Chapter 3B - Inputting data in other ways. This lesson examines several categories of alternative input devices and discusses the special uses of each. You may be surprised at how often you see these devices, and you may decide that an alternative device will be your primary means of interacting with your computer. | McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 3B Inputting Data In Other Ways Devices for the Hand Pen based input Tablet PCs, PDA Pen used to write data Pen used as a pointer Handwriting recognition On screen keyboard 3B- Teaching tip Microsoft has a demonstration of the tablet PC pen based input. Point your browser to and follow the tours. Devices for the hand Touch screens Sensors determine where finger points Sensors create an X,Y coordinate Usually presents a menu to users Found in cramped or dirty environments 3B- Discussion point Discuss the information kiosks at local malls. Many offer limited Internet access. Have students discuss what could happen to the computers if the malls were to provide keyboards to the mall shoppers. Devices for the hand Game controllers Enhances gaming experience Provide custom input to the game Modern controllers offer feedback Joystick Game pad 3B- Teaching tip Microsoft’s Force Feedback joysticks vibrate. In driving games, when the player hits another car, the joystick will vibrate. Optical Input Devices Allows the computer to see input Bar code readers Converts bar codes to numbers UPC code Computer find number in a database Works by reflecting light Amount of reflected light indicates number 3B- Insider information For more information on the UPC code and a searchable database, visit . A working UPC is 071662000240, which represents a 24 count box of Crayola Crayons. Optical Input Devices Image scanners Converts printed media into electronic Reflects light off of the image Sensors read the intensity Filters determine color depths 3B- Teaching tip Spend a few minutes here discussing computer screen colors. A good website to look at colors is . To demonstrate how computers generate color, use the | McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 3B Inputting Data In Other Ways Devices for the Hand Pen based input Tablet PCs, PDA Pen used to write data Pen used as a pointer Handwriting recognition On screen keyboard 3B- Teaching tip Microsoft has a demonstration of the tablet PC pen based input. Point your browser to and follow the tours. Devices for the hand Touch screens Sensors determine where finger points Sensors create an X,Y coordinate Usually presents a menu to users Found in cramped or dirty environments 3B- Discussion point Discuss the information kiosks at local malls. Many offer limited Internet access. Have students discuss what could happen to the computers if the malls were to provide keyboards to the mall shoppers. Devices for the hand Game controllers Enhances gaming experience Provide custom input to the game .
