Input and output devices In this chapter you wil learn about: « input devices + uses of each device + advantages of each device + disadvantages of each device ‘© direct data entry (ODE) devices, © output devices ‘= uses of each device ++ advantages of each device + disadvantages of each device. 2.1 Input devices and their uses As the name suggests, these are hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer. Many such devices exist, ranging from the more common ones, such as the keyboard, through to the more specialist devices, such as barcode readers, Annumber are described in this section. 2.1.1 Keyboards ‘These are the most common input devices and are used to input text numbers. |g and instructions into the computer. Most use the QWERTY layout (this name a ans fi comes from the keys on the top row, which spell out ‘QWERTY?) = Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the health-related problems associated with standard keyboards, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury (RSI). Uses © Input of data into applications sofiware (for example, text into word. processors, numbers into spreadsheets, ete.) @ Typing in commands to the computer (for example, Prt Sern, Crrl+P to print out etc.). Advantages © Fast entry of new text into a document. @ Easy to use for most people. Easier to do verification checks as the data is entered (can immediately compare the source document with typed data on the screen). Disadvantages © Can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use. @ Slow method when compared to direct data entry (for example, optical mark recognition). Fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space. Exercise 2a Find out about a number of applications that use input/output devices and discuss the reasons vihy they were chasen (that is, ther advantages and disadvantages).2 INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES Concept keyboard : The concept keyboard uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters. These are often used in fast-food restaurants, where a single key represents one item, for example an ice cream. ‘The person serving only needs to touch this key to order the ice cream and bring up its price on a screen. «© This allows for fast dara entry (no need to type in whole commands). © The keyboards are waterproof (useful in a restaurant environment), © Also, in certain applications (for example, at unmanned airport information kiosks), these keyboards are tamper resistant, preventing people from keying, in information that could potentially corrupt the computer system. Numeric keypads A numeric keypad is used to enter numbers only (although some have a function key to allow alphabetic characters to be input). Uses © Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer can key in their PIN, amount of money, etc. © Mobile phones, ro allow phone numbers, etc., 10 be keyed in © Point-of-sale (POS) terminals in case the barcode reader fails to read the barcode ~ the number has to be keyed in manually by the operator. © Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards (Key in PIN, amount of money, etc.). Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet. Advantages Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric dara Since many are small devices (for example, mobile phones) they are very easy ro carry around Disadvantages © Sometimes have small keys which can make input more difficult. © Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad isn’t intuitive. 2.1.2 Pointing devices Mouse ‘The mouse is an example of a pointing device. The user controls the position of a pointer on the screen by moving the mouse around. There are usually nwo buttons, which have differenr functions: the lefe burton is usually used to select items by double clicking, while the right button brings up drop-down menus. Many also have a scroll button, which speeds up the process of moving through a document. Recent developments have produced the optical mouse (where movement is detected by reflected light rather than the position of a moving ball) and the cordless or wireless mouse (which transmits signals to a USB wireless receiver figure 21 Euampleof plugged into the computer). The advantage of an optical mouse is it has no a ciep-down manu ®@2.1 Input devices and their uses moving parts and it also doesn’t pick up any dirt. This makes it more robust and improves its performance since the older type of mouse can ‘skid’ on certain surfaces, reducing the control of the pointer. Uses © Opening, closing and minimising software, © Grouping, moving and deleting files. @ Image editing, for example controlling the size and position of a drawing pasted into a document. © Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection from a menu or selecting an icon, and for scrolling up and down/left and right. Advantages Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard. Very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet, © Doesn’t need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard. Disadvantages © Can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement than using a keyboard data entry. «# Easy to damage, and the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged up with dirt. « Difficult to use if no fla surfice is readily available (for example, on an aeroplane) Exercise 2b ‘Ty out as many input devices as possible and write down your own views on their ease of use, advantages and disadvantages. Touchpad Touchpads are used asa pointing device in many laptop computers. The pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger on the touchpad and then gently tapping it to simulate the left button of a mouse (ie. selection). ‘They also have buttons under the touchpad which serve the same function as the left and right buttons on a mouse. Their uses are the same as those ofa mouse. Advantages f Same as the mouse (faster than a keyboard for choosing options, used ro navigate applications and the internet, etc.). « Since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer there is no need for a separate mouse — this aids the portability and is also a big advantage if there are no flat surfaces available. Disadvantages @ People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use. © Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a mouse. © More difficult t0 use when doing certain operations such as drag and drop.2 INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES Trackerball ‘Teackerballs are similar to a mouse except that the ball is on the top or the side of the device; the user controls the pointer on the screen by rorating the ball with their hand. It is easier to use for people with limited hand//wrist movement. Some - trackerballs have two buttons, which have the same function as the left and right mouse buttons. If they have a third button, it is the equivalent to a doudle click. Since wrackerballs don’t physically move, there is no need for desk space. Uses «© Used in applications where the user has a disability (such as RST) © Used in a control room environment where itis faster than a mouse to navigate through process screens, ¢ Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio, telephone, music, satnay and so on. Adrants or ‘© Doesn’t need the same fine control as a mouse. Figure 2.2 Trackerballs are used in Easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled. ee oe © More accurate positioning of the pointer on screen than a mouse. “ar . © They are more robust than a mouse. © Needs less desk space than a mouse or a keyboard. Disadvantages © Not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly. User may need training since it isn’t standard equipment. 