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What is Light Pen in Computer?
Light pen is a light-sensitive computer input device that was utilized with early computers and CRT screens. Its look as a stylus or pen that is designed to make interaction along with screen with detecting light emitted from the surface of screen. Whenever, users touch this scree along with light pen, and then sensors are getting to detect the change in light intensity and identify the position of your touch.
With using of light pen, users are capable to select, draw, and manipulate objects with precision, as well as interacting with graphical user interfaces. However, light pens have become obsolete due to advancements in touch screens, stylus-equipped devices, and more precise input technologies.
‘Light Pen’ Tutorial Headlines:
In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:
What is Light Pen in Computer?
Brief History of Light Pen
What Are The Functions of Light Pen?
Light Pen is Input or Output Devices in Computer
How Does Light Pen Work With Diagram?
10 Uses of Light Pen
Types of Light Pen and Their Functions
Examples of Light Pen
Advantages of Light Pen
Disadvantages of Light Pen
Why Light pen is Used Less in the Present Time?
Let’s Get Started!!
Brief History of Light Pen
The light pen was first developed as part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Whirlwind Project around 1955 and in the 1960s. The initially light pen, at this time still named “light gun”, was developed around 1951–1955 as part of the Whirlwind I project at MIT, where it was utilised to select discrete symbols on the screen, and later at the SAGE project, where it was used for tactical real-time-control of a radar-networked airspace. Here is a brief history of the light pen:
The first light pen was created around 1951-1955 as part of MIT’s Whirlwind I project.
At the 1960s, the light pen was presented for text-only terminals and then became common on graphics terminals as the IBM 2250.
During the 1980s, light pen usage was expanded to music workstations like Fairlight CMI and personal computers such as the BBC Micro.
The light pen became common in the 1980s.
What Are The Functions of Light Pen?
Light pen is a light-sensitive computer input device that is used to select text, draw pictures, and interact with user interface elements on a computer screen or monitor. Here are some of the functions of a light pen:
Drawing: A light pen is very useful in drawing images on a computer screen.
Selecting Objects:Light pens are used for selecting objects on the display screen.
Interacting With User Interface Elements: Light pens can be used to interact with user interface elements on a computer screen such as menus and buttons.
Light Pen is Input or Output Devices in Computer
Light pen is an input device of computer system. It is a light-sensitive wand or stylus that is used in conjunction with a computer’s cathode-ray tube (CRT) display. The light pen allows the user to point to displayed objects or draw on the screen with greater positional accuracy, similar to a touchscreen. It can be used to select or modify text, highlight data, and interact with user interface elements on a computer screen or monitor.
How Does Light Pen Work With Diagram?
Here, we will explain the working principle of light pen step by step along with diagram; below shown each one, you can see them:
Light Emission: The computer screen emits short bursts of light or pulses that are usually not visible to the human eye.
Light Pen’s Photodetector: The light pen contains a photodetector, such as a phototransistor or photodiode, which can detect changes in light intensity.
Idle State: In the idle state, the photodetector senses the background level of light emitted by the screen.
User Interaction: When a user touches the screen with the light pen, the screen emits a brighter light pulse at that position.
Light Variation Detection: The photodetector in the light pen detects the sudden increase in light intensity caused by the emitted pulse.
Position Calculation: The system measures the time delay between the emitted pulse and the detected increase in light, calculating the position where the pen touched the screen.
Conversion to Coordinates: The calculated time delay is converted into X and Y coordinates on the screen, determining the exact point of interaction.
Data Transmission: The calculated coordinates are then transmitted to the computer for processing.
Interpretation by Software: The computer’s software interprets the received coordinates and performs actions accordingly, such as drawing a line or selecting an object.
Real-time Interaction: As the user moves or lifts the light pen, the system detects changes in light intensity, allowing for real-time interactions like drawing, clicking, or making selections.
10 Uses of Light Pen
Light pens are going to use in several applications to achieve many objective. Here are 10 different uses of light pens, as following them:
Graphics Design: Light pens are commonly used in graphics design to create and manipulate graphics.
Painting: Light pens can be used for painting directly on computer screens.
Data Highlighting: Light pens are used to select or highlight text or data on a screen.
Medical Records: Medical professionals use light pens to access and highlight medical records.
Bar Code Reading: Light pens can be used as handheld bar code readers.
Menu Selection: Light pens can be used to select displayed menu items on a computer screen.
Drawing: Light pens are excellent for drawing and sketching tasks.
