IGCSE ICT (0417)

UNIT #02 Input and output devices

 INPUT DEVICE?

A device that we use to enter data and commands to a

computer.
 INDIRECT INPUT DEVICE?

A device that we use to capture data from the source with

human intervention.
 INDIRECT INPUT DEVICES

 Keyboard/Numeric Keypad
 Pointing Devices
 Remote Control
 Joystick/Driving Wheel
 Touch Screen
 Scanners - Flatbed Scanner
 Camera
 Microphone
 Sensors
 Light Pen
 INDIRECT INPUT DEVICE?

An input device that we use to enter alphabets, numbers,

symbols or special characters, non-printable characters and
commands.
 KEYBOARD - CHARACTERISTICS

 Wired keyboard - USB keyboard, PS2 keyboard

 Virtual keyboard - tablet’s keyboard
 Slow data entry method
 Prone to errors
 Easiest way to enter text
 Prolonged use can lead to RSI
 Ergonomic keyboard
 KEYBOARD - USES

 Enter text - letters

 Enter numbers
 Enter symbols or special characters
 Enter non printable characters
 Typing in commands like Prnt Scrn, Ctrl+P
 KEYBOARD - ADVANTAGES

 Fast entry of new text

 Well-known method
 Easy to use
 Easier to do verification checks while we are
entering data.
 KEYBOARD - DISADVANTAGES

 Difficult to use for the users with limited arm

movement.
 Slow method when compared to direct data entry
 Fairly large device that uses up valuable desk
space.
KEYBOARD – WORKING PRINCIPLE
 NUMERIC KEYPAD

An input device that we use to enter numbers or functions

and commands.
 NUMERIC KEYPAD - USES

 Automatic teller machines (ATMs)

 Mobile phones
 Point of sale terminals (POS)
 Chip and PIN devices
 Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet
 NUMERIC KEYPAD - ADVANTAGES

 Faster than standard keyboards when entering

numeric data.
 Many are small devices so they are easy to carry
around.
 NUMERIC KEYPAD - DISADVANTAGES

 Sometimes have small keys which can make input

more difficult
 Sometimes the order of the numbers on the
keypad is not intuitive
 MOUSE
Mouse is a pointing device. It has generally two or some
time three buttons buttons, a left button, a right
button, and a quick scrolling button. We use left button
to select an item, select and move an item, open a
folder or execute an application on computer screen by
giving a click or double click command. We use right
button to open properties menu and scrolling button to
quickly scroll up or down to navigate through a
document or web page.
 MOUSE - CHARACTERISTICS
 Mouse is a pointing device.
 We control the position of pointer on the screen
by moving the mouse around.
 Usually has two buttons - left button, right button
 Left button selects items by clicking
 Right button opens properties drop-down menu.
 Some have scroll button, which speeds up the
process of moving through a document.
 Optical mouse detects movement by reflected
light.
 Cordless (wireless) mouse transmits signals to a
USB wireless receiver plugged into the computer
 MOUSE - CHARACTERISTICS

 Optical mouse has no moving parts.

 Optical mouse does not pick up any dirt and this
makes it more robust and improves its
performance.
 Older type of mouse can ‘skid’ on certain surfaces
reducing the control of the pointer because it
catches dirt.
 MOUSE - USES

 Opening, closing and minimizing software

 Grouping, moving and deleting files
 Image editing
For example, controlling the size and position of a
drawing pasted into a document
 Controlling the position of a pointer on the
screen to allow selection from a menu
 Selecting an icon, and for scrolling up and
down/left and right
 MOUSE - ADVANTAGES

 Faster method for choosing an option

 Very quick way of navigating through applications
and the internet
 Does not need a large desk area.
 MOUSE - DISADVANTAGES

 Difficult to use for people with restricted

hand/wrist movement
 Easy to damage
 Older type of mouse becomes clogged up with
dirt
 Difficult to use if no flat surface available
For example, on an aeroplane
 TOUCHPAD

Touchpad is a pointing device in laptop computers. The

pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger on
the touchpad and then gently tapping it to simulate the
left-hand button of a mouse (that is, selection). They
also have buttons under the touchpad which serve the
same function as the left and right buttons on a mouse.
 TOUCHPAD - USES

