Module 2: Input and Output Devices

What is *Direct Data Entry*?

*Data entered into a computer system via an input device* requiring little or *no human intervention*

What is an *Output device*?

*Hardware* that shows the results of *data processing* from a computer system, either in human-readable format or as *control signals* to another device

What is an *Input device*?

*Hardware* to provide *data* and *control* signals to a computer system from the outside world

What is a *Pointing device*?

-*Input device* that used to *control the movement* of a cursor or pointer on a computer screen; -Used to *select* from menus or to launch applications

Actuators

Actuators are used in control applications involving microprocessors/ computers, sensors, analogue to digital convertors (ADC) and DAC. They are transducers which take signals from computers and convert them into some form of motion (for example, motor, pump, switch or valve). See Chapter for more on this topic.

Barcode readers

Barcodes are a series of vertical light and dark lines of varying thickness that represent data (either numerical or alphanumerical). The barcode can be read by hand-held scanner or fixed scanner (for example, at a supermarket checkout). Scanners use either red laser light or red LED light to read the barcodes. They are used mainly in supermarkets (to fetch prices of goods or for automatic stock control) or libraries (on books and library cards). It is not a foolproof system since barcodes can be forged or damaged.

Contactless card readers

Contactless card payment allows payments of up to $50 at each transaction (although this limit will vary from country to country) without the need to key in a PIN. The cards have a small chip that emits radio waves and only works within a few metres of the terminal. The transaction is much faster than other methods and also uses 128-bit encryption which makes it safe a unique number is generated for each transaction.

What is a *Sensor*?

Device that *inputs data* to a computer/microprocessor, usually *in analogue format*; -The data is measurement of some physical quantity

Magnetic ink character recognition/reader

Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR) is used to read the characters on the bottom of cheques (checks) which have been printed in iron-impregnated ink; each character is read/scanned by the reader and is converted into an electronic form which can then be interpreted by a computer. MICR characters are difficult to forge and can even be written over (for example, by somebody's signature) without affecting the reading/ scanning process this is because it is the magnetic properties that are read rather than the characters themselves. They also have the advantage that the characters are both human and machine rcadable. However, the system is rather expensive and limited in its applications. recognition/reader

Monitors

Monitors (or screens) can be either CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD/ LED (liquid crystal display/light emitting diode) the latter types are ofren referred to as TFT (thin film transistors). LCD/LED has almost entirely replaced CRT in both the computing and commercial (television) fields LCD screens need some form of back-lighting; this used to be CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) but now uses LED instead. The use of LEDS allowed for even thinner scrcens with better contrast and colour definition: they also use less elcctricity and don't produce much heat. However, even this technology is now looking dated as new OLED (organic light emitting diode) screens are being developed. This allows the use of very thin plastic screens, with no need for any back-lighting, larger viewing angles and even more energy cfficiency (the full list of advantages and features can be found in the Cambridge IGCSE ICT Courscbook).

Optical mark recognition/reader

Optical mark recognition/reader (OMR) reads marks written in pencil or pen in specific places on form. Forms can be filled in using a lozenge ( or a line between two points

Optical character recognition/reader

Optical recognition/reader (OCR) scans text and converts it into a computer-readable format; it can read typed characters or handwritten characters. Although faster (and more accurate) than typing in answers, system is slower and less accurate than OMR. Some handwriting can cause problems for OCR readers. However, OCR allows people to on their answers in questionnaires and the forms are much less expensive to produce and there is no need scan and store a template.

Radio frequency identification readers

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems use radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag, which can be read from several metres away. The tag is made up of a microchip (to store and process data) and an antenna (to receive/transmit data). They can be passive (use readers' radio wave energy) or battery powered (using a small embedded battery). They are used, for example, in the tracking of items (for example, livestock on a farm), admission passes (security device) or in libraries (to track book loans). The RFID tag is read automatically which, since there is no need to physically scan the tag, makes them ideal for the applications mentioned above.

What are *Control applications*?

