Input devices are hardware devices that allow users to enter data and instructions into a computer. They are the first step in the processing of computer data, and they send signals to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which processes them.
Examples: keyboard, mouse, light pen, joystick, scanner, microphone, etc.
Types of Input Devices
There are many different types of input devices, but some of the most common include:
1. Mouse
A mouse is a hand-operated pointing device that controls the cursor on the computer screen.The mouse helps us point to things on the computer monitor.The mouse is also used to click and drag things on the computer monitor.
There are two types of mouse, a mechanical mouse that uses a ball and roller to measure the movement of the mouse and an optical mouse that uses light and sensor.
2. Touchpad
A graphic tablet or other device’s screen can be written or drawn on with a stylus, a pen-shaped input tool. Originally reserved for graphic tablets and PDAs, it is now widely utilised on mobile devices in place of the user’s fingers. It keeps user-generated oils off the device screen and allows for more precise navigation.
3. Keyboard
A keyboard is a standard input device used for typing the text. The set of typewriter-like keys enables you to enter the data into a computer. A computer keyboard is similar to an electronic typewriter keyboard and also contains additional keys Standard keyboard has 101 keys.
4. Joystick
Joystick is an input device. It is similar to a mouse. A joystick consists of a handheld stick that pivots about one end and transmits its angle in two or three dimensions to a computer.
5. Handheld console
The console is an input device. It is similar to a mouse and joystick. And it is generally used for playing games on the computer. And it’s easy to play games with console. Generally, it has 12 keys on it with a different function.
6. Scanner
A scanner is an input device. It is capable of converting an image (such as the photograph, printed text, or handwritten-matter) on paper into digital format. This process enables duplicating and storing of data on paper.
7. Web Cam
Webcams are different from digital cameras in two ways. Firstly, they cannot operate independently from a computer, and second, they have no inbuilt memory.
8. Digital Cameras
In contrast to conventional cameras, which use photographic film to capture and store images, digital cameras collect and store images electronically.
9. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
Bank clearinghouses frequently employ the MICR system to sift the massive number of checks they receive each day. These characters printed on checks can be read by a MICR reader, which then instructs a computer-controlled cheque sorter to start the sorting process.
10. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
OCR, or optical character recognition, is a sort of computer programme used to convert handwritten or typewritten text images that are typically collected by scanners into text that can be edited by a computer. OCR started off as a branch of pattern recognition, AI, and machine vision research.
11. Microphone
- A microphone captures audio and converts it to a digital format on a computer. The audio can then be played back, copied, edited, uploaded, or emailed.
- Microphones can also be used to record audio or to relay sounds live as part of a video chat or audio stream.
12. Stylus
A pen-shaped input device called a stylus is used to write or draw on the screen of a graphic tablet or device. Initially, it was only used for graphic tablets and PDAs, but now it has become popular on mobile devices as a replacement for the user’s fingers. It is used for more accurate navigation and to keep the user’s fingers’ oils off the device screen.
13. Barcode Readers
Barcode Reader is a device used for reading bar coded data (data in the form of light and dark lines). Barcoded data is generally used in labeling goods, numbering the books, and for payment, etc. Nowadays the barcode can easily reader by our Smartphone.
Classification of Input Devices
Input devices can be classified into different categories based on their function, input type, and modality.
- Function: Input devices can be classified as either pointing devices or non-pointing devices. Pointing devices are used to move the cursor on a computer screen and select items. Non-pointing devices are used to enter text, numbers, symbols, and other data.
- Input Type: Input devices can also be classified by their input type. The most common input types are:
- Text: Input devices that are used to enter text include keyboards, touch screens, and speech recognition software.
- Numeric: Input devices that are used to enter numbers include numeric keypads, barcode readers, and optical character recognition (OCR) scanners.
- Graphical: Input devices that are used to enter graphical data include scanners, digital cameras, and webcams.
- Modality: Input devices can also be classified by their modality. The most common modalities are:
- Visual: Visual input devices are used to enter data that can be seen, such as text, numbers, and images.
- Audio: Audio input devices are used to enter data that can be heard, such as speech and music.
- Tactile: Tactile input devices are used to enter data that can be felt, such as pressure and temperature.
Uses of Input Devices
Input devices are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Entering text and data: Input devices are used to enter text, numbers, and other data into a computer.
- Controlling the cursor: Input devices are used to control the cursor on a computer screen. This allows users to select items, navigate through menus, and interact with applications.
- Interacting with games and simulations: Input devices are used to interact with games and simulations. This allows users to control objects, move through environments, and interact with other players.
- Capturing images and sound: Input devices are used to capture images and sound. This data can then be stored, edited, and shared.
Conclusion
Input devices are an essential part of any computer system. They allow users to enter data and instructions into a computer, and they play a vital role in the processing of computer data. There are many different types of input devices, and they can be used for a variety of purposes.