 Opening, closing and minimizing software

 Grouping, moving and deleting files
 Image editing
For example, controlling the size and position of a
drawing pasted into a document
 Controlling the position of a pointer on the
screen to allow selection from a menu
 Selecting an icon, and for scrolling up and
down/left and right
 TOUCHPAD - ADVANTAGES

 Faster than a keyboard for choosing options

 Used to navigate applications and the internet
etc.
 Touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer
so there is no need for a separate mouse – it
makes it portable.
 We can use if there is no flat surfaces available.
 TOUCHPAD - DISADVANTAGES

 People with limited hand/wrist movement find

the device difficult to use.
 Can be more difficult to control the pointer when
compared to a normal mouse.
 More difficult to use when doing certain
operations such as drag and drop.
 TRACKERBALL
Trackerball is 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 with their
hand. Some trackerballs have two buttons, which have
the same function as the left and right-hand mouse
buttons. If they have a third button, it is equivalent to a
double click because trackerballs do not physically
move.
 TRACKERBALL - USES

 We use it as alternative to a mouse for people

with conditions such as RSI.
 We use it in an industrial control room
environment where it is faster than a mouse to
navigate through process screens.
 We use it in luxury cars to select functions such as
radio, telephone, music, satnav etc.
 TRACKERBALL - ADVANTAGES
 Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.
 Easier to use than a mouse if the operator has
problems with their wrist or hand.
 More accurate positioning of the pointer on
screen than a mouse.
 They are more robust than a mouse.
 Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.
 It is easier to use for people with limited
hand/wrist movement.
 there is no need for a large amount of desk
space.
 TRACKERBALL - DISADVANTAGES

 Not supplied with the computer as standard,

therefore more costly.
 User may need training because it is not standard
equipment.
 REMOTE CONTROL

We use a remote control to control the operation of

another device using infrared signals. The buttons on
the keypad are used to select options.

For example, to change television channels, sound

levels on a Hi-Fi, timings on a DVD recorder etc.
 REMOTE CONTROL - USES

We use it to alter sound volume, on/off, change

channels, or open the disc drawer in:
 televisions
 satellite systems
 DVD/Blu-ray players
 Hi-Fi systems (Sound system)
 multimedia systems (Projectors), SMD, LCD etc.
 industrial applications to remotely control
processes, stop and start machinery etc.
 REMOTE CONTROL - ADVANTAGES

 We can operate device from reasonable distance

 Some industrial processes are hazardous, so we can
select operations from a distance.
 REMOTE CONTROL - DISADVANTAGES

 Difficult to use if the user has limited hand/wrist

movement.
 Thick obstacles can easily block the signals.
 JOYSTICK

 Have similar functions to a mouse or a trackerball.

 We can control a pointer on the screen by gripping
the stick.
 We can buttons to make selections.
 They have a button on the top for gaming purpose,
For example to fire a weapon.
 JOYSTICK - USES

 We use it to play video/computer games.

 We use it in simulators;
For example, flight simulators to mimic actual
controls.
 JOYSTICK - ADVANTAGES

 Easier than a keyboard to navigate screen

 Control is more realistic than using a mouse.
 JOYSTICK - DISADVANTAGES

 More difficult to control on-screen pointer than a

mouse.
 DRIVING WHEEL

It is an input device similar to a joystick in

many ways. It connects to a computer (or
games machine), through a USB port. The
wheel allows you to simulate the turning of
a steering wheel, and there are associated
devices (such as buttons or pedals) which allow you to
accelerate and brake. Sensors are used to pick up
left/right movement so that the user gets the sensation
of steering a car around a circuit or on the road.
 DRIVING WHEEL - USES

 We use it to play video/computer games;

for example, car racing games.
 We use it in simulators;
For example, car-driving simulators to mimic actual
vehicle controls.
 DRIVING WHEEL - ADVANTAGES

 Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering

movements
 it is more natural.
 The ‘driving experience’ is nearer to how an actual
steering wheel and other controls operate in real life.
 DRIVING WHEEL - DISADVANTAGES

 more expensive than mouse or joystick

 Movements in the steering are too sensitive, giving
an unrealistic feel.
 Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the
driving wheel is non-existent.
 TOUCH SCREEN (AS INPUT METHOD)

