Input and output devices

1) Keyboards:
Definition: Input device used for data entry (text).
Connected through a USB or wireless connection. Types are:
1- Standard
2- Ergonomic (solve RSI problem).

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

keyboard Input data into applications
Fast entry Slow and typing errors
software

Well-known
Lead to injuries (RSI).
method.
Standard
Typing in commands to the
computer
Uses up desk space (large
Easy to use
device)

Ergonomic
2) Numeric keypads:
Definition: Input device Used to enter numbers only.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Numeric keypads Automatic teller machines (ATMs) -
Faster method More difficult (small keys)
key in their PIN.
Mobile phones
Point of sale terminals (POS) if the Easy to carry around (in The order of the numbers
barcode reader fails to read the many small devices) is not intuitive
barcode

Pointing devices:
Are devices that uses a pointer cursor appears in the screen.
They are:
• Mouse
• Touchpad
• Trackerball
• Remote control
• Joystick
• Driving wheel

Page 2 of 26
3) Mouse:

Definition: A pointing device used to control the position of a pointer on the screen.
It has two buttons:
• The left button: to select items by double clicking
• The right button: brings up drop-down menus.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Mouse Opening, closing and minimising Faster method for Difficult for disabled
software choosing people
Controlling the position of a pointer on
Very quick Easy to damage
the screen
No need for a large desk
Image editing
space

4) Touchpads:
Definition: are a pointing device in laptops.
The pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger on the touchpad.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Touchpad Difficult to use for disabled
Same as the mouse
People
Similar to the
Difficult to control the pointer.
mouse The touchpad is integrated (no
need for a separate mouse) Difficult to do certain operations
(like: drag and drop)
5) Trackerball:

Definition: are pointing devices (similar to a mouse), except that a ball is on the top or the side of the device.
The user controls the pointer on the screen by rotating the ball. Easy to use for disabled people.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Trackerball Good alternative to a mouse No need for high Not supplied with the
(prevent RSI). control computer.
In industrial control room. Easier to use.
User may need training to
Needs less desk
In luxury cars use it
space

6) Remote control:

Definition: Used with devices that using infrared signals. The buttons are used to select options.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Remote Televisions, satellite systems, Difficult to use disabled
control DVD/Blu-ray players people.
Control multimedia systems.

Operated from any

reasonable distance It is easier to block the
Industrial applications to remotely
signal
control processes

Page 4 of 26
7) Joystick:
Definition: have similar functions to a mouse and a trackerball. By gripping the stick, a pointer on the screen
can be controlled. Buttons are used to make selections. Often, they have another button on the top of the
stick that is used for gaming purposes for example to fire a weapon.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Joystick Video/computer games. Easier to use.

More difficult to control the on-

In simulators. More realistic Control. screen pointer

8) Driving wheel:
Definition: An input device that is similar to a joystick. It connects to a computer through a USB port. Sensors
are used to pick up left/right movement.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Driving wheel Video/computer Expensive
Easier to control
games.
Movements are too
The (driving experience) is sensitive
In simulators.
nearer to actual (real)
9) Scanners:
Definition: are used to enter information from hard copy into a computer. The hard copy document or photo
is scanned and produces a computer-readable image.
There are also specialist scanners that designed to do a specific task, like: barcode scanners.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Scanners Scan in documents and convert into a Images stored for
Quality can be limited
useful format. editing
Scan in old/valuable documents/books Much faster (When
(protecting the originals) used with OCR)
They can be fairly slow
Can recover damaged at scanning
Scan in photographs
documents

10) Digital cameras

Definition: An input device used to take images and videos.
The images are stored on a memory card and can be transferred to a computer by:
1- Directly reading the memory card
2- Connecting the camera to the computer using a USB port
3- Using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

Page 6 of 26
 Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Easier to produce
Digital cameras Need to use the cameras
Taking photographs better-quality
properly.
photographs.
Easier and faster to Some artistry lost (some
As a data-capture device
upload photographs. software now corrects errors).
To improve colour No need to develop film Images had to be compressed
matching when doing and print out to reduce the amount of
some fillings. photographs. memory used.

