Human-Computer Interaction Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a keyboard in a computer system?

To enter textual data and commands. (correct)

To display graphical output.

To provide internet connectivity.

To process audio signals.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a variant of basic computer devices?

Personal digital assistants

Desktop computers

Gaming consoles (correct)

Laptops

What characterizes batch processing in early computing systems?

Frequent updates and modifications to data.

Continuous data entry from multiple users.

Entering data in large volumes at once. (correct)

Real-time interaction with the computer.

What is one alternative to the QWERTY keyboard layout mentioned?

DVORAK layout Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the diversity of input devices?

It reflects varied types of data entry and user needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge of using handwriting recognition technology?

The variability in individual handwriting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical application of chord keyboards?

Entering text at full spoken speed Signup and view all the answers

What are pen-based systems primarily marketed for?

Mobile computing applications Signup and view all the answers

In the context of phone keypads, what does T9 entry help with?

Simplifying text input by predicting words Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical use for pen-based systems?

Program compilation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of conventional keyboards in cramped conditions?

They require two-handed operation Signup and view all the answers

What factor most influences the difficulty in recognizing handwriting?

The stroke information used in writing Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of phone keypads over traditional keyboards?

They can be more compact and user-friendly Signup and view all the answers

What is one use of potentiometers in computing systems?

To detect both horizontal and vertical motion Signup and view all the answers

What kind of device can replace a keyboard in certain environments?

An alternative text entry device Signup and view all the answers

What does the operation of a mouse primarily allow a user to do?

Manipulate objects on the screen Signup and view all the answers

How does a mouse operate on a desktop?

In a planar fashion with indirect input Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application area for alternative text entry devices?

Hands-occupied situations Signup and view all the answers

What connection methods are sometimes used for potentiometers?

Wireless or infrared Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using alternative text entry devices?

They improve typing speed Signup and view all the answers

How do potentiometers enhance computing interaction?

By mapping both left-right and vertical motions as input Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of absolute movement devices?

They move the cursor based on joystick position. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is an isometric joystick most beneficial?

Allowing fluid and responsive gaming experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of thumbwheels?

They are difficult to manipulate outside of horizontal or vertical movements. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do touch-sensitive screens have over traditional mouse devices?

They offer a more direct way to point and select objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which method does NOT contribute to the functioning of touch-sensitive screens?

Using mechanical pressure on a board beneath the screen. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic describes an isometric joystick?

It directly corresponds pressure to cursor velocity. Signup and view all the answers

An advantage of thumbwheels is their price. What is a disadvantage related to their use?

They can be slow in cursor manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What makes absolute devices particularly compact?

They operate without additional peripherals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a pointing device?

To point, position, and select items on the screen Signup and view all the answers

Which device allows for cursor movement by foot pressure?

Footmouse Signup and view all the answers

How does a touchpad function?

By stroking a finger over its surface Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a trackball from a traditional mouse?

It has a ball that rotates upwards Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of joysticks?

They occupy very little space Signup and view all the answers

What is the major limitation of drawing with a mouse compared to using a pencil?

Mice do not have pressure sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a keymouse?

To simulate mouse movements through key presses Signup and view all the answers

The effectiveness of an input device often depends on what factor?

The task to be performed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Computer Systems

A typical computer system includes a "computer box," keyboard, mouse, and color screen.
Variants of basic devices are developed for desktops, laptops, and PDAs.
Diversity in devices accommodates different types of data entry and user requirements.

Text Entry Devices

Entering text is a primary user activity on computers.
The keyboard is the most common text entry device.
Alphanumeric keyboards are used for inputting text and commands.
Alternatives to QWERTY layouts include 26 key layouts like Dvorak, designed for efficient letter arrangement.

Handwriting and Recognition

Individual handwriting differences complicate recognition processes.
Significant handwriting information lies in stroke details rather than letter shapes.
Chord keyboards serve niche applications, allowing single-handed operation in confined spaces.

Pen-Based Systems

Utilize handwriting recognition technology, particularly in mobile computing.
Common uses include note-taking, sketching ideas, diaries, and organizers.

Phone Pad and T9 Entry

Phone keypads are vital for text input, typically featuring 0-9 digits.
Many phones support multiple modes for numeric input.
T9 entry found its niche in telephone information systems and accessibility.

Positioning, Pointing, and Drawing

Pointing devices are central for user interaction, allowing screen selection and manipulation.
CAD systems heavily rely on precise positioning and drawing capabilities.

Types of Pointing Devices

Footmouse allows cursor movement using foot pressure, freeing hands for keyboard use.
Touchpads are small, touch-sensitive tablets for cursor control, originally popularized by Apple Powerbooks.
Trackballs are compact and work by rotating a weighted ball; their design suits limited space environments.

Joysticks and Thumbwheels

Joysticks offer indirect cursor control and are commonly used in gaming, available in absolute and isometric types.
Thumbwheels are basic dials used for cursor positioning but exhibit limited manipulation capabilities.

Touch-sensitive Screens

Touchscreens allow for direct object selection on-screen, utilizing finger or stylus input.
They operate through various methods, including matrix interruption of light beams and capacitance changes on a grid overlay.

Limitations and Applications

Some devices, like thumbwheels, present limitations that might benefit specific applications, such as CAD where precise vertical and horizontal control is essential.

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Description

Explore Chapter 2 of Human-Computer Interaction, which provides an overview of typical computer systems and the essential text entry devices such as keyboards and mice. This chapter emphasizes the significance of these devices in our interactions with computers.