We can choose options by touching a button/icon on a

screen. The selection is automatically made without any
need of a pointing device.
 TOUCH SCREEN - USES

 Self-service tills - petrol stations

 Automatic teller machines (ATMs)
 Point of sale (POS) terminals
 Restaurants
 Public information systems at:
airports, railway stations, and tourist offices etc.
 Mobile phones, laptops, and tablets
 Satellite navigation systems (SatNav)
 Interactive class boards
 Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are
selected during on-screen testing.
 TOUCH SCREEN - ADVANTAGES

 Faster entry of options than using keyboard/mouse

 Easy method for choosing options
 User-friendly method - no training necessary to use
 Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.
 TOUCH SCREEN - DISADVANTAGES

 Limited number of input options

 Can lead to problems if an operator has to use the
system frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI)
 The screen can get very dirty with constant touching
- giving a risk of spreading infections
- reduce its responsiveness
- makes it more difficult to read in strong sunlight.
 SCANNERS

Scanners are input devices that we use to convert hard

copy document (text, photographs) into digital
document in a computer.
 SCANNER - WORKING PRINCIPLE
 Flatbed scanner
- made up of a glass panel and lid
- hard copy document or photo is scanned by a
light
- source and produces a computer-readable image.
- The subsequent image can then be manipulated
using a drawing package.
- Images of text can also be used with optical
character recognition (OCR) software to produce
editable text documents.
 Specialist scanners - carry out specific tasks
- Barcode scanners
 SCANNER - USES

To convert:
 hardcopy documents (image and text) into to
manipulate in any image software
 old/valuable documents/books to protect original
document as a record in computer as we can lose
the paper documents (known as archiving).
 photographs from hardcopy
 barcodes and QR codes at POS terminals into
computers
 SCANNER - ADVANTAGES

 We can edit and manipulate images

 We can save/archive historical documents
 Fast method to read barcodes/QR codes with OCR
 Accurate data entry - no typographic errors
 We can recover damaged documents and
photographs
 SCANNER - DISADVANTAGES

 Limited quality:
Quality of image depends on the resolution of the
scanner
 Scanners can be fairly slow at scanning:
When we choose high resolution mode for colour
image scanning.
 DIGITAL CAMERA

 Digital cameras have largely replaced traditional film-

based cameras. The images are stored on a memory
card (solid-state memory).
 We can transfer photos to a computer by:
- reading the memory card inserted
into a card reader
- connecting the camera to the
computer using a USB port
- using wireless data transfer
(Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
 DIGITAL CAMERA - CHARACTERISTICS

 We can store the uploaded images in a file in the

computer
 We can select or discard the photos to upload at our
own choice.
 We can print the images.
 We can use these photos in a slide show.
 We can import the photos into software such as a
word processor, or on to the internet.
 DIGITAL CAMERA - USES
 We can take photographs
They provide better quality photographs than
smartphones/tablets as they have expensive lenses
and dedicated software.
 We use them as data-capture device.
For example, as a reversing aid in a car
 Dentists use it to take photos of a patient’s teeth to
diagnose problems.
 Dentists use it to improve colour matching for dental
fillings.
 The creation of virtual reality tours around houses,
historical buildings, industrial plants etc.
 DIGITAL CAMERA - ADVANTAGES
 Produces better quality photographs than a
traditional camera
 Easier and faster to upload photographs to a
computer than to scan in hard copies
 No need to develop film and print out photographs:
- It saves money and environment
 Memory cards can store thousands of photographs.
 We can create digital archive which have more
longevity than hardcopy photo archives.
 Digital photo archives take very small space as
compared to hardcopy photo archives.
 DIGITAL CAMERA - DISADVANTAGES

 Need to be computer literate to use the cameras, to

transfer, store and manipulate images
 There is some artistry lost because software correct
errors in the photographs. For example:
- incorrect exposure
- removal of red eye etc.
 Images need to be compressed to reduce the
memory use.
 If memory card corrupts or gets damaged then we
can lose all photos.
 MICROPHONES

Microphone is an input device to input sound to a

computer. It converts sound waves into an electric
pulse. It then converts the electric pulse into a digital
sound data. A computer can now process and store
digital sound data.
1. Built-in microprocessor
2. External connected
(through USB port/Bluetooth)
 MICROPHONES - STRUCTURE

Diaphragm is made of polyester or plastic material.

