Input devices

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components used to enter data, instructions, and commands into a computer system. They convert user actions into machine-readable form.

History of Input Devices

  • Early computers (1940s–1950s) used punch cards as the primary input method.
  • In the 1960s, keyboards replaced punch cards for faster and easier data entry.
  • The mouse was invented in the 1960s, revolutionizing graphical user interfaces.
  • With the rise of multimedia, microphones, scanners, webcams became common input devices.
  • Modern systems use touch, voice, gesture, biometric, and AI-based input technologies.

Types of Input Devices

  • Text Input Devices
  • Pointing Devices
  • Image Input Devices
  • Audio Input Devices
  • Biometric Input Devices
  • Specialized and Emerging Input Devices


1. Keyboard
  • Inventor: Christopher Latham Sholes (1868, based on typewriter design)
  • History: Derived from typewriters and adapted for computers in the 1960s.
  • Function: Used to input text, numbers, and commands.
  • Types: Mechanical, Membrane, Virtual, Ergonomic, Wireless.
2. Mouse
  • Inventor: Douglas Engelbart (1964)
  • History: First used in GUI-based systems at Xerox PARC.
  • Function: Controls pointer movement and selection.
  • Types: Mechanical, Optical, Laser, Trackball, Wireless.
3. Scanner
  • Inventor: Russell A. Kirsch (1957 – first digital image scanner)
  • History: Developed to convert printed text/images into digital form.
  • Function: Digitizes documents and photos.
  • Types: Flatbed, Handheld, Drum, Barcode scanner.
4. Microphone
  • Inventor: Emile Berliner (1877)
  • History: Originally developed for telephone and audio recording.
  • Function: Captures sound input.
  • Types: Dynamic, Condenser, USB, Wireless.
5. Webcam / Digital Camera
  • Inventor: First webcam developed at University of Cambridge (1991)
  • History: Created to monitor a coffee pot, later used for video communication.
  • Function: Captures live video and images.
  • Types: HD webcam, IP camera, DSLR camera.
6. Touch Screen
  • Inventor: E.A. Johnson (1965)
  • History: First used in air traffic control systems.
  • Function: Accepts input via finger or stylus touch.
  • Types: Resistive, Capacitive, Infrared, Optical.
7. Light Pen
  • Inventor: Ben Gurley (1950s, MIT Whirlwind Project)
  • History: Used to select objects directly on CRT screens.
  • Function: Points and selects items on screen.
  • Status: Obsolete device.
8. Joystick
  • Inventor: Ralph H. Baer (1960s)
  • History: Used in gaming and aircraft simulators.
  • Function: Controls movement in games and simulations.
  • Types: Analog, Digital, Flight stick.
9. Trackball
  • Inventor: British Royal Navy (1946)
  • History: Used in military radar systems.
  • Function: Stationary pointing device using a rolling ball.
10. Barcode Reader
  • Inventor: Norman Joseph Woodland & Bernard Silver (1952)
  • History: Used in retail and inventory systems.
  • Function: Reads barcode information.
11. Graphics Tablet / Digital Pen
  • Inventor: RAND Tablet (1964)
  • History: Designed for drawing and handwriting recognition.
  • Function: Used by designers and artists.
12. Biometric Devices
  • Examples: Fingerprint scanner, Face recognition, Iris scanner, Voice recognition.
  • History: Biometric identification research started in the late 19th century.
  • Function: Identifies users using biological traits.

Latest Input Devices (Modern & Emerging)

  • Voice Assistants: AI-based voice input (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri).
  • Gesture Recognition Devices: Use cameras and sensors (Leap Motion, Kinect).
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI): Direct brain signal input to computers.
  • Eye Tracking Devices: Control systems using eye movement.
  • Smart Rings: NFC and gesture-based wearable input.
  • AR/VR Controllers: Motion controllers for immersive environments.
  • Touchless Interfaces: Use infrared and depth sensors for contact-free input.