A data input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system (such as a computer). Common data input devices include
- Keyboards, e.g., Traditional keyboards, virtual keyboards, projected keyboards
- Pointing devices, e.g., Mice, touch screens, touch pads, joysticks
- High-degree of freedom input devices
- Composite devices, e.g., gamdpads, game controllers, Wiimotes
- Imaging and Video input devices, e.g., Digital cameras, Webcams, Image scanners, Fingerprint scanners, Barcode readers
- Audio input devices, e.g., microphones, MIDI keyboards
A keyboard is a human interface device which is represented as a layout of buttons (keys). Each key or combination of keys can be used to either input a linguistic character to a computer, or to call upon a particular function of the computer. Traditional keyboards use spring-based buttons, though newer variations employ virtual keys, or projected keyboards.
A pointing device is any human interface device that allows a user to input spatial data to a computer. In the case of mice and touch screens, this is usually achieved by detecting movement across a physical surface. Analog devices, such as 3D mice, joysticks, or pointing sticks, function by reporting their angle of deflection. Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of the cursor, creating a simple, intuitive way to navigate a computer's GUI.
High-degree of freedom input devices target 3D applications requires the control of another device, e.g., a camera, to a specific location and/or a particular angle.
Many gaming devices have controllers combining buttons, joysticks, accelerameters, gyroscopes, and many other components into a composite device. Common composite input devices include Game controller, Gamepad, Paddle, Wii Remote.
Imaging and Video input devices are used to digitize images or video from the outside world into the computer. COmmon image input devices include digital camera, Webcam, Image scanner, Fingerprint scanner, Barcode reader, 3D scanner, Laser rangefinder. In the field of medicaition, medical imaging play an important role in diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), and Medical ultrasonography just to name a few
Audio input devices are used to either capture or create sound. Microphone is often used to capture sound while MIDI keyboard is a common instrument to create sound digitally.
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