 MICROPHONES – WORKING PRINCIPLE
1 Sound causes the air to vibrate.
2 Diaphragm catches the air vibrations
3 Diaphragm vibrate as a result.
4 Cone moves in and out
5 Cone causes the copper coil to move backwards and
forwards relative to the magnet.
6 Coil cuts through the magnetic field and induces
electric current.
7 The electric current then either amplified or sent to
computer memory.
8 The electric current is analogue data.
9 Sound card converts analogue data into digital data.
 MICROPHONES - USES

 To input speech/sounds in:

- presentations
- sampling (in films, music, etc.)
- special effects (films)
 Input in voice-recognition software that:
- converts speech into text for a word processor
- input commands to a voice-activated systems:
in cars to switch on the lights or turn up radio
volume
 MICROPHONES - USES

 As sensor to pick up sound:

- in an intruder alarm system
 In video-conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) applications
 MICROPHONES - ADVANTAGES

 Fast to dictate text through voice-activation

keyboard
 Can manipulate sound in real time using special
software
 Improves safety if we use in a voice activation
system:
- car driver do not need to take hands off the wheel
to switch or alter the radio station etc.
 MICROPHONES - DISADVANTAGES

 Take up lot of computer memory

 Voice-recognition software is not as accurate as
typing in manually:
- Software cannot differentiate between ‘their’ and
‘there’).
 SENSORS

An input device that automatically reads physical

quantities as data to input into a computer system.

Physical quantity is continuously changing analogue

data, for example temperature, light, moisture, pH, and
weight etc.

Computers only understand digital data (1s and 0s), so

the information from the sensors needs to be converted
by an analogue to digital converter (ADC).
 SENSORS

1 Temperature sensor 4 Humidity sensor

2 Light sensor 5 pH Sensor
3 Pressure pad 6 Sound sensor
 SENSORS - USES

We use sensors in monitoring and control applications.

 SENSORS - ADVANTAGES

 Accurate reading as compared to human operators

 Readings are continuous – real time
 It is a continuous process so any necessary action or
warning will be initiated immediately.
 Systems can be automatic so there is no need of
human intervention:
- very important if the process is hazardous
 SENSORS - DISADVANTAGES

 Faulty sensors can give spurious results

If the sensor on the rear bumper of a car becomes
dirty that may not identify an obstacle.
 Most sensors are analogue, therefore they require
conversion using an ADC.
 LIGHT PENS

An input device that we use to point to displayed icons

or draw on a CRT monitor screen.

They contain sensors that send signals to a computer

whenever light changes are detected.
 LIGHT PENS - USES

 Selecting objects on computer screen

 Drawing on computer screen:
- For example, with CAD packages
 LIGHT PENS - ADVANTAGES

 Greater accuracy than touch screens

 Small therefore space is not an issue
 Easy-to-use
 LIGHT PENS - DISADVANTAGES

 lag when drawing on screen

 Not that accurate when drawing
 Rather dated technology
 DIRECT INPUT DEVICE?

A device that we use to capture data from the source with

minimum human intervention.
 DIRECT INPUT DEVICE

 Magnetic Stripe Reader

 Chip & PIN Reader
 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader
 Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR)
 Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR)
 Barcode Reader
 QR Code Scanner
 MAGNETIC STRIPE READER

These are used to read information on the magnetic

stripe found on the back of a card. The stripe contains
useful information like account number, sort code,
expiry date and start date etc.
 MAGNETIC STRIPE READER - USES

 On cards for use at ATMs and EFTPOS terminals.

[Electronic funds transfer at point of sale]
 Security devices to allow entry to buildings, hotel
rooms etc.
 To read travelling and shopping cards.
 MAGNETIC STRIPE READER - ADVANTAGES

 Fast data entry, rather than keying in data

 Error-free
 Secure - information is not human readable
[Somebody may observe your key strokes]
 Prevents access to restricted/secure areas.
 Not affected by oil, water etc.
 No moving parts - so physically very robust
 MAGNETIC STRIPE READER - DISADVANTAGES

 The data is lost if the magnetic stripe gets damaged.

