Implement barcode scanner for "Sample Name" field (barcode and QR code)

[eecavanna]

Tasks

• [ ] Install and integrate a barcode scanning library.
  • For library research, see: https://github.com/microbiomedata/nmdc-field-notes/issues/17
• [ ] Implement the barcode scanner view (this may come pre-built by the library—TBD)
  • Implement this modularly so it can be used for other fields later
• [ ] Add a "Scan barcode" button/icon into/next to the "Sample name" field
  • Tapping the button will reveal the barcode scanner view
• [ ] Implement user-facing messages for access-related issues (e.g. "Scanning barcodes requires camera access"), if applicable
• [ ] Test: Scan example barcodes and QR codes: https://www.barcode-generator.org/

Note: There is no nmdc-server piece of this feature. It is client-side only.

Example barcodes and QR codes

Type is: QR Code. Decodes to: National Microbiome Data Collaborative

Type is: Code 128 (standard). Decodes to: National Microbiome Data Collaborative

Penpot Mockup

Thoughts

• Decision needed: What types of barcodes will we support (more specifically than "barcodes and QR codes")?
  • Which ones do we already know people use in the field? Which ones are the most popular in general?
  • Maybe we don't even have to know this, and we can just support all the ones that the library we choose supports.
• Does input validation play a role here? If the barcode scanner feature "types" the value into the field, and input validation happens downstream from that, then I think we can disregard input validation when working on this feature.

[eecavanna]

A topic that came up during today's squad meeting was "how can we test the barcode reader via the device simulator?" I will look into this and report back.

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Update: I implemented a proof of concept in a temporary branch (here: https://github.com/microbiomedata/nmdc-field-notes/compare/main...54E-implement-barcode-scanner-for-sample-name-field-barcode-and-qr-code) where I was able to scan a barcode in the Android simulator. Caveat: On that branch, I cannot compile the iOS app.