Page 13 - DCAP105_WORKSHOP_ON_COMPUTER_HARDWARE_AND_NETWORK

Unit 1: Introduction to Hardware and Software

Notes
Figure 1.7: A Game Controller

Optical Bar Code Reader (OBR)

It can scan a set of vertical bars of different widths for specific data and is used to read tags and
merchandise in stores, medical records, library books, etc.

Image Scanner

Scanner is mainly used in Desktop Publishing applications. Scanner is used for digitizing images
such as photographs, forms, documents, etc., in computer memory. Some scanners can also read
text by converting them to digital code. These scanners are very useful for converting the typed
pages into word-processing files.

Did u know? Graphics scanners convert a printed image in video image without converting
it to digital code.

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

It is also an optical scanner, which is capable of detecting alphanumeric characters typed or
printed on paper using an OCR font. OCR devices are used for large volume applications like
reading of passenger tickets; computer printed bills of credit card companies and reading of ZIP
codes in postal services. The text, which is to be scanned, is illuminated by a low-frequency light
source. The dark areas on the text absorb the light while light areas reflect it. The photocells of
OCR device receive this reflected light and provide binary data corresponding to dark and light
areas.

Microphone

Sometimes abbreviated as mic, a microphone is a hardware peripheral that allows computer
users to input audio into their computers.
Figure 1.8: Microphone

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