[Exposure to strong magnetic field]
 Does not work at a distance.
 Information is not human readable so this can be a
disadvantage in some applications.
 CONTACTLESS CARD READER

Contactless cards have a small chip that emits radio

waves embedded in them. The card is held within a few
centimeters of the payment terminal to pay for
shopping. The terminal picks up the signal from the chip
and allows the transaction to be processed.
 CONTACTLESS CARD READER - USES

Contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay

against their shopping up to a certain amount of money
without entering their PIN.
 CONTACTLESS CARD READER - ADVANTAGES
 Faster transactions
 The contactless card system uses 128-bit encryption
systems to protect the data.
 No typing errors
 Retailers no longer have access to the customer’s
credit/debit card information.
 The chip in the contactless card responds to the
payment terminal reader with a unique number
used for that transaction only; it does not simply
transmit the consumer’s account number; this
number is also encrypted.
 CONTACTLESS CARD READER - DISADVANTAGES

 More expensive than normal credit/debit cards.

 Transactions are usually limited to a small.
 CHIP AND PIN CARD READER

The chip and PIN card uses a small chip which holds the
information.
The device has a slot into which we insert the card and
enter the PIN using the keypad. The reader also has a
small screen which gives instructions to the operate.
 CHIP AND PIN CARD READER

USES:
 To pay using cards
[restaurants, supermarkets, travel agents etc.]
ADVANTAGES:
 More secure than contactless payments
[PIN typed in must match with PIN stored on chip]
 More robust than magnetic stripe cards.
DISADVANTAGES:
 Fraud - Ensure that PIN is not read by somebody
while typing in.
 RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) READER
RFID readers use radio waves to read information stored
on an RFID tag. The RFID tag can be read from a several
meters distance. An RFID tag can be:
 Passive - Passive tags use the reader’s radio wave
energy to relay back the information
 Active - battery-powered tags use a small embedded
battery to power the RFID.
 RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) READER

The RFID tag has two components:

 a microchip that stores and processes information
 an antenna which is used to receive and transmit
information.
RFID READER – WORKING PRINCIPLE
 RFID READER - USES

 Livestock tracking
 Retail
 Admission passes
 Libraries
 RFID READER - ADVANTAGES

 No line-of-sight contact is necessary, the tags can be

read from a distance.
 It is a very robust and reliable technology.
 Very fast read-rate (typically less than 100
milliseconds to respond).
 Bidirectional data transfer (that is, it allows read and
write operations to take place).
 Bulk detection is possible (that is, it can detect
several RFID tags at the same time).
 RFID READER - DISADVANTAGES

 Tag collision
 RFID signals uses radio waves, so they are easy to
jam or interrupt.
 Easy to hack into the data/signal transmitted by the
tag.
 RFID is more expensive than barcode.
 OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR)

A device that can read marks written in pen or pencil on

a form. The places where the pen or pencil marks can
be made are clearly. The position of the mark is stored
in the computer’s memory after being read by the OMR
device.
 OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR) - USES

 Used to read questionnaires (MCQ)

 Voting papers
 Utility bills
 Many other types of forms
 OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR) - ADVANTAGES

 Very fast way to input feedbacks of surveys and

exams etc.
 More accurate than key in data
 More accurate than OCR methods
 OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR) - DISADVANTAGES

 The forms need to be carefully designed to make

sure the marks are positioned correctly.
 There can be problems if they have not been filled in
correctly
 Sometimes OMR sheets have to be manually
checked before feeding into OMR which is time
consuming and expensive.
 OPTICAL CHARACTER READER (OCR)

A device that can convert text on a hard copy document

into digital data in a computer. OCR software converts
this digital data into a form that can be used in various
application packages, such as word processors or
presentation software etc.
 OPTICAL CHARACTER READER (OCR) - USES

 Processing of passports and identity cards

 Converting hard copy documents into digital form to
store on a computer
 Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system
in car parks
 Converting historic newspapers and rare books in
digital form to archive.
 OPTICAL CHARACTER READER (OCR) - ADVANTAGES

 Fast data entry method than to key in data

 Less chances of errors as typing is involved.
 OPTICAL CHARACTER READER (OCR) - DISADVANTAGES

 Still has difficulty reading some handwriting.

