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Input Devices
Input Devices
Input Devices
Every computer system receives commands and data, from the real world, via input
devices
Input devices converts inputs into digital data which can be processed
For conventional computer systems, such as desktop computers and laptops, the most
common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard
There are a wide range of input devices used in more specialist computer systems such
as scanners and sensors
Exam Tip
The exam board has limited the number of devices you may be asked about to eight -
keyboard, optical mouse, microphone, barcode scanner, digital camera, QR code
scanner, touch screen (resistive, capacitive and infra-red), 2D and 3D scanners
If you're asked to list some input devices, check you're not listing one included in the
question as you won't get a mark for this
You won’t be asked how they technically work but may be asked what each device does,
why it does it and when it may be used
Barcode Scanner
Barcodes are a series of black and white bars which represent a code
A barcode reader shines a red laser at the barcode to read the data it represents
The light from the white lines is reflected back
Black lines absorb the light so less is reflected
The different levels of reflection are converted into a binary value which can be processed
by a microprocessor
A barcode reader can be handheld or built into a larger machine such as a self-service
checkout at a supermarket
Barcodes can be used in many ways such as identifying a product being sold or tracking a
package through the delivery process
Benefits include faster checkouts, automated stock control, less chance of error due to
manual entry of data, and more detailed tracking information
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
Worked example
- When a customer purchases an item, its barcode is scanned in at the checkout [1]
- The barcode reader sends the digital code for the product to the stock database where it is
removed from the stock inventory [1]
- This means the number of items of stock is always accurate and up to date [1]
- and the supermarket staff can reorder items quickly when stock is low [1]
Digital Camera
A digital camera works by capturing light and converting it into a digital image
Light enters the camera through the lens, it reaches an image sensor where it is split into
millions of pixels (small squares). Each pixel measures light intensity which is converted
into binary and represents a colour.
Digital cameras are integrated into smartphones, used in security systems and
by professional photographers to create high quality digital images
An advantage of digital cameras is they show a preview of the image
They also instantly create an image which can then be
easily duplicated and transmitted via bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Software can be used to edit digital photos, for example applying a filter or retouching a
photo
Keyboard
A keyboard is the most common device used for text-based data input
They are connected either by a USB cable or wirelessly to the computer system
They are built into laptops.
Smartphones and tablets have virtual keyboards
Each key on a keyboard has a peg underneath it which makes contact with a conducting
membrane. This is then converted into an electrical signal to transmit a unique character
code
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
Microphone
A computer microphone works by converting sound waves into electrical signals that can
be processed by the computer.
They can capture any real-world sound and convert it into digital data which can be stored,
duplicated or modified
The microphone has a diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves. These
vibrations are then converted into electrical signals by a coil of wire attached to the back of
the diaphragm. Changes in the signal are recorded by a microprocessor using a analogue to
digital converter
Microphones are used to record music, telephone calls, communicate online and dictation
Optical Mouse
A mouse use a laser to detect and track movement, this is then processed by a
microprocessor which interprets the movement and replicates it when moving a virtual
cursor on-screen
Items can be selected or moved using the left mouse button, whilst the right button usually
displays additional menus
They can be wired or wireless
They are used to control the cursor in a Graphical User Interface (GUIs)
They are simple to use and provide the user with an intuitive way to navigate the computer
They are reliable due to no moving parts
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
QR code scanner
Worked example
Describe how festival organisers could make use of QR codes and QR code scanners [4]
Any 4 of:
Touchscreen
- Requires a bare
finger or stylus for
activation
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
Capacitive screens Made up of a +Excellent image Large scale
protective layer, a quality commercial displays
transparent
conductive layer and +Unlimited touch-life Information kiosks
a glass substrate.
Touching the screen +Scale well Medical equipment
changes the
- Sensitive
electrostatic field of
to interference from
the conductive layer
light, water, snow
2D and 3D scanners
A two-dimensional (or flat-bed) scanner shines a strip of light over a document. Reflected
light is measured for each pixel. This data is converted into binary data so the document can
be digitally recreated
A three- dimensional laser scanner shines a light over an object. The geometry and
dimensions are recorded so the object can be recreated digitally
The digital 3D model can be modified using specialist software
A 3D printer could then print out the model
2D scanners can be used for creating digital versions of documents or photographs
Reading passports at airports
3D scanners can be used to create 3D models for use with computer-aided design (CAD)
software
Creating replicas with 3D printers
Typical uses of 3D scanners and printers are dentistry, product development, medical
A cheap and quick way of creating a digital representation of both 2D and 3D objects so
they can be manipulated, stored, transmitted or copied
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
- Musical recordings
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
- Telephone calls
- Dictation
- Interactive
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- Information screens