use case, and depend upon software specifically designed for that purpose.

Thanks,
Bryan Sullivan 

-----Original Message-----
From: Anant Narayanan [mailto:anant@mozilla.com] 
Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2012 10:50 AM
To: SULLIVAN, BRYAN L
Cc: public-sysapps@w3.org
Subject: Re: Proposal to add Barcode Scanning API to Sysapps

On 05/27/2012 10:30 AM, SULLIVAN, BRYAN L wrote:
> In a discussion on the DAP list, I made the following points about the deficiencies in the current proposal for the getUserMedia API for the purpose of a Barcode Scanner app, and further requirements that are likely to needed beyond a getUserMedia+JavaScript solution. I think we may be able to address some of the getUserMedia gaps (as I think getUserMedia currently as a general purpose camera access API is pretty limited, and we may need these enhancements to it anyway). But for the other requirements, I think we still need a specific Barcode Scanner API. So I made the suggestion that the Sysapps charter may consider a Barcode Scanner API since it appears that the number of new APIs proposed does not rise to the level of making it worthwhile to recharter DAP, to include this new API.
>
> Here are the functional requirements that I think will benefit from a specific Barcode Scanning API:
> - getUserMedia gaps
>    - autofocus
>    - macro mode (related to ability to focus, and to typical usage when scanning barcodes)
>    - auto flashlight: when it's dark, we need to be able to control the camera flashlight to make it possible to resolve a code. This needs to occur automatically or under control of the app.
> - resolution of all code types: commercial grade code reader apps are capable of resolving more code types (at least currently) as compared to JavaScript libraries, which are typically open source and contribution-driven
> - reliability: commercial grade code readers have high reliability - comparatively, open-source nature code resolution libraries may not be as fully implemented or tested
>
> These issues can affect the public's perception of barcode reading apps. The last two may be addressed over time, but at least the first three probably need specific support in any API used for barcode scanning (i.e. an API such as getUserMedia that may be used for barcode scanning). In an API specifically intended to support Barcode Scanning these may be inherent functions of the software which does the scanning.

The last two points are already being addressed through the constraints 
proposal for getUserMedia. As for the first three (autofocus, macro 
mode, flash), we (Mozilla) also need that functionality in getUserMedia 
for our Boot-to-Gecko project.

We're planning on sending out a proposal (based on what we've 
implemented so far in B2G) to integrate all of them into getUserMedia. I 
think that will mostly obviate the need for a dedicated API.

Cheers,
-Anant

Received on Monday, 28 May 2012 13:20:26 UTC