Output devices play an important role in our everyday lives by making computer interactions easier. Even if you don't work with computers directly, you likely rely on several output devices for different things. By understanding the role of output devices, you can better choose the correct devices for different professional situations. In this article, we discuss output devices and provide 12 common examples of them.
What is an output device?
An output device is a piece of computer equipment that receives data from one source and converts it into another form. Depending on their function, output devices can transform data into various other forms such as audio, visual or physical copy. Output devices may also perform more than one form conversion in some instances.
Why are output devices important?
Output devices allow users to better interact with computer equipment. They convert data signals into things that people can better understand, such as images or sounds. This means that users can utilize these devices to manipulate data into the most appropriate form for a given situation. This can increase the accessibility of the data and the user's or audience's ability to remember it accurately.
some examples of output devices
Below are some of the most common examples of output devices:
1. Braille reader
A Braille reader, also known as a Braille display, is a device that helps people with blindness read text on a computer display. This electronic device uses special software to convert text on the screen, then converts this into Braille. The Braille letters then appear in a flat device that has raised pins. People who are blind can then use their fingers on this device to read the text from the screen.
Braille readers come in different sizes, such as those about the size of a keyboard and smaller ones designed to work with laptops or tablets. There are also Braille reading devices that can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. In all cases, the Braille reader acts as an output device by taking the input normally sent to a computer display and converting it into Braille text instead.
2. Computer speakers
Computer speakers allow users to listen to audio that electronic devices provide. Computers can generate audio in a number of ways, such as playing a locally stored file or streaming music from over the internet. The computer then outputs this audio through speakers so that the user can hear it. Computer speakers come in numerous types, from large, professional-grade multi-speaker setups to small built-in speakers inside laptops and tablets.
3. Electronic screen
Devices that include electronic screens include laptops, tablets and smartphones. These devices generate an image with their internal hardware, then output the image through the electronic screen. In some instances, these electronic screens also act as input devices when the user can control the device by touching the screen, such as on a smartphone.
4. GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it's a technology that allows computers to determine a specific location on the Earth's surface. Using satellites and computer systems, users can employ GPS technology to do things like getting turn-by-turn navigation directions while they're driving. GPS technology acts as an output device in that it outputs the user's exact location. Software on the GPS system or the computer can then interpret this data and use it to provide a service to the user.
5. Headphones
Headphones perform a similar function as computer speakers in that they allow users to listen to audio from an electronic device. Headphones typically connect to a single device through either a wired or wireless connection. This device then transmits the audio signal through to the headphones, allowing the user to listen to the audio directly in their ears.
6. Monitor
A monitor is a display device that users often pair with desktop computers. A monitor connects to the desktop computer to provide users with visual output. The computer device generates a user interface through the operating system, and the monitor allows the user to see it. Monitors can also often connect to other devices such as laptops or tablets to provide an additional or larger viewing surface.
Related: How To Fix Your Computer Screen Size and When You Might Need To
7. Optical mark reader
An optical mark reader is a device that reads information from paper documents such as surveys or tests. The optical mark reader scans the document, processes the data, then outputs meaningful information for the user. For example, a teacher may provide students with a multiple-choice test. The teacher then uses the optical mark reader to analyze a student's answers and output the total number of correct selections. In this example, the optical mark reader acts as both an input and output device in that it inputs information from the paper document and outputs data about the document.
8. Printer
A printer takes an image from a computer device and displays it on a paper document. It provides the user with a physical copy of the document or image they are viewing on their desktop computer, laptop or smartphone. In addition to being able to print things on paper, specialized printers are now capable of printing three-dimensional objects, taking specifications and dimensional input from a computer and converting it into an object.
9. Projector
A projector is a visual display output device. It takes an image from an electronic device and displays it on a screen or wall. For example, a user can connect a projector to a computer or DVD player to display movies on a large screen. People also use projectors when giving presentations to others or when teaching. Projectors make it easier for large audiences to see an image that would otherwise appear on a much smaller device.
10. Sound card
Computers use sound cards to convert data into audio signals. They do this by translating input data into vibrational patterns. They then transmits this new data to another output device such as computer speakers or headphones. It is this act of converting data into vibration patterns and transmitting it to another device that makes sound cards output devices.
11. Speech-generating device
A speech-generating device converts text into sound. For example, a user may use a voice assistant feature on their phone to search the internet. The software on their phone searches the internet, then reads the information it finds online out loud. Other speech-generating devices can help those with disabilities by tracking eye movement on a screen and reading aloud the corresponding words.
12. Video card
A video card takes data and converts it into a visual image. It then passes along the visual information to a visual display such as a computer monitor or electronic screen. Most modern-day computers come with basic graphic capabilities built into them. To improve their graphic capabilities, such as for higher-end gaming or videos, users can install a better video card.
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