11) Microphones
Definition: An input device that used to enter sound data to computer.
It’s built into the computer or are external devices connected through the USB port or using Bluetooth
connectivity.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Microphones To input Faster to read than to Sound files use a lot of
speech/sounds type in. memory.
As a sensor to pick Ability to manipulate
up sound sound in real time.
Voice-recognition software is
In video- Improving safety (If used
not as accurate as typing in.
conferencing or in a voice activation
Voice system)
12) Sensors
Definition: A sensor is an input device that inputs data to a computer. (data of physical quantity that changes
continuously, like: temperature, light, etc.).
Physical quantities are analogue data.
The input data by the sensors must be converted by an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC)., because
computers only understand digital data (1s and 0s).
Sensors are used in monitoring and control applications.
Uses and types of sensors
Type of sensor Applications
Temperature Automatic washing machines Central heating systems Automatic glasshouses Ovens
Pressure Intruder alarm systems Washing machines Robotics Environmental monitoring
Light Automatic glasshouses Automatic doors Intruder alarm systems Street lighting control
Sound/acoustic Intruder alarm systems Monitoring liquid flow in pipes
Automatic glasshouses Environmental monitoring Factories (like: manufacture of
Humidity/moisture
microchips)
pH Automatic glasshouses Chemical processes Environmental monitoring

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Sensors Central heating Faulty sensors can give incorrect
More accurate readings
systems results
Most sensors are analogue (need
Robotics Readings are continuous
conversion using an ADC).
Systems is automatic (no
Automatic doors
need for human)

Page 8 of 26
13) Light pens
Definition: are used with computers as an input device.
They contain sensors that send signals to a computer whenever light changes are detected. The devices
only work with CRT monitors.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Light pens Selecting objects on CRT Greater Problems with lag when
screens. accuracy drawing on screen
Drawing on screen (for CAD Small in size Only works with CRT
packages). monitors
Easy to use Not that accurate when
drawing.
 Direct data entry (DDE) devices
Direct data entry (DDE) devices are used to input data into a computer without the need for human interaction.
The data transferred into the computer automatically, like: using barcode readers.
Card readers
• Magnetic stripe readers
• Contactless debit card readers
• Chip and PIN readers

1) Magnetic stripe readers

Definition: Used to read information on the magnetic stripe (in the back of a credit or debit card).
The stripe contains useful information, like: account number, sort code, expiry date and start date.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Magnetic stripe readers On credit/debit cards for use at Fast data entry When damaged the
ATMs or EFTPOS (electronic data is lost.
funds transfer at point of sale)
terminals.
Security devices (to allow entry Error-free (no Does not work at a
to buildings). typing is involved). distance.
Secure. The information is not
human readable.

Page 10 of 26
2) Contactless debit card readers
Contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay for without entering their PIN.
All contactless cards have a small chip that used radio waves.
The card is held for a while for payment terminal to pay.
The terminal picks up the signal from the chip and processes the transaction.
The steps to use the contactless cards to take are:
1- Customers look out for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal.
2- The shop assistant enters the amount for payment.
3- The card reader informs the customer to present their contactless card.
4- The customer holds their card close to the front of the card reader.
5- The terminal display will indicate that the card has been read successfully.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Contactless debit Pay without entering their PIN Faster transactions More expensive
card readers People can monitor
No worry about your contactless card
typing errors transaction while
paying.

POS (point of Sale)

Faster access to the
Can take money twice
customer’s
(by using a chip and
credit/debit card
PIN card)
information.
 Chip and PIN readers
3) Chip and PIN readers
Definition: are similar to smart card readers but are used at EFTPOS terminals. The device has a slot where
the card is placed and the chip is read. The PIN is entered using the keypad.
The reader has a small screen which shows instructions to the operator.
They are similar to the contactless system, except for two points:
1- The customer has to type their PIN
2- No use of radio frequency technology.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Chip and PIN readers Where cards are used for
More secure
payments (restaurants, Fraud
system.
supermarkets)

More robust Need to ensure PIN is not

system. read by somebody

4) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers:

Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers use radio waves to read and capture information stored on
a tag. Tag can be read from a distance which is an advantage over the barcode system.
The RFID tag is made up of two components:
1- A microchip: stores and processes information
2- An antenna: to receive and transmit data/information.

Page 12 of 26
The tags can be:
1- Passive: use the reader’s radio wave energy to relay back the information
2- or battery-powered: use a small embedded battery to power the RFID.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Radio Frequency Identification Retail (similar to The tags can be read Easy to interrupt (uses
(RFID) readers barcodes). from a distance. radio waves)
Admission Very reliable
Easy to hack
passes. technology.

