Visual and Specialised Interfaces

3D Software Developments have led to visual systems such as pictures of the earth’s structure and reproductions of images such as a scan of an unborn baby. LCD – Liquid Crystal Display – cash machines, mobile phones.

Hearing and Visual Impairment Specialised interfaces enable disabled users to access and input information using computers. National Library for the Blind \ British Sign Language society has recently developed a bank of sign language covering ICT terms for use by teachers. A tracker ball for a user with RSI (repetitive strain injury)

Present and future development Robotic systems Realistic computerised images used in virtual reality games. 3D images that appear to leap of the screen Pop out effect – E-D glasses (eDimensional) Sub titles

Speech-activated software has greatly improved since the 1990s where you had to speak slowly and with great clarity, a long pause was often needed to differentiate between words and punctuation. It converts spoken text into electronic text through a microphone. The computer then interprets what is being said and the text appears on the screen as if it is being typed.

Software that converts text to speech, called speech synthesis. Works in a similar way to voice recognition only in reverse. The user types in text and the computer responds. The famous physicist Stephan Hawkins uses a rod like tool to tap out his text and the computer then speaks for him. A type of artificial intelligence also used in automated telephone services.

Exercises for the brain. Software has been developed to proved exercise for the brain and boost cognitive performance. Allowing users to communicate through input where speaking or gesturing has not been possible. Very valuable tools for disabled users.

Hostile Environments Robots with remote control devices are particularly useful and life saving in situations too dangerous for humans. Locating landmines / landing a rocket on Mars to take samples. Remote control is necessary as it allows the user to be a considerable distance away and therefore danger free.

Complexity Fly by wire systems are used in aircraft to replace human actions Virtual reality systems used to train pilots, astronauts, and racing drivers provide opportunities to learn from life threatening activities without risking human life \ Cost effective. Heads Up Display-worn on the head like glasses – physical movements to interact with the game / golf / tennis