Know and understand characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of input devices including keyboard, numeric keypad, pointing devices, remote control, joystick/driving wheel, touch screen (as an input device), scanners, camera, microphone, se

2 Input and Output Devices – Input Devices

1 Standard Input Devices (Syllabus 1.2)

Keyboard

  • Characteristics

    • QWERTY layout; 101‑104 keys (letters, numbers, function, control keys).

    • Mechanical or membrane switches – mechanical give tactile feedback, membrane are quieter and cheaper.

    • Optional features: back‑lighting, detachable numeric keypad, ergonomic/split design.

  • Typical Uses

    • Typing documents, entering data into spreadsheets, programming, gaming.

  • Advantages

    • Familiar to most users; high typing speed.

    • Low cost; portable (especially laptop keyboards).

    • Ergonomic models reduce strain.

  • Disadvantages

    • Risk of repetitive‑strain injury (RSI) with prolonged use.

    • Not ideal for users with limited hand mobility.

  • Health & e‑Safety

    • Take regular breaks, keep wrists straight, use a wrist‑rest.

    • Keep firmware/driver software up‑to‑date to avoid security issues with programmable keyboards.

Numeric Keypad

  • Characteristics

    • 10 digit keys plus “.”, “+”, “‑”, “*”, “/”.

    • Usually integrated on the right side of a full‑size keyboard; detachable versions exist for laptops.

  • Typical Uses

    • Accounting, data entry, calculator functions.

  • Advantages

    • Much faster numeric entry than using the alphanumeric section.

  • Disadvantages

    • Consumes desk space; unnecessary for users who rarely enter numbers.

    • Not present on many compact laptops.

Pointing Devices

Includes mouse, touch‑pad, trackball, graphics tablet and stylus‑enabled tablets.

  • Characteristics

    • Optical or laser sensor (mouse); capacitive surface (touch‑pad); rolling ball (trackball); pressure‑sensitive surface (graphics tablet).

    • Wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth, RF).

    • May include scroll wheel, side buttons or programmable keys.

    • Stylus‑enabled tablets combine a touch‑screen with a pressure‑sensitive pen.

  • Typical Uses

    • GUI navigation, drawing, gaming, CAD work, handwriting input on tablets.

  • Advantages

    • Precise cursor control; ergonomic shapes reduce arm strain.

    • Graphics tablets give high‑precision drawing without moving the whole device.

    • Stylus tablets allow direct screen interaction and handwriting input.

  • Disadvantages

    • Mouse requires a flat surface; touch‑pads can be less accurate on glossy screens.

    • Trackballs have a learning curve.

    • Stylus tablets can be expensive and need battery‑powered pens.

  • Health & e‑Safety

    • Use a mouse pad with wrist support; adjust DPI to minimise hand movement.

    • Keep touch‑pads clean; avoid prolonged pressure on stylus pens to prevent hand fatigue.

Remote Control

  • Characteristics

    • Hand‑held device using infrared (IR) or radio‑frequency (RF) transmission.

    • Buttons for power, volume, channel, menu navigation; some include a numeric keypad.

    • IR requires line‑of‑sight; RF can work through walls and does not need direct sight.

  • Typical Uses

    • Television, set‑top boxes, media players, smart‑home appliances.

  • Advantages

    • Operates from a distance; simple, familiar interface.

    • RF models work even when the device is hidden behind furniture.

  • Disadvantages

    • IR models need a clear line‑of‑sight.

    • Limited functionality compared with a full keyboard or touch interface.

  • e‑Safety

    • Smart remotes with microphones or voice assistants may record audio – check privacy settings.

Joystick / Driving Wheel

  • Characteristics

    • Two‑axis stick (joystick) or steering‑wheel with pedals.

    • May include force‑feedback for realistic resistance.

  • Typical Uses

    • Flight simulators, racing games, specialised CAD navigation.

  • Advantages

    • Provides realistic, high‑precision control for specialised applications.

    • Force‑feedback can improve immersion and training effectiveness.

  • Disadvantages

    • Bulky and relatively expensive.

    • Limited use outside gaming/simulation.

    • Force‑feedback can cause wrist strain if used for long periods – take breaks.

