Information Technology Project

INPUT DEVICES

Name: Kenrick Norman

Date created: December 18th, 2023

Subject: Information Technology

Grade: 11, Comb 4

School: Oberlin High School

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TABLE OF CONTENT Pages

INPUT DEVICES...……………………………………………………………... 3

MANUAL DEVICES & INPUT DEVICES...…………………………………. 4-6

MANUAL DEVICES & POINTING DEVICES…………………… 7-14

SOURCE OF DATA ENTRY ………………………………………………. 14-27

MULTIMEDIA INPUT……….………………………………………. 28-30

SOUND CAPTURE………………….........………………………………… 30-35

OTHER INPUT DEVICES……………………………………………………. 35-38

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What does the term “Input” mean?

Input is any instruction or data that is sent to the computer for processing. It does this in various ways via:

 Text – Typed into the Keyboard

 Clicks – Made possible with a mouse

 Touch – On a touchscreen device

 Voice command – picked up by a microphone

 Data – from another computer or device

What are Input Device?

 Input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment to provide data and control

signals to an information processing system such as a computer or other information appliance.

Categories of Input Devices

Manual Input - the user must enter or transfer data into the computer.

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 1. Manual Input Device

Input devices

Keyboard

Description: Keyboards have a sets of alphabet keys, a set of digital keys and various function keys so

that data can be entered by the person in the form of individual letters, words and numbers. A keyboard

can also be described as a peripheral device used to input data into a computer or other digital device. It

consists of a set of keys that are typically arranged in rows. Each key corresponds to a specific character

or function.

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Types of Keyboards:

- QWERTY Keyboards: The most common keyboard layout designed in the likeness of

old-fashioned typewriters.

- Wired Keyboards: These keyboards connect to a computer via USB. They offer an

affordable and effortless swap if you want to find a keyboard style that suits your needs.

- Numeric Keypads: Not all computers come with keyboards that include the number pad.

- Wireless Keyboards: These keyboards connect to a computer wirelessly, providing more

flexibility and reducing clutter from wires.

- USB Keyboards: These keyboards connect to a computer via a USB port.

- Bluetooth Keyboards: These keyboards connect to a computer or other devices via

Bluetooth.

- Magic Keyboards: These are wireless and rechargeable keyboards that come with Mac

computers.

- Backlit Keyboards: These keyboards have keys that light up, making it easier to type in

low light conditions.

- Gaming Keyboards: These keyboards are designed specifically for gaming. They often

have additional keys for game play and built to withstand heavy use.

- Flexible Keyboards: These keyboards are made of soft silicone that can be bent or rolled

up. They’re typically water-resistant and portable.

- Membrane Keyboards: These keyboards use a rubber or silicone membrane beneath the

keys to register keystrokes.

- Mechanical Keyboards: These keyboards use individual mechanical switches beneath

each key, leading to a tactile and audible click when a key is pressed.

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 - Ergonomic Keyboards: These keyboards are designed to minimize strain and discomfort

when typing for long periods.

Advantages of a Keyboard Disadvantages of a Keyboard

Keyboards allow you to quickly type characters, It is possible to make diagrams or charts with the

numbers, and symbols without moving your hands keyboard.

from the home row of keys on the keyboard.

Keyboards are able to efficiently type words that If not properly used they get damaged easily.

are hard to spell.

Keyboards help with self-expression. Some keys which are often used et damaged soon.

Keyboards help you achieve more in less time Mathematical equations are hard to enter.

Keyboards are primary input devices that enable Keyboards are slow in operating compared to

us to create word processing or data entry mouse.

documents.

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 Pointing devices

Mouse

Description: A mouse is a handheld hardware input device used to manipulate objects on a computer

screen. It detects movement from the user’s hand to control the cursor on the screen. It controls a cursor in

a GUI (graphical user interface) for pointing, moving and selecting text, icon, files and folders on a

computer.

