Input/Output Devices

Input/Output Devices

1. Input and Output

   • Touch screen
     • Used on mobile phones, tablet PCs and interactive whiteboards.
     • Input device: tapping the screen or using gesture control.
     • Output device: viewing the display.

2. Input

   • Keyboard
     • Used data entry method.
       • E.g. speciality keyboards in restaurant.
     • Press a key and a code is entered into the computer.
   • Pointing devices mouse
     • Pointing and selection device used in computing.
     • Touch pads and trackballs are also types of pointing devices used in laptop/netbook computers.
   • Microphone
     • Used to input sound into a computer system
     • Used in videoconferencing and voice recognition software.
   • Barcode scanner
     • Used to input data automatically from barcodes.
     • The barcode reader scans the barcode using a visible red light, which is then used to identify the details of a product.
   • Joystick/games controller
     • Used to play computer games by controlling the way something moves on the screen; also used for devices like a wheelchair.
   • Webcam
     • Digital image captured and input system.
     • Used in on-screen display or videoconferencing.
   • Sensors
     • Used to detect physical variables for input into a computer control system.
       • Temperature, light, pressure etc.

3. Output

   • Flat-screen moniter
     • Used to display the output from a computer system.
     • Takes up less space and emit less heat than CRT screens.
   • Speakers
     • Use internal sound card to create high quality audio.
     • Output through externally connected speakers.
   • Inkjet printer
     • Smaller than laser printers and produce higher quality output.
     • Normally used in the home environment, so the speed and noise of the operation is not such a problem.
   • Laser printer
     • Used at home and in business.
     • They are quiet and print a large number of high quality sheets quickly.
     • Operate similarly to photocopiers - toner is fused on to paper using heat and pressure.
   • LED lights
     • Often used as output indicators from a control system.
   • Actuator
     • Used as outputs from a control system.
       • E.g. it contains a motor and linkage to lift a car park barrier.

4. Speciality devices

   • Many assistive technology devices are available to provide access for disabled users.
     • INPUT: eye-tracking controllers, foot-operated mouse, sip-and-puff switches etc.
     • OUTPUT: braille etc.

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