System using *sensors* and *microprocessor/computer* where data sent to the microprocessor/computer is compared to pre-set data; the microprocessor/computer *sends out signals* to control devices (for example, to switch a pump on or off) to ensure incoming data is within these pre-set data levels at all times.

What are *Measurement applications*?

System using *sensors* and *microprocessor/computer*, where data sent to the microprocessor/computer is compared to pre-set data; unlike a control application, the microprocessor/computer takes no action but simply warns the user that the sensor data indicates that what is being monitored is out of acceptable range (this can be warning light, siren or output on a screen or printer)

Printers

The four most common • laser • inkjet • dot matrix • 3-D.

Touch screens

These allow the selection from a menu or the launching of applications by touching the screen in the correct place; this is donc using the finger or a special conductive stylus. Touch screens are generally much easier to use than a keyboard or mousc, but screens can get very dirty from people's fingerprints.

Sensors

These are devices that input physical analogue quantities into a computer (for example, pH values, temperatures, moisture levels, and so on). An ADC (analogue to digital converter) is usually required so that data is produced which can be understood by the computer.

Joysticks

These are similar in some ways to pointing devices; a control stick is used to make movement in X-Y directions and they often have a button on the top of the stick for gaming purposes (for example, to fire a rocket). This is related to the driving wheel which is also used in games and simulations; sensors are used to pick up the left and right movement of the steering wheel.

Scanners

These are uscd to enter data/information in hard-copy (paper) format into a computer (for example, a page from a book or a photographic print). The hard-copy data is converted into an electronic form that can be stored in a computer memory.

Microphones

These are used to convert sound into electrical signals which, once converted to digital, can be stored on computer. Used in voice/speech recognition systems, for creating voiceovers in videos/presentations, and on.

Graphics tablets

These are used with a stylus to produce freehand drawings which can be input into a computer and stored for later use, for example, computer-aided design (CAD) work. They are useful where artistic skills are needed, for example, in creating cartoon characters, logos, and so on.

Webcams

These connect directly to the computer and don't save the images; data is transmitted directly to the computer for use in video conferencing or in video calls; the quality varies a lot depending on the lens and electronics.

Speakers

These devices convert output from a computer into sound; digital data is converted to electrical signals (using a digital to analogue converter which drive the speakers. DAC)

Digital cameras

These have largely replaced traditional film-based cameras; the image is stored on a solid state memory card and can be transferred to a computer/printer using USB cable, Bluetooth or by inserting the memory card directly into the device. The quality of the photos is now comparable to the best film-based cameras; they have the distinct advantage that unwanted photos can easily be deleted without the need to pay for any film developing. Digital video cameras 'stitch' together a number of still photos; dedicated video cameras exist or ordinary digital cameras can be used to take video footage (although the quality is rarely as good as from a dedicated video camera). When using an ordinary digital camera to make videos, another drawback is the amount of memory used. Most smartphones also have a camera facility but they rarely have many of the desirable features found on a dedicated camera.

Multimedia projectors

These projectors are used to project the output from a computer on to large screens or white walls. This makes them invaluable for presentations or advertising. They are referred to as multimedia since they allow for sound, animation and video as well as static displays.

Magnetic stripe readers, and chip and PIN readers

These readers cither read the magnetic stripe on the back of a card or scan the chip embedded on the front of the card. Magnetic stripes contain the account number, sort code, expiry date and start date, for example. However, a chip would contain additional information such as the PIN (these are known as EMV cards). As a data processor, the chip uses cryptography which makes it much safer than magnetic stripe technology. It is also true that, unlike magnetic stripe, the chip and PIN system doesn't need to be connected to phone or the internet to process a payment; with chip and PIN, terminals can work offline using the chip only and then authorise charges in bulk at the end of the day. Remember, however, that chip and PIN doesn't use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Both magnetic stripe and chip and PIN systems are used at ATMS or for making shop/ restaurant purchases, with data captured automatically from either stripe or chip.

CRT monitors Disadvantages

They tend to be rather heavy and present a safety hazard if not supported properly. • They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended (especially as they get older).

