IGCSEComputer ScienceCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes3. HardwareInput & Output DevicesInput Devices

Input Devices (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science): Revision Note

Exam code: 0478 & 0984

James Woodhouse

Written by: James Woodhouse

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

Input Devices

What is an Input Device?

  • Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer system

  • They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer then processes to produce an output

Types of input devices

Device

What It Does

Where It Is Used

Why It Is Used

Barcode Scanner

  • Reads barcodes to capture product information.

  • Supermarkets

  • Warehouses

  • Libraries

  • Quickly and accurately retrieves product details for stock and checkout

Digital Camera

  • Captures photographs or videos as digital images

  • Photography

  • Smartphones

  • Webcams

  • High-quality visual content

Keyboard

  • Inputs text and commands by pressing keys

  • Computers

  • Tablets

  • Laptops

  • Type documents

  • Enter data

  • Control software

Microphone

  • Captures analogue sound and converts it into digital signals

  • Recording studios

  • Smartphones

  • Computers

  • Audio recording

  • Voice communication

Optical Mouse

  • Moves the cursor on the screen based on hand movements over a surface

  • Computers

  • Laptops

  • Precise control and navigation on a computer screen

QR Code Scanner

  • Reads QR codes to access stored information

  • Retail shops

  • Mobile apps

  • Quickly retrieves data from QR codes

  • Website links or product information

Touch Screen (Resistive)

  • Detects touch by pressing a flexible screen layer

  • ATMs

  • Older smartphones and tablets

  • Direct interaction with the device

Touch Screen (Infra-red)

  • Detects touch by interrupting infrared light beams across the screen

  • Kiosks

  • Large touch displays

  • Accurate touch detection

  • Works well in various lighting conditions

Touch Screen (Capacitive)

  • Detects touch through changes in electrical charge on the screen surface

  • Modern smartphones

  • Tablets

  • Touch monitors

  • Smooth, responsive touch experience with multi-touch capabilities

Two-Dimensional (2D) Scanner

  • Captures flat, 2D images of documents or photos

  • Offices

  • Libraries

  • Schools

  • Digitises documents and photos for storage, editing, or sharing

Three-Dimensional (3D) Scanner

  • Captures detailed 3D shapes and dimensions of objects

  • Manufacturing

  • Design

  • Medical imaging

  • Creates digital models of objects for design, analysis, or reproduction

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    Author
    Reviewer
    James Woodhouse

    Author: James Woodhouse

    Expertise: Computer Science & English Subject Lead

    James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

    Lucy Kirkham

    Reviewer: Lucy Kirkham

    Expertise: Head of Content Creation

    Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.