Interactive Presentations: Light pens can be used during presentations to direct viewers’ attention to specific areas on a screen.
Real-Time Control: Light pens have been used for real-time control in radar-networked airspace.
Historical Use: Light pens were originally developed in the 1950s and have been used with CRT screens, graphics terminals, and home computer systems.
Types of Light Pen and Their Functions
There are several types of light pens, each with its own specific technology and functions. Here are some common types of light pens and their functions, as following them:
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Light Pen:Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Light Pen: This is one of the earliest types of light pens. It works by detecting the momentary decrease in the intensity of the electron beam when the screen is touched by the pen. The main objective of using this light pen is to select and manipulate the object on your screen like as clicking buttons, making selections, and drawing.
Optical Light Pen: This type of light pen utilise the optical sensors to detect light. It emits light pulses and detects reflections from the screen to determine its position. Optical light pens are used for drawing, writing, and interacting with graphics on the screen.
Infrared (IR) Light Pen: IR light pens emit infrared light and have sensors that can detect the position of the pen by analyzing the reflection of the emitted light from the screen. These pens are often going to use in presentations and interactive whiteboards.
Ultrasound Light Pen: Ultrasound light pens emit ultrasonic waves, and their position is determined by measuring the time it takes for the emitted waves to bounce back from the screen. These pens are used for precise positioning in applications such as computer-aided design (CAD).
Digitizing Pen: Digitizing pen is a type of light pen used with a digitizing tablet. It has a coil that produces the magnetic field. The surface of table contains wires that generate an alternating magnetic field. The position of the pen is determined by the tablet detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the pen’s coil.
Capacitive Stylus: While not a traditional light pen, capacitive styluses are used on touch screens (like those on smartphones and tablets) and can be considered a modern version of a light pen. They work by conducting the electrical charge from your hand, allowing the device to detect where you’re touching the screen.
Electromagnetic Resonance Pen: This light pen is designed with using of electromagnetic resonance technology. In which, light pen device emits the signals and then screen will getting to respond along with the electromagnetic field. Further, light pen will detect the changes in this area to identify its position. Now, these kinds of light pen are often going to use for high-precision applications such as digital art and CAD.
Examples of Light Pen
Here are some examples of light pens that were used in various applications, including:
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Light Pen?
Here, you will get the summary of the advantages and disadvantages of light pens as following them:
Advantages of Light Pen:
Easy to use
Having excellent positional accuracy on your computer screen, as compared with a mouse or touchscreen.
Ergonomically designed for ease of hand movement and are excellent for all drawing and pointing tasks.
Don’t need any additional desk space and are easily modified for use by people along with disabilities.
Lightweight and able to come in direct contact with the bar codes, making them ideal for use as handheld bar code readers.
Can work with any CRT-based display
Can be used to select displayed menu items on a computer screen
Can be used for real-time control in radar-networked airspace
Can be used to access and highlight medical records.
The light pen is a predecessor to touchscreen technology and was first created in 1955 as part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Whirlwind Project, a Cold War vacuum tube military computer.
Disadvantages of Light Pen:
Limited Compatibility: Light pens typically work well with CRT monitors but may not be compatible with LCD screens.
Ergonomic Issues:Using a light pen for extended periods can lead to discomfort or strain, such as “gorilla arm,” as the user needs to hold their arm in front of the screen.
Limited Versatility: Light pens are not as versatile as other input devices like mice or keyboards.
Decreased Accuracy: While light pens offer good positional accuracy, they are not as accurate as digitizer tablets.
Declining Popularity:Light pens have become less common with the advent of touch screens and other advanced input technologies.
Limited Functionality: Light pens may have limited functionality compared to other input devices, restricting their use in certain applications.
Dependence on CRT Displays: Light pens require CRT-based displays, which are becoming less prevalent in modern computing.
Limited Market Availability: Due to their declining popularity, light pens may be harder to find and purchase compared to other input devices.
Lack of Standardization: There is no standardized design or interface for light pens, leading to potential compatibility issues with different systems.
Sensitivity to Ambient Light: Light pens may be affected by ambient lighting conditions, which can impact their accuracy and performance.
Why Light pen is Used Less in the Present Time?
The light pen was a popular input device in the past, but its usage has decreased over time. Here are some reasons why the light pen is used less in the present time:
Advancements in touch screens and stylus technology
Availability of more versatile and user-friendly input methods
Summing Up
Through this post, you have been fully educated about what is light pen of computer along with their all parameters with ease. If this post is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.
