Case Study 5The keyboard as a collection device for information systems

Case study 5 The keyboard as a collection device for

information systems

The keyboard is a common device with a similar format to a typewriter. It is used to input data and
instructions into the computer system. When the keys are pressed they send a code to the next stage
of the computer system that electronically registers the particular key (or key combination) used.
A keyboard collects data following these steps.
1 Each key has a digital code
which identifies the character to be input.

2 When a key is pressed the 3 When the key is up the

spring makes contact with
wires are not in contact
the wires under the key.
under the key.
6 The binary code for the
character is then sent to the
central processing unit
where it is processed
before being displayed on
the monitor.
4 When the key is down the 5 The signal travels to a
wires form a circuit along
circuit board in the
which an electrical signal
keyboard which recognises
travels.
the character represented by
the digital signal.

Information Processing and Technology Cambridge University Press 2001

Case Study 5The keyboard as a collection device for information systems

Keyboards vary in the health risk they pose to participants who use information systems regularly.
The standard qwerty keyboard in use today is not efficient and requires the weaker fingers to register some of the most commonly used letters. This can lead to health problems such as cumulative
trauma disorders.
Answer the following questions
1

List the steps taken by a keyboard in the collection of data up to the point the data is received
by the CPU.

Explain the way in which the keyboard converts data from analog to digital form.

Describe the role of each of the following in collecting data via the keyboard:
a

the participant

the key interface

circuits

the keyboard circuit board

the buses

Research the reasons why a Qwerty keyboard is an inefficient keyboard.

Find the names of at least three alternative keyboards and explain how they are more efficient
than the Qwerty keyboard.

Explain the consequences to participants from overuse of keyboards for data collection.

Research two alternative methods of collecting text other than a keyboard and explain the
advantages of each method.

Information Processing and Technology Cambridge University Press 2001