 Still not a very accurate technique.
COMPARISON OF OMR AND OCR
 BARCODE READER

Barcode readers are devices which can read information

from the barcodes. The barcodes are codes in the form
of vertical lines. A barcode can hold maximum 30 digits.
 BARCODE READER - USES

We use barcode readers:

 in supermarkets and retail shops
 in libraries to keep track of books
 as safety function in organizations to ensure that
electrical equipment is checked regularly
 at airports on the travelers luggage
 BARCODE READER - ADVANTAGES

 Faster than to key in data

 They help to improve the safety, if we use them as a
way of recording safety testing of components.
 They allow automatic stock control.
 They are a tried and trusted technology.
 BARCODE READER - DISADVANTAGES

 Comparatively expensive to administer

 Not fool-proof
[barcodes can be swapped around on items]
 Can easily damage as compared to RFID tags or
magnetic stripes
 QR CODE READER

QR code readers are devices which can read

information from the QR codes. QR code is an
abbreviation of Quick Response code. QR code is a type
of barcode. QR code is made of a matrix of filled-in dark
squares on a light background.
 QR CODE?

 A QR code is a block of small squares known as

pixels.
[light and dark squares]
 It can hold maximum 4296 characters (7089 digits)
 We can encode internet addresses in QR code.
 QR code becomes more complex as more data is
added.
 Three large squares at the corners of the QR code
function as a form of alignment.
 The small square ensure the correct size and correct
angle of the camera shot to read the QR code.
 QR CODE - USES

 QR code gives automatic access to websites or

contact telephone number
 QR code can stores boarding passes electronically at
airports and train stations
 Used in advertising to contain data such as:
- business addresses
- phone numbers
- email addresses
- website addresses
 Contain links to apps
 QR CODE - USES

 Wi-Fi authentication QR codes can be used to store

 QR codes can deliver augmented reality
 QR codes have been used to establish virtual online
stores
 QR CODE - USES

 QR codes have been used to establish virtual online

stores.
[For example, on a train station wall the customers
scan the QR codes, and the products are
automatically delivered to their homes.]
 QR CODE - ADVANTAGES

 QR code can hold more information than barcode.

 Fewer errors than with barcodes
[Built-in error-checking systems]
 QR codes are easier to read
[They do not need expensive laser scanners, they
can be read by the smartphone cameras]
 It is easy to transmit QR codes either as text
messages or images.
 It is possible to encrypt QR codes to gives greater
protection.
 QR CODE - DISADVANTAGES

 More than one QR formats are available.

 QR codes can be used to transmit malicious codes.
[Known as attagging]
 The user could also be sent to a fake website.
 it is even possible for a virus to be downloaded.
 OUTPUT DEVICE?

A device/equipment which converts information

into a human-perceptible/human-readable form.
 OUTPUT DEVICES

 Monitors
 Touch Screen (As An Output Device)
 Multimedia Projector
 Laser Printer
 Inkjet Printer
 Dot Matrix Printer
 Plotter
 3D Printers
 Speaker
 Actuator
 LASER PRINTER

Laser printers 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.
 LASER PRINTER - USES

 They are used where low noise is required

[For example, in an office]
 For fast, high-quality, high-volume printing.
 LASER PRINTER - ADVANTAGES

 Printing is fast
 They can handle very large print jobs.
 The quality is consistently high.
 Toner cartridges last for a long time
[cost-effective - if colour outputs are not required]
 LASER PRINTER - DISADVANTAGES

 Only really fast if several copies are being made.

 Colour laser printers tend to be expensive
[Four-colours/black cartridges plus diffuser kits]
 They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds
which are hazardous to health in the office.
 INKJET PRINTER

Inkjet printers can produce good-quality hard copies.

