2.

1 Input devices and their uses

Learning Objectives
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

Identify input devices and their uses such as

1. keyboard, numeric keypad
2. Pointing devices (such as mouse, touchpad, tracker ball)
3. Remote control, joystick/driving wheel
4. Visual / audio devices: touch screen, scanners, digital cameras, microphone, graphics tablet, video camera, web cam.
5. Sensors (general), temperature sensor, pressure sensor, light sensor.

Input Devices allow data to be input into a computer.

Central
Input Processing Unit
Output
Devices (CPU) Devices

Storage

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 Input Devices

Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard  Inputting data into  Easy and familiar to use Slower method compared to
applications  Fast entry of Text into a direct data entry.
 Typing commands into a CLI document
Interface

Numeric Inputting numeric data into:  Straight forward to enter  Keys can be too
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

Key Pad  ATM numeric data like pins or small.

 POS Terminals prices at a POS.  Difficult to type letters
 Chip and Pin such as (older Mobiles to
 Mobile Phones etc. text)

Pointing Devices Use Advantages Disadvantages

Mouse To control the pointer on the  Easy to navigate  Easily Damaged

screen to: through menu options  Flat surface required.
 Selecting Windows  Quicker to select an
 Clicking Icons option compared to
 Menu Options using a keyboard.
 Positioning Pointer
Touch Pad  More difficult to
 Used as a pointing device on  It is part of the keyboard so use compared to a
a laptop. there is no need for separate normal mouse.
device.

 Easier to use compared to  Tend to be more

Tracker Ball
• Used by users who tend to have mouse expensive.
limited motility in their wrist
 More accurate positing of the  Not familiar to
(RSI)
pointer. users.

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 Input Devices

Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Chapter 2: Input and output devices

Remote Control Used to control:

• TV Channels and Menu • Can be used from a distance. • Signal could be blocked by
options obstacles or walls.
• Multimedia Systems
• Industrial applications

Joystick Used in computer games and

simulators. • Easier to be used compared • More difficult to use
to a keyboard. compared to a normal mouse.

Driving Wheel • Used by gamers in computer • Driving experience is more accurate • More expensive.
games (Racing/Driving). than using keyboards. • Movement could be too
• Used in simulators.
sensitive

Visual / audio Use Advantages Disadvantages

Device
Touch Screen Used on: • Very easy to use and select • Options could be selected
• Mobile/Tablets options. accidently.
• Point of Sale (POS) • Screen can get dirty.
• Interactive White
• Boards
Scanners • Used to scan in documents or Copies can be created. Quality is dependent on
photographs. resolution settings.

Digital • Used to take photographs and • Higher Resolution images • Transferring, storing and
Cameras small video clips. can be stored on memory editing images can be
• Data can be transferred to cards. complicated
computers. • No need to develop film.

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 Video • Used to record video footage. • Can record in HD • HD movie take up a lot of
Cameras • Footage can be storage.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices
edited on a • Cost of camera
computer.

Microphone • Used to input sound into a • Voice overs can be added to • Voice recognition is not
computer. presentations. as accurate as typing
• Used in voice recognition • Recorded audio can be typed text into a computer.
applications. directly into Word Processor
applications.
Graphics • Used with a stylus to draw free • Very accurate method of • Longer to produce
hand drawings this can be drawing compared to a drawings
Tablet
stored on a computer. pointer device. • Cost of tablet

Web Cams • Used by users who want to have • Allows for face to face • Quality is dependent
a web conference (Skype Call) video chat. on internet
• Can contact people without connection
the need to travel.

Light Pens • Used in CAD applications for • More accurate than • Only used with
drawing onscreen • touch screens • CRT Monitors
• Small in size • Dated Technology

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 Input Devices: Sensors

A sensor is a device that converts a real world property into data that a computer can process.

Sensor Type Example Use

Temperature Used in green houses to measure temperature
Moisture To check the moisture in the soil in a green house
Water-Level Used in washing machine to measure water level
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

These are used to measure light intensity and can be used in security lights which come on when it
Light gets dark and go off when it gets light. It can be used to measure environmental monitoring (e.g. the
conditions in greenhouse).
Proximity Used when parking cars to judge distance.
Pressure sensors measure liquid pressure and physical pressure. Some of pressure sensors
Pressure
measure atmospheric pressure which is an important quantity for predicting the weather.

Real world measurements are collected

as an analogue signal from the sensor .
A computer only understands digital
Data collected from Sensor
signals. is in
ADC - Analogue-to-digital converter

Analogue Signal now can be

An ADC ( Analogue-to-digital converter ) understood by computers.
is needed to convert the signal so a computer understands the signal.