Types:

1. Mechanical Mouse: These mice have a ball on the underside that can roll in any direction.

2. Optical Mouse: These mice use a light-emitting diode and photodiodes to detect movement.

3. Wireless Mouse: These mice connect to the computer wirelessly, providing more flexibility and

reducing clutter from wires.

4. Trackball Mouse: These mice have a ball on the top side that is rolled with the hand.

5. Stylus Mouse: these mice look like a pen and are used to draw or select objects on the screen.

6. Biometric Mouse: These mice have biometric sensors on them that can identify the user based on

their unique characteristics.

Advantages Disadvantages

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 The mouse is the fastest pointing device in a Computer mice need an unobstructed and flat

computer system. surface to effectively monitor and manage user

movements.

Mice give the user the freedom to move cursors in The wired mouse cannot be used I long-range as

any direction. the ranges are limited for better connectivity

If the batteries are low they tend to lose their

It is easier to use and handle a mouse as compared accuracy and speed.

to a keyboard

The wired mouse cannot be used in long-range as

Using a mouse, users can easily interact with the ranges are limited for better connectivity.

computer functionality by selecting, clicking,

dragging, and scrolling inside the documents.

Description: A joystick is an input device that allows users to control the movement of an on-screen

cursor or other graphical elements. It consists of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or

direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have

one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. They are also used for controlling

machines such as cranes, trucks, underwater unmanned vehicles, wheelchairs, surveillance cameras, and

zero turning radius lawn mowers.

Types:
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  Digital Joystick: It has 4 buttons and a firing command. The 4 buttons are left, right, up, and

down.

 Paddle Joystick: It has a knob and a firing button. The knob is used to control the game.

 Analog Joystick: It uses both the technology of digital and paddle joystick.

 PC Analog Joystick: It was invented by IBM to use with their PC.

 Joy Pad: This type of joystick is very helpful and easy to use as they work on Bit.

Advantages:

- Useful for playing computer and video games.

- Easy to use by beginners.

- Fast interface.

- Easier to navigate.

- The control is in 3D (three dimensions).

- Provides more precise control compared to other input methods like keyboards or touchpads5.

- Ergonomically designed for comfortable use over extended periods.

Disadvantages:

- Difficult to control the on screen pointer compared to a mouse.

- Movement indirect in plane different from the screen.

- They are not robust and can break if too much force is applied on them.

- Requires lifting of hand from keyboard keys and requires different hand movements.

- The prolonged use of joystick can cause fatigue in the arms.

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Graphic Tablet

Description: A graphic tablet, also known as a digitizer, digital graphic tablet, pen tablet, drawing tablet,

external drawing pad, or digital art board, is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw

images, animations, and graphics, with a special pen-like stylus.

Types: Graphic tablets can be divided into several types – passive, active, optical, acoustic, and

capacitive. The most common types are passive and active.

Advantages:

- Graphic tablets allow natural drawing motion, pressure detection, and sensitivity.

- Minimize repetitive stress injuries, and offer lots of custom settings.

Disadvantages: The main disadvantages of graphic tablets are that they are expensive and active stylus

may not be compatible with all devices.

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Stylus Pen

Description: A stylus pen is an instrument that people use to mimic finger-like movements on electronic

devices with a touchscreen. This includes clicking, swiping, drawing, and signing.

Types: There are two main types of stylus pens: Active and Passive.

Advantages: Stylus pens are used as substitutes for fingers since they are thin and hence more precise

when touching icons. They are more accurate than fingers.

Disadvantages:

- The main disadvantage of stylus pens is that they are expensive.

- Active stylus may not be compatible with all devices.

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Touch Screen

Description: A touchscreen or touch screen is the assembly of both an input (touch panel) and output

(display) device. The touch panel is normally layered on the top of an electronic visual display of an

electronic device. The display is often an LCD, AMOLED, or OLED display.

Types: The five most common types of touch screen are: 5-Wire Resistive, Surface Capacitive touch,

Projected Capacitive (P-Cap), SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave), and IR (Infrared).

Advantages:

- Touchscreens are user-friendly Intuitive.

- Allow users to interact directly with what is displayed.

