Input Devices

Types
Following are some of the major input devices that one uses on a regular basis-

Bar Code Readers - This is an electronic device that is used for reading printed bar codes. Very much like a flat bed scanner, it has a light source, a lens and a photo conductor that translate optical impulses into electrical ones. It is commonly found in various shopping and retail outlets.

Game Controller - This too is an input device which is commonly known as the joystick. It is a controller that is designed in a manner to receive inputs and work like a game controller.Keyboards, mouse, game pads too are sometimes used as game controller.

Keypads and Keyboard- Keypad comprise of a set of buttons and are usually set in blocks. They can be numerical or alphabetical. On a computer keyboard, the numerical keypad are on the right side, keeping in mind that most of the users are right handed.

Scanner- In computer language, scanner is a device that optically scans, images, printed text, handwriting, and then converts it to a digital image. Various types of scanners, recent being digital camera scanners have come in the market.

Material
3D technology is essential for the scanners and barcode readers to decode the bar codes. Various buttons that work on the will of the player is the methodology involved in the game controller input device. Key matrix, switches, microprocessor and controlling circuit are some of the main components/materials involved in making a keyboard work. Bar code readers need decoder circuits and a photo conductor translating optical to work.

Applications
The scope of input devices is not only limited to home or office use, today shopping malls and even small retail shops use bar code readers for calculations. Input devices not only provide error free information in case of bar code readers but also come handy in providing quick information of the person in case of magnetic reader. Magnetic ink character recognition device is used efficiently in banks to process cheques.