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 2.2 Direct data entry and associated devices
Describe direct data entry and associated devices, e.g. magnetic stripe readers, chip and PIN readers, Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) readers, Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR), Optical Mark Reader (OMR), Optical Character
Reader (OCR), bar code reader
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of any of the above devices in comparison with others
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

1- Magnetic Strip Readers are used to read data found on magnetic stripes
found on the back of cards.
USE:
Bank Cards: Contains Account details
Arcade: Contains balance
Security/Hotel Rooms: Allows entry to specific room.
Gift Cards (Vouchers) – amount of vouchers
Advantages: Disadvantages
 Fast data entry compared  Stripe could become unreadable -
to keyboard scratched
 Secure/Error Free – No  Does not work at a distance
Typing  Easily Lost/misplaced
 Not effected by water and
robust if dropped
 Easily Updated
2- Chip and Pin Readers are used POS terminals to make a secure payment
using a debit or credit card.
USE:
Users can make payment at shops, restaurants by simply inserting their
credit/debit card into the chip and pin reader and typing in their pin.
• Secure method of • The pin could be read by someone
payment compared to watching or use of mirrors.
swipe and contactless • Fraudulent machines can copy card
method. details.
• Chip is less likely to be
damaged compared to a
magnetic swipe.

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 3- Contactless Cards
Readers are used by customers to pay for products at the POS without the need
to enter a PIN Number using RFID technology.
Transactions are normally restricted to a small amount (up to £20)
How it works
The payment terminal picks up a signal from the chip to process and complete
the transaction when the card is within a few centimeters distance.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Quicker Transaction • Less secure than chip and pin method.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

meaning less time

spent at POS. • Anyone could use card if lost.
• It is easier for thieves to copy details of
• Don’t have to use PIN
the card.
• Transaction data (account • Only small payments can be made
details) is encrypted.
4- Radio Frequency Identification
RFID reads information stored on tags (small silicon chip that can be placed
on a sticker) using radio waves. RFID tags can be attached to objects or
animals/people.
USE:
• Track movement of animals (livestock) or people
• Stock Control: Scan stock items for quantity
• Airports: Track Luggage to make sure nothing is lost
• Contactless cards to make a payment
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Can read objects from a • Radio symbols can be Jammed or hacked.
distance. • More expensive than a barcode
• Can read in bulk • Tags could interfere with each other.
• Very fast reading – quick
response
• Allows read/write
operations to take place at
the same time.

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 5- Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR)
It is able to read characters printed in a special ink. These characters are then
converted into a form which could be understood by the computer
USE:
Used to process bank cheques. The characters at the bottom of cheque which are
printed in a special ink are read by the Magnetic Ink Character Reader.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• No need to manually enter • More expensive than using a keyboard to
text – less chance of type manual data.
human error.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

• Limited amount of characters can be read.

• Characters cannot be
altered.
• Characters can be read
even if they have been
written over.
6- Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
OMR is able to read marks written in pen or pencil. The position of the mark is
stored in the computer's memory.

Use:
Used to scan in marks from multiple choice exams, surveys and lottery tickets.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Very fast method of • Forms have to be completed correctly to
inputting data as no user avoid manual checks which would waste
has to manually enter time.
results.
• More accurate than OCR
• Less chance of errors

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 5- Optical Character Reader (OCR)
OCR scans text from hardcopies and converts it into an editable form which can
be used and edited in a range of software including word processors.
USE:
Used in Self-Immigration System at Airports.

Identity Cards
Students scanning text from books which can be edited.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

Advantages: Disadvantages
• Faster method of data • Not as accurate as the OMR reader
entry compared to • Unable to read handwriting.
manually typing the data.
• Less chance of errors.

6- Barcode Scanners
Barcode Scanners are used to scan bar code which contains unique information
about a product including price.

Use:
Barcode readers are typically used at point-of-sale (POS) in shops when customers
are purchased goods.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Far quicker and more • Barcode could be unreadable or missing.
accurate than typing in • Barcode could be swapped.
codes using a keypad.
• Can be an expensive system.
• Stock database can easily
be updated with new
prices – barcodes would
not need to be replaced.

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 2.3 Output devices and their uses
`
Identify output devices and their uses, e.g.
 CRT monitor, TFT/LCD monitor, IPS/LCD monitor, LED monitor.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

 Touch screen (as an output device), multimedia projector

 Laser printer, inkjet printer, dot matrix printer, wide format printer, 3D printer.
 Speakers, motors, buzzers, heaters, lights/lamps

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of any of the above devices

1- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

USE:
As primary output display for computers.
Advantages: Disadvantages
Cheaper than other monitors Size is bigger – requires more desk space.
and can be used with light Could be a safety hazard if not correctly
pens. supported.
Resolution is also very good.

2- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor

USE:
Have taken over from CRT as primary output display for computers. Also primary
output for monitors.
Advantages: Disadvantages
Smaller and lighter so less desk Resolution may not be as good as a CRT
space required. monitor.
Consumes less power and does
not generate as much heat as
CRT monitors .

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 3- In-Plane Switching IPS/LCD Monitor

USE:
IPS is generally used by creative professionals (professional graphic artists).
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

Advantages: Disadvantages
Has wide viewing angles by More expensive compared to other monitors.
altering the direction of the
pixels within the display.
Color reproduction is better
than other monitors.

