SLM - Unit 09
SLM - Unit 09
9.1 Introduction
In the previous unit we have seen various storage devices such as, Hard
disk, DVD, Blue Ray Disk and Flash memory. In unit 1, we have seen
various wired input and output devices. As the technology is progressively
moving from wired to wireless, in this unit we will study the various wireless
input and output devices. Input and output devices are major parts of a
computer system. These are also called as peripheral devices. Wireless I/O,
or Radio Telemetry, is a method of transmitting information over wireless
links. The Wireless I/O enables wireless bi-directional communication to
input and output devices. Wireless can also be used for switching various
control applications like AC, TV and soon for ON and OFF. Finally, we will
see input and output devices troubleshooting.
Objectives:
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
differentiate between wired and wireless connectivity
explain the various wireless input devices
discuss various wireless output devices
resolve the problems of various types of input and output devices
through troubleshooting
Bluetooth is ON
Bluetooth is OFF
Bluetooth unavailable.
Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is a computer mouse that needs no wires to send signals
from the mouse to a computer. Over the period, different technologies have
led to the emergence of different types of wireless mouse in the market.
The wireless mouse is also called as cordless mouse.
Wireless mouse or a cordless mouse is a battery powered device that uses
radio frequencies (RF) or infrared light waves to send signals from the
mouse to the computer. Like other radio technologies, this requires a
transmitter and a receiver. The mouse transmits radio signals to a receiver
(that is to the computer). Wireless mouse requires two AA lithium batteries
to operate. The mouse has a power switch on the bottom to turn them ON
or OFF. This kind of wireless mouse is very reliable, and capable of
transmitting the mouse movements to the receiver. Because of their mobility
and flexibility, wireless mouse are convenient for laptop computers. In
regard to the technology used to record movement, wireless mouse is
similar to wired mouse. Mechanical, optical and laser mouse are the three
main types of both wireless and wired mouse.
Optical wireless mouse do not use tracking balls; instead it relies on optical
light to detect movement. This allows the mouse to detect movement
accurately on a variety of smooth, hard surfaces. Laser mouse, which uses
laser light to calculate position and movement, is generally fast and
accurate. Laser mouse are particularly well-suited for wireless use, as they
can detect movement accurately over the widest variety of surfaces.
Barcode Scanner
A barcode reader (BCR) or scanner, also known as a point of sale (POS)
scanner is a hardware device capable of reading a barcode and printing out
the details of the product or logging that product into a database. A perfect
example of a barcode reader is a super market barcode scanner that reads
and logs the price of a product. It consists of a light source, a lens and a
light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. A barcode is a
series of lines of varying thicknesses printed in a parallel sequence, with
numeric code above or below the lines. Barcodes are printed on the paper
and can only be read by a barcode scanner.
A barcode scanner emits a specific light frequency. When this light is
directed at the barcode, a series of numeric values that are embedded in
the code are displayed to the scanner, which then translates input
information into numbers and sends this information to the computer
processor. Barcode software is used to translate the code into
product/service information. Any data linked to bar code is located by the
software. This information may include the product name, price, weight,
manufacture date, issuer and receiver. The purpose of a barcode is to allow
a computerized tracking system to quickly pick up the detailed information of
the product through one key number or barcode.
The bar code is 13 digits long and it has four main divisions. The first two
digits of a bar code represent the country, the second part represents the
manufacturer’s code (five digits), the third part represents the product code
(five digits) and the last digit is a check digit. Figure 9.3 shows a barcode
and figure 9.4 shows a barcode scanner.
Laser Pointer
Laser pointer can be used in several situations. The laser pointer is a handy
tool for lecturers or speakers to focus attention on a particular part of a
screen. The laser pointer is a pointing device. Laser pointers are frequently
used in lecture halls, since a laser pointer can precisely point to a target
location on a screen from a distance, so that the audience knows at which
section to pay attention. Figure 9.5 shows a laser pointer.
Microphones
A wireless microphone is a microphone without a physical cable connecting
it directly to the sound recording or amplifying equipment with which it is
associated. Also, known as a radio microphone, it has a small, battery-
powered radio transmitter in the microphone body, which transmits the
audio signal from the microphone by radio waves to a nearby receiver unit,
which recovers the audio. The other audio equipment is connected to the
receiver unit by cable. Wireless microphones are widely used in the
entertainment industry, television broadcasting, and public speaking to allow
public speakers, interviewers, performers, and entertainers to move about
freely while using a microphone to amplify their voices. Figure 9.6 shows a
wireless microphone.
Touch Pads
A touchpad or trackpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a
specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's
finger to a relative position in the operating system that is outputted to the
screen. Touchpads are a common feature of laptop computers, and are also
used as a substitute for a mouse where the desk space is scarce. Because
they vary in size, they can also be found on personal digital assistants
(PDAs) and some portable media players. Figure 9.7 shows a touch pad.
Self-Assessment Questions
1. In a wireless connectivity, ____________ or ___________ are used
instead of cables to connect computer keyboard or mouse.
