Unit 14 the graphical user interface
Text 1 GUIs
The term user interface refers to the standard procedures the user follows to interact with a particular computer. A few years ago, the way in which users had access to a computer system was quite complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the content of a disk, to copy files or to respond to a single prompt. In fact, only experts used computers, so there was no need for a user-friendly interface. Now, however, computers are used by all kinds of people and as a result there is a growing emphasis on the user interface.
A good user interface is important because when you buy a program you want to use it easily. Moreover, a graphical user interface saves a lot of time: you don't need to memorize commands in order to execute an application; you only have to point and click so that its content appears on the screen.
Macintosh computers - with a user interface based on graphics and intuitive tools - were designed with a single clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. Their interface is called WIMP: Window, Icon, Menu (or Mouse) and Pointer and software products for the Macintosh have been designed to take full advantage of its features using this interface. In addition, the ROM chips of a Macintosh contain libraries that provide program developers with routines for generating windows, dialog boxes, icons and pop-up menus. This ensures the creation of applications with a high level of consistency.
Today, the most innovative GUIs are the Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2 Warp. These three platforms include similar features: a desktop with icons, windows and folders, a printer selector, a file finder, a control panel and various desk accessories. Double-clicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents or further nested folders. At any time within a folder, you can launch the desired program or document by double-clicking the icon, от you can drag it to another location.
The three platforms differ in other areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application programs.
These interfaces have been so successful because they are extremely easy to use. It is well known that computers running under an attractive interface stimulate users to be more creative and produce high quality results, which has a major impact on the general public.
Text 2 A Virtual Interface
The most common user interface today is a graphical user interface or GUI. Typically, it includes menus, windows, icons, buttons and a mouse as pointing device. But with the development of virtual reality (VR) techniques, a different type of interface has emerged: a virtual interface. VR uses 3-D graphics and computer simulation to generate an imaginary world in which the user can move.
In a virtual interface, you put on a head-mounted display (HMD) to see the pictures which make you feel as if you are in a 3-D world. Most HMDs have two displays and provide stereoscopic vision.
You also use sophisticated controlling devices such as 3-D joysticks, gloves, special suits and motion detectors. A virtual mouse, trackball or joystick is used to move around the place you are exploring. A data glove (or VR glove) has some pressure pads and sensors on the fingers which make you feel as if you are picking up objects and touching things. Full body suits with position and bend sensors are used for capturing motion. Motion detectors allow the machine to sense when and how you move.
VR systems are already being used in fields like video games, architectural designs and virtual exhibitions. Other VR applications allow participants to view reality from an advantageous position; for example, simulators and telepresence systems. Scientists reproduce a particular condition or situation by using a computer program to reproduce it. Pilots use flight simulators to do their training. A telepresence system connects remote sensors in the real world with the senses of a person; for instance, doctors use tiny cameras and instruments on cables to do complicated surgery; scientists use remotely operated robots to work in dangerous conditions, to explore volcanic activity, the ocean depths, or outer space.
to interact (with) - взаимодействовать, влиять друг на друга complex - сложный, запутанный to memorize - запоминать to respond (to) - отвечать, реагировать prompt - подсказка user-friendly interface - удобный для пользователя [дружественный] интерфейс in order to - для того, чтобы to execute - выполнять, исполнять to point - показывать, указывать to appear - показываться; появляться aim - намерение, цель to facilitate - облегчать; содействовать; способствовать interaction - взаимодействие to contain - содержать routine - подпрограмма to generate - создавать, образовывать, генерировать pop-up menu - всплывающее меню to ensure - гарантировать, обеспечивать consistency - последовательность, согласованность, совместимость to include - включать в себя nested - вложенный |
to drag - перетаскивать pointing device - указывающее устройство virtual reality - виртуальная реальность to emerge - появляться computer simulation - компьютерное моделирование imaginary - воображаемый, нереальный Head Mounted Display - шлем-дисплей stereoscopic vision - стереоскопическое зрение gloves - перчатки motion detector - детектор движения trackball - шаровой манипулятор, трекбол, трекбол-мышь to explore - исследовать, изучать data glove - управляющая перчатка pressure pad - нажимная подушка sensor - датчик, чувствительный элемент simulator - имитатор, симулятор, тренажер telepresence system - система дистанционного восприятия из рабочей зоны remotely operated robot - дистанционно управляемый робот outer space - космическое пространство to launch - запускать |