Touch Screen (as an Input Device)

  • Characteristics

    • Capacitive (most common) or resistive technology.

    • Supports single‑touch and multi‑touch gestures (pinch‑zoom, swipe).

    • Integrated into monitors, tablets, smartphones, kiosks.

  • Typical Uses

    • Smartphones, tablets, interactive whiteboards, self‑service kiosks.

  • Advantages

    • Direct interaction – intuitive for many users.

    • Eliminates need for a separate pointing device.

    • Supports accessibility features such as on‑screen keyboards and screen‑reader gestures.

  • Disadvantages

    • Fingerprints can reduce visibility; requires regular cleaning.

    • Higher purchase cost than non‑touch displays.

    • Less precise than a mouse for detailed graphic work.

  • Health & e‑Safety

    • Prolonged use may cause eye strain – adjust brightness and viewing distance.

    • Ensure the device is compatible with assistive software (screen‑readers, magnifiers).

Scanner

  • Characteristics

    • Two main types: flat‑bed (glass surface, suitable for books, photos) and sheet‑fed (automatic feeding of loose pages).

    • Resolution measured in dots per inch (DPI); colour depth in bits (e.g., 24‑bit colour).

  • Typical Uses

    • Archiving paper records, OCR, digitising photographs, creating PDFs.

  • Advantages

    • Fast conversion of large volumes of documents.

    • Preserves original paper; creates searchable digital copies when combined with OCR.

  • Disadvantages

    • Requires regular cleaning of glass/rollers.

    • Only captures 2‑D information – cannot scan depth or texture.

Camera (Webcam / Digital Camera)

  • Characteristics

    • Resolution expressed in megapixels (MP); video frame‑rate in frames per second (fps).

    • May include a built‑in microphone and privacy shutter.

  • Typical Uses

    • Video conferencing, photography, image capture for OCR, live streaming.

  • Advantages

    • Enables visual communication and remote collaboration.

    • Portable; many laptops have integrated webcams.

    • Noise‑cancelling microphones (in some models) improve audio quality.

  • Disadvantages

    • Image quality depends on lighting conditions.

    • Privacy concerns if the camera is left on or accessed remotely.

  • e‑Safety

    • Use a physical privacy shutter or software cover when not in use.

    • Keep firmware up‑to‑date to prevent unauthorized access.

Microphone

  • Characteristics

    • Directional pattern: omnidirectional, cardioid, shotgun.

    • Analog or digital output; sensitivity measured in decibels (dB).

    • Some models include noise‑cancellation or built‑in pop filters.

  • Typical Uses

    • Voice recording, speech‑to‑text, video narration, online meetings.

  • Advantages

    • Hands‑free input; essential for accessibility.

    • Noise‑cancelling microphones improve clarity in noisy environments.

  • Disadvantages

    • Captures background noise if not directional.

    • Placement affects quality – may need a stand or pop filter.

  • e‑Safety

    • Mute the microphone when not speaking to prevent accidental eavesdropping.

Sensors (environmental input devices)

  • Characteristics

    • Detect physical quantities and convert them into electrical signals.

    • Common types: temperature (thermistor, RTD), light (photodiode, LDR), motion (PIR, ultrasonic), pressure, proximity (inductive, capacitive).

    • Output often a voltage proportional to the measured quantity (e.g., V = k × Q).

  • Typical Uses

    • Environmental monitoring, smart‑home automation, interactive installations, robotics.

  • Advantages

    • Enables automation and data collection that would be impractical manually.

    • Provides real‑time feedback for control systems.

  • Disadvantages

    • Requires calibration; can be affected by electromagnetic interference.

    • Data may be sensitive – can reveal personal habits or location.

  • e‑Safety

    • Protect sensor data with appropriate privacy settings and encryption.

Light Pen

  • Characteristics

    • Hand‑held pen that emits a light pulse; the screen’s photodiode array detects the point of contact.

    • Works with CRT screens and, with special hardware, with some LCDs.

  • Typical Uses

    • Drawing, selecting objects on a screen, educational tools.

  • Advantages

    • High precision; direct interaction without a separate cursor.

  • Disadvantages

    • Requires a compatible screen (CRT or specially‑equipped LCD).

