Chapter 3
Interacting with Computer
Instructor
Abu Naser Mohammad Saif
Lecturer
Department of Management Information Systems
Faculty of Business Studies
University of Dhaka
The Keyboard
Keyboard is the most
common input device.
One must be proficient with
keyboard
The skill is called
keyboarding
The Keyboard
How keyboard works
Keyboard controller detects a key press
Controller sends a code to the CPU
Code represents the key pressed
Controller notifies the operating system
Operating system responds
Controller repeats the letter if held
The Mouse
All modern computers have a variant
Allows users to select objects
Pointer moved by the mouse
Mechanical mouse
Rubber ball determines direction and
speed
The ball often requires cleaning
The Mouse
Optical mouse
Light shown onto mouse pad
Reflection determines speed
and direction
Requires little maintenance
The Mouse
Benefits
Pointer positioning is fast
Menu interaction is easy
Users can draw electronically
Variants of the Mouse
Trackballs
Upside down mouse
Hand rests on the ball
User moves the ball
Uses little desk space
Variants of the Mouse
Track pads
Stationary pointing
device
Small plastic rectangle
Finger moves across the
pad
Popular on laptops
Ergonomics and Input Devices
Ergonomics
Study of human and tool
interaction
Concerned with physical
interaction
Attempts to improve safety and
comfort
Ergonomics and Input Devices
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Caused by continuous misuse of the body
Many professions suffer from RSI
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist
Holds nerves and tendons
Prolonged keyboarding swells tendons
Ergonomics and Input Devices
Office hardware suggestions
Office chairs should have
Adjustable armrests and height
Armrests
Lower back support
Desks should have
Have a keyboard tray
Keep hands at keyboard height
Place the monitor at eye level
Ergonomics and Input Devices
Techniques to avoid RSI
Sit up straight
Have a padded wrist support
Keep your arms straight
Keyboard properly
Take frequent breaks
Devices for the Hand
Pen based input
Tablet PCs, PDA
Pen used to
write data
Pen used as
a pointer
Handwriting recognition
On screen keyboard
Devices for the hand
Touch screens
Sensors determine
where finger points
Sensors create an X,Y
coordinate
Usually presents a menu
to users
Found in cramped or
dirty environments
Devices for the hand
Game controllers
Enhances gaming experience
Provide custom input to the game
Modern controllers offer feedback
Joystick
Game pad
Optical Input Devices
Allows the computer to see input
Bar code readers
Converts bar codes to numbers
Computer find number in a database
Works by reflecting light
Amount of reflected light indicates number
Optical Input Devices
Image scanners
Converts printed media into
electronic
Reflects light off of the image
Sensors read the intensity
Filters determine color depths
Optical input devices
Optical character recognition (OCR)
Converts scanned text into editable text
Each letter is scanned
Letters are compared to known letters
Best match is entered into document
Rarely 100% accurate
Audiovisual Input Devices
Microphone
Used to record speech
Speech recognition
Understands human speech
Allows dictation or control of computer
Matches spoken sound to known
phonemes
Enters best match into document
Audiovisual Input Devices
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
Connects musical instruments to computer
Digital recording or playback of music
Musicians can produce professional results
Audio-visual Input Devices
Digital camera
Captures images electronically
No film is needed
Image is stored as a JPG file
Memory cards store the images
Used in a variety of professions
