Inputs Devics

Numeric keypad = Applications where only numeric data is to be entered. Inserting personal
identification number (PIN) for Chip and PIN credit/debit cards, or when
using an ATM machine to withdraw money or check a bank balance


Pointing devices  all=  All applications which require selection from a graphical user interface. For
example: the selection of data from a set list or menu
                              = Touchpad  = On laptop computers
                              =   Trackerball = For use by people with limited motor skills e.g. young children or people with disabilites

Remote control =  Using remote control devices to operate TVs, video players/recorders,
DVD players/recorders, satellite receivers, HiFi music systems, data or
multimedia projectors

Joystick = Used by a pilot to fly an aeroplane or flight simulator. Used in car driving
simulators and for playing games

Touch screen =  Selecting from a limited list of options e.g. certain POS uses such as cafes,
tourist information kiosks, public transport enquiries. May be used for
handwriting recognition in a PDA or Tablet Pc

Magnetic stripe readers  = At POS terminals, ATMs and in security applications

Chip readers and PIN pads =  Payment cards, ID cards, door control systems, public transport tickets

Scanners =  Entering hard copy images into a computer

Digital cameras  = Taking photographs for input to computers, for input to photo printers

Microphones =  Recording of voices for presentation software

Temperature sensor =  Automatic washing machines, automatic cookers, central heating
controllers, computer-controlled greenhouses, scientific experiments
and environmental monitoring

Pressure sensor =  Burglar alarms, automatic washing machines, robotics, production line
control, scientific experiments and environmental monitoring

Light sensor  = Computer controlled greenhouses, burglar alarm systems, robotics,
production line control, scientific experiments and environmental
monitoring

Graphics tablet =  Inputting freehand drawings or retouch photographs

Optical Mark Reader  = Inputting pencil marks on a form such as a school register, candidate
exam answers, any application involving input of a choice of options

Optical Character Reader =  Inputting text to a computer ready for processing by another software
package such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases etc.

Bar code Reader  = Inputting code numbers from products at a POS terminal, library books
and membership numbers

Video camera =  Inputting moving pictures, often pre-recorded, into a computer

Web cam =  Inputting moving pictures from a fixed position into a computer
Light pen  = Where desktop space is limited, it is used instead of a mouse or for
drawing applications where a graphics tablet might be too big