What are Input Devices?

Input devices are the parts of the computer that we interact with daily and are used to
input data to the computers. An input device is a hardware device that transfers data to a
computer system and allows us to control it.

What is an Input Device?

The electromagnetic devices that accept data or a set of instructions from the outside
world and then translate that data into machine-readable and understandable form are known
as input devices. Computer input devices serve as an interface between the outside world and
the computer for proper communication. When the users enter data using various input
devices, the data can be saved in computer memory for further processing and preparation.
Using the output devices, the intended and calculated results can be acquired when the
processing and handling are completed. An input device transmits data to a computer and
allows you to communicate with it and control it.

Different Types of Input Devices,

Keyboard
For entering data into a computer, the keyboard is the most common and commonly
used input device. It contains various keys for entering letters, numbers, and characters.
Although there are some additional keys for completing various activities, the keyboard
layout is identical to that of a standard typewriter. It is generally available in two different
sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys and for Windows and the Internet, it is also available with 104
keys or 108 keys. It is connected to a computer system with the help of a USB or a Bluetooth
device.

The keys on the keyboard are

Numeric Keys: These keys are used to enter numeric data and move the cursor. It is typically
made up of 17 keys.

Keyboard Shortcuts: These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and the number keys (09).

Control Keys: The pointer and the screen are controlled by these keys. It comes with four
directional arrow keys. Control keys include Home, End, Insert, Alternate(Alt), Delete,
Control(Ctrl), and Escape.

Special Keys: Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, NumLk, Tab, and Print Screen are some of the special
function keys on the keyboard.

Function Keys: The 12 keys from F1 to F12 are on the topmost row of the keyboard.
Characteristics of Keyboard
 The keyboard has various functions keys for a different purpose
 Instead of using the mouse, we can utilize the arrow keys on the keyboard to do the
same purpose as the mouse.
 The main keyboard, cursor keys, numeric keypad, and function keys are the four
primary components of a keyboard.
 Keyboards are more affordable.

Mouse
The mouse is the most used pointing device. While clicking and dragging, the mouse
moves a little cursor across the screen. If you let off of the mouse, the cursor will come to a
halt. You must move the mouse for the computer to move; it will not move on its own. As a
result, it’s a device that accepts input. Or we can say that a mouse is an input device that
allows you to control the coordinates and movement of the on-screen cursor/pointer by
moving the mouse on a flat surface. The left mouse button can be used to pick or move items,
while the right mouse button displays additional menus when clicked. It was invented in 1963
by Douglas C. Engelbart.

Generally, the mouse is of four types

 Trackball Mouse
 Mechanical Mouse
 Optical Mouse
 Wireless Mouse

Characteristics of Mouse
 A mouse is used to move the cursor on the screen in the desired direction.
 A mouse allows users to choose files, folders, or multiple files or text or, all at once.
 Hover over any object with the mouse pointer.

.
Trackball Mouse:

It is a stationary input device that has ball mechanism to move the pointer or cursor on
the screen. The ball is half inserted in the device and can be easily rolled with finger, thumb
or the palm to move the pointer on the screen. The device has sensor to detect the rotation of
ball. It remains stationary; you don't need to move it on the operating surface. So, it is an
ideal device if you have limited desk space as you don't need to move it like a mouse.

Mechanical Mouse:
 It has a system of a ball and several rollers to track its movement. It is a corded type
of mouse. A mechanical mouse can be used for high performance. The drawback is that they
tend to get dust into the mechanics and thus require regular cleaning.
Optical Mouse:

An optical mouse uses optical electronics to track its movement. It is more reliable
than a mechanical mouse and also requires less maintenance. However, its performance is
affected by the surface on which it is operated. Plain non-glossy mouse mat should be used
for best results. The rough surface may cause problems for the optical recognition system,
and the glossy surface may reflect the light wrongly and thus may cause tracking issues.
Cordless or Wireless Mouse:
 As the name suggests, this type of mouse lacks cable and uses wireless technology
such as IrDA (infrared) or radio (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) to control the movement of the cursor.
It is used to improve the experience of using a mouse. It uses batteries for its power supply.
Joystick
A pointing device used to move the cursor around the screen is the joystick. Both
the bottom and top ends of the stick have a spherical ball affixed to them. A socket contains
the lower spherical ball. You can adjust the joystick in all directions. Trackballs became
quite popular in laptops and PCs since they fit neatly inside the case and take up less room
when in use. They are more precise and long-lasting than a mouse, which is why they are
still utilized. It is invented by C.B.Mirick.
Characteristics of Joystick
 It’s utilized to regulate the cursor’s position across a display screen.
 It’s utilized in computer games to move the characters and symbols around.
 It commonly features one or more push buttons, the condition of which can be
controlled by the computer as well.

