Cambridge (CIE) O Level Your notes

Computer Science
Input & Output Devices
Contents
Input Devices
Output Devices
Sensors

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 Input Devices
Your notes
Input Devices
What is an Input Device?
Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer
system
They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer
then processes to produce an output

Types of input devices

Device What It Does Where It Is Used Why It Is Used

Barcode Reads barcodes Supermarkets Quickly and

Scanner to capture accurately retrieves
product Warehouses product details for
information. Libraries stock and checkout

Digital Captures Photography High-quality visual

Camera photographs or content
videos as digital Smartphones
images Webcams

Keyboard Inputs text and Computers Type documents

commands by
pressing keys Tablets Enter data
Laptops Control software

Microphone Captures Recording Audio recording

analogue sound studios
and converts it Voice
into digital signals Smartphones communication
Computers

Optical Moves the cursor Computers Precise control and

Mouse on the screen navigation on a
based on hand Laptops computer screen
movements over a
surface

QR Code Reads QR codes Retail shops Quickly retrieves

Scanner to access stored data from QR codes
information Mobile apps

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 Website links or
product information
Your notes
Touch Screen Detects touch by ATMs Direct interaction
(Resistive) pressing a flexible with the device
screen layer Older
smartphones
and tablets

Touch Screen Detects touch by Kiosks Accurate touch

(Infra-red) interrupting detection
infrared light Large touch
beams across the displays Works well in various
screen lighting conditions

Touch Screen Detects touch Modern Smooth, responsive

(Capacitive) through changes smartphones touch experience
in electrical with multi-touch
charge on the Tablets capabilities
screen surface Touch monitors

Two- Captures flat, 2D Offices Digitises

Dimensional images of documents and
(2D) Scanner documents or Libraries photos for storage,
photos Schools editing, or sharing

Three- Captures detailed Manufacturing Creates digital

Dimensional 3D shapes and models of objects
(3D) Scanner dimensions of Design for design, analysis,
objects Medical or reproduction
imaging

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 Output Devices
Your notes
Output Devices
What is an output device?
Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer
system and present it to the user in an understandable form
They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or
commands

Types of output devices

Name of What does it do? Where is it used? Why is it used?
device

Actuator Converts energy into Make a robot's Essential in any

motion arm move system that
requires
Makes things move Open a valve movement
Performs physical Rotate a motor
tasks based on
instructions from a
computer or control
system

Digital Light Projects images onto Cinemas High-quality

Processing a screen images
(DLP) Classrooms
projector Shows images or
video by shining light Large
through tiny mirrors presentations

Inkjet printer Prints text and Home Low cost

images onto paper compared to
by spraying tiny Schools other types of
droplets of ink Offices printer

Laser printer Heat from a laser Offices High-quality

fuses toner (fine prints
powder) onto paper Schools
Fast print speed

Light Emitting Displays images and Televisions High-quality

Diode (LED) video using tiny lights images
screen called LEDs Computer
monitors Bright

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 Smartphones Energy efficient
Thin Your notes
Liquid Crystal Projects images or Offices Bright
Display (LCD) video onto a screen
projector by shining light Classrooms Excellent
through liquid crystal balance of
Home cinemas quality and
panels
affordability

Liquid Crystal Displays images and Televisions Energy efficient

Display (LCD) video using liquid
screen crystals with a Monitors Thin
backlight Smartphones Sharp images
Laptops Lightweight

Speaker Converts electrical Televisions Multiple shapes

signals into analogue and sizes
sound waves to play Radios
music Smartphones

3d printer Adds thin layers of Manufacturing Create

plastic, one on top of prototypes
another to form a Medicine
three dimensional Custom parts
Education
object
Home

Choosing the right device

When recommending a device for a specific situation, consider the following factors:
User Needs
What tasks will the user be performing? A graphic designer might need a graphics
tablet, while a data entry clerk might need a keyboard with a number pad
User Skills
Is the user comfortable with the device? A touch screen might be more intuitive for
some users, while others might prefer a mouse and keyboard
Environment
Where will the device be used? A wireless mouse might be suitable for a clutter-free
office, while a wired mouse might be better for a public computer lab to prevent
theft
Cost

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Higher-end devices often have more features but are also more expensive.
Consider the budget and whether the extra features are worth the cost
Your notes

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Sensors
Your notes
Sensors
Sensors are input devices
They measure a physical property of their environment such as light levels,
temperature or movement
Sensors can be used for monitoring systems and control systems
A monitoring system tracks the state of a system, it gathers data and may issue
warning messages
A control system will control the system based upon the input from sensors
For example, if the water temperature in a fish tank fell below the acceptable level, a
control system would start up a heater
The system will then continue to check the water temperature readings (outputs)
and when they are within the acceptable range it will switch off the heater
A process where outputs are recycled and used as inputs, creating a continuous cycle
is called a feedback loop

Examiner Tips and Tricks

You are likely to be given a scenario and asked to identify the sensors that would
be used.
The 14 sensors you need to be aware of are in the table below

Sensor type What it measures Typical use

Acoustic Sound levels To detect changes in sound levels of

industrial machinery
To monitor noise pollution
In security system to detect suspicious
sounds

Accelerometer Acceleration rate, tilt, Detecting sudden changes in vehicle

vibration movement and deploy safety features if
needed
In mobile phones to detect orientation of
the device

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Flow Rate of gas, liquid or Detect changes in the flow through pipes in
powder flow water system
Your notes
Gas Presence of a gas e.g. Detect levels of gas in confined spaces
carbon monoxide
Detect gas levels when fixing gas leaks

Humidity Levels of water vapour Monitor humidity in greenhouses

Infra-red Detecting motion or a Security systems detecting intruders who

heat source break the beam
Measures heat radiation of objects - used
by emergency services to detect people

Level Liquid levels Detects levels of petrol in a car tank

Detect levels of water in a water tank
Detect a drop in water levels due to a leak

Light Light levels Automatically switching on lights when it

gets dark (street lights, headlights)

Magnetic field Presence and strength Anti-lock braking system

Monitoring rotating machinery such as
turbines

Moisture Presence and levels of Monitoring moisture in the soil

moisture
Monitoring dampness in buildings

pH Acidity or alkaline Monitoring soil to ensure optimum growing

conditions
Monitor ph levels in chemical processes

Pressure Gas, liquid or physical Monitoring tyre pressure

pressure
Monitoring pressure in pipes during the
manufacturing process

Proximity Distance Monitoring the position of objects in

robotics
Used in safety systems to prevent objects
from colliding

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Temperature Temperature in Celsius, Used to maintain temperature in swimming
Fahrenheit or Kelvin pools
Your notes
Used to control temperature in chemical
processes

Worked Example
What type of sensor would be used to help drivers when reversing? [1]

A Motion

B Infra-red

C Light

D Proximity

Is this a monitoring system or a control system? [1]

A Monitoring

B Control

Answer

A Motion

B Infra-red

C Light

D Proximity

A Monitoring

B Control

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