INPUT DEVICES

GROUP
Group Members

P2087788J PETER TEMBO

P2094872U MEMORY GUMBO
RUSSELL SITHOLE
TAPIWA SAMANEKA
DIANA TOZANA

https://360.articulate.com/review/content/0b5e9923-dc8d-4607-
8950-76ef1c420d8b/review
INPUT DEVICES
GROUP
Title: Input Devices
 Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define and understand what an input device is.

2. Identify various examples of input devices.

3. Illustrate the role of input devices in enabling interaction

between user and computer.
 INTRODUCTION
Input devices are hardware used to provide data and control signals to a
computer. These can include keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras,
microphones, joysticks, touch screens, and more. They effectively enable
users to interact with a computer system.
 HISTORY OF INPUT DEVICES
The keyboard, one of the most commonly used input devices today, owes its
lineage to the typewriter, invented by Christopher Sholes in the 1860s. The
layout that Sholes developed still forms the basis for the "Qwerty" keyboard we
use today. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that any sort of electronic
keyboard came into existence with the introduction of the first computers. The
mouse was another significant development in input devices and is credited to
Douglas Engelbart who invented it in 1964 while working at Stanford Research
Institute. The original invention resembled a wooden box with two wheels and
a button on top, a far cry from the sleek designs we are used to
 HISTORY OF INPUT DEVICES
In the 1970s, the light pen surfaced as a popular input device to interact directly
with computer displays. It was one of the early predecessors to the touch-
sensitive screens we have today.Since the 1980s and 90s, with the advent of
personal computers and graphical interfaces, input devices have significantly
evolved and diversified. Keyboards and mice have been refined and adapted to
become wireless, touch screens have become ubiquitous, and hardware like
game controllers and VR headsets offer entirely new ways to interact with our
devices.
 HISTORY OF INPUT DEVICES
The most recent developments in input device technology are focused on
integrating more 'natural' and 'intuitive' methods of input, such as voice
recognition software, gesture-based controls, or even brain-computer
interfaces. These technologies are still developing but could hold the future for
how we interact with our digital devices.
 TYPES OF INPUT DEVICES
Input devices can be categorized into several types based on their functionality.
Following are a few common types:
 1. Pointing Devices
Pointing Devices: are input interfaces that allow a user to input special data
into a computer. These are essentially human interface devices that are used to
move the cursor in a computer. Examples include devices like a mouse,
touchpad, stylus, light pen, and graphics tablet.
 2. Keyboard
Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device used to enter data and commands
into a computer or other devices. It has a set of keys or buttons that correspond
to the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and symbols. Some keyboards also have
special function keys like Control, Alt, and Shift. The design of the keyboard is
based on the layout of keys used in the traditional typewriter.
 3. Scanning & Reading
Scanning and reading input devices: are types of computer devices
used to interpret and digitize physical information into a format that the
computer can process, understand, and use. Some examples of scanning
and reading input devices are barcode scanners, optical character
recognition scanners, RFID readers, and digital cameras. These devices
use technologies like light, lasers, radio waves, or imaging to capture and
translate information from the physical world into digital data.
 4. Audio-visual Devices
Audio visual input devices are gadgets that collect data or information
from the physical world and translate them into data that computers can
interpret. These devices usually combine both sound and visual input, to
help improve efficiency in data storage and retrieval. Examples of audio
visual input devices include digital cameras, webcams, microphones, and
camcorders. These devices often allow for live input, such as video
recording and live audio input, which can help in various sectors such as
communication, education, and entertainment.
 5. Biometric Devices
Biometric input devices are specialized hardware peripherals used to
gather, read, and analyze biological data. These devices use advanced
recognition technology to identify individuals based on their unique
biological or behavioral characteristics. Types of biometric devices
include fingerprint scanners, iris scanners, facial recognition systems,
voice recognition devices, hand geometry units, and more. These devices
provide a high level of security and are used in various fields for
identification and verification purposes.
 6. Sensor Devices
Sensor devices: are a type of input device that provides data to a
computer system based on physical conditions or other external
information sources. These devices can sense and react to physical
changes such as light, temperature, pressure, motion, or a host of other
environmental conditions. The data they collect is typically converted
into digital signals which a computer can interpret and use. Examples of
sensor devices are temperature sensors, gas sensors, pressure sensors,
proximity sensors, light sensors, etc.
Factors to consider when choosing input devices
Compatibility: Make sure that input device has the ability to work with
the existing hardware components of the computer or other devices.
Usage: Identify what the main use of the device will be. For instance,
graphic designers might need a drawing tablet as an input device while
a gamer might need a gaming mouse.
Ergonomics: The design of the device should be comfortable for
prolonged usage and should not cause strain or injury.
Cost: The price of the device should align with your budget. Generally,
high-end devices offer additional features but they are not always
necessary.
Factors to consider when choosing input devices
Sensitivity and Responsiveness: For certain applications like gaming or
professional graphic design, the sensitivity and responsiveness of the
device can be critical.
Durability: The input device must be durable and robust to withstand
heavy usage.
Support and Warranty: Good customer support and warranty period
from the manufacturer is desirable.
Brand Reputation: Reputed brands usually are reliable and produce
quality products.
Factors to consider when choosing input devices
User Reviews: Checking feedback from other users can also prove
beneficial in making a decision.
Technological Features: This may include wireless or wired, battery life,
overall speed, precision, etc.
Size and Portability: Depending on how and where you plan to use the
device, you may need to consider its size and portability.