Quick response codes

This is another type of more sophisticated barcode which uses a matrix of dark squares on a light background. QR codes can hold considerably more data than standard barcodes. QR codes are read by a camera on a tablet or smartphone and the data interpreted, for example, it could contain a website which is automatically loaded up, or advertising data such as special offers or contact details. There is no need for the user to type anything in, the processing is done automatically.

Light pens

This technology works with cathode ray tube (CRT) screens only; it allows menu selection, moving items by dragging them across the screen with the pen and drawing directly on the screen using the pen. Light pens only work at the moment with CRT screens, but touch screens now work with conductive stylus and allow similar actions to be done.

Touchpad used

Touchpads arc used as a pointing device in many laptop computers.

Remote control

Used to control the operation of certain devices wirelessly (that is, remotely); special buttons are used to operate televisions, video/CD players, air con systems, multimedia, and so on.

Pointing devices

hese are used to control the movement of pointer or cursor screen and to enable selection from menu or to launch applications.

Keyboard

user simply enters data by pressing keys; some keyboards are ergonomic in an effort to reduce the risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury) keyboards can be virtual' when used on tablets or smartphones. Concept keyboards are often used, where icons can replace letters thus reducing the number of possible inputs. Numeric keypads arc a type of keyboard where numbers and mathematical symbols only are used.

Numeric keypads Uses

• Automatic teller machines (ATMS), where the customer can key in their PIN, amount of moncy, etc. • Mobile phones, to allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in. • Point-of-sale (POS) terminals in case the barcode rcader fails to read the barcode the number has to be keved in manually by the operator. • Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards (key in PIN, amount of moncy, etc.). • Fast cntry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

3-D printers Advantages

• Because 3-D printers can manufacture items relatively quickly, it allows rapid prototyping. This means that it will take really short length of time for designs to be converted into working prototypes. • Even though the cost of 3-D printing is very high, still less when compared to labour costs and other costs involved in manufacturing product the more conventional way. The fact that the cost of manufacturing using 3-D printers the same for both small-scale and mass production also very useful benefit. • Medical bencfits are emerging, such as producing artificial organs, prosthetics and precision made items for reconstructive surgery. • Parts for machinery that are no longer made could now be manufactured using 3-1D printers. A car made in the 1930s, for example, will no longer have parts available off-the-shelf. By scanning the broken part (using 3-D scanner), or by obtaining its blueprint, will be possible to simply email the file to company and have the part made on an industrial 3- D printer. This clearly has many benefits in a number of applications.

Keyboards Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use. • Slow method when compared to direct data entry (for example, optical mark recognition). • F'airly large device that uses up valuable desk space.

Mouse Disadvantages

• Can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement than using a keyboard data entry. • Easy to damage, and the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged up with dirt. • Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available (for example, on an aeroplane).

Remote control Advantages

• Can be operated from any reasonable distance, unlike, for example, a corded mouse which is restricted by the length of cord (useful for disabled people). • Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is a big advantage to be able to select operations from a distance.

Remote control Disadvantages

• Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand/wrist movement. • It is easier to block the signal if, for example, the walls in the building are very thick.

Trackerball Advantages

• Doesn't need the same fine control as a mouse. • Easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled. • More accurate positioning of the pointer on screen than mouse. • They are more robust than a mouse. • Needs less desk space than a mouse or a keyboard.

Driving wheel Advantages

• Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements; it is more natural. • The 'driving experience' is nearer to how an actual steering wheel and other controls operate in real life.

Joysticks Advantages

• Easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen. • Control is more realistic than using a mouse, for example.

Digital cameras Advantages

• Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera. • Easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer rather than having to scan in hard copics when using traditional methods. • No need to develop film and print out photographs anymorc this saves moncy and is also environmentally more acceptable (saves paper and reduces the use of the chemicals uscd in developing traditional film). • Memory cards can store several hundred photographs.

Multimedia projectors Advantages

• Enables many people to see presentation rather than crowding round a small computer screen. • Avoids the nced for several networked computers (for example, when look at a video clip on an internet site everybody can sec the video on the larg screcn rather than logging on to a number of computers).