Light Pen
A light pen is a pointing device that has the appearance of a pen. It can be used to
draw on the monitor screen or to pick a menu item. In a small tube, a photocell and an
optical system are housed. The photocell sensor element determines the screen location and
sends a signal to the CPU when the tip of a light pen is moved across a monitor screen
while the pen button is pressed.
Characteristics of Light Pen
 When drawing graphics, a light pen comes in very handy.
 Objects on the display screen are selected with a light pen.
Scanner
A scanner is a type of input device that works in the same way as a photocopier. It’s
used when there’s data on paper that needs to be transferred to the computer’s hard disc for
further processing. The scanner collects images from the source and translates them to a
digital version that can be saved on the hard disks. These graphics can be changed before
they are printed.
Generally, the scanner is of five types:
 Flatbed Scanner
 Handheld Scanner
 Sheetfed Scanner
 Drum Scanner
 Photo Scanner

Touchpad:

It is usually found in laptops as a substitute for the mouse. It allows you to move or
control the cursor on the screen using your finger. Just like a mouse, it also has two buttons
for right and left click. Using the touchpad, you can perform all the tasks that you do with a
mouse, such as selecting an object on the screen, copy, paste, delete, open a file or folder, and
more.
Characteristics of Scanner
 You can scan film negatives via a scanner if there is a transparent media adaptor.
 A scanner may also scan low-quality or non-standard-weight paper.
 The scanners are adaptable, allowing you to scan a wide range of items regardless of
their size. You can scan small items as well as large documents if you can locate them.
Drum Scanner:

Drum scanner has a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to scan images. It does not have a
charge-coupled device like a flatbed scanner. The photomultiplier tube is extremely sensitive
to light. The image is placed on a glass tube, and the light moves across the image, which
produces a reflection of the image which is captured by the PMT and processed. These
scanners have high resolution and are suitable for detailed scans.
Photo Scanner:
It is designed to scan photographs. It has high resolution and color depth, which are required
for scanning photographs. Some photo scanners come with in-built software for cleaning and
restoring old photographs.

Sheetfed Scanner:

In this scanner, the document is inserted into the slot provided in the scanner. The main
components of this scanner include the sheet-feeder, scanning module, and calibration sheet.
The light does not move in this scanner. Instead, the document moves through the scanner. It
is suitable for scanning single page documents, not for thick objects like books, magazines,
etc.

OCR

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition in its full form. OCR is a computer reading
technique that reads numbers, characters, and symbols. OCR is a technique for recognizing
text in documents that have been scanned into digital form. Optical character recognition
(OCR) refers to a device that reads printed text. Character by character, OCR scans the text,
converts it to a machine-readable code, and saves it into the memory of the system. OCR also
functions as a scanner, scanning documents, photos, images, and handwritten text and storing
the information in memory, which may then be compared to previously stored data.

Characteristics of OCR

• The technology offers a complete solution for form processing and document capture.

• It has capabilities for defining shapes, scanning, image pre-processing, and

identification.

Barcode Reader

A bar code reader is a device that reads bar-coded data (data that is represented by light and
dark lines). To label things, number books, and so on, bar-coded data is often utilized. It
could be a standalone scanner or a component of one. A barcode reader is a device that reads
barcodes and extracts data from them. The code bar is used to read the bar code printed on
any goods. By impacting light beams on barcode lines, a barcode reader identifies existing
data in barcodes.

Characteristics of Barcode Reader

• When a card is inserted, auto-start barcode scanners begin scanning immediately.

• Reading indicators give the user confirms that the card has been swiped correctly.

• It’s simple to use, simply hold your phone up to the code and scan it.
Web Camera
A webcam is an input device since it records a video image of the scene in front of
it. It can either be incorporated inside the computer (for example, a laptop) or connected via
USB. A webcam is a small digital video camera that is connected to a computer. Because it
can capture pictures and record video, it’s also known as a web camera.
Characteristics of Web Camera
 Webcams are used to allow individuals to see one other while chatting online. This is
formally referred to as ‘teleconferencing’.
 Because webcams can take a picture only if movement is detected in the scene in front
of them, they are commonly utilized in burglar alarms and other security systems.
 Hundreds of webcams can be found all around the world, each pointing to a fascinating
scene such as the exterior view of a facility in the Arctic or Niagara Falls. The webcam
is connected to a computer that regularly sends an image to an internet server. After
that, people connect to the server to view the most recent image.
Graphic Tablets
A graphics tablet, also known as a digitizing tablet, is a computer input device that
allows users to draw drawings and graphics by hand, much like they would with a pencil
and paper. A graphics tablet is a flat surface on which the user can draw a picture with the
help of an attached stylus, which is a pen-like drawing device.
Characteristics of a Graphics Tablets
 The graphics tablet is a pressure-sensitive tablet that is controlled by a pen.
 Drawing, writing, inserting, etc. can be done with the pen.
 It provides more precision and the ability to monitor (than a touchscreen).

