INPUT DEVICES

DEFINITION: An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing
the users to interact with and control it.
•Also
•Input devices are used to send data, commands, or control signals from a user or external
source to a computer system for processing.

TYPES OF INPUT DEVICES

1.​ Keyboard
2.​ Mouse
3.​ Digital camera
4.​ Microphone
5.​ Light pen
6.​ Touch screen
7.​ Joystick
8.​ Trackball
9.​ OMR(Optical Mark Reader/Recognition)
10.​Barcode reader
11.​MICR(Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
12.​QR Code readers( Quick Response)
13.​Biometrics
14.​Gamepad
15.​Medical Imaging devices

THE KEYBOARD
Definition: A device with keys representing alphabets, numbers, and symbols that allows users
to input text and commands
Types of keyboard
1.​ QWERTY keyboard
2.​ Mechanical keyboard
3.​ Membrane keyboard
4.​ Wireless keyboard
USES OF KEYBOARD
•1. Typing documents and emails
•2. Data entry and processing
•3. Gaming and entertainment
•4. Communication (chatting, messaging)
•5. Navigation and control (shortcuts, hotkeys)
•6. Programming and coding
•7. Education and research
•8. Accessibility (assistive technology)

Advantages of the keyboard

•1. Keyboards allow for fast and efficient typing.
•2. Keyboards provide tactile feedback for accurate typing.
•3. Keyboards are widely used and compatible with various devices0.
•4. Keyboards can be customized for personalized use.

Disadvantages
•1. Keyboards can be prone to wear and tear.
•2. Keyboards can lead to typing errors.
•3. Poor keyboard ergonomics can cause discomfort.
•4. Keyboards require regular cleaning and maintenance.

THE MOUSE

Definition: The mouse is a pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a
surface, used to control and interact with items on the screen.
Also, a mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects movement relative to a surface and
allows the user to control the pointer (cursor) on a computer screen.

Types of mouse
1.​ •Mechanical mouse
2.​ •Optical mouse
3.​ •Wireless mouse
4.​ •Trackball mouse
​
USES OF THE MOUSE
1.Navigation and selection
2.Clicking and dragging
3.Scrolling through documents and web pages
4.Gaming and interactive applications
5.Graphic design and editing

Advantages of mouse
•1. Precise control and accuracy
•2. Intuitive and easy to use
•3. Enables efficient navigation and selection
•4. Supports various gestures and shortcuts

Disadvantages of mouse
•1. Prone to wear and tear
•2. Can cause discomfort and injury (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
•3. May require regular cleaning and maintenance
•4. Can be affected by surface quality and lighting conditions

THE SCANNER

Definition: This is an input device that converts physical documents, images, or objects into
digital form for storage and editing.
Types of scanner
1.​ •Flatbed scanner
2.​ •Handheld scanner
3.​ •Drum scanner
4.​ •Photo scanner
USES OF SCANNER
•1. Document scanning (e.g., papers, contracts)
•2. Image scanning (e.g., photos, artwork)
•3. Data capture (e.g., receipts, invoices)
•4. Digitizing documents for archiving or sharing

Advantages
•1. Quick and efficient document capture
•2. High-quality image scanning
•3. Saves physical storage space
•4. Enables easy sharing and collaboration

Disadvantages
•1. May require software setup and configuration
•2. Can be prone to image quality issues
•3. May require regular maintenance and cleaning
•4. Can be expensive, especially high-end models

THE MICROPHONE
Definition: This is a device that captures sound waves and converts them into electrical signals for
recording or transmission.

Types:

•Condenser microphone

•Dynamic microphone
•Lavalier microphone

•USB microphone

Uses

1.​ Voice recording (e.g., podcasts, voiceovers).

2.​ Video conferencing and online meetings
3.​ Public speaking and presentations
4.​ Music recording and performance
5.​ Voice commands and voice assistants

Advantages

1. Captures high-quality audi

2. Enables real-time communication.

3. Versatile applications (recording, streaming, gaming)

4. Enhances online interactions.

Disadvantages

1.​ May pick up background noise.