Keyboards Advantages

• Fast entry of new text into a document. • Easy to use for most people. • Easier to do verification checks as the data is entered (can immediately compare the source document with typed data on the screen).

Touch Screen Advantages

• Faster entry of options than using keyboard or mouse. • Very easy method for choosing options. • User-friendly no training necessary in its use.

Numeric keypads Advantages

• Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data. • Since many are small devices (for example, mobile phones) they are very easy to carry around.

Microphone Advantages

• Faster to read text than to type it in using a keyboard. • It is possible to manipulate sound in real time using special software rather than work on a recording done at some earlier stage. • If used in a voice-activation system, it has the advantage of improving safety (since the car driver, for exanmple, doesn't neced to take their hands off the wheel to operate a switch or alter the radio station, etc.).

Mouse Advantages

• Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard. • Very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet. • Doesn't need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard.

Inkjet printers Advantages

• High-quality output. • Cheaper to buy than laser printers. • Very lightweight and have a small footprint. • Don't produce ozone and volatile organic compounds, unlike laser printers.

Scanners Advantages

• Images can be stored for editing at a later date. • Much faster and more accurate (i e no typing errors) than typing in documents again. • It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs by scanning in and then using appropriate software to produce an acceptable copy.

Multimedia projectors Disadvantages

• Images can sometimes be fuzzy. • Expensive to buy from the outset. • Setting up projectors can be a little difficult.

Keyboards Uses

• Input of data into applications software (for example, text into word processors, numbers into sprecadsheets, etc.). • Typing in commands to the computer (for example, Prnt Scrn, Ctrl+P to print out ctc.).

Driving wheel Disadvantages

• It can be a rather expensive input device compared to mouse or joystick. • Movements in the steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic 'feel'. • Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the driving wheel is non-existent.

Optical character recognition/reader (OCR) Advantages

• It is a much faster data-entry system than manually keying in data. • Since no manual data entry, the number of errors is also reduced.

Touch Screen Disadvantages

• Limited number of options available. • Can lead to problems if an operator has to use the system frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all possible). • The screen can get very dirty with constant touching; this can reduce its responsiveness and can also make it more difficult to read in strong light.

Joysticks Disadvantages

• More difficult to control the on-screen pointer than with other devices, such as a mousc.

Barcode readers Advantages

• Much faster than keying in data manually and fewer mistakes will be made. • If uscd as a way of recording data, they can improve safety. • They allow automatic stock control. • They are a tried and trusted technology.

Digital cameras Disadvantages

• Need to be computer literate in using thec cameras properly; also, the transferring, storing and manipulating of the images via a computer requires some understanding of how computers work. • There is some artistry lost since clever software now corrects crrors in the photographs (for example, incorrect exposure, removal of red eye, ctc.). • The resolution still isn't as good as many expensive traditional cameras (this is improving all the time however; the quality of photographs depends on the number of pixels (many cameras now offer more than 20 mega pixcls per image), quality of lens, etc.). • Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used (a single image can use more than 4 MB of memory, for example).

Trackerball Disadvantages

• Not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly. • User may need training since it isn't standard equipment.

Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR) Advantages

• Offer greatcr security than OCR since the printed characters cannot be altered. • There is no manual input, so crrors arc reduced. • The magnetic ink characters can still be read even if somebody writes over them (for example, a signature).

Optical character recognition/reader (OCR) Uses

• Onc of the most recent uscs is the processing of passports and identity cards.

Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR) Disadvantages

• Only certain characters can be read and the number of different characters is very limited. • Morc expensive than other methods used in direct data entry.

Laser printers Disadvantages

• Only really fast if several copies are being made. • Colour lascr printers tend to be expensive to run (four colour/black cartridges are needed, as well as diffuser kits, which are expensive to purchase). • Thcy produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of thecir method of printing and type of toner/ink used (these have bcen linked to hcalth hazards in the office).

Mouse Uses

• Opening, closing and minimising software. • Grouping, moving and deleting files. • Image editing, for example controlling the size and position of a drawing pasted into a document. •Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection from a menu or selccting an icon, and for scrolling up and down/left and right.