Libraries Very fast read-rate. More expensive

5) Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR)
Definition: is a device which can read marks written in pen or pencil on a form.
For example:
The position of the mark is stored in the computer’s memory after being read by the OMR device.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Optical Mark Very fast way of The forms need to be
Read questionnaires
Recognition/Reader (OMR) inputting carefully designed
Multiple-choice
More accurate
examination papers

Causes problems if they

More accurate have not been filled in
Voting papers than OCR correctly
methods.

Page 14 of 26
6) Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR)
Definition: It’s a device that converts the text on hard copy documents into an electronic form.
OCR software converts the electronic data into a form used in various application packages.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Optical Character Processing of passports and Difficult to read some
Faster data entry
Recognition/Reader identity cards. handwriting.
(OCR)

Converting hard copy documents

into electronic form to be stored on Reduced errors Not very accurate.
a computer.
 Comparison of OMR and OCR features
OCR OMR
customers can extend their answers to questions The information obtained is limited to the choices
(it reads handwriting) offered in each question
poor handwriting causes reading errors The position of the marks is compared to a template
stored in memory
converting printed documents to an editable OMR simply reads the position of marks so it is ideal
electronic format for multiple-choice exam papers
This method requires complex (and expensive) forms
needs complex recognition system to be completed; but the recognition system is
simpler than OCR
Fewer ‘how to fill in’ instructions are needed for While this method requires more ‘how to fill in’
forms designed to be completed and then read by instructions, it is easier and faster for customers to
OCR complete OMR forms than to complete OCR forms
OMR is essentially a more accurate method for
OCR is more accurate
reading data than OCR

Page 16 of 26
7) Barcode readers
Definition: Used to read information in the form of a bar code. The readers are usually in the form of a
barcode scanner and are often built into POS terminals in supermarkets.
Handheld scanners or wands are also very common for reading barcodes.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Barcode readers in supermarkets Much faster Expensive
A way of recording Not fool-proof (barcodes
Libraries safety testing of can be swapped around
components on items)

As a safety function (to

Allow automatic
ensure checking electrical Easily damaged
stock control.
equipment is in companies)
8) Quick response (QR) code scanners (readers)
Definition: Another type of barcode is the quick response (QR) code. This is made up of a matrix of filled-
in dark squares on a light background. For example, the QR code in Figure 2.26 is a website advertising rock
music merchandise. It includes a web address in the code.
QR codes can hold considerably more information than the more conventional barcodes described earlier.

Description of QR codes
A QR code consists of a block of small squares (light and dark) called pixels.
It can allows internet addresses to be encoded within the QR code.
The 30 digits is the maximum for a barcode.
As more data is added, the structure of the QR code becomes more complex.
The three large squares at the corners work as an alignment way; the small corner square is used to ensure
the correct shot when the QR code is read.
QR codes can be scanned anywhere because of using modern smartphones and tablets.

To read QR codes method:

1- Point the phone or tablet camera at the QR code.
2- The apps will now process the image taken by the camera converting the squares into readable data.
3- The browser software on the mobile phone or tablet automatically reads the data generated by the
apps; it will also decode any web addresses contained within the QR code.
4- The user will then be sent to a website automatically (or if a telephone number was embedded in the
code)
5- If the QR code contained a boarding pass, this will be automatically sent to the phone/tablet.

Page 18 of 26
 Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Quick response Contains data such as business Holds much more
(QR) code addresses, phone numbers information
scanners Contain links to apps and to automatic
(readers) website access

May contains
viruses
Fewer errors
Wi-Fi authentication
 Output devices
Are devices that show the result of computer processing in a format that can be understood by a human, or
as a part of a control system.
Monitors (screens)
We will consider two types of monitors:
1- The cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor
2- LCD (or TFT) screen (TFT means ‘thin film technology’

1) CRT monitors
Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors has many sizes, it uses an electron gun firing against a phosphor screen.
The picture is made up of tiny dots which are coloured red, green or blue.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

CRT monitors In specialist areas (like: The screen can be seen at
computer-aided design a wider range of viewing Heavy and weight
(CAD)) angles clearly
Run very hot, can
cause fires
With light pens Allow the use of light pens
Consume more power

Page 20 of 26
2) LED and LCD screens
LED screens
Is made up of tiny light emitting diodes (LEDs), and each LED is either red, green or blue in colour. Its
brightness can be controlled, producing a vast range of colours By varying the electric current sent to each
LED. This type of screen tends to be used for large outdoor displays.

