Human Computer Interface
Human-Computer Interface (or Interaction) is the way people communicate, interact with the computer platform. Nowadays the level and variety of ways to communicate has greatly increased, and no longer only requires using just keys or a mouse.
Different types of technological devices scan and monitor different aspects, for example voice sensors, which then are sent to the device and decoded for a desired outcome.
Example:
[HUMAN] *talks* Search for a nearest restaurant -> [MOBILE PHONE] *processes words, changes them into a written sentence* The nearest is .....
"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." http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-humancomputerinterface.html
Another interesting aspect is that the devices/platforms record the data, which allows them to guess or suggest the better, personalised answer to its users.
http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/HCI-human-computer-interaction
Why is this important?
More advanced HCI let's us to control the devices in more efficient, more fun and easier to navigate way. As a type of an interface devices, it let's us to actually control the electronics by sending them orders. Modern HCIs also let us to personalise them, so they will search or identify things we are more interested in, which is also quite important.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The two main components of a CPU are Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit. They receive a software input which is scanned, then CU does most of the actions involving decoding, executing, analysing and sending the received informations and instructions. When any calculations and processing are needed, CU sends the data through ALU. At the end everything is send to memory storages and shown as an output.
This process is measured in GHz (GigaHertz). One Ghz equals 1 billion cycles per second.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/hardware/0inputandoutputdevicesrev3.shtml
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/GHz.html
Why is this important?
The CPU is really important, as it makes the computer (and other platforms) capable to receive data from interface devices, perform these actions and show us the result of it. Without it nothing of this list would matter, since the device would be 'dead'.
Graphic Processors
Apart of that it also takes the functions that are the most intense, helping CPU from being overloaded. It can handle multiple actions all at once as well.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/GPU.html
Why is this important?
Better graphic processors let us to install and run games which are better visually. It's more important in PCs, since they are customised and consoles aren't (or very rarely). With a poor GPU, the games would look simply awful and load much slower with possible graphic glitches.
Memory (RAM)
RAM speeds up the booting processes and running/opening any other softwares (or games) by borrowing some of the data and storing it.
"After the operating system has loaded, each program [that is opened] is loaded into memory while it is running. If too many programs are open the computer will swap the data in the memory between the RAM and the hard disk drive." http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ram.htm
Why is this important?
RAM is important since it makes the device to load apps or games in a faster rate, since it doesn't scan it step-by-step but picks the data. It also makes the game run faster and smoother. With little or no RAM, we receive so called lag, which is made by very, very low FPS (Frames per Second) rate.
Display
"The display part of a monitor. Most display screens work under the same principle as a television, using a cathode ray tube (CRT). Consequently, the term CRT is often used in place of display screen." http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/display_screen.html
Display (alongside the sound) is liable for overall gaming experience. It provides the visual information to the player. In order to see anything we do on a computer (or console) we need at least 1 display although they can be joined together.
The display constantly updates itself, sending multiple images one after anther. The speed they are shown is measured in FPS (Frames per Second), the more it provides the smoother the animation.
Other important factors are:
- bit depth (the amount of colours and shades that the display is capable of )
- resolution of the screen (the size/canvas of the whole sceen, made out of pixels)
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/display
Why is this important?
Without the display, we wouldn't be able to use the gaming platforms at all. We can do without any sounds, but the display is super important as it lets us know if the device is working and receives any output.
Many modern electronics (not only the smart phones or tablets but also home appliances) use touch screens to send any data or orders to the device, without display these would be useless.
Sound
Types:
- Digital - These are the sounds recorded in the electronics, saved as any other digital information. The sounds that appear continuous are made out of shorter sounds with different values.
- Analogue - These are the real-life sounds. They are a continuous wave with no breaks.
- Mono (Monophonic) - Sends the audio evenly through a single channel, all at once. The sound appears flat, but can be good for any assemblies, speeches or listening to songs. "The signal contains no level and arrival time/phase information that would replicate or simulate directional cues." http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-stereo.htm
- Stereo (Stereophonic) -Sends audio through two channels. The sound differs in each of them giving an impression of a source of the sound, as long as it's right, left or centre. It's good for some cinematics or more complicated orchestral songs. There is the "uniform coverage of the entire listening area, and a minimal level and phase response difference for each channel's coverage of the listening area" http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-stereo.htm in contrast to Two Channel system.
- Surround Sound -as the name suggests, it's a system that surrounds the listener by (or almost by) 360 degrees. "Surround sound systems use three or more channels and speakers in front and behind the listener to create a surrounding envelope of sound and directional audio sources." http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/surround_sound.html
Why is this important?
Sound is important for a further and greater experience of games and films. In some games it's even the crucial factor to be able to play them, especially the horror games (for example if we need to know that the window in the next room was smashed or the monster is approaching).
If we want to experience the greater realism when playing the game or watching a film, the surround sound (or at least the stereo) allows us to enjoy the different aural 'perspectives'.
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." http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-medium
Recent storage mediums:
- CD / DVD (Optical Discs)
- Cloud Storage Systems
- Hard Discs
- Downloadable
- (Flash) Memory Cards
- Blu-Ray
- Main Memory Space
- Diskettes
- Cartriges
- Floppy Discs
- Game Cards
- Magnetic Tapes
http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-medium
http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/177816-how-storage-media-decides-the-fate-of-console-games
Why is this important?
Storage devices are important, since the games became more complex with long playthroughs and things to discover apart the main objective. They let us save the progress or even unpack the game as a first step to play it.
Interface Devices
It contains at least one input and output piece of equipment, for example gamepad controller and a TV screen. Interface devices are otherwise known as user interface (or HCI). The GUI (Graphical User Interface) is the modern user interface, provides visuals and allows to be accessed with a mouse (or touch) rather than in command-only way.
Interfaces are not only the piece of equipment we touch, but (as said above) also the visual interface we see in majority of games (eg. the health-bar, main menu, etc.).
http://searchwindevelopment.techtarget.com/definition/GUI
Why is this important?
Interface devices allow us to control the gaming platform by sending the commands and receive an answer-output (eg. starting the game). These alongside the display are the most important feature for electronics. Without them, we wouldn't be able to use computers or consoles, even TVs.
Connectivity
- LAN (Local Area Network) - "A local area connection is the only type of connection that is automatically created and activated." http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/local_area_connections.html
- WLAN - The same as LAN but Wireless, connection through radio waves
- WAN (Wide Area Network) - two or more LANs connected to each other. "Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet." http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/wide_area_network_WAN.html
Why is this important?
As majority of the gamers prefer to play with friends or complete strangers, connectivity allows them for that. Different types let them use devices in the same room, while the internet let's them connect to any part of the world. With that players can also partake in various competitions, as video games became a sport.
Games playable on the same screen or device have limited number of players and some (except turn-based or some split-screens) are not suitable to be played by more than one person.
Power Supply
Before switching on the computer, for example, the power supply does casual check of all the important parts in the device to see if they work. After that it boots up and allows the person to use it.
Why is this important?
All the electronic devices need any sort of power supply, whether is a cable, battery or let's say, solar panel. Without the power they simply cannot run and therefore we are not able to use them.