# Viability for this? Touch screen login/out project

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [26 June 2024 09:17 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966 "2024-06-26T09:17:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 09:17 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/1 "2024-06-26T09:17:20Z")

</div>

I am kinda cringing at the politics involved, but it is a challenge kind of in my _world_ just now.

I'm in a club and there is a `sign in/out` book.  
It is not kept well, and other suggestions are being asked.

A 12 inch touch screen and RasPi?

## Overview:

The screen has a couple of _areas_:  
The alphabet and the names.

## Other things that may be needed:

Daily attendance numbers.  
Daily _Go to person's name_.  
Previous day people not signed out.

Maybe other stuff for logistics.

But all in all I don't see problems getting NR to do something like that.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 09:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/2 "2024-06-26T09:53:39Z")

</div>

At my GP surgery they have a tablet to sign in for appointments.  
The prompts are  
Touch the screen to start  
What month were you born? (12 buttons)  
What day were you born? (31 buttons)  
Are you Winston Smith? (Yes/No)

They seem to have nailed minimal input to sign in.

Since any group is bound to have more than one person with the same birthday, you could combine the sign in process with facial recognition to narrow down the "Are you ..." options and avoid revealing other people's birthdays.

You could even encourage sign-in with some sort of token system, one for each (daily) login to contribute towards a free drink, reduced price Christmas Barbie etc.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 09:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/3 "2024-06-26T09:59:05Z")

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Yeah, but I am not sure how the people at that place would like their details on the computer.  
(Not very knowledgeable on how computers work.)

There are about 100 people in the list.  
Some probably hardly ever show up, but....

Giving each person a QR code/card would be good too.  
But the idea of having to make new cards for new members could be time costly.

But the way I was suggesting is they press the letter for either their first/last name and be shown a short list of people with that letter.

So they just press their name when it is shown on the screen.

Same when leaving.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:15 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/4 "2024-06-26T10:15:29Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I am not sure how the people at that place would like their details on the computer.

In the UK if you store users personal details on a computer you need to comply with various regulations (GDPR). Check whether this is the case for you before starting anything like that.

If they don't want their details on the computer then there is not much you can do.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:17 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/5 "2024-06-26T10:17:35Z")

</div>

Well the way I was thinking is just their names in a list.

They come in and click on their name from the list.

When leaving: same.

The other little bits on top of it as mentioned in the first post.

It just doesn't seem that difficult and I am wondering if it is worth me offering it as an option.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/6 "2024-06-26T10:19:58Z")

</div>

Not to complicate/confuse things... Something else which may be handy to have.

A screen which shows who is in that day.

So maybe a new _main screen_ which shows the list of people who have signed in (and not out) today.

Then a `press button to sign in` at the bottom.

Screen rotated to be portrait shape.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Paul-Reed](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/paul-reed/32/66906_2.png) [@Paul-Reed](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Paul-Reed)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/7 "2024-06-26T10:20:56Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I'm in a club and there is a `sign in/out` book.

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I am not sure how the people at that place would like their details on the computer

I've heard about these Australian 'clubs' 😉😉😉

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:27 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/8 "2024-06-26T10:27:19Z")

</div>

Yeah, well... Not a naughty club.

Just the existing powers are all in a huge discussion about daily attendance.

So to make it easier (dunno) a screen (touch?) is there. Portrait shape.

## Screen 1

Top line - 1 line - showing date/time.  
Line 2 - the _go to person_ for that day.  
Next line/s - list of people signed in.  
Bottom line - `press to sign in`

## Screen 2

From line 3 on wards - the alphabet  
Bottom line - `back`. (exit?)

## Screen 3

From line 3 - list of peoples name determined from previous screen.  
Second bottom line - `that's me`  
Bottom line - `back`.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hominidae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hominidae/32/4174_2.png) [@hominidae](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hominidae)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/9 "2024-06-26T10:58:53Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Giving each person a QR code/card would be good too.  
> But the idea of having to make new cards for new members could be time costly.

Then why not use RFID-Chipcards/tokens?...you can get them cheap .. all that is needed is to store a list (in a safe) collecting the info which token belongs to whom on it once...your system does not even need to know the personal data.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 10:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/10 "2024-06-26T10:59:53Z")

</div>

Thanks.