Disadvantages:

- Touchscreens can be expensive.

- May not be as precise as using a stylus or mouse.

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Light Pen

Description: A light pen is a computer input device in the form of a light-sensitive wand used in

conjunction with a computer’s cathode-ray tube (CRT) display. It allows the user to point to displayed

objects or draw on the screen in a similar way to a touchscreen but with greater positional accuracy. The

first light pen was created around 1951–1955 as part of the Whirlwind I project at MIT.

Types: There are several types of light pens:

 Corded Light Pen: Most of the old design Light Pens are corded.

 Battery Light Pen: These are cross light pens, when they are used they produce very bright light.

 Design Light Pen: Light pen is also a type of pen that allows designers to sketch using light.

 LED Light Pen: This pen produces bright colors when it is squeezed.

Advantages:

- Precision: Light pens enable you to interact with the screen with pinpoint accuracy.

- Artistic Application: Light pens are better suited to artistic and design work than a mouse.

- Desk Space Efficient: Light pen systems can be very efficient for situations with limited desk

space.

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 - Ease of Use: Light pens are easy to use. They are ergonomically designed for ease of hand

movement and are excellent for all drawing and pointing tasks.

Disadvantages:

- Specialized Monitor Required: Light pen systems require a specialized monitor, designed to

interact with the pen.

- Inefficient for General Use: While light pen systems work well for specialized tasks, general

desktop computing is better served by other interfaces.

- Easily Damaged: Light pens are easily damaged.

- Lack High Resolution Capability: They usually lack high resolution capability.

2. Source Data Entry

Scanning Devices

Source Data Entry Devices: These devices are used for audio input, video input, and to enter the source

document directly into the computer. They do not require data to be typed-in, keyed-in, or pointed to a

particular location.

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Types

Scanning Devices: Scanners are computer input devices, which are used to scan documents, images, and

text files. The documents which are scanned are converted into a digital format that can be further viewed

and updated with the help of computer and editing software.

Flatbed Scanner

Description: A flatbed scanner is a type of optical scanner that uses a flat surface to assist with the

scanning process. They are invaluable for industries that handle fragile and valuable materials.

Advantages:

- They support a wide array of document types and are intuitive enough for users of all technical

skill levels to operate.

- They produce high-quality images with accurate color representation and less image distortion.

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Disadvantages:

- They are large, bulky, and can be expensive

- They also require a lot of space to operate.

Hand-held Scanner

Description: Handheld scanners are smaller, portable versions of their flatbed cousins. They are bar-

shaped electronic devices that digitally capture and store images.

Advantages:

- They are small, portable, and affordable.

- They are perfect if traveling is a large part of your job.

Disadvantages:

- The image quality is fully dependent on the steadiness of your hand.

- They require batteries, which can be inconvenient if your scanner dies last minute.

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Sheet Feed Scanner

Description: A sheet feed scanner, also known as an automatic document feed scanner, is a digital

document imaging device designed for offices that deal with a high volume of paper.

Advantages:

- Sheet feed scanners can digitize thousands of documents a day, allowing for easier archival and

retrieval of information.

Disadvantages:

- They are expensive compared to other scanners.

- They require a lot of space to operate and are not portable.

Drum Scanner

Description: A drum scanner is a special scanner used to scan high-resolution pictures into a detailed and

sharp image.

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Advantages:

 They produce high-quality images with accurate color representation and less image distortion.

 They can scan images at very high resolutions, which makes them ideal for printing and

publishing applications.

Disadvantages:

 They are expensive, large, and time-consuming to use.

 They also require skilled operators who have experience in using them.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

Uses: MICR is used in banks to process large volumes of cheques. The bank’s identification code,

account number, and cheque number are preprinted on cheques with special ink.

Advantages: MICR offers high accuracy even with rough handling, fast processing, greater security

compared to OCR as printed characters cannot be altered, and reduced errors due to no manual input.

Disadvantages: MICR can only recognize 10 digits & 4 special characters, and it’s a more expensive

method of data entry.

