Output Devices

Output Devices

1. Plotter

   • Plotters are a specialist type of printer which is able to draw high quality images on very large pieces of paper, for example 3 foot wide by 10 foot long. They are used by engineers and architects to draw plans of buildings, diagrams of machines or large scale maps. A plotter differs from a printer in that it draws images using a pen that can be lowered, raised and moved across the paper to form continuous lines. The electronically controlled pen is moved around the paper by computer controlled motors.
     • Flatbed Plotters
       • These hold the paper still while the pen moves
     • Drum Plotters
       • These roll the paper over a cylinder
     • Pinch-roller Plotters
       • These are a mixture of Flatbed Plotters and Drum Plotters
   • Advantage - drawings are the same quality of that drawn by a professional

2. Digital Projector

   • A video projector is an image projector that receives a video signal and projects the corresponding image on a projection screen using a lens system. All video projectors use a very bright light to project the image, and most modern ones can correct any curves, blurriness, and other inconsistencies through manual settings.
   • Advantage - large sized pictures are useful in classrooms of schools, using an interactive whiteboard

3. Robotic Arm

   • A robotic arm is a type of mechanical arm, usually programmable, with similar functions to a human arm; the arm may be the sum total of the mechanism or may be part of a more complex robot.
   • Advantage - amazing quality

4. Printer

   • Laser
     • Laser printers are used in many workplaces because they are quiet, they print a large number of sheets very quickly and they produce high quality documents. Also the cost-per-page of the inks are lower than other types of printer.
     • Advantage - high quality printouts
   • InkJet
     • Colour ink-jet printers are ideal for use at home where only a few documents need to be printed and the quality of the printout doesn't need to be perfect. They can produce superb photographic prints if suitable high quality photo paper and inks are used.
     • Advantage - cheap to buy