Input Devices Chapter Notes | Computer Science for Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

Input devices are peripherals which are used to give instructions to computer.  

The following are the various types of input devices:

• Mouse
• Joystick
• Light Pen
• Touch Screen
• Voice Input System  

Mouse

Mouse is a type of input device which basically contains two buttons one on right and another on the left. Using these buttons you can drag any folder or document from one to the other folder. You can also control the movement of the cursor using mouse. Scrolling wheel has been introduces in some of the mouse which helps in scrolling the long document.   The/allowing types of mouse are available in the market:  

• Mechanical mouse: Basically, a mechanical mouse has a ball that rolls in different directions. The built-in mechanical sensor detects the ball's movement and adjusts the screen pointer accordingly.
• USB Mouse: A USB mouse utilizes a Universal Serial Bus connector, requiring an available USB port for operation. Without a free USB port, it cannot function on the system.
• Optical Mechanical Mouse: The optical mechanical mouse functions similarly to a mechanical mouse with a key difference in its sensor. Unlike a mechanical mouse, it employs an optical sensor to track ball movements.
• Optical Mouse: An optical mouse represents a significant advancement over other types of mice. It offers rapid and precise responses, utilizing laser beams to detect mouse pointer movements.
  
• Cordless Mouse: A cordless mouse, as the name suggests, operates without a physical connection to the system. It communicates with the computer using infrared or radio waves and requires batteries for power. Typically, it is more expensive than a wired mouse.

Joystick

A joystick is a type of pointing device that enables users to move objects on the screen in any of the four directions. It features spherical balls at both ends, with the user controlling the upper ball while the lower ball moves in a socket. Joysticks are commonly used in CAD and for playing computer games, particularly in video games.

Light Pen

Light Pen operates similarly to a mouse but is primarily used to point out specific tasks occurring anywhere and displayed on televisions. It resembles a pen shape, equipped with a light sensor, photocells, and an optical system within a small tube. When the light pen's tip moves across the monitor screen and the button is pressed, the photocells detect the location and send the signal to the CPU. For instance, in real-life scenarios, a light pen is commonly used when technicians indicate a player's position during a sports game.

Touch Screen

A touch screen eliminates the need for a mouse or keyboard input. Typically integrated into Visual Display Units (VDUs), it is widely utilized in ATMs, multimedia mobile devices, hotels, airports, and malls to provide information to users. For example, touch screens are frequently used in shopping malls to guide visitors during their shopping experience.

Voice Input System

The Voice Input System enables users to give commands directly through voice, bypassing the need for keyboard input. Also known as a speech recognition system, it learns a user's speech patterns to understand how words are pronounced and spoken. This technology is employed in various applications to enhance user interaction and accessibility.

Barcode Reader

• Barcode Reader is a type of optical input device utilized for interpreting the values or quantities displayed on products through vertical bars, commonly known as barcodes. It operates by using a laser beam to scan and decode the barcode.
• An example of a barcode reader is a handheld scanner that cashiers often use at retail stores to scan the barcodes of products for pricing and inventory management.

Scanners

• Scanners are input devices that capture physical documents or images and convert them into digital formats. Two popular types of scanners are handheld scanners and flatbed scanners.
• A flatbed scanner typically consists of a glass pane where images or documents are placed for scanning. The scanner head moves across the image, capturing it as a series of light and dark spots using charge-coupled devices.
• Handheld scanners are operated manually by moving the device across the surface of the document. They are equipped with a Start button that initiates the scanning process.
• For instance, in offices, scanners are commonly used to digitize paper documents and store them electronically for easier access and organization.