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Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Uses: OMR is used for designing, scanning, and reading OMR sheets, detecting faults in the answer key,

and automating objective-based tests and administrative tasks.

Advantages: OMR can design, scan, and read OMR sheets in less time, detect faults in the answer key,

read 300 sheets in less time, and automate all types of objective-based tests and administrative tasks.

Disadvantages: If the marks on the OMR sheet are not dark enough, then it would be hard to read the

data and generate a report.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Uses: OCR is used to convert images and other scanned documents into computer-editable text.

Advantages:

1. OCR offers increased efficiency and productivity.

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2. Improved data accuracy.

3. Cost-effectiveness.

Disadvantages:

1. OCR technology is expensive to implement when using advanced software.

2. Has limited languages that it can recognize.

3. Doesn’t necessarily maintain the original document formats.

Barcode Readers

Description: Barcode readers are input devices used to scan barcodes, which are square-shaped boxes

consisting of white and black parallel lines of different widths. These devices retrieve data and

information present in the barcode instantly. The barcode is usually applied to products for quick

identification of the product details.

Uses: Barcode readers are commonly used in retail stores and warehouses for inventory management.

They are used to scan the sticker attached to a product where all the details related to the product prices,

manufacturing company, manufacturing date, country name, and expiry date are stored.

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Types: Broadly speaking, barcode readers are classified into the following subtypes: pen reader, laser

reader, CCD (Charge Couple Device) reader, and camera-based reader.

Advantages:

 Barcode readers are highly accurate and efficient, minimizing and eliminating human errors.

 They allow real-time data to be collected accurately and rapidly.

 They save time by retrieving records from the database in seconds.

 They improve productivity with high accuracy and time-saving.

Disadvantages:

 Barcode readers can only read barcodes if the label is clean and undamaged.

 They cannot read barcodes if the barcode label is not properly affixed to the product.

 Barcode readers are limited to the data stored in the barcode and cannot provide additional

information about the product unless it is included in the barcode.

 Please note that the advantages and disadvantages can vary based on the specific type of barcode

reader and its use case. For more detailed information, you may want to refer to the sources

provided.

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Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Advantages:

1. Better Customer Service: POS systems can offer relevant products to customers, creating more

sales opportunities and a tailored experience.

2. Easier Team Management: Some POS systems allow you to track employee-related data, such as

sales per employee and number of hour’s worked.

3. Saved Time: POS systems are packed with features that reduce the amount of time you need to

spend on admin or mundane tasks.

4. Multi-Store Systems: With a POS system, you can flawlessly manage multiple stores.

5. Increased Sales: POS systems can boost your sales by allowing you to make sales as soon as the

customer is ready.

Disadvantages:

1. Costly Prices: POS systems can be expensive.

2. Reliance on Internet Connection: POS systems rely on your internet connection.

3. Malware Infections: POS systems are vulnerable to malware.

4. Security Risks: There are security risks associated with POS systems.

5. Upgrades: Upgrading POS systems can be challenging.

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RFID

Description: RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) readers are network-connected devices that use

electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID reader sends

power, data, and commands to the passive RFID tags. The RFID reader acts as an access point for RFID

tagged items so that the tags’ data can be made available to business applications. RFID tags provide the

assets with an electronic identity that can be encoded and read by RFID readers.

Uses: RFID technology offers many benefits over traditional barcoding systems. RFID tags can store

more information than barcodes, so they can be used to track not only product information but also

location and history. RFID tags do not need to be within the line of sight of the reader, so they can be read

even if they are hidden or covered. They are used in many industries. For example, an RFID tag attached

to an automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line. RFID-

tagged pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses. Implanting RFID microchips in livestock and

pets enables positive identification of animals. They are also used in shops to expedite checkout, and to

prevent theft by customers and employees.