Light Pen

A light pen is a computer input device that looks like a pen. The tip of the light pen contains a
light-sensitive detector that enables the user to point to or select objects on the display screen.
Its light sensitive tip detects the object location and sends the corresponding signals to
the CPU. It is not compatible with LCD screens, so it is not in use today. It also helps you
draw on the screen if needed. The first light pen was invented around 1955 as a part of the
Whirlwind project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Digitizer
 Digitizer is a computer input device that has a flat surface and usually comes with a
stylus. It enables the user to draw images and graphics using the stylus as we draw on paper
with a pencil. The images or graphics drawn on the digitizer appear on the computer monitor
or display screen. The software converts the touch inputs into lines and can also convert
handwritten text to typewritten words.

It can be used to capture handwritten signatures and data or images from taped papers.
Furthermore, it is also used to receive information in the form of drawings and send output to
a CAD (Computer-aided design) application and software like AutoCAD. Thus, it allows you
to convert hand-drawn images into a format suitable for computer processing.

Digital Cameras
Digital camera is a device that takes photographs as input. Images are saved on
memory cards as data. It comes with an LCD display that allows users to view and review
photographs. A digital camera contains photosensors that record the light that enters into
the camera lens. So, when the light strikes the photosensors, they return the electric current
and this electric current is used to create images.
Characteristics of Digital Camera
 Users can immediately examine images and movies on the LCD screen.
 All the photos can be stored in the storage device.
 Users can select and choose the images they want to develop.
 Easily portable & takes less space.

Touchscreen
A touchscreen is a type of input device that allows users to interact with a digital
display by directly touching the screen’s surface. It enables the user to perform various
actions, such as selecting options, typing on a virtual keyboard, drawing, or manipulating
objects, by physically touching the screen.
Characteristics of Touchscreen
 With a touchscreen, users can directly interact with the content displayed on the screen,
eliminating the need for additional input devices like a mouse or keyboard.
 Touchscreens use various technologies to detect and respond to touch inputs, including
capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) technologies.
 Many modern touchscreens support multi-touch gestures, allowing users to use multiple
fingers or gestures for more advanced interactions, such as pinch-to-zoom and rotating
objects.
 Touchscreens often support various gestures, including tapping, swiping, pinching, and
rotating, to control and manipulate on-screen elements.
What is Digitizer Tablet?
A digitizer tablet, also known as a graphics tablet or drawing tablet, is an input device
used primarily by artists, designers, and engineers to hand-draw images, animations, and
graphics, similar to the way one would draw with a pencil and paper.

What is a Digitizer Tablet?

A digitizer tablet, or simply a graphics tablet or pen tablet, is a peripheral input device
for creating digital artwork, manipulating images, and doing accurate jobs like handwriting
recognition or electronic annotation of documents.

Primary Terminologies
 Stylus/Pen: The device uses the pen stylus through which it can be drawn, written, or
can be loaded into the screen tablet called a digitizer.
 Resolution: Resolution is mostly measured in LPI or DPI. It refers to the level of
detail or accuracy with which the digitizing tablet can capture pen movements.
 Active Area: The area of the surface of the digitizer tablet that detects input from the
stylus.

Types of Digitizers
 Pen-Based Digitizer: Pen-based digitizers use a stylus or pen to directly interact with
the surface, capturing the movements and pressure.
 Touch-based Digitizers: Similar to smartphone and tablet touchscreens, these
digitizers allow you to interact with the surface using your fingers or a stylus.
  Display-based Digitizers: These digitizers include an integrated display, allowing you
to draw or write directly on the screen without the need for a separate surface.
 Optical Digitizers: These devices use optical sensors to detect the movement of a
particular pen or stylus.
 Electromagnetic Digitizers: These devices employ electromagnetic fields to detect the
position and movement of a particular pen or stylus. They are typically more sensitive
and accurate than other types.

What is a Digitizer Used For?

A digitizer tablet is a universal tool that has numerous applications in professionals and
creative activities. Firstly, it helps in creating digital art by providing a natural and intuitive
drawing process similar to traditional methods. Secondly, digitizer tablets are irreplaceable in
any field that involves accurate drawing, such as photo editing, 3D modeling or architecture.
In addition, it can be used for the recognition of handwriting and taking notes digitally, which
saves time and orders the input data. Finally, the digitizer tablet at once releases creativity
and productiveness of users in many fields.

