# input device

> peripheral to provide data and signals to an information processing system

**Wikidata**: [Q864114](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q864114)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_device)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/input-device

## Summary  
An **input device** is a peripheral that supplies data and signals to an information‑processing system, enabling humans to interact with computers and other digital devices. It functions as the “receiver” of user actions, converting physical or analog input into digital information that the system can process.

## Key Facts  
- **Classification:** Subclass of *peripheral* and *input‑output device*; also a *physical interface* and a *receiver* of signals.  
- **Opposite:** The counterpart of an input device is an *output device*.  
- **Facet:** Belongs to the *human‑machine interface* domain.  
- **Aliases:** Known in multiple languages as “dispositivo de entrada”, “periferico de entrada”, “unité d’entrée”, “Dateneingabegerät”, “輸入設備”, etc.  
- **Wikipedia presence:** Article titled *Input device* with **47** language sitelinks (e.g., ar, de, cs, etc.).  
- **Identifiers:** Google Product Taxonomy ID 1928; WordNet 3.1 synset 03168639‑n; Dewey Decimal 004.76 and 621.3986.  
- **Images:** Representative files include a wheel mouse, Xbox Kinect, Wii remote, and a generic input‑output diagram (see image URLs in source).  
- **Related classes:** Includes specific devices such as *computer mouse* (inception 1963), *keyboard*, *touchscreen*, *microphone*, *scanner*, *video game controller*, and many others listed under “Part of / Parent”.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is an input device?  
A: An input device is a hardware peripheral that captures user actions—such as keystrokes, clicks, gestures, or sounds—and converts them into digital data for a computer or other information‑processing system.  

### Q: How does an input device differ from an output device?  
A: An input device receives and transmits data **to** the system, while an output device sends data **from** the system to the user (e.g., a monitor or speaker).  

### Q: What are common examples of input devices?  
A: Common examples include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, microphones, scanners, game controllers, and specialized devices like graphic tablets or Kinect motion sensors.  

### Q: Why are input devices considered peripherals?  
A: They are external hardware components that attach to a computer to provide additional functionality beyond the core processing unit, fitting the definition of a *peripheral*.  

### Q: Are there standards or classifications for input devices?  
A: Yes; they are classified under *peripheral*, *input‑output device*, *physical interface*, and *receiver* in technical taxonomies, and are indexed by identifiers such as Google’s product taxonomy (ID 1928) and Dewey Decimal (004.76).  

## Why It Matters  
Input devices are the essential bridge between humans and digital systems, translating real‑world actions into machine‑readable information. Without them, computers would be isolated black boxes, unable to receive commands, data, or feedback from users. They enable a vast array of applications—from everyday typing and web browsing to sophisticated tasks like 3D modeling, virtual reality interaction, and assistive technologies for disabled users. By expanding the ways we can convey intent—through touch, voice, motion, or specialized sensors—input devices drive innovation in user experience design, accessibility, and the overall efficiency of information processing. Their evolution continues to shape how we interact with technology, making digital environments more intuitive, immersive, and inclusive.  

## Notable For  
- Being the foundational *peripheral* that initiates data flow into computing systems.  
- Encompassing a diverse spectrum of hardware, from simple push‑buttons to complex motion‑capture rigs like the Kinect.  
- Serving as the primary component of the *human‑machine interface*, directly affecting usability and accessibility.  
- Holding a distinct classification opposite to *output devices*, highlighting its unique role in the input‑output continuum.  
- Recognized across numerous standards and taxonomies (e.g., Google Product Taxonomy 1928, Dewey 004.76, WordNet 03168639‑n).  

## Body  

### Definition and Core Function  
- An input device is defined as “peripheral to provide data and signals to an information processing system.”  
- It acts as a *receiver* that captures analog or digital signals generated by a user and converts them into a format the system can process.  

### Taxonomic Placement  
- **Subclass of:**  
  - *Peripheral* – hardware that attaches to a computer for additional capabilities.  
  - *Input‑output device* – equipment capable of both receiving and sending data.  
  - *Physical interface* – tangible point of interaction between human and machine.  
- **Facet of:** *Human‑machine interface* (HMI).  
- **Opposite of:** *Output device*.  

### Major Categories and Examples  
| Category | Representative Devices (from source) |
|----------|---------------------------------------|
| Pointing devices | Computer mouse, trackpad, joystick, hat switch |
| Text entry | Keyboard, numeric keypad, keypad, keypunch |
| Imaging | Scanner, image scanner, camera (e.g., cellphone camera) |
| Audio capture | Microphone |
| Motion & gesture | Kinect for Xbox One, wired glove, Wii Sensor Bar |
| Gaming | Video game controller, d‑pad, Rumble Pak |
| Specialized | Graphic tablet, digital pen, isomorphic keyboard, switch access |

### Identifiers and Cataloging  
- **GND ID:** 4148867‑2 (German National Library) with qualifiers “Dateneingabegerät”, “Eingabegerät”, “Datenerfassungsgerät”.  
- **PSH ID:** 12402 (Physics Subject Headings).  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/02dwgb.  
- **BabelNet ID:** 00025323n.  
- **C64 Wiki ID:** Eingabegerät.  
- **Library of Congress:** sh85029505.  
- **Google Product Taxonomy:** 1928 – “Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > Input Devices”.  

### Documentation and Media  
- **Images:**  
  - Wheel mouse: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Wheel_mouse.JPG`  
  - Xbox Kinect: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Xbox-360-Kinect-Standalone.png`  
  - Wii Remote (preferred): `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Wiimote-in-Hands.jpg`  
  - Sensor Bar: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Nintendo_Wii_Sensor_Bar.jpg`  
  - Generic diagram: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/CPT_Hardware-InputOutput.svg`  

### Historical Note  
- While the generic class “input device” lacks a single inception date, one of its most iconic members, the *computer mouse*, was introduced in **1963**, illustrating the long‑standing evolution of input technologies.  

### Relevance in Standards and Classification Systems  
- Indexed in **Dewey Decimal Classification** under both **004.76** (computer science) and **621.3986** (instrumentation).  
- Recognized in **WordNet 3.1** (synset 03168639‑n) and **Art & Architecture Thesaurus** (ID 300168267).  
- Listed in **JSTOR Topic ID** (archived) as “input‑devices”.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Input device",
  "description": "Peripheral that provides data and signals to an information processing system.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_device"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Peripheral"
}

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet
4. KBpedia
5. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)