4.1 Peripheral Devices

Digitizer

*Captures some type of analog signal and converts it into digital data.* Some common types of digitizer devices include: *Graphics Tablets* - Capture analog stylus strokes written on a pad and convert them to digital data. These are mostly used by graphic artists to capture hand-drawn images. *Document Scanners* - Are specifically designed to convert paper documents into digital documents, such as PDFs or Rich Text Format files. -use optical character recognition (OCR) to create editable word processor documents. *3D Scanners* - use either physical contact or lasers to map the size and shape of a physical object and convert it into a 3D digital model.

When connecting peripheral devices, consider the following recommendations:

-Make sure the computer supports the connection type used by the device. -Most peripheral devices use USB connectors. -Older peripheral devices can use PS/2, serial, or parallel connectors. For these devices, you can use an adapter (e.g., a PS/2 to USB adapter). -An expansion card can be added to provide the necessary connections. -Identify the system requirements of the peripheral device. Some peripheral devices specify a minimum CPU speed, memory size, or OS version. -Install any necessary drivers or software. -Configure the device in the OS and verify it is working correctly.

KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switch

Allows multiple computers to use a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. KVM switches have multiple input groups, with each group accepting keyboard, video, and mouse connections from one computer. A single output group connects to the shared peripheral devices. Buttons on the KVM switch are used to toggle between each connected computer. *-Rackmount KVM switches* can support up to 16 computers and are typically used in data centers to manage servers from a central console. *-Desktop KVM switches* typically support two or three computers, which must be within about 5 meters. *-Networked/remote KVM switches* use special hardware devices that send keyboard, mouse, and video content through a network connection.

Biometric scanners

Are used as a form of authentication. They are able to scan users' unique physical features and use them to verify their identity. *Common physical features used by biometric scanners include:* -Retina (eyes) -Fingerprint -Face -Heart beat

Motion sensors

Devices that are able to detect the slightest amount of movement in an area. They are typically used with security systems and require special software and configuration. *Two types of motion sensors exist:* *1) Active motion sensors* - use ultrasonic sound waves to detect movement in an area. If movement is detected, something happens (e.g., a door opens or an alarm triggers). *2) Passive motion sensors* - detect infrared energy, which is emitted by humans and animals. Passive motion sensors ignore small changes in infrared energy in order to avoid false alarms. Passive motion sensors are sometimes called passive infrared sensors (PIR).

Game controllers & Joysticks

Input devices designed specifically for computer gaming. There are two main types of game controllers: *1) Gamepads* - are handheld controllers with directional controls on the left and buttons on the right. *2) Joysticks* - consist of a stick that pivots on a base. Both the stick and the base have several input buttons. Joysticks are typically used with flight simulator games.

Touch pads

Typically found on notebook computers and are used in place of a mouse. Users slide their finger on the touchpad to manipulate the cursor. Touchpads can also be used with desktop computers. These touchpads connect to the computer through a USB port and are used instead of a mouse.

Computer mouse

can be either wired or wireless. *1) Wired mouse* uses a USB port to connect to the computer. *2) Wireless mouse* uses an internal battery for power and uses RF signals (e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to a receiver, which is either connected to a USB port or integrated with the computer. *When selecting a mouse, consider the following:* -Because optical mice use light rays to detect motion, they don't work on some surfaces. -Some mice have internal motion sensors, allowing them to detect movements while in the air. This particular device can attach to a user's head and move the cursor when the head moves. -You can select mice with additional buttons or a scroll wheel to add functionality. -High-end gaming mice use a rating of dots per inch (DPI). The rating denotes how many steps (cursor movements) are counted in a single inch.

Barcode Reader/Scanner

*A device that can scan barcodes.* -most commonly used in retail environments at checkout stands. Shipping companies, hospitals, and other organizations use barcodes to track or inventory items. - include software that interprets the meaning of the barcode. -Most barcode readers use a laser to scan the barcode. Some use cameras or optical scanners. *By installing a special app, smartphones are able to function as a barcode reader by using the phone's built-in camera.*

A peripheral device is any external component that either sends information to or retrieves information from a computer. There are 3 categories of peripheral devices:

1) Input devices 2) Output devices 3) Input & Output (I/O) devices

Smart TV, (Connected TV, or Hybrid TV)

A TV that is capable of Internet connectivity. Smart TV are essentially a TV with an integrated computer system. -Most smart TVs have both an RJ45 port and a built-in Wi-Fi adapter that can be used to connect to a network. -Smart TVs have their own operating systems (usually a proprietary mobile OS) and are able to install and run a variety of apps, such as: -A web browser -Multimedia apps (e.g., Netflix, Youtube, etc.) -Game apps -Social Media apps (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) -Modern smart TVs are capable of connecting to network media servers and NAS devices. -Smart TVs have USB ports that can be used to connect input devices (e.g., a keyboard and mouse) or even a thumb drive to play videos, listen to music, or view photos. *Some smart TVs aren't actually TVs, but are a type of peripheral device that makes a traditional TV "smart." For example, the Apple TV system is a device that connects to a TV and provides smart TV functionality to any HDTV.*

Set-top box (STB)

A special interface appliance that connects to a display device (typically a TV) and converts an external signal source into audio/video content that can be displayed on the device's screen. Some set-top boxes provide additional functionality, such as the ability to record TV broadcasts. Set-top boxes can use digital connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort), analog connectors (coaxial, RCA), or both to connect to a display device. *Common examples of set-top boxes include the following:* -Cable converter box -Satellite TV box -DVD/Blu-ray player -Digital video recorder (DVR) -Video game consoles *Almost all cable and satellite TV providers require the use of proprietary set-top boxes in order to receive broadcasts. These set-top boxes are typically provided to subscribers for a monthly charge.*

Smart card readers

Are used as an authentication method. A smart card, which contains an embedded microchip, is inserted into the reader. The reader then scans the chip, verifies its contents, and authenticates the user. Smart card readers can be stand-alone devices or integrated with other peripherals (e.g., a keyboard).

Scanners

Are used to scan hard-copy images and documents and convert them into digital input for the PC. For example, film photos can be scanned and saved as image files. *Some scanners combine the functionality of a document scanner and are able to create editable documents.*

Keyboards

connect through a USB port. Many keyboards include special function keys that simplify playing music or browsing the Internet. Some keyboards include a built-in USB port that can be used to connect other peripheral devices. Almost every desktop computer requires at least a keyboard to function. Most computers require a keyboard, mouse, and display device in order to function properly.