Technology Computer – Input and Output Devices
The performance and capabilities of the personal computer have been constantly expanded since its introduction. Internal and external modifications have equipped computers for new tasks, such as multimedia applications.
The first computers only had levers and buttons to input numbers and mathematical operations, and the output was displayed by control lights. After several years, the idea of a “monitor” was adapted from air traffic control stations.
Devices called teleprinters are likely to have served as models for the computer keyboard. Further developments aimed at minimizing fatigue for the user, optimizing control, and simplifying operations allowed greater amounts of data and instructions to be entered as quickly and simply as possible.
Input and output devices
The most important input device is the keyboard, which enables users to type in characters and program the computer. Another optional input device is the mouse, or alternatively, touch pads and trackballs, which are used in the case of laptops and tamper-proof computer terminals. Public computers, such as ticket machines at rail-way stations, often use touch screens instead of a keyboard.
Game consoles have specially developed game pads as input devices. Scanners are used to record optical information, while microphones record acoustic information. Microphones are also used to operate phonetically controlled computers. The most important output device is the monitor, which displays results for the user in graphical form. Editing text and pictures would be impossible without the monitor.
The bulky cathode ray tubes of the past are increasingly being replaced with flat panel screens. Other output devices are speakers, which have been standard equipment since the 1990s, and printers. The Internet can be considered an output device that offers many possible connections.
Virtual worlds
Cyberspace or virtual reality scenarios represent nonexistent virtual worlds by means of computers.
The goal is to use people’s real world movements as data input for a computer program that can interpret and translate the actions into the virtual world. The input and output are intended to mimic reality as closely as possible.
THE MOUSE
Unlike the mechanical computer mouse, new generations of mice use an embedded light source— usually a light emitting diode (LED)—to illuminate the surface below Reflections are picked up by an optical sensor.
The laser mouse is a further technological advance: using a laser diode instead of a standard LED, it perceives contrast even on very smooth surfaces.
FLIGHT SIMULATOR
Normally, a user sits close to the computer and interacts with the screen, mouse, and keyboard using only a selected few of their senses. In simulators, however, computers generate virtual events in a pseudo-environment designed to be as realistic as possible.
Flight simulators for pilot training use the operating instruments and display devices of a real cockpit to serve as input and output devices. This provides fight experience without the risk and can be a very effective learning tool.