Input Devices

 Every computer system receives commands and data, from the real world,

via input devices
 Input devices converts inputs into digital data which can be processed
 For conventional computer systems, such as desktop computers and laptops, the
most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard
 There are a wide range of input devices used in more specialist computer systems
such as scanners and sensors

Exam Tip
The exam board has limited the number of devices you may be asked about to eight -
keyboard, optical mouse, microphone, barcode scanner, digital camera, QR code
scanner, touch screen (resistive, capacitive and infra-red), 2D and 3D scanners

You won’t be asked how they technically work but may be asked what each device does,
why it does it and when it may be used

Barcode Scanner

Diagram of a barcode being scanned by a handheld barcode scanner

 Barcodes are a series of black and white bars which represent a code

 A barcode reader shines a red laser at the barcode to read the data it represents
 The light from the white lines is reflected back
 Black lines absorb the light so less is reflected
 The different levels of reflection are converted into a binary value which can be
processed by a microprocessor
 A barcode reader can be handheld or built into a larger machine such as a self-
service checkout at a supermarket
  Barcodes can be used in many ways such as identifying a product being sold
or tracking a package through the delivery process
 Benefits include faster checkouts, automated stock control, less chance of
error due to manual entry of data, and more detailed tracking information

Worked Example
How are barcodes used in supermarkets to manage stock control?

When a customer purchases an item, its barcode is scanned in at the checkout [1 mark] 

The barcode reader sends the digital code for the product to the stock database where
it is removed from the stock inventory [1 mark]. 

This means the number of items of stock is always accurate and up to date [1 mark] 

…and the supermarket staff can reorder items quickly when stock is low [1 mark].

Digital Camera

 A digital camera works by capturing light and converting it into a digital image

 Light enters the camera through the lens, it reaches an image sensor where it is
split into millions of pixels (small squares). Each pixel measures light intensity
which is converted into binary and represents a colour. 
 Digital cameras are integrated into smartphones , used in security systems and
by professional photographers to create high quality digital images
 An advantage of digital cameras is they show a preview of the image
 They also instantly create an image which can then be
easily duplicated and transmitted via bluetooth or WiFi
 Software can be used to edit digital photos, for example applying a filter or
retouching a photo

Keyboard

 A keyboard is the most common device used for text-based data input

 They are connected either by a USB cable or wirelessly to the computer system
 They are built into laptops. 
 Smartphones and tablets have virtual keyboards
 Each key on a keyboard has a peg underneath it which makes contact with a
conducting membrane. This is then converted into an electrical signal to transmit
a unique character code
Microphone

 A computer microphone works by converting sound waves into electrical

signals that can be processed by the computer.
 They can capture any real world sound and convert it into digital data which
can be stored, duplicated or modified
 The microphone has a diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves.
These vibrations are then converted into electrical signals by a coil of wire
attached to the back of the diaphragm. Changes in the signal are recorded by a
microprocessor using a analogue to digital converter
 Microphones are used to record music, telephone calls, communicate
online and dictation

Optical Mouse

 A mouse use a laser to detect and track movement, this is then processed by a

microprocessor which interprets the movement and replicates it when moving a
virtual cursor on-screen
 Items can be selected or moved using the left mouse button, whilst the right
button usually displays additional menus
 They can be wired or wireless
 They are used to control the cursor in a Graphical User Interface (GUIs)
 They are simple to use and provide the user with an intuitive way to navigate the
computer
 They are reliable due to no moving parts

QR code scanner
 [Link]

Diagram of a QR code being scanned by a mobile device

 A QR code is a visual representation of data using black and white squares

 QR codes can represent over 7000 digits whereas a barcode represents  up to
30 digits
 QR codes are scanned by a camera (often on a mobile device)
 A piece of software convert the squares into binary data
 QR codes often link to a website where more information can be found
 They can also be used to advertise products, share contact details,
provide promotional codes, train tickets, and event tickets

Worked Example
Describe how festival organisers could make use of QR codes and QR code scanners
[4 marks]

Festival e-tickets could be in the form of a QR code  [1 mark]

