Building an Interactive Badge Scanner System with Python Text-to-Speech

Access control systems play a crucial role in security and workforce management. In this tutorial, we'll build an interactive badge scanner system in Python that provides real-time audio feedback using text-to-speech (TTS). This system is ideal for offices, events, or any environment requiring badge-based authentication.

Why Build a Badge Scanner System?

• Automated Access Control – Streamline entry and exit processes.
• Audio Feedback – Get immediate spoken responses for badge scans.
• Real-Time Badge Validation – Ensure only valid badge holders are granted access.
• Scalability – Can be extended with database storage, time-based restrictions, and logging.

Prerequisites

To follow along, ensure you have:

• Python 3.x installed on your system.
• Familiarity with basic Python programming and package management using pip.

Required Packages

Install the necessary dependencies:

pip install pyttsx3 keyboard

These libraries enable text-to-speech output (pyttsx3) and keyboard event handling (keyboard).

Step 1: Setting Up Voice Notifications

We'll create a VoiceNotifier class to handle spoken feedback:

import pyttsx3

class VoiceNotifier:
    def __init__(self):
        self.engine = pyttsx3.init()
    
    def speak(self, message):
        self.engine.say(message)
        self.engine.runAndWait()

    def access_granted(self):
        self.speak("Access granted")
    
    def exit_granted(self):
        self.speak("Exit granted")
    
    def access_denied(self):
        self.speak("Access denied")
    
    def badge_exists(self):
        self.speak("Badge code already exists")
    
    def badge_added(self):
        self.speak("Badge code added")

The VoiceNotifier class ensures smooth text-to-speech responses for all system events.

Step 2: Implementing the Badge Management System

Next, we create a BadgeManager class to handle badge validation and scanning:

class BadgeManager:
    def __init__(self):
        self.voice = VoiceNotifier()
        self.valid_badges = set(range(100000))  # Badge range: 00000-99999
        self.active_badges = set()
    
    def validate_badge(self, badge_code):
        try:
            return 0 <= int(badge_code) <= 99999
        except ValueError:
            return False
    
    def scan_badge(self, badge_code):
        if not self.validate_badge(badge_code):
            self.voice.access_denied()
            return False
        
        badge_code = int(badge_code)
        
        if badge_code in self.active_badges:
            self.active_badges.remove(badge_code)
            self.voice.exit_granted()
        else:
            self.active_badges.add(badge_code)
            self.voice.access_granted()
        
        return True
    
    def add_badge(self, badge_code):
        if not self.validate_badge(badge_code):
            print("Invalid badge code format")
            return False
        
        badge_code = int(badge_code)
        
        if badge_code in self.valid_badges:
            self.voice.badge_exists()
            return False
        
        self.valid_badges.add(badge_code)
        self.voice.badge_added()
        return True
    
    def get_active_badges(self):
        return sorted(self.active_badges)

This class manages badge validation, tracks active badges, and prevents duplicate badge entries.

Step 3: Creating an Interactive Interface

We implement a keyboard-driven interface for scanning and adding badges:

import keyboard

class BadgeScanner:
    def __init__(self):
        self.badge_manager = BadgeManager()
    
    def start(self):
        print("Badge Scanner System")
        print("Press 's' to scan a badge")
        print("Press 'a' to add a new badge")
        print("Press 'ESC' to exit")
        
        keyboard.on_press_key("s", lambda _: self.scan_mode())
        keyboard.on_press_key("a", lambda _: self.add_mode())
        keyboard.wait("esc")
    
    def scan_mode(self):
        badge = input("Scan badge: ")
        self.badge_manager.scan_badge(badge)
    
    def add_mode(self):
        badge = input("Enter new badge code: ")
        self.badge_manager.add_badge(badge)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    scanner = BadgeScanner()
    scanner.start()

This script provides a user-friendly way to interact with the badge system via keyboard shortcuts.

How It Works

1. Press 's' to scan a badge.
2. Press 'a' to add a new badge.
3. Press 'ESC' to exit.

Features & Benefits

• Instant Voice Feedback – No need to check screens; the system speaks the results.
• Badge Number Validation – Prevents invalid badge codes.
• Dual-Purpose Badge Scanning – Handles both entry and exit with a single scan.
• Expandable – Can be integrated with hardware scanners, databases, and logging.

Get the Complete Script

Want to skip the setup and get a ready-to-use script? The full Badge Scanner System is available for download at Brand Nova. Click the link below to access the product:

👉 Get the Badge Scanner System on Brand Nova

Using the Enhanced Script (Available on Brand Nova)

What’s New in the Enhanced Version?

🚀 Expanded Features:

• Dynamic badge registration 📋
• Check-in & check-out tracking 🔄
• More polished voice feedback 🎤
• Support for large badge databases 🏛️

How to Use the Enhanced Version

1. Download the script from Brand Nova 💾

2. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the script:

   python run.py

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to register and scan badges!

Future Enhancements

This system can be extended in several ways:

• Database Integration – Store badge data permanently.
• Logging System – Keep track of badge scans.
• GUI Interface – Replace CLI with a user-friendly dashboard.
• Hardware Support – Connect physical badge scanners.

Conclusion

This Python-based badge scanner system offers a practical, easy-to-use solution for access control. By integrating text-to-speech feedback, it enhances user experience and usability. Whether you're managing workplace access or tracking event attendees, this script provides a solid foundation for further customization.