Output devices

Output Devices

Output devices are hardware components that display, print, or play the results of computer processing in a human-readable form.

History of Output Devices

  • Early computers used printers and punched cards for output in the 1940s–1950s.
  • In the 1960s–1970s, monitors (CRT) became common for visual output.
  • The development of dot matrix and line printers enabled faster printing.
  • With multimedia computing, speakers, projectors, and displays became standard.
  • Modern systems use high-resolution displays, VR headsets, and 3D printers.

Types of Output Devices

  • Soft Copy Output Devices (Visual and Audio)
  • Hard Copy Output Devices (Printed Output)
  • Specialized and Emerging Output Devices

Output Devices with Inventors & Details

1. Monitor / Display Unit (VDU)
  • Inventor: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology by Karl Ferdinand Braun (1897)
  • History: Early displays were CRT-based; modern displays use LCD, LED, and OLED technology.
  • Function: Displays text, images, and videos.
  • Types: CRT, LCD, LED, OLED, Curved, Touch-enabled displays.
2. Printer
  • Inventor: Charles Babbage (concept of mechanical printer), modern printers evolved in the 1950s.
  • History: First high-speed printer developed by Remington Rand for UNIVAC (1953).
  • Function: Produces hard copy output on paper.
  • Types: Impact (Dot Matrix), Non-impact (Inkjet, Laser, Thermal).
3. Speakers / Headphones
  • Inventor: Loudspeaker invented by Chester W. Rice and Edward W. Kellogg (1925).
  • History: Used in radios, TVs, and later computers for audio output.
  • Function: Produces sound output.
  • Types: Wired, Wireless, Surround Sound, Bluetooth speakers.
4. Projector
  • Inventor: Thomas Edison (Kinetoscope, early projection system)
  • History: Used for large-screen visual presentations.
  • Function: Projects computer output onto a screen or wall.
  • Types: LCD, DLP, LED, Laser projectors.
5. Plotter
  • Inventor: Developed in the 1950s for engineering drawings.
  • History: Used to produce large-scale graphics and blueprints.
  • Function: Prints vector graphics and large technical drawings.
  • Types: Flatbed plotter, Drum plotter.
6. 3D Printer
  • Inventor: Chuck Hull (1983 – stereolithography)
  • History: Used for creating three-dimensional objects from digital models.
  • Function: Produces physical 3D objects.
  • Uses: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, design.
7. VR Headset / AR Glasses
  • Inventor: Ivan Sutherland (1968 – first head-mounted display)
  • History: Developed for immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences.
  • Function: Displays immersive 3D environments.
  • Examples: Oculus, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens.
8. Braille Display
  • Inventor: Based on Braille system by Louis Braille (1824)
  • History: Converts screen text into tactile braille output.
  • Function: Enables visually impaired users to read digital text.

Latest Output Devices (Modern & Emerging)

  • OLED and MicroLED Displays: Ultra-thin, energy-efficient, high-contrast screens.
  • Foldable and Rollable Screens: Flexible display technology.
  • Holographic Displays: 3D projection without glasses.
  • 3D Printers (Advanced): Bioprinting, metal printing, construction printing.
  • Smart Glasses: AR-enabled wearable displays.
  • Immersive VR Systems: High-resolution, motion-tracked headsets.
  • Haptic Feedback Devices: Output through touch and vibration.