2.1.3 Remote control A remote control is used to control the operation of other devices remotely using infrared signals. The buttons on the keypad are used to select options (such as television channels, sound levels on a hi-fi, timings on a DVD recorder, etc.) Uses Televisions, satellite systems, DVD players and hi-fi systems all use remoxe controls to alter functions such as sound volume, on/off, change channels open the disc drawer, and so on. ¢ Used ro control multimedia systems © Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes, stop and start machinery, etc. Advantages © Can be operated from any reasonable distance, unlike, for example, a corded mouse which is restricted by the length of cord (useful for disabled people). © Some chemical processes are hazardous, so itis a big advantage to be able to select operations from a distance. Disadvantages « Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand /wrist movement. «@ eis easier to block the signal if, for example, the walls in the building are very thick. @2.1 Input devices and their uses 2.1.4 Joysticks Joysticks have similar functions to a mouse and a trackerball, By gripping the stick, @ pointer on the screen can be controlled. Buttons are used to make selections, Often they have another button on the top of the stick that is used for gaming purposes, for example to fire a weapon. Uses © Used in video /computer games. © Used in simulators (for example, flight simulators) to mimic actual controls. »> Advantages Easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen. @ Control is more realistic than using a mouse, for example. Disadvantages © More difficult to control the on-screen pointer than with other devices, such. as a mouse. Driving wheel A driving (steering) wheel is an example of an input device that is similar toa joystick in many ways. It connects to a computer (or games machine), usually through a USB port. The wheel allows you to simulate the turning of a steering wheel, and there are associated devices (such as buttons or pedals) which allow you to accelerace and brake. Sensors are used to pick up left/right movement so that the user gets the sensation of steering a car around a circuit or on the road. Uses © Used in video /computer games (for example, car-racing games). ¢ Used in simulators (for example, car-driving simulators) to mim vehicle controls. jc actual Advantages © Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements; it is more natural. © The ‘driving experience’ is nearer to how an actual steering wheel and other controls operate in real life. Disadvantages @ Tecan be a rather expensive input device compared to mouse or joystick. © Movements in the steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic ‘feel’. © Unless t is an expensive simulator, feedback to the driving wheel is non-existent. 2.1.5 Touch screens With a touch sereen the user can choose an option by simply touching a burton/ icon on the screen. The selection is automatically made without the need for any pointing device.2 INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES Uses © Self-service tills, for example at petrol stations, where the user just touches the screen to select the fuel grade and payment method. © Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to chow from on-screen options, Point-of sale terminals ar, for example, restaurants, Public information systems at airports, railway stations, tourist offices, etc. Personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones and satellite navigation systems. Interactive white boards in education. © Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during on-scre testing, © They can obviously also be used as an output device, since they still work as a flat-screen monitor. Advantages Faster entry of options than using keyboard or mouse. Very easy method for choosing options © User-friendly — no training necessary in its use Disadvantages © Limited number of options available. Can lead to problems if an operator has to use the system frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all possible), The screen can get very dirty with constant touching; this can reduce its responsiveness and can also make it more difficult to read in strong light. 2.1.6 Scanners Scanners are used to enter information from hard copy (for example, text documents, photographs) into a computer. The most common type is the flatbed scanner (shown on the right), which is made up of a glass panel and lid. The hard copy document or photo is scanned by a light source and produces a computer-readable image. ‘The subsequent image can then be manipulated using a drawing package. Images can also be used with optical character recognition (OCR) software to allow the information to used in a word processor, desktop publishing, presentation software, etc. (see Section 2.2.5). Specialist scanners exist that are designed to carry out a specific task, for example barcode scanners (see later). Uses f Scan in documents and convert into a format for use in various software packages. Scan in old /valuable documents/books, thus protecting the originals, as well as producing records in case the paper copies are lost/destroyed (this is also known as archiving). Scan in phorographs (nor all cameras are digital, so some photographs are still rinted on paper requiring conversion to computer format for storage). Scan in barcodes at POS terminals. 82.1 Input devices and their uses Advantages @ Images can be stored for editing at a later dare. © Much faster and more accurate (i.e. no typing errors) than typing in documents again « Iris possible to recover damaged documents and phorographs by scanning. in and then using appropriate software to produce an acceptable copy. Disadvantages © Quality can be limited depending on how good a resolution the scanner is capable of (since most scanners have a range of resolutions you can choose from) © They can be fairly slow at scanning, especially if the colour scanning mode is chosen or if the chosen scanning resolution is high. 2.1.7 Digital cameras Digital cameras have largely replaced traditional film-based cameras. The images are stored on a memory card (solid state memory) and can be transferred to a computer by: directly reading the memory card (by slotting it into a card reader attached to a computer or a printer) © connecting the camera to the computer using a USB port using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). ‘The images are uploaded from the camera and stored in a file on the computer; the user can select which photos to upload and which to ignore. The images are then available for printing out as photos, to be used in a ‘slide show’, imported into software such as a word processor, or for upoading on to the internet. Advantages © Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera. Easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer rather than having t© scan in hard copies when using traditional methods. # No need to develop film and print out photographs anymore ~ this saves money and is also environmentally more acceptable (saves paper and reduces the use of the chemicals used in developing traditional film). @ Memory cards can store several hundred photographs. Disadvantages © Need to be computer literate in using the cameras properly; also, the transferring, storing and manipulating of the images via a computer requires some understanding, of how computers work. @ There is some artistry lost since clever software now corrects errors in the photographs (for example, incorrect exposure, removal of red eye, ett.) «© The resolution still isn't as good as many expensive traditional cameras (this is improving all the time however; the quality of photographs depends on the number of pixels (many cameras now offer more than 20 mega pixels per image), quality of lens, etc.) Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used (a single image can use more than 4MB of memory, for example)