Yeah, ok.

RFID tags are possible.

RFID readers aren't that hard to use in NR - are they?

Ok, I guess that depends on the machine used.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hominidae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hominidae/32/4174_2.png) [@hominidae](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hominidae)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:06 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/11 "2024-06-26T11:06:14Z")

</div>

For a RPi, I think the interface is USB/serial based.  
AFAIK, there are two frequencies, (125kHz or 13,56MHz) ... You'll need to decide for one

You could create two versions/flow ...

1. recording RFID and allocating it to a name, then store that list in a safe place
2. recording RDIF incoming/going on your club site.  
Edit: My wallbox offers to use these for start charging, where the Wallbox is installed in public places. The "controller" inside is a RPi-3B ... the RFID Kit costs around 30EUR, Reader with 5 Tokens.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:08 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/12 "2024-06-26T11:08:37Z")

</div>

Thanks.

I may not go too far down the RPi hole just now.

It may not be a RasPi. I'm saying that as it isn't a _huge PC_ eating power that is on all the time.  
A RasPi isn't a big power user.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hominidae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hominidae/32/4174_2.png) [@hominidae](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hominidae)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:14 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/13 "2024-06-26T11:14:17Z")

</div>

USB/Serial use is pretty universal, isn't it?  
Your solution would need a case big enough to store the reader, or a more elegant reader with a single desktop case and cable.

Like [this](https://www.ebay.de/itm/296526937795?itmmeta=01J1A3XAJPJ7D8NQCKSRSKN3KA&hash=item450a61fec3:g:tU4AAOSwx3xmesBQ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4IImeb1uoS%2BOZkEvSogKojfJRD1A11QHU0fUyWf%2BMxVmfPGfn0J%2FLqgLwbW7wanYVSo0848cxrU110XnNxxvXGBFihQZTg30r5ShIwDJKJzw2zZqLVqeTBOEC0%2BKJPvZOUYf%2FXP0qDN2rLYY0ydk9%2FqT17vaMcs2u%2FJd5CnuEwrqslcgCLIhAN8UlmYPWNRY0c5GaMcuD%2FoWSWsZElZoZXrrmmdvkEbrDGDRKe2pqS1E6gnMQyW4uhdAVykMlmbwV2iumpdRIc3MU53jboZLtbb4rzAXvZ1Rhu2OyUte6teo%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8Kp9cOKZA) (not that elegant, but recognisable, hence).

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/14 "2024-06-26T11:16:07Z")

</div>

Yeah, thanks.

But **YIKES**!

I found a USB - RFID for $20 AU.

That (the one you showed me) is (about) $70 AU

Yeah, the _case_ for the whole thing needs considering.  
But not impossible.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/15 "2024-06-26T11:16:23Z")

</div>

I don't think I could rely on myself to remember an RFID tag or a QR code.

I guess I could get the QR code tattooed on my wrist but not if I had to change it every year with renewed membership.

It's not the sort of club where members might take the login machine home with them for their own IOT projects?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:17 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/16 "2024-06-26T11:17:18Z")

</div>

Which is why I originally put that the list of names is shown.

Kind of easier to do.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hominidae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hominidae/32/4174_2.png) [@hominidae](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hominidae)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:18 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/17 "2024-06-26T11:18:02Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I found a USB - RFID for $20 AU.
> 
> That (the one you showed me) is (about) $70 AU