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Features Barcode RFID

Technology Used Optical (laser) technology Radio Frequency (RF) technology

Line of Sight Requires line of sight Does not require line of sight

Data Storage Less data storage (up to only 24 Greater data storage

characters)

Memory Storage Memory storage is not possible1 Memory storage is possible with the help of

tags

Durability Less resistant More resistant or durable

Read Capability Only a single barcode can be scanned at Several RFID tags can be read

a time simultaneously

Read/Write Abilities Only reading capabilities Read/write abilities using RFID tags

Processing Speed Slower than RFID Faster than Barcode

Power Source Power Source not required Required power source

Data Update Data is read-only and cannot be Data can be updated in real time

changed

Scanning Distance Requires close proximity for scanning Can scan from a few meters depending on

the item

Read Time Read time is half a sec or more Read time is less than 100ms per tag

Environment Soiled labels are difficult to read Can be used in harsher environments

Suitability

Comparison between Barcode and RFID

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Magnetic Strip Cards

Description: Magnetic strip cards, also known as swipe cards, are used in credit cards, identity cards, and

other similar cards. The magnetic stripe is made up of tiny iron-based magnetic particles that are encoded

with information. The stripe is read by swiping it through a magnetic stripe reader, which reads the

encoded information and sends it to a computer.

Uses: Magnetic strip cards are used in credit cards, debit cards, driver’s licenses, and state identification

cards. They enable a user to perform electronic transactions by allowing them to enter information.

Advantages:

They are relatively inexpensive to produce, and they can be read by a wide variety of devices.

Magnetic stripe cards are very durable and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear.

Disadvantages:

The stripe can be easily copied or duplicated.

They are not very secure. If someone steals your card and knows your PIN number, they can use your

card to make unauthorized charges.

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Smart Cards

Description: A smart card is a plastic card with a small, built-in microcomputer chip and integrated

circuit that can store and process a lot of data. It is considered to be a secure, time-saving device that can

access information without the use of a PC or the Internet.

Uses: Smart cards are used to make fast and safe transactions and protect personal information including

credit cards and other forms of cards, company, and government identification cards, and transit fare

cards.

Advantages:

 Smart cards have a lot of flexibility.

 They can store multiple types of information including identification, credit cards, business and

family contacts.

 Smart cards are individually encrypted and can only be accessed by pin number.

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  Information on a smart card cannot be erased or removed accidentally by any electrical or

magnetic means.

Disadvantages:

 Smart card readers are expensive to produce.

 There is concern about privacy and whether or not information on the card could be accessed or

used illegally by the government or other third-party sources.

 They can have multiple uses and so the loss may be much more inconvenient.

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 3. Multimedia Input

Multimedia input devices are used to capture or record data in the form of text, images, audio, and video.

Audio and Video

Electronic media possessing a sound and, or a visual component. This leads to such as, tapes, films,

theater productions.

Audio (sound, voice) Voice; Advantages and Disadvantages of voice data entry -

The advantage of Audio and voice is comfort. Main reason, to provide an easier way to dictate a text

rather than having to type which is uncomfortable. The disadvantage, the privacy. It’ll always be there to

listen, whether you want it to or not.

Types of Video Recognition -

Crowd detection, facial detection, tracking people, object counting.

Speaker dependent -

Training the speaker to use the system for his or her individual speech pattern.

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 Speaker independent -

A system that is trained to respond to a word, regarding to whoever speaks.

Direct Speech -

Repeating the actual words of a sentence.

Recognition Continuous -

It controls whether the continuous results are for each recognition there is.

Speech Recognition -

It’s the ability of a computer to define and identify and respond to the sounds of a human’s

speech.

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 Natural Language -

Language that has developed naturally with an artificial computer or language code.

4. Sound Capture

Description: Sound capture devices, like microphones, are used to record audio data. They convert sound

waves into electrical signals, which can then be stored, manipulated, or transmitted by a computer.

Uses: They are used in various applications such as recording music, voice recognition,

telecommunication, and audio analysis.

Advantages: They allow for high-quality audio recording and are essential for many multimedia

applications.

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Disadvantages: They can be sensitive to background noise and may require additional hardware or

software for noise cancellation.

MIDI Instructions

Description: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol used for recording and playing

back music on digital synthesizers.

