2.

1 Input Devices in their Use

Input Devices allow data to be input into a computer.

Central Processing Unit

Input Devices (CPU) Output Devices

Storage
Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.1 Keyboard
• Input of data into • Fast entry of new text into a • Can be difficult to use if the user has limited
applications software (for document. arm/wrist use
example, text into word • Well-known method.
processors, numbers into • Slow method when compared to direct data
spreadsheets, and so on). • Easy to use for most people. entry (for example, Optical Mark Recognition
• Easier to do verification checks as – see Section 2.2).
• Typing in commands to data is entered (can immediately
the computer (for compare the source document with • Fairly large device that uses up valuable
example, Print Scrn, typed data on the screen). desk space.
Ctrl+P to print out, and
so on).

RSI: (Repetitive strain injury) is a damage in wrist and fingers caused by continual use of the keyboard for long periods.
To minimize the risk of RSI:
 use ergonomic keyboards
 take regular breaks
 regularly exercise fingers
 use wrist rests
 use wrist pads

Ergonomic keyboards can help to overcome this problem – these have the keys arranged differently,
as shown in Figure 2.2. They are also designed to give more support to the wrists and hands when doing a lot of typing.

Figure 2.3 and the following description summarizes how the computer can recognize a letter pressed on the keyboard:
There is a membrane or circuit board at the base of the keys.
•The CPU in the computer can then determine which key has been pressed.
•The CPU refers to an index file to identify which character the key press represents.
Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

2.1.1 Numeric Key Pad

A numeric keypad is used to enter • Faster than standard • Sometimes have small keys, which can make
numbers only (although some have a keyboards when entering input more difficult.
function key to allow alphabetic numeric data.
characters to be input). • Sometimes the order of the numbers on the
• Because many are small keypad is not intuitive.
Uses of Numeric Keypads: devices (for example,
• Automatic teller machines mobile phones), they are
(ATMs): Where the customer can very easy to carry around.
key in their PIN, amount of money,
etc.
• Mobile phones: To allow phone
numbers, etc., to be keyed in.

• Point of sale terminals (POS): 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.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.3 Pointing devices
Mouse Movements of the mouse control the position of a  Faster than keyboard in  Difficult for people with
pointer on the screen. Mouse is also provided by selecting objects hand or wrist disabilities
two buttons, one to make selections, the other to
display shortcut menu as well as a scroll button to  Occupies small space  Needs a flat surface
allow moving between pages

 Opening, closing or minimizing windows

 Used to drag and drop objects to copy or delete

 Drawing shapes or lines

 Selecting text or images for editing and

formatting

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 plugged into the computer) are in use on
modern computers.
The advantage of an optical mouse is that it has
no moving parts and it also does not pick up any
dirt. This makes it more robust and improves its
performance because the older type of mouse can
‘skid’ on certain surfaces, reducing the control of
the pointer.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

2.1.3 Pointing devices

Touch Pad Touchpads are used as a pointing  Same as the mouse (faster  People with limited hand/wrist
device in many laptop computers. The than a keyboard for choosing movement find the device difficult
pointer is controlled by the user moving options, used to navigate to use.
their finger on the touchpad and then applications and the internet,
gently tapping it to simulate the left- etc.).  Can be more difficult to control
hand button of a mouse (that is, the pointer when compared to a
selection). They also have buttons  Because the touchpad is normal mouse.
under the touchpad, which serve the
integrated into the laptop
same function as the left and right
buttons on a mouse.
computer, there is no need for a  More difficult to use when doing
separate mouse—this aids certain operations such as drag
Use of a touchpad: portability and is a big and drop.
Their uses are the same as those advantage if there are no flat
of a mouse. surfaces available.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

2.1.3 Pointing devices

Trackerball Trackerballs are similar to a mouse,  Does not need the same fine  Not supplied with the computer
except that a ball is on the top or the control as a mouse. as standard, therefore more
side of the device; the user controls the costly.
pointer on the screen by rotating the  Easier to use than a mouse if
ball with their hand. It is easier to use the operator has problems  User may need training because
for people with limited hand/wrist with their wrist or hand. it is not standard equipment.
movement.

Some trackerballs have two buttons,

 More accurate positioning of
which have the same function as the the pointer on screen than a
left- and right-hand mouse buttons. If mouse.
they have a third button, it is
equivalent to a double click. Because  They are more robust than a
trackerballs do not physically move, mouse.
there is no need for a large amount of
desk space.  Needs less space than a
mouse or keyboard.
Uses of a trackerball:
 Can be a good alternative to a
mouse for people with conditions
such as RSI.