2.​ Requires proper setup and positioning
3.​ Can be prone to technical issues (e.g., feedback, distortion)
4.​ May require additional equipment (e.g., mixer, headphones)
THE JOYSTICK
Definition: A lever used to control movement or actions often in gaming or
simulators.
Types:
1.​ •Digital joystick
2.​ •Analog joystick
3.​ •Force feedback joystick

Uses
•1. Gaming (flight simulators, racing games)
•2. Industrial control (cranes, machinery)
•3. Aviation (flight control)
•4. Medical devices (surgical robots)
•5. Virtual reality (VR) and simulation

Advantages
•1. Precise control and movement
•2. Enhanced gaming experience
•3. Improved accuracy in industrial applications
•4. Intuitive control for complex systems
Disadvantages
•1. May require calibration and setup
•2. Can be prone to wear and tear
•3. Limited compatibility with certain devices
•4. May require additional equipment (e.g., pedals, buttons)

THE LIGHT PEN

Definition: A pen-like device that detects light from the screen for
input, mainly in graphics.
Types
1.​CRT-compatible light pens
2.​Modern touchscreens (integrated light detection)

Uses
•1. Graphic design and digital art
•2. Interactive whiteboards and presentations
•3. Educational settings (e.g., interactive lessons)
•4. Design and engineering applications
Advantages:
•Precise drawing and selection.
•Direct interaction.
•Enables natural drawing and writing experience

Disadvantages:
•Fragile and sensitive to ambient light.
•Obsolete with modern touchscreens.
•Calibration needed.
•Can be prone to technical issues

TRACKBALL
Definition: A stationary device with a ball that the user rotates to move the cursor.
Types:
1.​ Mechanical trackballs
2.​ Optical trackballs
USES
•​Precise cursor control in graphic design and CAD.
•​Space-saving computer control.
•​Used in applications requiring high accuracy and limited desk space

Advantages:
•​Space-efficient.
•​Less wrist strain.
•​High precision.
•​Disadvantages:
•​Initial difficulty in mastering.
•​Support limited in some systems
•​Can be prone to technical issues

GAMEPAD
Definition: A handheld controller with buttons and joysticks used mainly for gaming.
Types:
•​Standard gamepad (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation controllers)
•​Arcade-style controllers
•​Wireless gamepads
USES

•​ Controlling characters and actions in video games.

•​ Controlling multimedia applications on consoles and PCs.
•​ Virtual reality and simulation control.

Advantages:
1.​ Ergonomic and user-friendly.
2.​ Supports complex controls.
3.​ Wireless options available.
4.​ Enhanced gaming experience
5.​ Precise control and feedback
6.​ Ergonomic design for comfort

Disadvantages:
 ●​ Limited to gaming.
●​ Can be expensive.
●​ Can be prone to wear and tear​

Optical Mark Reader (OMR)​

Definition:A device that reads marks made on paper forms, typically for exams or
surveys.

Types:
•​Scanner-based OMR systems
•​Sheet readers with optical sensors

USES
•​Processing exam answer sheets.
•​Conducting surveys and questionnaires.
•​Voting systems.
​
Advantages:
●​Fast and highly accurate.
●​Suitable for multiple-choice data.
●​ Accurate marking recognition
●​Reduced manual data entry errors

Disadvantages:
●​Limited to detecting marks, not handwriting.
●​Requires specific form setup
 ●​Requires specialized software and hardware
●​Limited flexibility in marking formats
●​ May require specific paper quality and design

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)​

DEFINITION:​This is an input device that converts printed or handwritten text into digital
data.

•​Types:
•​Scanning-based OCR
•​Mobile OCR apps

Uses
•​ 1. Document scanning and digitization
•​ 2. Text recognition and extraction
•​ 3. Image-to-text conversion
•​ 4. Data entry automation

Advantages:
 •​ Supports digitizing physical documents.
•​ Automates text recognition and extraction
•​ Saves time and increases efficiency
•​ Enables search and editing of scanned documents

Disadvantages:
•​ May require image preprocessing and optimization
•​ Accuracy can vary depending on image quality
•​ May struggle with handwritten or complex fonts

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition):​

Definition: Device that reads magnetic ink characters on cheques.

•​Types:
•​MICR read-head systems.

Uses
•​1. Bank check processing
•​2. Financial document processing
•​3. Secure data entry
 Advantages
●​1. High accuracy and security
●​2. Fast processing of checks and documents
●​3. Reduced errors and increased efficiency

Disadvantages
●​1. Limited use cases (primarily financial documents)
●​2. Requires specialized ink and printing
●​3. Can be expensive to implement and maintain

BIOMETRICS

Definition: Devices that identify or verify individuals based on unique biological traits.
Types:
1.​ Fingerprint scanners
2.​ Iris scanners
3.​ Facial recognition systems
4.​ Voice recognition systems
5.​ Hand geometry

Advantages:
●​ High security.
●​ Convenient and quick.
●​ Difficult to forge.
●​ Unique identification
Disadvantages:
•​ Expensive hardware.
•​ Privacy and ethical issues.
•​ False positives/negatives possible.
•​ Requires specialized software and hardware
•​