Exploring Input Devices

Exploring Input Devices

A brief overview of input devices and their role in technology.

Exploring Input Devices

• Keyboard: A manual input device used for inputting data into applications and typing commands. It is easy to use and allows for fast entry of text into a document.
• Numeric Keypad: Used for inputting numeric data into various devices such as ATMs, POS terminals, and mobile phones. It is straightforward to enter numeric data but can be difficult to type letters.
• Ergonomic Keyboard: A special keyboard designed to reduce health problems associated with typing. It has a more natural shape, reducing stress on the wrist and hands.

Exploring Input Devices

• Mouse: Used to control the pointer on the screen. Easy to navigate through menu options. Easily damaged.

• Touch Pad: Used as a pointing device on a laptop. More difficult to use compared to a normal mouse.

• Tracker Ball: Used by users with limited wrist mobility. Easier to use compared to a mouse. Tend to be more expensive.

• Remote Control: Used to control TV channels, multimedia systems, etc. Can be used from a distance. Signal could be blocked by obstacles.

• Joystick: Used in computer games and simulators. Easier to use compared to a keyboard. More difficult to use compared to a mouse.

• Driving Wheel: Used by gamers in racing/driving games. More accurate driving experience. More expensive.

Multiple Choice

Which input device is used to control TV channels and multimedia systems?

• Mouse

• Touch Pad

• Tracker Ball

• Remote Control

Drag and Drop

Mouse is an ​

Placeholder

device​

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

input device

output devics

pointing device

Remote Control

Trivia: Did you know that the remote control was first introduced in 1950? It revolutionized the way we interact with TVs and multimedia systems. Today, it is an essential device found in almost every household. With just a click of a button, you can effortlessly control channels and navigate through multimedia content.

Exploring Input Devices

• Touch Screen: Used on mobile/tablets, POS, and interactive whiteboards. Very easy to use and select options, but options could be selected accidentally and the screen can get dirty.
• Scanners: Used to scan documents or photographs. Copies can be created, but quality is dependent on resolution settings.
• Digital Cameras: Used to take photographs and small video clips. Data can be transferred to computers and higher resolution images can be stored on memory cards. However, transferring, storing, and editing images can be complicated.
• Video Cameras: Used to record video footage. Can record in HD and footage can be edited on a computer. However, HD movies take up a lot of storage and the cost of the camera can be high.
• Microphone: Used to input sound into a computer and in voice recognition applications. Voice overs can be added to presentations and recorded audio can be typed directly into word processor applications. However, voice recognition is not as accurate as typing text into a computer.
• Graphics Tablet: Used with a stylus to draw freehand drawings which can be stored on a computer. Very accurate method of drawing compared to a pointer device, but it takes longer to produce drawings and the cost of the tablet can be high.
• Web Cams: Used for web conferences and video chats. Allows for face-to-face video chat, but can have limitations in contacting people without a webcam.

Multiple Choice

Which input device is used to scan documents or photographs?

• Touch Screen

• Scanners

• Digital Cameras

• Video Cameras

Scanners

Trivia: Scanners are input devices used to convert physical documents or photographs into digital images. They use optical sensors to capture the image and then transfer it to a computer. Scanners are commonly used in offices, libraries, and graphic design studios. They come in different types, such as flatbed scanners, sheet-fed scanners, and handheld scanners. Scanners have revolutionized the way we store and share physical documents, making them easily accessible and editable in digital format.

Exploring Input Devices

• Light Pens: Used in CAD applications for drawing onscreen. More accurate than touch screens. Small in size. Only used with CRT Monitors. Dated Technology.
• Sensors: Devices that convert real-world properties into data. Examples include temperature, light, moisture, water-level, proximity, movement, and pressure sensors.
• ADC: Analogue-to-digital converter needed to convert analogue signals from sensors into digital signals that computers can understand.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of an ADC?

• To convert digital signals into analogue signals

• To convert analogue signals from sensors into digital signals

• To convert real-world properties into data

• To convert touch screen inputs into digital signals

ADC: Analog to Digital Converter

An ADC is used to convert analogue signals from sensors into digital signals. This is crucial in many applications, such as measuring temperature, light intensity, or sound levels. By converting real-world properties into data, ADCs enable digital systems to process and analyze sensor inputs accurately and efficiently. Without ADCs, digital devices would not be able to interact with the physical world effectively.