 Used in an industrial control

room environment where it is
faster than a mouse to navigate
through process screens.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.4 Remote A remote control is used for the  Can be operated from any reasonable  Difficult to use if the
operation of other devices using distance, unlike, for example, a wired operator has limited
control infrared signals. mouse which is restricted by the hand/wrist movement.
length of the wire. Some industrial
processes are hazardous, so it is a
The buttons on the keypad are used big advantage to be able to select
to select options (such as television  It is easier to block the
operations from a distance. signal if, for example, the
channels, sound levels on a Hi-Fi,
timings on a DVD recorder, etc.). walls in the building are
very thick.
Uses of a remote control

 Televisions, satellite systems,

DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-Fi
systems all use remote controls to
alter functions such as sound
volume, on/off, change channels,
open the disc drawer, and so on.

 Used to control multimedia

systems.

 Used in industrial applications to

remotely control processes, stop
and start machinery, etc.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.5 Uses of a joystick Advantages of a joystick Disadvantages of a joystick
 Used in video/computer games.  Easier than a keyboard to navigate the  More difficult to control the
Joystick/ screen. on-screen pointer than with
Driving wheel:  Used in simulators (for example, other devices, such as a
flight simulators) to mimic actual  Control is more realistic for some mouse.
controls applications than, for example, using a
mouse.

Uses of a driving wheel Advantages of a driving wheel Disadvantages of a driving

wheel
 Used in video/computer games  Easier than a keyboard or joystick to
(for example, car racing games). control steering movements; it is more  It can be a rather expensive
natural. input device compared to
 Used in simulators (for example, mouse or joystick
car-driving simulators) to mimic  The ‘driving experience’ is nearer to how
actual vehicle controls. an actual steering wheel and other  Movements in the steering
controls operate in real life. can be too sensitive, giving
an unrealistic ‘feel’.

 Unless it is an expensive
simulator, feedback to the
driving wheel is non-
existent.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.6 Touch screens are input devices where fingers  Faster entry of options than using a  Limited number of input
are used for selection or pointing to objects as keyboard or mouse. options available.
Touch
well as entering text.
screen
 Very easy method for choosing  Can lead to problems if an
Uses of touch screens options. operator has to use the
system frequently (straining
Self-service tills, for example, petrol stations,
 User-friendly method—no training of arm muscles, RSI, etc. are
where the user just touches the screen to
select the fuel grade and payment method. necessary in its use. all possible).

 Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to  Option to expand the size of the  The screen can get very dirty
choose from on-screen options. display if necessary. with constant touching
(giving a risk of spreading
 Point of sale terminals such as in infections, and reduces its
restaurants. responsiveness which makes
it more difficult to read in
 Public information systems at airports, strong sunlight).
railway stations, tourist offices, etc.

 Mobile phones, tablets and satellite

navigation systems.

 Interactive whiteboards in education.

 Computer-based training (CBT) where

answers are selected during on-screen
testing.

 They can obviously also be used as an

output device because they also work as a
flat-screen monitor (see Section 2.3.2).
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.7 Scanners are used to scan text or pictures  Images can be stored for editing at a  Quality can be limited
Scanner from a hard copy into the computer's later date. depending on how good a
memory where they can be manipulated in resolution the scanner is
some way (image processing) before being  When used with OCR, much faster capable of (most scanners
printed. and more accurate (no typing errors) have a range of resolutions
than typing in documents again. you can choose from).

 Scan in documents and convert into a  It is possible to recover damaged  They can be fairly slow at
format for use in various software documents and photographs by scanning, especially if the
packages. scanning in and then using color scanning mode is
appropriate software to produce an chosen or if the chosen
 Scan in old/valuable acceptable copy. scanning resolution is high.
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 photographs (not all cameras

are digital and therefore photographs
are still printed on paper, requiring
conversion to computer format for
storage).

 Scan in barcodes at POS terminals.

Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.8 Digital cameras have largely replaced traditional film-  Easier to produce better-quality  Cheaper running
Digital based cameras. The images are stored on a memory card photographs than with a traditional cost than
camera (solid-state memory) and can be transferred to a computer camera. traditional
by: camera
 Easier and faster to upload
 Directly reading the memory card (by slotting it into a photographs to a computer rather  Can edit, share
card reader attached to a computer or a printer). than having to scan in hard copies or store images
when using traditional methods. in digital form
 Connecting the camera to the computer using a USB
port.  No need to develop film and print out
photographs anymore – this saves
 Using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). money and is also environmentally
more acceptable (saves paper and
Uses of digital cameras reduces the use of chemicals used in
 Taking photographs; they still take better photographs developing traditional film).
than smartphones or tablets due to the use of
expensive lenses and dedicated software.  Memory cards can store many
thousands of photographs.
 Used as a data-capture device; for example, as a
reversing aid in a car where small cameras (in the
bumpers) help the driver to see their immediate
surroundings.

 Dentists use digital cameras to take photos of a

patient’s teeth to help them diagnose any problems;
they are also used to improve color matching when
doing dental fillings.

