Universal QR Code Scanner via Webcam

WHAT IT DOES

Universal QR Code Scanner via Webcam opens a floating overlay on any webpage with a live webcam feed that continuously scans for QR codes. When a QR code is detected, the decoded content is displayed in the overlay and, if enabled, the overlay automatically closes after a few seconds. The scanned content can be copied to your clipboard or opened as a URL in a new tab with a single click. The overlay includes a flash toggle for low-light conditions, a manual scan trigger, and an auto-close toggle. A status indicator shows when the scanner is actively searching for QR codes and displays the decoded content with options to act on it.

WHERE IT RUNS

This script operates as a userscript within the BotGentz extension on any webpage where you need to scan QR codes. It functions on any modern browser that supports the BotGentz extension, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera. The script uses the browser's getUserMedia API to access the webcam and processes video frames locally using the jsQR library, with no data sent to external servers.

HOW TO USE

After installation, open the panel and click the "Open Scanner" button. A floating overlay appears with your webcam feed and a QR code detection guide. Hold a QR code up to your camera, and the script will automatically detect and decode it. The result appears in the overlay with buttons to copy the content or open the URL. Use the "Flash" button to enable your device's flash for better scanning in low light. The "Auto-close" button toggles whether the scanner closes automatically after detecting a QR code. Click the "✕ Close" button to dismiss the overlay at any time. The scanner can be dragged to any position on your screen by clicking and holding its header.

THE MECHANISM THAT MAKES IT WORK

The script uses the getUserMedia API to capture video from the user's webcam with constraints optimized for QR code scanning (640x480 resolution, environment-facing camera). Video frames are rendered to an offscreen canvas at 150ms intervals, and the jsQR library analyzes the pixel data to detect and decode QR codes. The jsQR library implements the Reed-Solomon error correction algorithm specified in the QR code standard, enabling accurate decoding even with partial damage or distortion. The flash toggle uses the Torch API (where supported) or a visual overlay flash effect as a fallback. The scanner's state machine manages the scanning loop, detecting when a QR code is in the frame and triggering the result display with a success sound (generated via the Web Audio API) and desktop notification. The overlay's draggable functionality uses mouse event handling with transform-based positioning.

THE PANEL

The script panel is built using BotGentz's BGPanel framework and provides comprehensive control over the scanner's behavior. The panel opens as a floating overlay that can be dragged anywhere on your screen, with a clean dark theme matching the tool's aesthetic. It includes a dropdown menu for selecting a specific camera device, toggle switches for enabling the scanner, compact mode, auto-close after scan, and scan sound, and a dropdown menu for overlay position (center, top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right). Action buttons allow you to open the scanner, close it, or reset all settings to defaults. The panel collapses to a small icon when not in use and expands when clicked, remaining accessible but unobtrusive. Press the Escape key at any time to close the panel.

PLEASE NOTE

This script requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and activated in your browser. The extension is available from the official BotGentz website. The script requires webcam permissions and will not function without them. The scanner uses the jsQR library loaded from a CDN; an internet connection is required for first-time use or after cache clearing. The script is designed for scanning QR codes at a moderate distance with good lighting. The flash feature may not work on all devices or browsers. The scanner processes video frames locally; no image data is transmitted to any server. If the scanner does not detect QR codes, ensure you are in a well-lit environment and hold the code steady within the guide frame. The script is a convenience tool and not intended for high-security applications.