QR scanners could scan them on entry to the festival [1 mark]

QR codes could be used to advertise the festival  [1 mark]

QR codes could be used to link to the festival website  [1 mark]

QR codes could be used to provide information during the festival  [1 mark]

Touchscreen

 A touchscreen can be classed as both an input device and an output device

Types of touch screen

Type How it works Benefits/Drawbacks Uses

Resistive Resistive screens consist of two + Cheap to produce. 

screen conductive layers. The top layer
is flexible. When the screen is + Resistant to surface 
touched the two layer connect, contaminants Used in cash machines,
completing a circuit information kiosks,
+ Can be activated with medical equipment
nearly every object
(stylus, finger, gloved
hand)
Infra-red LEDs shine infrared light across + Excellent image
screens a screen forming a matrix. When quality, 
the screen is touched the beams
are interrupted + high precision 

+ durable Tablets, laptops,

smartphones
+ allows for multiple
touches at the same time

- Requires a bare finger

or stylus for activation
Capacitiv Made up of a protective layer, a +Excellent image
e screens transparent conductive layer and quality
a glass substrate. Touching the Large scale commercial
screen changes the electrostatic +Unlimited touch-life displays
field of the conductive layer
+Scale well Information kiosks

- Sensitive Medical equipment

to interference from
light, water, snow
2D and 3D scanners
  A two-dimensional (or flat-bed) scanner shines a strip of light over a document.
Reflected light is measured for each pixel. This data is converted into binary data
so the document can be digitally recreated
 A three- dimensional laser scanner shines a light over an object. The geometry
and dimensions are recorded so the object can be recreated digitally
 The digital 3D model can be modified using specialist software
 A 3D printer could then print out the model
 2D scanners can be used for creating digital versions of documents or
photographs
 Reading passports at airports
 3D scanners can be used to create 3D models for use with computer-aided
design (CAD) software
 Creating replicas with 3D printers
 Typical uses of 3D scanners and printers are dentistry, product development,
medical
 A cheap and quick way of creating a digital representation of both 2D and 3D
objects so they can be manipulated, stored, transmitted or copied

Summary of input device uses and benefits

Device Example Uses Benefits 

Barcode
scanner Faster checkout, less errors, detailed
Checkouts, parcel delivery
stock/tracking information

QR code
scanner Can hold more information than a barcode
Advertising products, linking to
websites, e-tickets Can be scanned using a camera on a mobile
device (smartphone)

2D and 3D
Converts 2D and 3D objects into digital data
scanners Scan documents, photos and
which is easier and quicker to transmit/duplicate
objects
or manipulate

Digital
Smartphones, professional
camera Instant preview and image
photography, security systems
Keyboard Entering text  Universal, easy to use
 Mouse Navigating a GUI
Intuitive
Making selections and entering
commands
Microphone Recording real-world sound

Musical recordings
 
Telephone calls

Dictation
Touchscree Entering text and commands on
n mobile devices (tablet,
smartphone) Can be durable

Cash machines Good image quality

Interactive advertisements Intuitive/easy to use

Information screens
Exam Tip
The exam board will refer to a touchscreen as an input device.

Output Devices

 An output device shows the results of the processing in a way humans can

understand
 In a general purpose computer system, the main output device is
the monitor/screen
 Other output devices include projectors, printers, speakers and actuators

Actuators

 Actuators are used in conjunction with a motor to translate energy (electrical, air,

hydraulic) into real-world movement of a physical object.
 They come in a variety of sizes and have been made specifically for a particular
function. 
 Examples of use include turning a wheel, opening or closing a door,
controlling a conveyer belt, operating machinery, moving robotic arms,
vibrating a machine, starting or stopping a pump, opening or closing a valve
  They are often used with sensors. The input of the sensor is checked
against stored values. If the input is within a certain range an actuator is used to
provide movement of a physical object

Worked Example
A theme park has a game where a player has to run from the start to the finish without
getting wet. The system for the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to spray water
at a player as they run past each sensor

Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used in this system [6 marks]

Motion sensors are used to detect the player’s movement [1 mark]

