Human Computer Interface
human-computer interface (HCI) The means of communication between a human user and a
computer system, referring in particular to the use of input/output devices
with supporting software. Devices of increasing sophistication are becoming
available to mediate the human-computer interaction. These include graphics devices,
touch-sensitive devices, and voice-input devices. They have to be configured in
a way that will facilitate an efficient and desirable interaction between a
person and the computer. Artificial intelligence techniques of knowledge representation may be used to
model the user of a computer system, and so offer the opportunity to give
personalized advice on its use. The design of the machine interface may
incorporate expert-system techniques
to offer powerful knowledge-based
computing to the user.
Self explanation
Human
computer interface put simply is the interaction of a human to an electronic
device like a computer of a touch screen phone.
Why is it important?
This
is highly important as it allows users to physically play the game on the given
platform. I also allows for the many different methods of interaction to gaming
products. Things like the Nintendo Ds and the Xbox one allow users to play
differently.
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
Sometimes referred to simply as the central
processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the
brains of the computer where
most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most
important element of a computer
system.
Self explanation
The
CPU is the main component in any computer as it provides a HUB for the rest of
the computer components.
Why is it important?
This
is important as it allows the rest of any gaming medium to function, allowing
the device to play the games for the users.
Graphic Processors
A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is used primarily for 3-D applications.
It is a single-chip processor that creates lighting effects and transforms
objects every time a 3D scene is redrawn. These are mathematically-intensive
tasks, which otherwise, would put quite a strain on the CPU. Lifting this burden from the CPU frees up cycles that can
be used for other jobs.
Self explanation
The
graphics processors render different lighting and transforms objects to relieve
stress from the rest of the computer which allows it to maintain speed.
Why is it important?
Graphics
processors allow computers and consoles to render in 3D spaces without the
device being slowed down too dramatically allowing for a better way to play.
Memory (RAM)
Alternatively
referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) is a hardware device that
allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. RAM is usually
associated with DRAM, which is a type of memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of
sequentially like it is on a CD orhard drive, the
computer can access the data much faster. However, unlike ROM or the hard drive, RAM is a volatile memory and requires power to keep the data accessible; if power
is lost all data contained in memory lost.
Self explanation
Memory
(RAM) allows users to store vast quantities of information whether it’s a
document of an image to the computer, the amount if information that can be
stored varies depending on how much memory the computer can use.
Why is it important?
Memory
allows any gaming media to store information for any game. For example, a game
can be downloaded from a market place and stored on the computer as well as any
game saves screenshots and DLC.
Display
A display is a computer output surface and
projecting mechanism that shows text and often graphic images to the computer
user, using a cathode ray tube ( CRT ), liquid crystal display (LCD ), light-emitting diode, gas plasma, or other image
projection technology. The display is usually considered to include the screen or projection surface and the device that produces the
information on the screen. In some computers, the display is packaged in a
separate unit called a monitor . In other computers, the display is integrated into a unit
with the processor and other parts of the computer. (Some sources make the
distinction that the monitor includes other signal-handling devices that feed
and control the display or projection device. However, this distinction
disappears when all these parts become integrated into a total unit, as in the
case of notebook computers.) Displays (and monitors) are also sometimes called video display terminals (VDTs) . The terms display and monitorare
often used interchangably.
Self explanation
Display
is simply anything that allows the user to perceive information, this is
anything that would class as a screen or multiple screens which allows the user
to have even more display capabilities.
Why is this important?
Display
lets players physically see the game they are doing on their computers or
consoles. It also allows for the game companies to create vast worlds of colour
and detail for players to enjoy at their leisure.
Sound
Audio is sound
within the acoustic range available to humans. An audio frequency (AF) is an electrical alternating
current within the 20 to 20,000 hertz (cycles per second) range that can be used to produce
acoustic sound. In computers, audio is the sound system that comes with or can
be added to a computer. An audio card contains a special built-in processor and memory for
processing audio files and sending them to speakers in the computer. An audio file is a
record of captured sound that can be played back. Sound is a sequence of
naturally analog signals that are converted to digital signals by the audio card, using a microchip called an
analog-to-digital converter (ADC). When sound
is played, the digital signals are sent to the speakers where they are
converted back to analog signals that generate varied sound.
Self explanation
Application
of sound allows any user to perceive the sounds which would be used for any
application which would require it. It amplifies the effectiveness of certain
medias such as video games.
Why is it important?
With
the application of sound player can become more immersed in the world which
they are playing in. It also allows them to have an understanding of the
environments and events which are happening.
Game Storage Medium
In computers,
a storage medium is any technology (including devices and materials) used to place,
keep, and retrieve data. A medium is an element used in communicating a message; on a storage
medium, the "messages" - in the form of data - are suspended for use
when needed. The plural form of this term is storage
media. Although the term storage includes both primary storage (memory), a storage medium usually means a place to hold secondary
storage such as that on a hard disk or tape.
Self explanation
Game
storage medium is any device which allows saved data to be transferred between
devices. This ranges from floppy disks; CDs and USB drives. It allows the
computer to operate smoothly and have more memory (RAM) available for later
use.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01739/dvds_1739548c.jpg
Why is this important?
Game
storage medium is highly useful as it allows players to transfer any data from
one computer or console to another. With these devices they are able to move
their game saves; screenshots e.t.c to any other computer/ device for if they
are on the go or simply need to create space without losing all of their
progression.
Interface Devices
An interface
device (IDF) is a hardware component or system of components that allows a
human being to interact with a computer, a telephone system, or other
electronic information system. The term is often encountered in the mobile
communication industry where designers are challenged to build the proper
combination of portability, capability, and ease of use into the interface
device. The overall set of characteristics provided by an interface device is
often referred to as the user interface (and, for computers - at least, in more academic discussions
- the human-computer interface or HCI ). Today's desktop and notebook computers have what has
come to be called a graphical user interface ( GUI ) to distinguish it from earlier, more limited interfaces
such as the command line interface ( CLI).
Self explanation
Interface
devises are components that allow any user to interact with a computer system.
Commonly a keyboard and a mouse are used. These two components allow the
complete interaction with any computer. Until touch screen was devised these
two components were necessary for the vast majority of computers to be used.
Why is this important?
Interface
devices like keyboard and mouse or controllers allow players to interact and
control sections of the world, which they play in. It also allows players to
easily control the character in games with many different movements and
mechanics being integrated.
Connectivity
Computers. the ability to link to and communicate with other computer systems, electronic devices, software, or the Internet:
Self explanation
Connectivity
is more or less what it says. It’s the interaction between multiple users on
multiple devices or a single device. The internet is the main component in this
in the modern time as it allows for social media and also multiplayer gaming to
take hold.
Why is this important?
With
the use of the internet player are able to play games online together from
their homes without having to use multiple controllers on a single console. It
also allows players to socially interact with many different players playing
the same game as they are.
Power Supply
A power
supply is a hardware component that supplies power to an electrical device. It
receives power from an electrical outlet and converts the current from AC
(alternating current) to DC (direct current), which is what the computer
requires. It also regulates the voltage to an adequate amount, which allows the
computer to run smoothly without overheating. The power supply an integral part
of any computer and must function correctly for the rest of the components to
work.
Self explanation
power supply is a computer component which
provides power to the main computer system. These come with a transformers
which lowers or raises the amount of power which is supplied to the device to
avoid either overloading the system or simply not providing enough power to it.
Why is this important?
A
power supply is vital to all players as without it there would be nothing to
power the computer or console, and thus wouldn’t be able to play any games on
their given medium.
