Characteristic input devices, what they are for, types, examples

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Sherman Hoover

The input devices of a computer are electromagnetic devices that recognize information and accept both sets of instructions and data from the outside world, translating this data into a form that makes sense and is machine readable.

Input devices are used every time a computer is used as they allow information to be entered. Without them, the computer would not know what you want it to do. Examples of these devices are the keyboard or the mouse (mouse).

Examples of input devices: a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch screen. Source: pixabay.com

The input devices act as a means of communication between the computer and the outside world. With the help of these devices the user can enter the data, so that later these can be stored in the memory of the computer for further processing..

Different input devices can be chosen for the same job. There is the case of graphic artists, who prefer to use a stylus instead of a mouse, since it offers them greater precision when carrying out their work..

On the other hand, for users with disabilities, a wide variety of input devices designed to replace the mouse have been devised, such as devices controlled by foot or eye movements..

Article index

  • 1 Characteristics of input devices
    • 1.1 Comfort
    • 1.2 Connectivity
    • 1.3 Historically common
    • 1.4 In contact with the senses
    • 1.5 Adaptation
  • 2 What are input devices for? (Functions)
    • 2.1 Digital pens
    • 2.2 Voice recognition systems
    • 2.3 Motion sensors and cameras
    • 2.4 Biometric sensors
  • 3 Types of input devices
    • 3.1 Direct interaction
    • 3.2 Indirect interaction
    • 3.3 Pointing devices
    • 3.4 High degree of freedom
    • 3.5 Composite devices
    • 3.6 Image and video input devices
    • 3.7 Sound input devices
  • 4 Examples
    • 4.1 Keyboard
    • 4.2 Mouse
    • 4.3 Scanner
    • 4.4 Stylus
    • 4.5 Barcode reader
  • 5 Topics of interest
  • 6 References

Input device characteristics

Comfort

Because they are input devices, the computer user is the one who constantly interacts with them. For this reason the keyboard, mouse and analogues have been improved and adapted so that their use is increasingly comfortable for people..

Connectivity

The input devices are designed with the express purpose of facilitating that the connection with the central computer system is always as efficient as possible and that it offers a good experience sending the information to be processed..

Historically common

Although the input devices that are seen as the most necessary are certainly old, such as the mouse or the keyboard, it does not seem that so far they will disappear or that there is already a patent on the market to replace them..

In touch with the senses

Input devices are somehow peripherals that are used to translate the instructions from the person to the computer, either to process certain information, such as a keyboard, or to direct the cursor to where it is desired, such as a mouse..

Adaptation

The input devices have been adapted over time and have been reformed according to the trend of the time. An example of this is digital keyboards, which appear on touch screens.

What are input devices for? (Functions)

The function of an input device is to communicate information to a computer or other information-processing equipment. They are peripheral devices that communicate with the processing units.

The input devices of a computer are used to perform some of the following tasks: inputting alphabetic and numeric content, moving the cursor around the screen, and inputting data through audio or images.

Digital pens

They offer the ability to enter writing and drawing naturally. Allow artists to precisely control line thickness by varying pressure.

They are usually used as part of CAD (Computer Aided Design), where you need to draw accurately on the screen.

Voice recognition systems

They are suitable for dictation as well as direct control of the software. A microphone is used to capture voice commands, a sound analyzer to identify spoken words, and an analyzer to determine the meaning of the command..

Motion sensors and cameras

Web cams are input devices

They offer users the ability to control computers with gestures and body movements. They use multiple sensors to track the wearer's movements and also map facial features.

Biometric sensors

They offer greater computer security. This technology can make it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to protected computer systems..

Types of input devices

Direct interaction

When the entrance area matches the display area. That is, when that surface offers visual feedback with the cursor that appears or is seen. An example is touch screens.

Indirect interaction

When the intervention of the input device to guide itself in the area is indirect, as in the case of the mouse.

Pointing devices

They are the input devices that operate as pointers or pointing peripherals, which are used to specify a position in the area.

High degree of freedom

The input devices can have very varied characteristics and difficult to summarize in a single type. For this reason, it is necessary to think about developments such as 3D applications with cameras, annotation peripherals, virtual reality, etc..

Composite devices

They have push buttons, buttons and joysticks, which fit into a single device that is physical. These types of input devices are found in almost all video game peripherals. From a technical point of view, a mouse is also a composite device.

Image and video input devices

They are used to capture images or videos of the external world to be sent to the computer. For example, VCRs, camcorders, photo cameras, etc..

Sound input devices

They are also known as recorders and are designed to capture sounds. In certain cases, an audio output could be used as an input device to capture the sound produced..

Examples

Keyboard

It is the most widely used and famous input device. It is generally used to enter data into the computer.

It has different keys for various tasks, such as numeric keys to enter numerical values, alphabetic keys to enter characters, special keys to enter symbols or perform functions.

Mouse

It is a pointing device with which users can point to a certain position on the screen, click and also drag icons of files and folders from one place to another.

It commonly has two buttons, one on the right side and one on the left side. Between the two buttons there is a wheel that is used to scroll.

Scanner

It is used as part of scanning and storing large reports or images, without any potential error results. The user can store the images and documents that are on paper in the storage unit of the computer.

Optical pencil

It is a pencil-shaped pointing device, used as such. It is made up of light sensors that are activated when they touch the screen. Used to choose and draw images.

Code bar scanner

Barcode scanner. Source: Wikimedia commons, author: Argox.

Examine standardized IDs. The information is contained in light and faint lines arranged vertically, with alphanumeric values, which change in width and height.

Themes of interest

Output devices.

References

  1. ChTips (2020). What are The Input Devices of Computer System. Taken from: chtips.com.
  2. Reference (2020). What Are the Functions of Input Devices? Taken from: reference.com.
  3. José Luis R. (2018). Input peripherals | What they are, examples and characteristics. 247 Techno. Taken from: 247tecno.com.
  4. Milton Kasmeyer (2020). Input Devices & Their Functions. Taken from: techwalla.com.
  5. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2020). Input device. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.

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