2. Mention any two wireless input devices.
3. Wireless mouse is also called as ___________.
4. ___________device is used to read printed barcodes.
5. The length of the bar code is _________ digits.
6. ___________ device is used to focus attention on particular part of a
screen.
Printer
A printer is a device that interacts with a computer and receives information
to create a hard copy of documents. Like other peripherals, printers can be
connected to the computer in various ways. Connection methods have
traditionally included printer cables, USB cables, Ethernet cables, and more
recently, wireless connections. Printers capable of connecting wirelessly are
referred to as wireless printers.
A wireless printer has several advantages over a cable-connected printer. It
can be placed farther away from the computer it works with, which can
diminish noise, or create centralized access for a printer that is shared by
several people. A wireless printer also eliminates the long cables. On the
other hand, when connecting through a Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN), a well-secured network is required. A WLAN is a wireless
computer network that links two or more devices using a wireless
distribution method within a limited area such as a home, school, computer
laboratory, or office building. Wireless printer supports Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA). Wi-Fi is the name of a popular wireless networking
technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones, sometimes called cordless headphones, a user can
wear headphones to his or her ears to hear the sound provided by a device
but that are not connected to the device by wires.
The three technologies in use are:
1. Radio frequency (RF) waves
2. Infrared (IR) light waves
3. Bluetooth technology.
The sounds typically are transmitted from a device, such as a digital music
player or smartphone, to the headphones using radio frequency waves.
Some early versions transmitted the sounds using infrared signals. The
headphones can be as large as padded cups that cover the ears or as small
as earbuds that fit snugly into the ear canals. Wireless headphones can
receive signals up to a certain distance away from the source device usually
at least 100 feet (30.5 m).
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The headphones are convenient for use during activities, for example,
someone who is doing aerobic exercise or basic housecleaning might be
able to move his or her arms more freely without worrying about getting
jumbled in the headphone wires. He or she also can move to other rooms, if
necessary, as long as the headphones' range is not exceeded.
The headphones are not connected to a power supply, so they either need
to be powered by batteries or need to be recharged on a regular basis. It
could be inconvenient for the headphones to suddenly lose power and quit
working while someone is using them.
The headphones might lose the signal from the source device. For example,
if the user is in a different room from where the source device is, and if there
is a significant barrier in between, the signal received by the headphones
might be weakened. There is also a risk of other radio waves interfering with
the signals that are being sent from the audio source device to the
headphones. Figure 9.9 shows a headphone.
Self-Assessment Questions
7. Mention any two wireless output devices.
8. ___________device is used to create hard copy of documents.
9. ____________,___________ and ___________ technologies are used
in wireless headphones.
check the most general possible problems first, and then gradually check for
more specific problems.
9.5.1 Input Devices Troubleshooting
Keyboard
For a keyboard troubleshooting, there are few things you need to check.
They are,
A Key stuck in a Keyboard: If a key is stuck in the down position, you
might not have to replace the keyboard. If a key is stucked due to any
substance, cleaning might be the only option to save the key. If you
decide to clean it yourself turn off the keyboard before working on it.
Insert a tool under the key and try it up.
Check the Keyboard Battery-level Indicator: Replace the batteries
and make sure they are correctly installed. When replacing the batteries
look for the positive symbol (a plus sign +) printed on the battery. Make
sure the positive end of the battery is oriented to the positive side of the
compartment. Red indicates it is time to change the battery, green
indicates a battery fully charged.
Keyboard Not Working: If keys do not type, the wireless signal is
probably weak. Move the keyboard closer to the computer. Make sure
that the keyboard is within one foot of the computer. If any objects are
present between keyboard and computer remove those objects to get
proper signal.
Characters Appear Seconds Later: If you press a key and the
character you typed pops a second later - this is a lag problem. The
wireless keyboard communication interrupted by other communications
in the area. It may also be slow to respond if the computer is busy
performing other tasks - such as scanning for viruses.
Mouse
For a mouse troubleshooting, there are few things you need to check. They
are:
The Mouse Does Not Track Well: If the mouse pointer does not track
well, stopping frequently as the mouse is moved, then it may be
necessary to change the surface under the mouse. Place the mouse on
a mouse pad or white sheet of paper and then check its operation. Use
computer, there is a problem with the scanner itself.If you have two
scanners of the exact same model, repeat these tests with each
scanner. If one scanner works but the other does not, then you can
reasonably conclude that one scanner is not functioning and may need
to be repaired or replaced. However, if neither scanner works, this is
most likely a problem with the configuration setup.
Bar codes Are Not Clear: If a bar code label fades over time, it is
difficult to read or cannot be read at all, check to make sure the ink has
not faded over time. If a bar code label is exposed to harsh sunlight it
may also fade and become unreadable. Bar code labels need enough of
a white margin around them. If you find bar code labels with little or no
margin that are hard to read, you will need to redesign the format of the
bar code to leave enough white space around it. Sometimes the
customer will print a large batch of bar code labels and does not pay
attention as the printer slowly gets OFF. If this is the case, part of the
bar code may not be printed on the label and it will be a trouble for
reading the bar code, or you may be reading the wrong number as the
original bar code gets truncated. In this case for every 100 bar code
labels there should be a quality check on printing.
