Input Devices Part 2

Input Devices Part 2

1. Audio/Visual Devices

   • Scanner
     • A device that 'scans' images, book pages, etc. Most common is the flat bed scanner. When scanned you can't really alter the picture.
   • Digital Camera
     • A device that captures digital photographs. However they do not always directly input data.
     • Webcam
       • Basic camera for live video. Though it gives very poor quality most of the time.
   • Video Camera
     • Captures moving images or videos: data does not feed directly into the computer.
     • Microphone
       • Converts sound into a signal: Sound quality is not always good and they also can burst.

2. Card Readers

   • Magnetic Strip Reader
     • Strip of magnetised material that allows data to be input faster. Usually done by swiping: Information is not always very safe.
   • Smart Card
     • Credit cards without a magnetic strip. They can be read back using a chip reader and can store much more data. Data is not easily altered.
   • Reading texts/codes
     • MICR Reader
       • Allows details from bank cheques to be read into computer quickly. They are not always accurate though.
     • OMR Reader
       • Data from multiple choice to read quickly and accurately. Common uses are answer sheets. If answer key is incorrect it will grade it incorrectly.
     • OCR Scanner
       • Converts images of text into an actual text file. However pictures don't always come out clear.
     • Barcode Reader/Scanner
       • Simply a numeric code as a series of lines. Typing the code can take a long time if you have to.
         • Remote Control
           • Sends data signal each time: button is pressed using infrared light or radio signals. Distance is limited so you have to be close to device.
     • Input Sensors
       • A sensor is a device that converts a real-world property into data that a computer can process. Sensors are not always as realistic as it could be.