    • Can cause eye strain if used for long periods.

2 Direct Data‑Entry Devices (Syllabus 2.1)

These devices capture data directly from an external source, bypassing manual typing.

DeviceKey CharacteristicsTypical UsesAdvantagesDisadvantages
Magnetic‑stripe CardMagnetised stripe stores alphanumeric data; read by swiping through a magnetic reader.Debit/credit cards, public‑transport tickets, hotel key cards.Simple, inexpensive, widely supported.Data can be erased or corrupted; vulnerable to skimming attacks.
Chip‑and‑PIN CardEmbedded micro‑chip stores encrypted data; requires personal identification number (PIN) for verification.Secure banking transactions, access control.Higher security than magnetic stripe; resistant to cloning.Requires PIN entry; chip readers are slightly more expensive.
RFID (Radio‑Frequency Identification)Passive or active tag transmits data via radio waves to a reader; no line‑of‑sight needed.Contactless payment, inventory tracking, access badges.Fast, can read multiple tags simultaneously, works through non‑metallic objects.Potential privacy concerns; interference from other RF devices.
OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)Specialised scanner reads marked bubbles or check‑boxes on pre‑printed forms.Multiple‑choice exam sheets, surveys.Very quick processing of large numbers of forms.Requires correctly designed forms; marks must be clear.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) – softwareAnalyzes scanned images to recognise printed characters and convert them to editable text.Digitising books, invoices, business cards.Reduces manual data entry; searchable digital documents.Accuracy drops with poor image quality or unusual fonts.
Bar‑code ScannerLaser or imaging sensor reads one‑dimensional bar‑code patterns (varying widths of bars and spaces).Retail checkout, library systems, asset tracking.Fast, reliable, inexpensive hardware.Only reads linear bar‑codes; damaged codes may not be read.
QR‑Code ScannerImaging sensor reads two‑dimensional matrix codes that can store up to several kilobytes of data.Mobile payments, quick URL access, event tickets.Can store more information than a standard bar‑code; readable from any angle.Requires a camera‑based scanner; may be slower on low‑resolution devices.

3 Comparison Table (Syllabus Terminology)

Device (Syllabus term)Common examplesPrimary functionTypical environment
KeyboardStandard PC keyboard, ergonomic/split keyboardText entryOffice, home, classroom
Numeric keypadSeparate keypad, integrated keypad on full‑size keyboardNumeric data entryAccounting, data‑entry workstations
Pointing deviceMouse, touch‑pad, trackball, graphics tablet, stylus tabletCursor control / drawing / handwriting inputDesktop PCs, laptops, design studios, tablets
Remote controlTV remote, set‑top‑box remote, smart‑home remoteControl of entertainment / smart devicesLiving room, home entertainment area
Joystick / Driving wheelFlight stick, racing wheelSpecialised game/simulation controlGaming rigs, simulation labs
Touch screenSmartphone, tablet, interactive kiosk, touchscreen monitorDirect screen interactionMobile devices, public information points, classrooms
ScannerFlat‑bed scanner, sheet‑fed scannerConvert paper to digital imagesOffices, archives, schools
CameraWebcam, digital camera, smartphone cameraCapture still images / videoVideo‑conferencing, photography, OCR input
MicrophoneDesk‑top mic, headset mic, built‑in laptop micCapture audioVoice recording, video calls, speech‑to‑text
SensorsTemperature sensor, motion detector, light sensor, pressure sensorMeasure physical quantitiesSmart homes, environmental monitoring, robotics
Light penCRT light pen, LCD stylusDirect screen selection / drawingEducational labs, design workstations
Direct‑data‑entry devicesMagnetic‑stripe card, chip‑and‑PIN card, RFID tag, OMR sheet, OCR software, barcode scanner, QR‑code scannerCapture data from external sourcesRetail, transport, banking, examinations, libraries

