1. Inputting Data In Other Ways
Chapter 2B
Inputting Data In Other Ways

2. Devices for the Hand Pen based input Tablet PCs, PDA
Pen used to write data
The device is called stylus
Pen used as a pointer as well like mouse
Handwriting recognition
Used to take notes
Taking signature
Teaching tip
Microsoft has a demonstration of the tablet PC pen based input. Point your browser to and follow the tours.

3. Devices for the hand Touch screens
Input allows the user to place a fingertip directly on screen
Sensors determine where finger points
Sensors create an X,Y coordinate
Usually presents a menu to users
More robust
Easy to use
ATM booth
Discussion point
Discuss the information kiosks at local malls. Many offer limited Internet access. Have students discuss what could happen to the computers if the malls were to provide keyboards to the mall shoppers.

4. Devices for the hand Game controllers
Accepts input from user through controller
Enhances gaming experience
Provide custom input to the game
Two categories: Joystick, Game pad
Modern controllers offer feedback
Teaching tip
Microsoft’s Force Feedback joysticks vibrate. In driving games, when the player hits another car, the joystick will vibrate.

5. Optical Input Devices Scanners Handheld Flatbed
Bar code readers commonly track sales in retail stores
Bar code Reader or Scanner : handheld and flatbelt
Image Scanner or Optical character recognition
OMR (Optical Mark Reader) or Mark sense reader

6. Optical Input Devices - Scanner
Image scanners
Converts printed image into electronic form by shining light on the image
Reflects light off of the image
Sensors read the intensity
Filters determine color depths
Useful because can be stored in a computer
Teaching tip
Spend a few minutes here discussing computer screen colors. A good website to look at colors is To demonstrate how computers generate color, use the custom color creator in Paint.

7. Optical Input Devices – Scanner (Cont.)
Special software for scanner:
Optical character recognition (OCR)
Converts scanned text into editable text
Each letter is scanned
Letters are compared to known letters
Best match is entered into document
Rarely 100% accurate
Teaching tip
Many companies ask for a plaintext resume. This is a resume, typed in Courier or other easy to read font, with no formatting. The intent is to allow the company to scan the resume for future searching. OCR technology makes this possible. For more information, see the website

8. Optical Input Devices – OMR
OMR (Optical Mark Reader)
Excellent for large amount of MCQ type format such as in examinations, or survey questioner.

9. Audiovisual Input Devices
Microphones
Used to record speech
Speech recognition
“Understands” human speech
Useful for audio and video conferencing
Analog sound can be converted into digital code that computer can store and process.
The process is called digitizing
These files can be used in documents, web pages or them to other people
Insider information
Two common products are IBM’s Via Voice and Scansoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking. More information for ViaVoice can be found at More information regarding Dragon is located at

10. Audiovisual Input Devices
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIDI
Connects different musical instruments to computer
Digital recording or playback of music
Musicians can produce professional results

11. Audiovisual Input Devices
Video Input
A PC video camera captures video
Used in presentation and on web pages where the viewers can start, stop and control it.
A popular PC video camera is webcam
Using video card other video devices can be connected with PC

12. Audiovisual Input Devices
Digital cameras
Captures images electronically
No film is needed
Image is stored as a JPG file
Memory cards store the images
Used in a variety of professions
The image can be copied to a PC where it can be edited. printed

13. Chapter 2B
End of Chapter