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1.5 Input-output Devices
Generally, we give data and program to the computer. So what we give to
the Computer is known as input. Through which device we give the input is
called input device.
Generally we get information from the computer, So what we get from the
computer is called output.
Through which device we get output is called output device.
1.5.2 Input devices
An input device presents data to the processing unit in a machine-readable
form. Although the keyboard is a common input device for a small computer, a
system may also support various other input devices such as Optical Character
Recognition (OCR), Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), mark
sense reader, etc.
[Link] Key board
The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter keyboard with a few
additional keys. The basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make
it easy for the trained typist to use the system. The additional keys are included
to perform certain special functions such as loading a program, edition a text,
etc. These are known as function keys that vary in number from system to
system.
[Link] Optical Character Recognition
Often abbreviated as OCR, optical character recognition involves reading
text from paper and translating the images into a form that the computer can
manipulate. An OCR system enables you to take a book or a magazine article
and feed it directly into an electronic computer file.
[Link] Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
An MICR can identify characters printed with a special ink that contain
particles of magnetic material. This device particularly finds applications in banking
industry. Since the MICR system can recognise only certain character styles,
the characters have to be accurately formed.
[Link] Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)
Optical mark recognition, also called mark sense reader, is a technology
where an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as
pencil mark.
16 Computer Graphics and Animation
OMR is widely used in tests such as aptitude tests.
[Link] Bar Code Reader
These devices are generally available in super markets, bookshops, etc.
Bar-code readers are photoelectric scanners that read the bar codes or vertical
zebra striped marks, printed on product containers. Supermarkets use a bar
code system called the Universal Product Code (UPC). The bar code identifies
the product to the supermarket’s computer which has a description and the
latest price of the product. The computer automatically tells the Point of Sales
(POS) terminal what the price is.
[Link] Digitizing Tablet
This is an input device that enables you to enter drawings and sketches into
a computer. A digitizing tablet consists of an electronic tablet and a cursor or
pen. A cursor (also called a puck) is similar to a mouse, except that it has a
window with cross hairs for pinpoint placement, and it can have as many as 16
buttons. A pen (also called a stylus) looks like a simple ballpoint pen but uses an
electronic head instead of ink. The tablet contains electronic field that enables it
to detect movement of the cursor or pen and translate the movements into digital
signals that it sends to the computer. Digitizing tables are also called digitizers,
graphics tables, touch tables or simply tables.
[Link] Scanner
Scanner is an input device that can read text or illustrations printed on
paper and translate the information into a form that the computer can use. A
scanner works by digitizing an image - dividing it into a grid of boxes and
representing each box with either a zero or a one, depending on whether the
box is filled in. The resulting matrix of bits, called a bit map, can then be stored
in a file, displayed on a screen and manipulated by programs. Optical scanners
do not distinguish text from illustrations, they represent all images as bit maps.
Therefore, you cannot directly edit text that has been scanned. To edit text read
by an optical scanner, you need an optical character recognition (OCR) system
to translate the image into ASCII characters. Most optical scanners sold today
come with OCR packages.
[Link] Mouse
Mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a
display screen. It is a small object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. As
you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction.
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Mouse contains at least one button and sometimes as many as three, which
have different functions depending on what program is running.
[Link] Light Pen
Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to
selectobjects on a display screen.
[Link] Speech input devices
Speech or voice input devices convert a person’s speech into digital form.
These input devices, when combined with appropriate software, form voice
recognition systems. These systems enable users to operate microcomputers
using voice commands.
1.5.3 Output Devices
Output devices receive information from the CPU and present it to the user
in the desired form. Output devices include display screen, loudspeakers,
printers, plotters, etc.
[Link] Display Screen
When a program is keyed in, the screen (which is similar to a television
screen) displays the characters. The user can read the program line by line and
make corrections before it is stored or printed on a printer. It is also possible to
bring to the screen a portion of the program stored in the external storage for
editing. Screen sizes differ from system to system. The standard size is 24 lines
by 80 characters. Most systems have provision for scrolling. This facilitates the
user to move the text vertically or horizontally on the screens thus bringing to the
screen the hidden text. Thus the user can scan through the entire file either to
review or to select a particular portion. The cursor on the screen is controlled
by the cursor keys on the keyboard,
[Link] Printer
Printer is a device that prints text or illustrations on paper and in many
cases on transparencies and other media. There are many different types of
printers. In terms of the technology utilized, printer fall into the following categories.
(i) Ink-jet Printer
Ink-jet printers work by spraying ionized ink on a sheet of paper. Magnetized
plates in the ink’s path direct the ink onto the paper in the desired shapes. Inkjet
printers are capable of producing high quality print approaching to that produced