Lecture Notes on Peripheral Devices: Input Devices

Introduction to Peripheral Devices

• Peripheral Device: A device that connects to a computer to expand its functionality. Examples include a mouse and a scanner.
• Categories:
  • Input
  • Output
  • Storage

Focus on Input Devices

• Input devices send data to the computer.

Keyboards

• Function: Used to input text and interact with software.
• Connection Types: Wired or wireless.
• Laptops have built-in keyboards.
• Shortcuts: Common commands accessed via key combinations, e.g., Ctrl + Z for undo.

Pointing Devices

• Mouse:
  • Uses an optical sensor for movement recognition.
  • Sensitivity varies with the surface.
  • Best used on a mouse pad.
• Tracker Ball:
  • Rolled to move the pointer.
  • No buttons.
• Trackpads:
  • Found on laptops.
  • Senses finger movements, presses, and touches.
• Joysticks:
  • Found on game controllers.
  • Used to move sprites.

Graphics Tablets

• Description: Flat pad used with a stylus.
• Users: Popular among digital artists and designers for drawing and writing.

Scanners

• Function: Use light sensors to digitize physical documents.
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition):
  • Reads characters on documents and stores them as text files.
• OMR (Optical Mark Recognition):
  • Detects marks on documents, commonly used for multiple choice questions.

Barcodes

• Description: Pattern of lines and gaps read by barcode scanners.
• Uses: Tracking parcels, representing letters and numbers.
• Types:
  • Linear Codes: Common in supermarkets.
  • Matrix Codes (QR Codes): Can hold more information and be scanned from any angle.

Webcams

• Description: Specialized camera, often with inbuilt microphones.
• Uses: Security cameras, streaming images or videos online.

Microphones

• Function: Captures sound via a moving diaphragm.
• Process:
  • Produces an analog signal.
  • Converts to digital signal using a sound card.

Conclusion

• Overview of input devices covered.
• Reminder to like and subscribe for more content.