Touchpad Disadvantages

• Pcople with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use. • Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a mouse. • More difficult to use when doing certain operations such as drag and drop.

Printers Advantages

• Printing is fast (unless only a few pages arc to be printed, in which case they are little faster than inkjet printers). • They can handle very large print jobs. • The quality is consistently high. • Toner cartridges last for long time (and the printers can sometimes be cost cffective option, particularly if colour outputs are not required).

Scanners Disadvantages

• Quality can be limited depending on how good a resolution the scanner is capable of (since most scanners have a range of resolutions you can choose from). • They can be fairly slow at scanning, especially if the colour scanning mode is chosen or if the chosen scanning resolution is high.

Barcode readers Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive system to administer. • Not foolproof (barcodes can be swapped around on items). • Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic strips.

Touchpad Advantages

• Same as the mouse (faster than a keyboard for choosing options, used to navigate applications and the internet, ctc.). • Since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer there is no necd for a separate mouse - this aids the portability and is also a big advantage if there are no flat surfaces available.

Scanners Uses

• Scan in documents and convert into a format for use in various software packages. • Scan in old/valuable documents/books, thus protecting the originals, as well as producing records in case the paper copics are lost/destroyed (this is also known as archiving). • Scan in photographs (not all cameras arc digital, so some photographs are still printed on paper requiring conversion to computer format for storage). • Scan in barcodes at POS terminals.

Uses Touch Screen

• Self-scrvice tills, for example at petrol stations, where the user just touches the screen to select the fuel grade and payment method. • Automatic teller machines (ATMS) to choose from on-screen options. • Point-of sale terminals at, for example, restaurants. • Public information systems at airports, railway stations, tourist offices, etc. • Personal digital assistants (PDAS), mobile phones and satellitc navigation systems. • Interactive white boards in education. • Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during on-screen testing. • They can obviously also be used as an output device, since they still work as a flat-screen monitor.

Inkjet Printers Disadvantages

• Slow output if several copies needed (little buffer capacity to store the pages). Can't do large print jobs (ink cartridges run out too quickly). • Printing can 'smudge' if user is not careful. • Can be expensive if used a lot (original ink cartridges are expensive to buy).

Numeric keypads Disadvantages

• Sometimes have small keys which can make input more difficult. • Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad isn't intuitive.

RFID Disadvantages

• Tag collision (this is when the signals from two or more tags overlap, interfering with cach other). • Because RFID uses radio waves, they are rclatively casy to jam or interrupt. • It is relatively casy to hack into the data/signal transmitted by the tag. • RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode system.

Remote control Uses

• Televisions, satellite systems, DVD players and hi-fi systems all use remote controls to alter functions such as sound volume, on/off, change channels open the disc drawer, and so on. • Used to control multimedia systems. • Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes, stop and start machinery, etc.

Thin film transistor (TFT) monitors Advantages

• Thcy are lightweight and don't pose the same risks as CRT monitors. • They produce less glare than CRT monitors and also cmit less radiation. • They consume much less power and don't generate as much heat as a CRT monitor.

Thin film transistor (TFT) monitors Disadvantages

• The angle of viewing a TFT is fairly critical otherwisc the image isn't very clear (for example, if several pcople are looking at a screen at the same time). • Definition is sometimes not as good as a CRT monitor.

CRT monitors Advantages

• The angle of viewing is still better than with most TFT monitors. • They work with light pens in CAD/CAM applications.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Disadvantages

• The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure that the marks/shading are correctly positioned to gather accurate information. • There can be problems if the forms haven't been filled in correctly; sometimes they have to be checked manually before being read, which is both time consuming and expensive.

Optical character recognition/reader (OCR) Disadvantages

• The system still has difficulty reading handwriting. • Still not a very accurate technique.

Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR) Uses

• They are primarily used to process cheques in banking operations. When a cheque is presented its value is first printed on the cheque in the special ink. The cheques are then all gathered together (either at the end of the day or after some spccificd period) and then read using a batch processing method.

Thin film transistor (TFT) monitors Uses

• They are used as the primary output device for computers so the user can see immediately what they are typing in. • They are an integral part of laptop computers.