The sensor sends data to microprocessor [1 mark]

Data is compared with stored data [1 mark]

…if value is within range water is sprayed [1 mark]

…signal sent to actuator to spray water [1 mark]

…if value is outside of range no action is taken [1 mark]

Light projectors

 Used to project computer outputs onto a large screen

 Used to give presentations in both business and education settings
 There are two types - Digital light processing (DLP) projectors and Liquid
crystal display (LCD) projectors.
 DLP systems use millions of micro-mirrors arranged in a grid on a
microprocessor within the projector. Light is shone through colour filters and
the mirrors. The position of the mirrors can be altered to change the intensity of
the light
 LCD projectors use three mirror filters to separate an image into red, green and
blue wavelengths. The three images are then combined to produce the full colour
image which is passed through the lens on to the wall/screen

Device Advantages Disadvantages

 Digital light
Higher contrast ratios.  Image tends to suffer from
projector (DLP)
“shadows” when showing a
Smooth video moving image

DLP do not have grey components

Higher reliability
in the image

The colour definition is not as

Quieter running that LCD projector.
good as LCD projectors

Smaller and lighter  
Better suited to dusty atmospheres than
 
LCD projectors
LCD projector
Give a sharper image than DLP Contrast ratios are not as good as
projectors DLPs
Better colour saturation and intensity than
Have a limited life
DLP projectors
Use less power and generate less heat LCD panels degrade over time.
Laser and Inkjet printers

 Both printers create hard copies of a digital document

 Hard copies are needed when you do not have access to an electronic device
 Inkjet printers spray ink from ink cartridges through very fine nozzles onto the
paper
 Inkjet printers produce high quality hard copies of digital images or
documents
 Laser printers and are very fast when making multiple copies of a document
 Useful for high volume print jobs for example producing leaflets
 They have a low running cost per page. 
 They are often used in business and education setting
 They have large toner (dry ink) cartridges and large paper trays
 Positive and negative charges are used to make the toner particles stick to piece
of paper, heat is then used to bond the particles to the paper


Worked Example

 Match the characteristic to the correct type of printer

 Characteristic  Inkjet Laser

Uses ink cartridges    

Uses toner (powdered ink)    
Great for bright colours and images    
Great for clear, sharp images and text    
Widely used in homes and home offices with lower
   
print volumes
Widely used in office with higher print volumes    

Characteristic  Inkjet Laser

Uses ink cartridges x  

Uses toner (powdered ink)   x
Great for bright colours and images x  
Great for clear, sharp images and text   x
Widely used in homes and home offices with lower
x  
print volumes
Widely used in office with higher print volumes   x
3D printers

 3D printers create 3D models of a digital model by depositing layers of

material, such as plastic or resin, on top of one another to slowly build up a 3D
object
 They allow for precision and can be used to create parts
for manufacturing, prosthetic limbs, and materials for reconstructive surgery
 3D printers can be used to create rapid prototypes
 Models can be transmitted digitally and then models printed out all across the
world

Liquid Crystal Display screens

 LCD screens are made up of millions of tiny liquid crystals. 

 The display is made of pixels arranged in a matrix
 The display requires backlighting
 They are used for TVs, monitors, tablets and phones
 They have low power consumption and run at a cool temperature
 They do not suffer image burn or flicker issues
  They provide bright images and colours
 They are cheaper to produce than LED screens

Worked Example
Describe three benefits of LCD screens[3 marks]

 Low power consumption [1 mark]

 Runs at a cool temperature [1 mark]
 Bright image/colours [1 mark]
 Do not suffer Image burn [1 mark]
 Cheaper to purchase than an LED screen [1 mark]

Light emitting diode (LED) screen 

  An LED screen is made up of tiny LEDs

 They do not need backlighting which makes them thinner and lighter to hang
on the wall
 LED screens are replacing LCD displays in TVs, monitors, laptops and mobile
devices
 They have better image quality and a longer life span
 They can be used to create very large screens that can be used to show visual
content at events such as football matches and music festivals
 They consume very little power making them suitable for being switched on for
many hours in the day

Organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen 

 Much thinner and lighter than traditional LCD screens

 Use organic light emitting diodes (OLEDS). 
 They use organic carbon compound to create semiconductors
 No form of back lighting is required
 You can have very thin, flexible screens

Speakers

 Speakers are used to take digital sounds or recordings and output them as sound
waves which can be heard by humans
 The digital data is changed into a electric current using a digital to analogue
converter (DAC)
 It is then passed through an amplifier to create a current large enough to drive a
loudspeaker
  The loudspeaker converts the current into a sound wave
 Typical uses include listening to music, listening to video sound, telephone
calls and alarms

Worked Example
What would an appropriate output device be for a large screen showing replays during
a football match?
Justify your choice. [3 Marks]

 An LED screen [1 mark]

 Consume little power [1 mark]
 Can be used to create large screens [1 mark]
 Provide a better quality image compared to alternatives

Exam Tip
This section of the course has been simplified for exams taking place from 2023
onwards. In the past students needed to know how each device physically worked. You
now only need to know:
 

 What each device does and why it does it

 When it is used

Older textbooks may contain more detail than is required

Sensors

 Sensors are input devices

 They measure a physical property of their environment such as light levels,
temperature or movement
 Sensors can be used for monitoring systems and control systems
o A monitoring system tracks the state of a system, it gathers data and
may issue warning messages
o A control system will control the system based upon the input from
sensors
o For example, if the water temperature in a fish tank fell below the
acceptable level, a control system would start up a heater. The system will
then continue to check the water temperature readings and when they are
within the acceptable range it will switch off the heater
 This process of the outputs affecting the following set of input
values received from the sensors is called a feedback loop
Exam Tip
You are likely to be given a scenario and asked to identify the sensors that would be
used.
The 14 sensors you need to be aware of are in the table below

Sensor type What it measures Typical use

Acoustic Sound levels

To detect changes in sound levels of industrial machinery

To monitor noise pollution

In security system to detect suspicious sounds

Accelerometer Acceleration rate, tilt,

vibration Detecting sudden changes in vehicle movement and
deploy safety features if needed

In mobile phones to detect orientation of the device

Flow Rate of gas, liquid or

Detect changes in the flow through pipes in water system
powder flow
Gas Presence of a gas e.g.
carbon monoxide Detect levels of gas in confined spaces

Detect gas levels when fixing gas leaks

Humidity Levels of water vapour Monitor humidity in greenhouses

Infra-red Detecting motion or a
heat source Security systems detecting intruders who break the beam

Measures heat radiation of objects - used by emergency

services to detect people

Level Liquid levels Detects levels of petrol in a car tank

Detect levels of water in a water tank

Detect a drop in water levels due to a leak

Light Light levels Automatically switching on lights when it gets dark
(street lights, headlights)
 Magnetic field Presence and strength Anti-lock braking system

Monitoring rotating machinery such as turbines

Moisture Presence and levels of Monitoring moisture in soil
moisture
Monitoring damp in buildings
pH Acidity or alkaline
Monitoring soil to ensure optimum growing conditions

Monitor pHlevels in chemical processes

Pressure Gas, liquid or physical Monitoring tyre pressure

pressure
Monitoring pressure in pipes during manufacturing
process
Proximity Distance
Monitoring position of objects in robotics

Used in safety systems to prevent objects colliding

Temperature Temperature in Celsius,

Fahrenheit or Kelvin Used to maintain temperature in swimming pools

Used to control temperature in chemical processes

Worked Example
What type of sensor would be used to help drivers when reversing?  [1 mark]

A   Motion
B   Infra-red
C   Light
D   Proximity

 Answer - D
o A proximity sensor would be used to monitor how close the car was to objects. It
would then sound a warning alarm when the proximity is below a certain value
(meaning the car is too close to an object) Is this a monitoring system or a
control system? [1 mark]

A   Monitoring
B   Control
 Answer - A
o The reversing warning system is a monitoring system. It indicates to the
user when the car is too close to an object but it does not stop the car
automatically