Laser Pointer
Although irregular problems might arise to laser pointers during the
presentation. Usually two simple problems are usually faced by users:
Response Time of the Laser Pointer is Slow: If the response time is
slow, make sure that the presenter is within 33 feet (10 meters) of its
presenter's receiver.
Laser Pointer Stops Working: Replace the batteries and make sure
they are correctly installed. When replacing the batteries look for the
positive symbol (a plus sign +) printed on the battery. Make sure the
positive end of the battery is oriented to the positive side of the
compartment. Red indicates it is time to change the battery, green
indicates a full battery.
9.5.2 Output Devices Troubleshooting
Printer
Although difficult intermittent problems might give rise to printer errors,
generally five simple problems are usually faced by users:
Printer Does Not Have Power Indicator: First, make sure that the
printer is ON. When a printer is ON it should have some light usually
green indicating it is powered. If printer does not have any indicator that
is. light, make sure that the wireless printer Bluetooth is connected
properly. If your computer does not detect the printer, turn the printer
OFF, disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth and turn it ON. Restart the
computer and try to add the wireless printer once more and then press
the printer power button ON. After completing these steps now printer
has to display a power status indicator.
Printer Error (orange blinking light): If the indicator is blinking orange,
often this is an indication of a printer error like a paper jam or an issue
with the ink or toner cartridge.
No Paper or Paper Jam: Without paper, your printer will not be able to
print. Make sure that paper is loaded into the printer paper tray. Paper
jams may occur because of paper misalignment and over-filling of the
tray. Before giving the print, verify that no paper is jammed or partially
fed into the printer.
Location Problem in Wireless: Change the location of the printer or
your computer. Although you are using a wireless connection, factors
such as metal objects or thick walls can cause interference. Try
connecting and printing in the same room.
Printer Driver not Installed: The printer driver and software needs to
be installed on the computer. Sometimes the printer drivers are
corrupted and in such a situation it should be reinstalled.
Headphones
Wireless headphones are headphones that connect to a device, such as a
smart phone, stereo speaker, television, gaming console, computer, or other
electronic devices without using a wire or cable. Wireless headphones work
by transmitting audio signals through either radio or IR (infrared) signals,
depending on the device.
Although irregular problems might give rise to headphone errors, generally
three simple problems are usually faced by users:
Headphones Cannot be Connected to the Computer: Make sure
that the headphones are charged and turned ON. Ensure that the
9.6 Summary
Let’s recapitulate important basics seen in this unit:
Wired connectivity requires cables to connect the computer and other
peripherals (keyboard, mouse) to the computer.
Wireless connectivity does not requires cables or wires to connect
devices such as keyboard, mouse to the computer
A wireless connectivity uses radio signals or infrared light or Bluetooth
instead of cables or wires to connect peripherals (keyboard, mouse) to
the computers.
Wireless technology can be used to connect input devices to the
computer. Some of the wireless input devices are: Keyboard, Mouse
Barcode Scanner and laser pointer.
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9.8 Answers
SelfAssessment Questions
1. Radio signals or infrared light
2. Keyboard, Mouse
3. Cordless Mouse
4. Barcode scanner
5. 13
6. Laser pointer
7. Printer, Headphones
8. Printer
9. Radio Frequency (RF) Waves, Infrared (IR) Light Waves, And
Bluetooth Technology.
10. Troubleshooting
11. a) False
b) False
c) False
Terminal Questions
1. Wired connectivity requires cables to connect the computer and other
peripherals (keyboard, mouse) to the computer. Wireless connectivity
does not requires cables or wires to connect devices such as keyboard,
mouse to the computer. (Refer to section 9.2)
2. Two wireless input devices are:
Mouse
Barcode Scanner
Mouse - A wireless mouse is a computer mouse that needs no wires to
send signals from the mouse to a computer. The wireless mouse is also
called as cordless mouse.
Barcode scanner - A barcode is a series of lines of varying thicknesses
printed in a parallel sequence, with numeric code above or below the
lines. Barcodes are printed onto paper and can only be read by a
barcode scanner. (Refer to sections 9.3)
3. one wireless output devices
Printer
Printer - A printer is a device that interacts with a computer and receives
information to create a hard copy of documents. (Refer to sections 9.4)
4. For a keyboard troubleshooting, there are few things you need to check.
such as,
A Key stuck in a keyboard.
Check the keyboard battery-level indicator.
For a mouse troubleshooting, there are few things you need to check,
such as,
The mouse does not track well.
Nothing happens when you click a button on the mouse. (Refer
to section 9.5)
5. Although difficult intermittent problems might give rise to printer errors,
generally five simple problems are usually faced by users:
Printer does not have power indicator
Printer error (orange blinking light) (Refer to section 9.5)