LCD screens

Are made up of tiny liquid crystals. These tiny crystals make up an array of pixels which are affected by
changes in applied electric fields. Modern LCD screens are backlit using light emitting diode (LED)
technology. Before the use of LEDs, LCD screens used cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) as the back-
lighting method.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

LCD screens The main output Very efficient, low power Inconsistent colour and
device consumption. contrast
Offer touch-screen
Lightweight devices. Lower contrast
input.

Mobile phones, tablets,

Very sharp image resolution Have weak or stuck pixels
laptops
3) Touch screen (as an output device)
Touch screens can work as both an input device and as an output device.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Touch screens Smartphones and tablets Faster entry Limited number of options
Very easy for
ATMs at banks Screen can get very dirty
choosing options.

Ticket collection Security risk (track a user’s

User-friendly method
machines at theatres interactions)

4) Multimedia projectors
Multimedia projectors receive signals that can be either analogue or digital from a computer, television
or DVD player, then the image projected onto a large screen. Most multimedia projectors take input from
various types of video format.

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Multimedia projectors Training Enables many people to see a Images can be fuzzy
presentations presentation
Advertising Expensive
presentations Avoids the need for several
Home cinema networked computers Difficult to set up
systems projectors

Page 22 of 26
5) Printers
An output device that used to print/output the information into papers (hard copy).
we will consider the use of the three most common types of printers:
1- Laser printer
2- Inkjet printer
3- Dot matrix printer.

6) Laser printers
Definition: are output devices that produce very high-quality hard copy output. The print rate per page is very
quick if a large number of pages are being printed. They rely on large buffer memories where the data for the
whole document is stored before pages can be printed out

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Laser printers Where low noise Only fast for making several
Fast and handle large print jobs
(office). copies
For fast, high quality High quality Expensive

For High copies Toner cartridges used for a long

Health issues (Produce ozone)
printing time
7) Inkjet printers
Definition: are output devices that used to produce good-quality hard copies. Unlike laser printers, inkjet
printers do not have large buffer memories, therefore printing is done a bit at a time. This is why printing is
sometimes paused – the whole print job cannot be stored in the buffer, and it has to wait for the computer to
send more data.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Inkjet printers In low-output copies Slow output for several
High-quality output
are required copies
For high-quality
Very lightweight Cannot do large print jobs
printing is required

Do not produce ozone and

3D inkjet printers Expensive
volatile organic compounds

8) Dot matrix printers

Definition: are an output device and a type of impact printer. The print head (composed of a matrix of pins).
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Dot matrix printers Noisy environments Used hard environments Very noisy
Produce multi outputs copies Poor-quality

In multi-part applications
Used hard environments Very slow

Page 24 of 26
9) (Graph) plotters
Definition: A (graph) plotter is an output device. Although they print on paper, they work very differently to
printers. Plotters use a pen, pencil or marker pen to draw multiple continuous lines, rather than a series of
dots like a printer. The size of the paper can be anything from A4 up to several metres.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
(Graph) plotters Producing architectural
Very high quality Very slow
drawings
Producing engineering Produce large, and colour
Expensive
drawings drawings
Drawing cartoon Have a very large physical
Print a variety of materials
characters footprint

10) 3D printers
Dentition: are output devices that used to build solid object is built up layer by layer using materials
(powdered resin, metal).
Used in computer-aided design (CAD) applications.
They are based on inkjet and laser printer technology and can produce solid objects that actually work.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
3D printers The manufacturing of items Making fake items is
Prosthetic limbs
has become easier against copyright
Making items to Can lead to illegal
Allows rapid prototyping
allow surgery activities
In aerospace, Manufacturing parts for
Job losses
manufacturers machinery
11) Speakers
Definition: Output devices that produce sound

Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Speakers Phones and Everyone hears the output
Disturb others
computers from a computer
Can be much louder than the Needs expensive device to get
Plays sound files
original sound High-quality sound
Multimedia
Simple technology Takes a desk space
presentations

12) Actuators
Definition: is a mechanical or electromechanical device used to control devices as output device.
Device Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Actuators Allow remote
Controls devices (motors). operation of many Could go wrong
devices

Controlling physical Computer signals must be

devices that require Inexpensive converted by DAC to enable
analogue inputs computer control

Page 26 of 26