Yes, sorry, this was picked only by the looks...[here's](https://www.ebay.de/itm/185901431636?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D259212%26meid%3D0edc9059dc9d4e1b828acf206f1fed9e%26pid%3D101875%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D123040337352%26itm%3D185901431636%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V2V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecallWithVMEV3EmbeddedAuctionsCPCAutoWithCassiniEmbRecallManual%26brand%3DMarkenlos&_trksid=p4429486.c101875.m1851&itmprp=cksum%3A1859014316360edc9059dc9d4e1b828acf206f1fed9e%7Cenc%3AAQAJAAABkP9d%252BMZSXlztIfYFu3kI%252B7ft0VcQix7rTrUVdiJwc2upzwLfM%252B2UEqu0ZqdXqu2qWe6up6s9MSEY%252BWikIwEh4xLkizL%252BG%252Fyhg6cdW4xfkbb75erVQBYYISNxGN1au%252BE0eJ778JYYSAyLJRupNiZky3B2UHpMsaEp7JRgW9fuueOszPlG9eCPE4mSzJx4EejjZE0v1xx3s4HgKujjhEB3s6nxerT%252FSH9bi45RHFJlP9GjDLmW8l1tUAht9vzt44thW%252BVrAdGvC7aE6U8EG%252Fyk0N3Bj%252FRySn79P4lRDelA8rJ4M%252FTmtoO1eO7cWdsHIYtUlNc%252BBCNXPvDs9iLKhHnKZmk8lgt01XpOzgh1eT1v4S9gjHeduh4xitEXMqQvDKBc0vl2D6evYo5EAcHmc%252FOfIZo7tlq9mV%252F4RBUeGMGtZ6jRuU3rAhdn05fb1UL9RDz0pW9yGyMLGvR4HfMLKbeNVLbWltwCCjANxWOlEOqtXewF0lofbQw%252FZHrCHjcaEb3cSBgCOpojqZwbPaxORiiFxus%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A4429486&itmmeta=01J1A44S5GBATGV9QFW6WS9ND9) another one

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 11:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/18 "2024-06-26T11:19:37Z")

</div>

Don't worry.

It is still only _conceptual_ as I don't even know if it will happen.

I have to suggest the idea, and it be accepted.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hominidae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/hominidae/32/4174_2.png) [@hominidae](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hominidae)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 12:18 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/19 "2024-06-26T12:18:34Z")

</div>

....then, maybe place the hint that these Cards/Fobs can be individualised (offset printing, like with a theme or logo)...[there are special shops out there](https://www.plasticard.de/en/rfid-karten-und-transponder/druck-und-layout-fuer-rfid-medien/), that have this on offer

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2024 13:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966/20 "2024-06-26T13:48:44Z")

</div>

> [@jbudd](#):
>
> They seem to have nailed minimal input to sign in.

OMG! Is that really how it works? Do they assume that there is one one person with the same birth date registered at the surgery! Or do they throw up a list of names (which would need reporting as that would be a serious Information Governance and patient safety issue!).

> [@Colin](#):
>
> In the UK if you store users personal details on a computer you need to comply with various regulations (GDPR). Check whether this is the case for you before starting anything like that.

I think Andrew may be in Oz? If so, I think their requirements are also quite stringent.

However, some of this will come down to what kind of club is this? Do you have a constitution of some kind? Is there already an agreement for the club to manage a membership list? (Almost certainly there will be).

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Well the way I was thinking is just their names in a list.
> 
> They come in and click on their name from the list.

Yes, this is no different from having a paper sign-in/-out book. Other than a need to keep the thing safe(ish) when not in use.

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> A screen which shows who is in that day.

This stuff is all just detail, all perfectly possible once you have the basics going.

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Just the existing powers are all in a huge discussion about daily attendance.
> 
> So to make it easier (dunno) a screen (touch?) is there. Portrait shape.

Not unreasonable desire by the club. And a screen with Node-RED would be perfect - AS LONG AS .... the club doesn't suffer from people stealing stuff! ☹ You might need to mount the tablet in something large and solid. 🤣

> [@hominidae](#):
>
> why not use RFID-Chipcards/tokens

Why? Very complex and requires management and admin. The idea of a simple list seems a lot easier.

> [@hominidae](#):
>
> Cards/Fobs

Trust me, cards/fobs - they will get lost, they need managing, they cost money, they need more managing, they get lost again! Do everyone a favour and keep things simple.

> "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!"

A simple single screen backed by a simple list of members and a reasonably smart input filter so nobody needs to type more than a couple of letters of their name. Ideally with the tablet running in Kiosk mode to stop people messing with it. Send the data to MQTT, InfluxDB or wherever so that you can do the other information stuff elsewhere.

[Next page](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/viability-for-this-touch-screen-login-out-project/88966.md?page=2)