Laser printers Uses

• They are used where low noise required (for examplc, in an office). • If fast, high-quality, high-volume printing is recquired then laser printers are the best option.

Dot matrix printers Advantages

• They can be used in environments that would be problem to laser or inkjet printers (for example, dusty/dirty or moist atmospheres). • Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced. • Very chcap to run and maintain. • Easy to usc if continuous stationery is required (for example, long print jobs such as wages slips).

Dot matrix printers Uscs

• They can be used in noisy environments (for example, garage workshops) and in applications where print quality is not that important. • They are used in applications where multi-part stationery or the fact that they are an impact printer is of value (for example, producing wage slips).

CRT monitors Uses

• They werc used as the primary output device for computers so the user can see immediately what they arc typing in. • They are used with light pens, for examplc, to allow designs to be created on screen.

Microphones Uses

• To input speech/sounds to be used in various applications, for example in presentations, sampling (in films, music, etc.) and special effects (films). • Input in voice-recognition software: • the software converts the speech into text that can be used in, for example, a word processor or to input commands into a computer • to recognise commands; for example, some cars now have voice-activated systems to switch on the lights, turn the radio volume up, etc. • Microphones can also be uscd as a sensor to pick up sound (for example, in a burglar alarm system). • Uscd in video conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications.

Multimedia projectors Uses

• Training presentations (to allow the whole audience to see the images from computer). • Advertising prcsentations (large images showing product features, for example new car, can be shown at cxhibitions, shopping malls, etc.). • Home cinema systems (projecting the images from a DVD or television).

Trackerball Uses

• Used in applications where the user has a disability (such as RSI). • Used in a control room environment where it is faster than a mouse to navigate through process screens. • Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio, tclephone, music, satnav and so on.

Barcode readers Uses

• Used in supermarkets and other shops where the goods are marked with barcode; the barcodes are used to give information about the product which enables automatic stock control, itemised billing, etc. to take place. • Used in libraries to keep track of books on loan. • Used as a safety function in many companies to ensure that electrical cquipment is checked on a regular basis (barcodes are placed on an item to identify it and a database holds all the information related to that barcode so it is possible to interrogate the system as part of a safety audit).

Driving wheel Uses

• Used in video/computer games (for example, car-racing games). • Used in simulators (for example, car-driving simulators) to mimic actual vehicle controls.

Joysticks Uses

• Used in video/computer games. • Used in simulators (for example, flight simulators) to mimic actual controls.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Uses

• Used to read questionnaires, multiple-choice examination papers and many other types of form where responses are registered in the form of lincs or shaded areas.

Inkjet printers Uses

• Used where low output volumes are required (high-volume jobs arc difficult to do since the ink cartridges tend to be uscd up very quickly). • If high-quality printing is required for single pages (or only small print job) then these printers are ideal; for cxample, they are very good at producing photo-quality printouts. • 3-D inkjet printers are now being used in industry to produce prototypes (see page 40).

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Advantages

• Very fast way of inputting the results of a survey, ctc. The documents are fed in automatically and there is no user input. • Since there is no typing, they are morc accurate than keying in the data. • They are more accurate than OCR methods.

Dot matrix printers Disadvantages

• Very noisy not good in an office environment. • Actually cost more than an inkjet printer to buy initially. • Very slow, poor-quality printing.

Digital cameras images stored on a memory card can be transferred to a computer by:

• directly reading the memory card (by slotting it into a card reader attached to a computer or a printer) • connecting the camera to the computer using USB port • using wireless data transfer (Wi-li or Bluetooth).

3D Printers Uses

• prosthetic limbs can be made to fit exactly on to the injured body part • making items to allow precision reconstructivc surgery (for example, facial reconstruction following an accident); the parts made by this technique are more precise in their design as they can be made from exact scanning of the skull • in acrospace, manufacturers are looking at making wings and other acroplane parts using 3-D technology; the bonus will be lightwcight, precision parts • fashion and art 3-D printing allows new creative ideas to be developed • making parts for items no longer in production, for example, parts for a vintage car.