 The creation of virtual reality tours around houses,

historical buildings, industrial plants, and so on.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.9 Uses of Microphones  Faster to read in text than to type it  Sound files can use up a lot of
in using a keyboard. computer memory.
Microphone
 To input speech/sounds to be used in various
applications, for example, in presentations,  It is possible to manipulate sound in  Voice-recognition software is
sampling (in films, music, etc.), and special effects real time using special software not as accurate as typing in
(films). rather than work on a recording manually (for example, the
done at some earlier stage. software cannot distinguish
 Input in voice-recognition software: the difference between ‘their’
 The software converts the speech into text  If used in a voice activation system, and ‘there’).
that can be used in, for example, a word it has the advantage of improving
processor or to input commands into a safety (because the car driver, for
computer. example, does not need to take their
 To recognize commands; for example, hands off the wheel to operate a
some cars now have voice-activated switch or alter the radio station,
systems to switch on the lights, turn up etc.).
the radio volume, etc. (see Chapter 1).

 Microphones can also be used as a sensor to

pick up sound (for example, in an intruder
alarm system).
 Used in video-conferencing or Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications.
2.1.9 Sensors

A sensor is a device which measures a value (usually a physical quantity) which is continually
changing.

e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity, Light………………….

Physical quantities are analog in nature. Computers can only use and understand digital signals. A device called
Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is required to convert analog signals from sensors into digital signals so that it
can be received, understood and processed by a digital computer

Sensor Example Use

Temperature Used in green houses to measure temperature
Light Umpires check light conditions in cricket match
Moisture To check the moisture in the soil in a green house
Water-Level Used in washing machine to measure water level
Proximity Used when parking cars to judge distance.
Movement Detects movement which could trigger an alarm
Pressure Used in burglar alarms
Real world measurements are collected
as an analogue signal from the sensor.

Data collected from Sensor is in

A computer only understands digital Analogue
signals.
ADC - Analogue-to-digital converter

An ADC (Analogue-to-digital converter) Analogue Signal now can be

is needed to convert the signal so a understood by computers.
computer understands the signal.
 Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
2.1.11 Light pens contain sensors that send signals to  Greater accuracy than touch  Problems with lag when
Light pen a computer whenever light changes are screens. drawing on screen
detected. The
devices only work with CRT monitors  Small (can be used where space is an  Only works with CRT monitors
issue). (at the moment).

 Easy-to-use technology.  Not that accurate when

Uses of Light pen drawing.

 Selecting objects on CRT screens.  Rather dated technology.

 Drawing on screen (for example, with CAD

packages)
 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
2.2.1 Card Readers

Magnetic Strip Readers Used to read information on a magnetic stripe found, for example, on the back of bank
cards. The stripe contains information about account like account number, sort code or issue and expiry dates.

USE:
 Credit cards at ATMs or EFTPOS (Electronic fund transfer at point of sale)
terminals
 Security cards for entrance of buildings or hotel rooms
Applications of magnetic stripe readers:

Bank Cards: Contains Account details

Arcade: Contains balance
Security/Hotel Rooms: Allows entry to specific room.
Gift Cards (Vouchers) – amount of vouchers
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Faster method of data entry • Information may be affected by
• Secure/Error Free – No Typing magnetic fields
• Not effected by water and robust if
dropped • Magnetic stripes may be scratched
• Easily Updated
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.

Advantages: Disadvantages

• Secure method of payment • The pin could be read by some one

compared to swipe and watching or use of mirrors.
contactless method. • Fraudulent machines can copy card
• Chip is less likely to be damaged details.
compared to a magnetic swipe.
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 centimetres distance.

Advantages: Disadvantages

• Quicker Transaction meaning less • Less secure than chip and pin
time spent at POS. method.
• Don’t have to use PIN • Anyone could use card if lost.
• Transaction data (account • It is easer for thieves to copy details
details) is encrypted. of the card.
• Only small payments can be made
Radio Frequency Identification

RFID reads information stored on tags (small silicon chip that can be placed
RFID
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 distance. • Radio symbols can be jammed or
• Can read in bulk hacked.
• Very fast reading – quick response • More expensive than a barcode
• Allows read/write operations to take place • Tags could interfere with each
• Can read biometric readings other.
Magnetic Ink Character Reader

MICR is able to read characters printed in a special ink. These characters are
MICR
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 text – less • More expensive than using a
chance of human error. keyboard to type manual data.
• Characters can not be altered. • Limited amount of characters can
• Characters can be read even if they be read.
have been written over.
Optical Mark Reader

OMR is able to read marks written in pen or pencil. The position of the mark
OMR
is stored in the computers memory.

USE:

Used to scan in marks from multiple choice exams, surveys, and lottery tickets.

Advantages: Disadvantages

• Very fast method of inputting data as • Forms have to be completed correctly to

no user has to manually enter results. avoid manual checks which would waste
• More accurate than OCR time.
• Less chance of errors
Optical Character Reader

OCR scans text from hardcopies and converts it into an editable form which
OCR
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.

Advantages: Disadvantages

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

Barcode Scanners are used to scan bar codes 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 accurate than typing • Barcode could be unreadable or
in codes using a keypad. missing.
• Stock database can easily be updated with • Barcode could be swapped.
new prices – barcodes would not need to • Can be an expensive system.
be replaced.