Inkjet printers do not have large buffer memories,
therefore printing is done a bit at a time and has to wait
for the computer to send more data.
 INKJET PRINTER - COMPONENTS

An inkjet printer comprises:

 print head - consists of nozzles
[spray droplets of ink on paper to form characters]
 cartridge - one cartridge for each colour
[blue, yellow, magenta, and black]
 stepper motor and belt – moves print head
 paper feed – automatically feeds the pages
INKJET PRINTER - WORKING
 INKJET PRINTER – PIEZOELECTRIC TECHNIQUE

A crystal at the back of the ink reservoir is provided

electric charge to vibrate it. This vibration forces ink to
eject onto the paper. More ink is drawn into the
reservoir at the same time.
 INKJET PRINTER – THERMAL BUBBLE TECHNIQUE

Tiny resistors create localized heat to vaporize ink. This

process forms tiny ink bubble. As the bubble expands,
some ink is ejects from the print head onto the paper.
The bubble collapses create small vacuum which allows
fresh ink to move into the print head.
 INKJET PRINTER - USES

 For low-output volumes are required

 High quality print for few pages
[Photo printouts]
 Industries use 3D inkjet printers in industry to
produce prototypes.
 INKJET PRINTER - ADVANTAGES

 High-quality output
 Cheaper than laser printers
 Very lightweight and have small physical footprint.
 Do not produce ozone and volatile organic
compounds.
 INKJET PRINTER - DISADVANTAGES

 Slow output for more copies

[little buffer capacity to store the pages]
 Cannot do large number of prints
[Ink cartridges run out too quickly.]
 Printing can ‘smudge’.
 Can be expensive
[Original ink cartridges are expensive to buy.]
 DOT MATRIX PRINTER

Dot matrix printers are impact printers. A print head

(made of matrix of pins) presses against an inked
ribbon. Dot matrix printers can print multipart
stationery or continuous rolls of papers.
 DOT MATRIX PRINTER - USES

 Used in noisy or dirty environments

[For example, garage workshops]
 In applications where print quality is not important
 Used for multi-part stationery
 To produce physical ‘carbon copies’
[For example, producing wage slips]
 Widely used in till receipts
 DOT MATRIX PRINTER - ADVANTAGES

 Used in environments laser/inkjet printers can’t

work
[For example, dusty/dirty or moist atmospheres]
 To produce carbon copies/multi-part outputs
 Very cheap to run and maintain
 Easy to use if continuous stationery is required
 DOT MATRIX PRINTER - DISADVANTAGES

 Very noisy – not good in an office environment.

 Initial cost is more than inkjet printer
 Very slow in printing
 poor-quality printing.
 3D PRINTER

3D printers are used in computer-aided design (CAD)

applications. They are based on inkjet and laser printing
technology and can produce workable solid objects.

The solid object is built up layer by layer using materials

such as powdered resin, powdered metal, paper or
ceramic.
 3D PRINTER – FEATURES
 Range from microwave oven to the size of a small car
in size
 Use additive manufacturing - build up objects layer
by layer
[Contrast to traditional subtractive manufacturing]
3D PRINTER – PRINTING PROCESS
 3D PRINTER – FEATURES

 Modern 3D printers use laser and UV light to harden

liquid polymers.
[It increases the diversity of products.]
 Direct 3D printing uses inkjet technology.
[Print head move left to right, up and down to build
up the layers of an object (less than 0.1 mm).]
 Binder 3D printing uses two passes for each layer:
- first pass sprays dry powder
- second pass sprays binder(glue) to form solid layer.
 3D PRINTER - USES

 Making prosthetic limbs

 Making items for precision reconstructive surgery
[For example facial reconstruction]
 Manufacturing aeroplane parts
 Fashion and art - new creative ideas
 Making parts for items no longer in production
[For example parts for a vintage car]
 3D PRINTER - ADVANTAGES

 Manufacturing of items has become easier.

 It is now theoretically possible to manufacture
customized products
 Users can create their own designs in 3D and have
them printed in solid form.
 It allows rapid prototyping.
 cost of 3D printing less when compared to labour
costs and other costs in manufacturing in
conventional way.
 3D PRINTER - ADVANTAGES

 We can print:
- artificial organs
- prosthetics and precision-made items for
reconstructive surgery.
 Parts for machinery that are no longer made could
now.
 3D PRINTER - DISADVANTAGES

 Potential to make counterfeit items or items that

infringe others’ copyright.
 All new technologies in the hands of the wrong
people can lead to dangerous or illegal activities.
 Potential for job losses.