Uses: It is used in music production, both in the analogue and digital worlds.

Advantages: MIDI instructions are compact, easy to edit, and can control multiple instruments.

Disadvantages: They do not capture the nuances of a live performance and require a MIDI instrument or

software to play back.

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Digital Cameras

Description: Digital cameras capture and store photographs in a digital format, eliminating the need for a

physical medium like film.

Uses: They are used for photography, videography, and in various fields like journalism, science, and

security.

Advantages: They allow for instant review of photos, easy sharing and storage, and editing of images.

Disadvantages: High-quality digital cameras can be expensive, and the image quality can sometimes be

lower than that of film cameras.

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Videos

Description: Videos are sequences of images displayed at a certain rate to create the illusion of motion.

Uses: They are used in entertainment, education, marketing, communication, and many other fields.

Advantages: Videos can convey a large amount of information quickly and can be more engaging than

text or still images.

Disadvantages: Creating high-quality videos can require expensive equipment and software, and videos

can take up a lot of storage space.

Video Recorder and Video Cameras

Description: Video recorders and video cameras capture moving images and sound, storing them in a

digital or analog format.

Uses: They are used in filmmaking, broadcasting, surveillance, and personal recording.

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Formats: Common formats include MP4 (H.264 and H.265), MOV (H.264), WebM, ProRes (Apple

ProRes), and MKV.

Advantages: They allow for the capture and replay of events, and can provide high-quality images and

sound.

Disadvantages: They can be expensive, require technical knowledge to operate effectively, and video

files can take up a lot of storage space.

Web Cams

Description: Webcams are small digital cameras that can send a video stream through a computer to a

computer network.

Uses: They are used for video conferencing, live streaming, video chatting, and security monitoring.

Advantages: They allow for real-time communication over long distances, are relatively inexpensive, and

easy to use.

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Disadvantages: They require a good internet connection, can have privacy issues, and the video quality

can be lower than dedicated video cameras.

Digital Cameras vs Web Cams:

1. Both digital cameras and webcams capture images or videos. Digital cameras are

standalone devices primarily designed for photography and videography.

2. They have higher resolution, better image quality, and more features compared to

webcams.

3. On the other hand, webcams are typically attached to computers and used for video

conferencing or live streaming.

4. They have lower resolution but are more suitable for real-time communication.

5. Other Input Device

Biometric Systems: Biometric input devices measure a person’s unique physical characteristics. The

most commonly used biometrics are fingerprints, facial characteristics, iris patterns, and hand

geometry. These devices are used for security identification and authentication.

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Remote Control: A remote control is a handheld device used to control a machine from a short distance

away. It sends data signals each time a button is pressed using infrared light or radio signals.

Sensors:

1. Robots: Robots use many different types of input transducers, also known as sensors. These are

used to give the robot knowledge about its environment.

2. Tactile Sensors: Tactile sensors are components that measure touch commands so that they can be

processed. They are used in robotics, computer hardware, and security systems.

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 3. Proximity Sensors: A proximity sensor is a sensor that can detect a device or object which is near

to it and sensing is done without any contact to the detected object.

4. Ultrasonic Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors emit a chirp usually between 23 kHz and 40 kHz, much

higher than the typical audible range of human hearing at 20 kHz, hence the term ultrasonic. Using

this chirp, they measure the amount of time it takes for the sound to bounce off an object.

Infrared Sensors: Infrared sensors consist of two elements: infrared source and infrared detector. The

energy emitted by the infrared source is reflected by an object and falls on the infrared detector.

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Vision Sensors: Vision input devices consist of low vision devices, such as magnifiers that enlarge print

for people with low vision, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV), which enlarge the image, and optical

character recognition devices (OCR) that allow printed information to be converted to digital information.

Interactive Whiteboard: An interactive whiteboard functions as an input device for a computer, enabling

you to work in any application on the computer from the interactive whiteboard. When you touch the

interactive whiteboard’s surface, the four cameras located in the interactive whiteboard’s corners detect

the contact’s horizontal and vertical (or x, y) coordinates.

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