How does a digitizer work?

A digitizer tablet works on the principle of detecting, and converting physical input from a
stylus or digital pen into the digital form that can be understood by a computer. Normally, the
work of the tablet is done with sensors incorporated into the tablet surface, which receive the
effect of the stylus’s position and pressure. The data is then used to transmit to the computer,
where an application converts the content into a draw, lines, or any digital image. The tablet’s
sensitivity and power depend on the technology involved, including the pressure regulation,
the angle of drawing, resolution, and the general nature of the technology used.

Advantages of Digitizer
Fine Detail Work: Digitizer tablets allow for highly accurate input, which is essential for
detailed work such as illustrations, photo retouching, and graphic design.

Pressure Sensitivity: The ability to detect varying pressure levels allows for nuanced control
over line thickness, opacity, and other artistic effects, providing a more natural and precise
drawing experience.

Natural Hand Movements: Drawing directly on a tablet can be faster than using a mouse, as
it allows for more natural hand movements.

What is a Microphone?
A microphone is an input device that was developed by Emile Berliner in 1877. It is used to convert
sound waves into electric waves or input the audio into computers. It captures audio by converting
sound waves into an electrical signal, which may be a digital or analog signal. This process can be
implemented by a computer or other digital audio devices. The first electronic microphone was
based on a liquid mechanism, which used a diaphragm that was connected to a current- charged
needle in a diluted sulfuric acid solution. It was not able to reproduce the intelligible speech.

Regularly, microphones are designed on the basis of directionality, besides the type of
device. Such as, Omnidirectional microphones are capable of picking up all sounds in an
area, but it is unable to focus on a particular subject with background noise. Bidirectional,
directional, and shotgun microphones are beneficial for an interview. However, two
unidirectional devices can provide the same effect, like cardioid microphones.

What is the use of a microphone on the computer?

It is used for voice recording.

It offers users the option of voice recognition.

It allows users to record sound of musical instruments.

It enables users to online chatting.

It allows us for VoIP (Voice over internet protocol).

It is also used for Computer gaming.

Furthermore, it can record voice for singing, podcasts, and dictation.

VR:

VR stands for virtual reality. It is an artificial or virtual environment which is generated by

computers. A person can interact with virtual objects of this artificial environment using
some input devices such as headsets, gloves, headphones, etc. For example, he or she can find
himself or herself walking on a beach, watching a football match, walking in the sky, etc.,
without actually doing all this.

Biometric Devices:
Biometrics refers to a process in which a person is identified through his or her
biological features such as fingerprints, eye cornea, face structure, etc. It is done by using
biometric devices, which can be of different types based on their scanning features and
abilities, such as:

Face Scanner:
 It is designed to identify a person by scanning his or her face. It takes the face
measurements of a person. For example, the distance between eyes, nose, and mouth, etc.,
accordingly, it confirms the identity of a person. Besides this, it is smart enough to
differentiate between a person's picture and the real person.

Hand Scanner:

The hand of a person can also be used to verify his or her identity as every person has
a unique pattern of veins in the palm, just like fingerprints. This device takes advantage of
this feature; it identifies a person by scanning the palm of his hand. It uses infrared light to
scan veins' patterns and blood flowing in them. Palm is even more unique than fingerprints.

Fingerprint Scanner:
 It scans the fingerprints to identify people or for biometric authentication. This device
is developed, keeping in mind the fact that no two persons in the world can have the same
fingerprints. It is widely used in companies as a fingerprint attendance system to mark the
attendance of employees. This type of scanners captures the pattern of valleys and ridges
found on a finger and store it in the memory or database. When you press your finger on the
given space, it verifies the identity by using its pattern-matching software.

Retina or Iris Scanner:

It scans the retina or iris of a person's eye to confirm the identity. This device is more secure
than others as it is next to impossible to copy the retina or iris. It works by mapping the
retina's blood vessel patterns of the eye. The blood vessels of retina absorb light more easily
as well as can be identified with appropriate lighting.

In this scan, a beam of low-energy infrared light falls on the retina through the scanner's
eyepiece. Then, the software captures the network of blood vessels in the retina and uses it to
verify a person's identity.

Voice Scanner:
 It records the voice of a person and digitizes it to create a distinctive voice print or
template. The voiceprints are stored in the database, and are used to verify the voice of a
person to confirm his or her identity. The person is required to speak in the normal or same
voice that was used to create a voice template. It is not much reliable as it can be misused
using a tape recording.