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.