4- Light-Emitting Diode LED Monitor

USE:
LED monitors are generally used outdoors in store signs, destination signs and billboards due to
their level of brightness.
Advantages: Disadvantages
LEDS produces better light which More expensive compared to other monitors.
improves the color definition and
can be used outdoors in different
types of light. LED is also energy
efficient and can last a long time.

5- Touch Screen
USE:
A touch screen is a computer display screen that is also an input device. Users can interact
with the screen by using their fingers or a special stylus/pen.
• Mobile Phones/Tablets
• Terminals at POS/Banks/Stations
Advantages: Disadvantages
• No need for additional • Screen could become damaged, dirty, less visible etc.
• Input devices. • Difficult to input high volumes of information compared to using
• No need for additional a keyboard.
buttons.
• Menus and interface
generally very easy to use.
• Zoom in and rotation is
possible.
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 6- Projector

USE:
Multimedia projectors are used when projecting signals from various (Computer, TV) devices onto a
large screen.
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

 Classrooms
 Offices
 Training Presentations
 Home cinema systems
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Is able to project onto a big screen • Output resolution may not be the same quality as
allowing more people to see the output. other devices.
• Users can gather around one screen – • Obstacles could affect block the projection.
main focal point in classrooms. • Expensive to buy and difficult to set up.
7- Inkjet Printer
USE:
Inkjet printers are used when low output volumes are required.
Home use to print homework or single pages/images.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Cheap high quality printing. • Ink cartridge can run out quickly and be expensive to
• Cheaper to buy compared to laser replace.
printers. • Ink smudges-when the printouts are removed the
• Small in size – takes up less desk paper can get damp which tends to smudge the link.
space. • Slow printing compared to laser printer.
8 - Laser Printer
USE:
Laser printers are used when High output volumes are required for schools or Offices
Advantages: Disadvantages
• High quality printing • Laser printer is more expensive to buy.
• Printing is fast especially when printing • Color laser printers are very expensive to buy.
in high volumes. • Power consumption is high.
• Supplies last longer the toner cartridge • Most laser printers are larger than inkjet printers.
lasts longer than inkjet cartridge – cost
effective.
• Prints quietly.

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 9 - Dot Matrix Printer
USE:
Dot Matrix is a type of printers that used in offices and factories where multi-part printouts are needed
and noise is not an issue. For example one copy of an invoice could be kept by sales office, one copy
Chapter 2: Input and output devices

could be sent to the customer and another given to the factory. They are impact printers and work by
hitting little pins against an inked ribbon to form the characters on the paper, which creates a lot of
noise.
Dot Matrix prints seems to be out-of-date but they are ideal in some situations. You will see them being
used to print out invoices in warehouses; car part stores, and garages. You might also see them being
used in pharmacies for printing labels.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Can be used to print multi-part stationary- • Poor Quality printing
this is useful where the print out needs to be • Noisy compared to other printers.
sent to different places. • Unsuitable for printing graphics.
• Can be used with continues stationary this • More expensive to buy than inkjet printers.
makes it ideal for stock lists, invoices, etc.
• Cheaper to run than inkjet printers.
10- Wide Format Printer
USE:
Wide Format printers can handle printing on sheets of papers are generally used when large format
printing is required such as banners, billboards , signs, posters, photographs and art.
Not many people can use these printers regularly enough to purchase one, so instead they go to special
print shops who will print out on wide format printer for fess.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• High resolution printing compared to laser • Generally expensive to buy and maintain.
and inkjet printers.
• Can print on papers larger than A4 so ideal
for printing maps, scale drawing, posters etc.
• Companies are able to print in house which is
cheaper than asking another company to
print.
11- 3D Printer
USE:
3D Printers use an additive technique where successive layers of materials such as plastic , glass,
ceramic or metal are laid down to produce the 3D model.

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 3D Printers could be used to produce
Prosthetic limbs
• Manufacturing Parts
• Medical Applications
• Construction
• Fashion/Arts
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Products can be customized. • Counterfeits products could be created.
• Prototypes can be created quickly. • Dangerous objects could be printed if
• Parts can be created which are no longer used inappropriately.
manufactured. • Very expensive printer.
• Artificial organs can be created.
12- Speakers
USE:
Speakers are required to output sound. Essential for video conferencing, movies, computer games
etc.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Speakers can be used • Not as personal compared to headphones – can be heard by
wirelessly using Bluetooth everyone.
technology. • An underpowered amplifier playing at high volumes can
• Sounds can be amplified. damage a speaker.
• Surround sounds systems
to give a more realistic
experience.

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Actuators are part of the control process – digital signals are sent by the
computer to actuator to affect or control the real world.
Type Use
 Washing machines
Motors
 Control Fans
(Spins things around)  Control Robot Arms in manufacturing

 Used in burglar alarms

Buzzer
 Microwave ovens and other household appliances
(Creates a noise)  Sporting events/Game shows

 Control heat in a central heating system

Heater
 Control heat in a green house
(Increases temperature)  Control heat in an oven

 Security lights
Lights
 Car Dashboard – e.g. to alert driver of low fuel.
(Creates light)  Lights in greenhouse

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