What is an input device?
An input device is a hardware component used to enter data or control signals into a computer (real life data to digital)
Barcode scanner
Uses a red laser to read a series of black and white stripes.
● Scanning goods, checking out books, tracking deliveries.
● Reduces errors caused by manual input.
Digital camera
Captures light via sensors and converts it into a digital image.
● Integrated into smartphones and security systems.
● Replaces slower traditional cameras and allows the image to be manipulated.
Keyboard
Each key is mapped against a character.
Key presses are detected, and a signal is sent to the computer.
● Connected via wired USB, wireless or Bluetooth. Built into laptops.
● Tablets and smartphones use virtual keyboards.
Optical mouse
Uses a red LED and sensors to determine movement on the surface beneath, sensor detects motion, moves cursor
● Easy navigation around a graphical user interface (GUI).
● No moving parts, more robust than a mechanical mouse.
Microphone
Vibrations caused by sound waves are captured and converted into digital
● Music recordings, dictation, radio, TV, film, online communication, etc.
QR code scanner
Read using a camera, software decodes 2D pattern and converted into readable data.
● Advertising products, quick access to websites, storing e-tickets, etc.
Resistive Touch screen
Consists of two conductive layers separated by an insulating layer. (Pressing completes circuit)
● Cheap to produce, can be activated using virtually any object.
● Cash machines, kiosks, medical equipment.
Capacitive touch screens
Detects touch though changes in electrical charge on the surface
● Excellent image quality, high precision, supports multiple touches.
● Tablets, laptops, smartphones.
Infra-red touch screen
LEDs shine infrared light to form a matrix over the screen.
● Excellent image quality, unlimited touch-life, scales very well.
● Very large commercial displays, kiosks, medical equipment.
2D scanner
Shines a bright line across a document and measures light reflections to create a digital version.
3D scanner
Shines a laser over an object’s surface to scan its shape and dimensions, creating a 3D model.
What is an output device?
hardware component that displays or delivers the results of computer processing to the user
Actuator
Convert electrical signals into physical movements, often used with a sensor.
Digital light
processing
(DLP) projector
A microchip inside the projector contains millions of tiny mirrors arranged in a grid-like matrix.
Liquid crystal
display (LCD)
projector
Uses three separate mirror filters and a prism to create an image.
Inkjet printer
Uses liquid links forced through fine nozzles.
Laser printer
Uses a laser to form an image on a drum, toner sticks and is transferred to paper
Liquid crystal
display (LCD)
screen
Made up of millions of liquid crystals, requires backlighting.
Light-emitting
diode (LED)
screen
Uses tiny LEDs to produce bright images without the need for additional backlighting.
Speaker
Converts digital representations of sound into analog waves that can be heard by the human ear.
3D printer
Build objects layer by layer from digital models using materials like plastic or resin
