The Human - Computer Interface Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Human - Computer Interface - Essay Example User experience can be vastly enhanced by incorporating multiple sensors into virtual environments because people can immerse into another world more naturally and easily by using their whole body (Schrammel et. al., 2010). Therefore, the Human Computer Interface continues to expand in the field of human-computer communication bandwith by incorporating multiple sensory channels. Meanwhile the growing societal recognition of the needs of people with physical disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases also provide special application domains for Brain-Computer Interface (Tan & Nijholt, 2010). Some researchers advocate â€Å"user interface consistency† as the golden rule in Human Computer Interaction dialogs. Possibility of automating the designs, monitoring, evaluating and comparing the interface properties are the most attractive benefits of consistent designs. However, a clear definition for consistency cannot be found in research literature. In general a consistent design is have, (1) internal interface design consistency and (2) external consistency of interface features with features of other interfaces familiar to the users. Users can obtain convenient, less expensive and versatile products by consistent designs. Example: the training time is 100% to 300% less compared to the random user interface design. Nevertheless some researchers advocate that diverting primary focus from users and their needs into consistency, as narrowing the spectrum of software engineering (Grudin, 1989). Haptic Technology MacLean, 2000, defines â€Å"haptic feedback† as the â€Å"computer control over the tactile or kinesthetic properties of a physical interface, permitting realtime representation of a changing virtual or remote environment rather than a specific, constant handle† (p. 2). In general, haptic feedback is a mechanical response created by the haptic interface in terms of a special vibration sensation. Conventional vibration alerting differs from the haptic feedback as the latter involves advanced vibration patterns and waveforms that convey rather informative messages from a dynamic virtual environment to users. Human brain comprises of various visual, audible, smell, taste and haptic sensory neurons that are stimulated when an objects contact with the respective sensory channel. Sensory receptors located in the human body such as; muscles, tendons, joints and skin in the hands are important for human performances equally to hearing and visual sensing (Torre, 2006). Characteristics of the human brain have largely shaped the designing of modern human-computer interfaces. In the history, models of Human Computer Interactions were dominated by audio-visual simulations (Hayward et. al., 2004). Incorporating haptic, pressure, taste and smell sensors in remotely controlled and virtual environments can be considered as the greatest achievement in modern software engineering. Haptic technology is largely aimed at enhancing the oper ator performances and user experiences by kinesthetic and touch channels stimulation. Humans are rather cautious when touching a surface compared to looking at it. Such characteristics have shape the modern Human Computer Interfaces. Researchers advocate that haptic feedback is rather effective when used in conjugation with other sensory modalities. Example, Morris et. al., 2007, used haptic feedback for teaching undergraduate students a sensorimotor skill that have a force-sensitive component and requires recalling a

An elderly person Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

An elderly person - Essay Example I discovered the hardships and abusive ill-treatment people face in our community when they grow old. It is only heartbreaking how elderly people do not receive the protocol by younger generations who do not, for once, consider the fact that they shall have to go through the same age later in life. This paper entails the abuses and neglects that people face at older ages and measures that can be taken to overcome these issues. A brief visit As I entered the old home, the disturbing smell of mothballs and urination got me. Soon immune to it, I moved on to identify people that might be most appropriate to be interviewed. Most of them had humped backs as if they carried burden of a million secrets for years. As I settled on a creaking bed to begin my interviews of selected people, I couldn’t make out if the squeaking sounds in the background were that of the bed or of their rusty knees moving. Each of them comfortably shared their experiences and as their wrinkled and leathery li ps moved, I could feel tears trickling down my cheeks hearing the tragic stories behind those blue and green veins and frail-skinned once-young people. Abuse and neglect of the elderly My findings from interviewing people at the institution concluded that they all have gone through some kind of abuse during their ageing periods. They face situations frequently where they are abused and neglected. This included physical abuse where their loved ones carried out actions aimed at injuring, hurting or causing physical pain to them. Due to old age, these people are like wilted flowers that cannot stand the pressure of air waves. They are incapable of defending themselves against physical violence and end up suffering from bruises, strains, burns and fractural wounds. Even worse, many elderly people were troubled through emotional torturing and psychological abuse. Using insulting verbal statements and humiliating language are common gestures that trigger psychological maltreatments. More commonly observed instances included threatening by their caretakers to desert them at old homes or similar institutions and hence some of them eventually ended up there. Rarely, there were cases that claimed that their family members were engaged in misappropriation of money or inheritance property and coercion to sign desired wills or legal documents. Mostly neglect was deliberate on part of their caretakers who intended to punish them by keeping them underfed or deprived of medications and other necessities. However, rarely some were of the view that their family was too occupied or incapable to take proper care of them (Lachs & Pillemer, 1995). Corrective measures The question that arises is how to stop this social evil that has embedded as part of our community. I inquired from my interviewees how they suggest this obstacle can be overcome. It is important that masses be educated at national level and through organizational activists and pressure groups so that awareness is est ablished and moral values are enhanced at individual level. It is the system and perceptions of people that need revamping to be free from prejudice against old people. Campaigns must be conducted to create better awareness and regulations must be incorporated that discourage and penalize such abusive acts. Rights of old people need to be restored through changes in legal frameworks and concept of institutionalization must be suppressed strictly.