Chapter 2: Input and Output Devices
1. Direct Data Entry Devices
Barcode Readers
Definition: Devices that read patterns of black bars and white spaces that represent data
Uses:
- Point of sale (POS) terminals in supermarkets for product identification
- Library systems for book identification
- Inventory management systems
Advantages over manual entry:
- Faster data entry
- More accurate (reduced human error)
- Quicker checkout processes
Chip Readers & Magnetic Stripe Readers
Chip readers: Read data from the embedded microchip on cards
- More secure and can store more data than magnetic stripes
- Used at EFTPOS terminals
Magnetic stripe readers: Read data from the magnetic stripe on the back of cards
- Less secure than chip technology but still widely used
Advantages over keyboard entry:
- Faster transaction processing
- More secure authentication
- Reduced errors in data entry
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Definition: Technology that recognizes printed or handwritten text characters by a computer
How it works:
1. Document is scanned
2. Image is analyzed to identify characters
3. Characters are converted to editable digital text
Uses:
- Converting printed documents to editable format
- Processing utility bills and invoices
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems
- Passport and ID card reading
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)
Definition: Technology that detects the position of marks on a paper form
Uses:
- Multiple-choice examination papers
- School registers and attendance systems
- Lottery tickets
- Questionnaires and surveys
Requirements: Forms must be carefully designed with predefined mark positions
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
Definition: Technology that reads characters printed with magnetic ink
Uses:
- Processing bank cheques (reading account numbers, sort codes)
- Banking systems worldwide
Advantages:
- Very difficult to forge
- Can still be read even if overwritten or damaged
- Characters remain human-readable
2. Sensors
Common Sensors and Their Uses
Temperature sensors: Monitor temperature in computer-controlled greenhouses, weather
stations, HVAC systems
Light sensors: Used in weather stations, automatic lighting systems, computer-controlled
greenhouses
Pressure sensors: Measure altitude in weather stations, monitor systems in industrial
applications
Motion sensors: Security systems, automatic doors, gaming applications
Sound sensors: Burglar alarm systems, voice-activated controls
Humidity sensors: Weather stations, environmental monitoring in greenhouses
Sensor Applications
Weather stations: Require temperature, pressure, humidity, light, and possibly wind sensors
Greenhouses: Temperature, humidity, light, and moisture sensors for optimal plant growth
Industrial systems: Various sensors for monitoring and controlling processes
3. Output Devices
Types of Printers
Dot Matrix Printers
Characteristics:
- Impact printer using pins striking an inked ribbon
- Creates noise during operation
- Can print on continuous stationery
- Can produce carbon copies/multipart forms
Uses:
- Industrial environments (car repair shops, factories)
- Printing invoices and receipts
- Any environment where multipart forms are needed
Advantages:
- Low cost per page
- Can print on multipart stationery
- Durable in harsh environments
- Low maintenance costs
Inkjet Printers
Characteristics:
- Non-impact printer
- Sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper
- Good for color printing
Uses:
- Home and office printing
- Photo printing
- Small business applications
Advantages:
- High quality color printing
- Relatively quiet operation
- Affordable initial cost
Laser Printers
Characteristics:
- Non-impact printer
- Uses toner powder and heat to fix images to paper
- Fast printing speeds
Uses:
- High-volume office printing
- Professional document production
- Where speed and quality are important
Advantages:
- Fast printing speeds
- High-quality text output
- Low cost per page for high volumes
- Quiet operation
3D Printers
Characteristics:
- Creates physical 3D objects from digital models
- Builds objects layer by layer
- Uses various materials (plastics, resins, metals)
Uses:
- Prototyping in design and engineering
- Manufacturing customized parts
- Medical applications (prosthetics, models)
- Education and hobby applications
Process:
1. Create or obtain a 3D digital model
2. Software slices the model into many thin layers
3. Printer creates each layer sequentially
4. Layers are bonded together to form the final object
Specialized Output Devices
Graph plotters: Used for large format printing (architectural plans, engineering drawings, maps)
Multimedia projectors: Display presentations, videos to large audiences
Buzzers: Simple sound output for alerts and notifications
Actuators: Output devices that cause physical movement (e.g., in automated systems)
4. Input Devices for Special Applications
For Users with Limited Motor Skills
Trackballs: Easier to control than mice for some users
Touch screens: Direct interaction without intermediary devices
Joysticks: Alternative control method for gaming and navigation
For Mobile Devices
Touch screens: Primary input method for smartphones and tablets
Microphones: Voice commands and recording
Accelerometers: Detect device movement and orientation
Biometric sensors: Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition for security
5. Biometric Systems
Definition: Identification systems based on unique physical characteristics
Types:
- Fingerprint scanners
- Facial recognition
- Iris/retina scanners
- Voice recognition
Advantages over traditional security:
- Cannot be forgotten like passwords
- Difficult to forge or replicate
- Person must be physically present
- More secure authentication
Applications:
- Banking security
- Access control systems
- Attendance systems in schools
- Smartphone security
6. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
Definition: Technology that uses radio waves to identify objects or people
Components:
- RFID tag (contains microchip and antenna)
- RFID reader (sends and receives radio signals)
Types:
- Passive RFID: Powered by reader's signal, no battery required
- Active RFID: Has own power source, longer range
Applications:
- Contactless payment systems
- Inventory tracking
- Access control systems
- Animal identification (e.g., farm animals)
- Library book tracking
7. Cloud Computing and Direct Data Entry
Cloud: Network of remote servers that store, manage and process data
Contactless payment processing:
1. Card is presented to reader
2. Amount is verified against contactless limit
3. Data is read via RFID/NFC technology
4. Transaction is authorized between banks
5. Funds are transferred between accounts