Peripherals

The Virbe Kiosk supports optional peripheral devices for enhanced interaction experiences – particularly in retail, events, and hospitality settings. Peripherals communicate with the kiosk via serial (COM) port or HID (Human Interface Device, e.g. USB keyboard emulation), and send signals to the Virbe pipeline when data is received.

Supported Peripheral TypesCopy Anchor Link

How Peripherals Connect to the PipelineCopy Anchor Link

Peripheral input is surfaced to the Virbe pipeline as Conversation Signals. When a device sends data (e.g., a barcode is scanned), the Virbe Kiosk app forwards the data as a signal with a configurable name and value.

Configure peripheral signals in the profile under Settings → Serial Device & HID Input:

• Serial device signal name – the signal name that fires when data arrives on the COM port
• Capture HID input toggle – when enabled, keyboard-emulated input from USB HID devices is captured and forwarded as a signal

In the Conversation Editor, use a Route by Signal node or Signal Handler to respond to the signal and pass the scanned value to the pipeline for processing (e.g., a barcode value passed to a Find Records node to look up product information).

Barcode and QR ScannersCopy Anchor Link

USB HID (keyboard emulation) scannersCopy Anchor Link

Most USB barcode scanners operate in HID keyboard emulation mode by default – they behave like a keyboard typing the barcode value followed by a carriage return. To capture this in Virbe:

1. Enable Capture HID input in the profile Settings
2. The scanned value will be sent as a signal with the scanned string as its value
3. In the Conversation Editor, handle the signal and store the value in a variable for use in subsequent nodes

Serial (COM port) scannersCopy Anchor Link

Some industrial scanners communicate via serial. Connect via USB-to-serial adapter and configure the Serial device signal name in the profile Settings. Ensure the COM port number is stable – use Device Manager to assign a permanent COM port number to the adapter.

Cameras for Face DetectionCopy Anchor Link

Any USB camera with a Windows-compatible driver can be used for face detection. The On face-detected handler fires when the camera detects a human face in frame, allowing the kiosk to initiate a conversation when a user approaches.

Camera recommendations:

• Logitech C920 / C930e – reliable, widely available, good low-light performance
• Microsoft LifeCam – good Windows driver compatibility
• Industrial USB cameras – for installations requiring wider FOV or specific mounting form factors

Position the camera at approximately eye level for the intended user, or slightly above pointing down for standing kiosk enclosures. Ensure the field of view covers the approach distance at which you want the conversation to start.

RFID and NFC ReadersCopy Anchor Link

RFID/NFC readers that present as HID devices work with the Capture HID input setting. Readers that use serial communication work with the Serial device signal name setting. Most common readers (ACR122U for NFC, standard RFID readers) work in HID mode.

Test the reader before installation to confirm it operates in HID mode and that the card/badge data format matches what your pipeline expects.

Cabling and Cable ManagementCopy Anchor Link

For permanent installations, plan cable management carefully:

• Route cables through the kiosk enclosure or wall to minimise visible wiring
• Use cable trays or conduit for floor or ceiling routing
• Label all cables at both ends for easy maintenance
• Use USB extension cables or USB hubs if the PC is mounted away from the peripheral devices – verify that power delivery is sufficient for the connected devices

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