4 Summary Table (Characteristics – Uses – Advantages – Disadvantages)

DeviceKey CharacteristicsTypical UsesAdvantagesDisadvantages
KeyboardQWERTY layout; mechanical or membrane switches; optional back‑lighting; ergonomic/split versions.Typing, data entry, programming, gaming.Familiar, fast, inexpensive, portable.RSI risk; not ideal for users with limited hand mobility.
Numeric keypad10 digit keys + “.”, “+”, “‑”, “*”, “/”; detachable or integrated.Accounting, calculator functions.Speeds up numeric entry.Consumes desk space; unnecessary for many users; absent on many laptops.
Pointing device (mouse, touch‑pad, trackball, graphics tablet, stylus tablet)Optical/laser sensor, capacitive surface, rolling ball, pressure‑sensitive surface; wired or wireless.GUI navigation, drawing, gaming, handwriting input.Precise control; ergonomic designs; direct screen interaction with stylus.Requires suitable surface; learning curve for some types; can be costly.
Remote controlIR or RF transmission; button layout for power, volume, channel; some include numeric keypad.TV, set‑top‑box, media player, smart‑home devices.Operates from a distance; simple interface; RF works through obstacles.IR needs line‑of‑sight; limited functionality compared with full keyboard.
Joystick / Driving wheelTwo‑axis stick or steering‑wheel with pedals; optional force‑feedback.Flight/racing simulators, specialised CAD navigation.Realistic, high‑precision control; immersive feedback.Bulky, relatively expensive, niche use; possible wrist strain.
Touch screenCapacitive or resistive; supports multi‑touch gestures; integrated into monitors, tablets, kiosks.Smartphones, tablets, kiosks, interactive whiteboards.Direct, intuitive interaction; no extra peripheral needed; accessible gestures.Fingerprints, higher cost, less precise for detailed work.
ScannerFlat‑bed or sheet‑fed; DPI resolution; colour depth (bits).Document archiving, OCR, photo digitising.Fast bulk conversion; preserves originals; creates searchable files with OCR.Needs cleaning; limited to 2‑D input.
CameraResolution in MP; video frame‑rate in fps; may include microphone and privacy shutter.Video calls, photography, OCR image capture.Enables visual communication; portable; noise‑cancelling audio in some models.Lighting dependent; privacy concerns; quality varies with device.
MicrophoneDirectional pattern (omni, cardioid, shotgun); analog/digital output; sensitivity (dB); noise‑cancellation optional.Voice recording, speech‑to‑text, video narration.Hands‑free input; improves accessibility; noise‑cancelling reduces background.Captures unwanted sounds; placement affects quality.
SensorsDetect temperature, light, motion, pressure, proximity; output voltage proportional to measured quantity.Environmental monitoring, smart‑home automation, robotics.Enables automation; captures data not possible manually.Requires calibration; can be interfered with; data may be privacy‑sensitive.
Light penHand‑held pen emitting light; works with CRT or compatible LCD screens.Drawing, selecting objects, educational tools.High precision; direct interaction.Requires compatible screen; can cause eye strain.
Magnetic‑stripe CardMagnetised stripe stores alphanumeric data; read by swiping.Debit/credit cards, transport tickets.Simple, cheap, widely supported.Data can be erased or skimmed.
Chip‑and‑PIN CardEmbedded micro‑chip with encrypted data; requires PIN.Secure banking, access control.Higher security; resistant to cloning.Needs PIN entry; slightly higher cost.
RFID TagPassive/active tag transmits data via radio waves; no line‑of‑sight needed.Contactless payment, inventory, access badges.Fast, can read multiple tags, works through non‑metallic objects.Privacy concerns; possible RF interference.
OMR SheetPre‑printed form with bubbles; read by OMR scanner.Multiple‑choice exams, surveys.Very quick processing of large numbers of forms.Requires correctly designed forms; marks must be clear.
OCR SoftwareAnalyzes scanned images to recognise printed characters.Digitising printed documents, searchable PDFs.Reduces manual data entry; creates editable text.Accuracy drops with poor image quality or unusual fonts.
Bar‑code ScannerLaser or imaging sensor reads 1‑D bar‑code patterns.Retail checkout, library systems, asset tracking.Fast, reliable, inexpensive hardware.Only reads linear codes; damaged codes may fail.
QR‑Code ScannerImaging sensor reads 2‑D matrix codes.Mobile payments, quick URL access, event tickets.Stores more data; readable from any angle.Requires camera‑based scanner; can be slower on low‑resolution devices.