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Salford City College Eccles Sixth Form Centre BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies Brief 1_Task 2 Name: Nathan Mather. Researched Definition (include URL link) Explanation in your own words Imagery Why is this important to hardware technologies for game platforms? Human Compute r Interfa ce human-computer interface (HCI) The means of communication between a human user and a computer system, referring in particular to the use of input/output devices with supporting software. Devices of increasing sophistication are becoming available to mediate the human-computer interaction. These include graphics devices, touch- sensitive devices, and voice-input devices. They have to be configured in a way that will facilitate an efficient and desirable interaction between a person and the computer. Artificial intelligence techniques of knowledge representation may be used to model the user of a computer system, and so offer the opportunity to give personalized advice on its use. The design of the machine interface may incorporate expert- system techniques to offer powerful knowledge-based computing to the user. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/ 1O11-humancomputerinterface.html Human computer interface put simply is the interaction of a human to an electronic device like a computer of a touch screen phone. http://cervologix.com/ wp-content/uploads/ 2014/05/human-computer- interaction.png This is highly important as it allows users to physically play the game on the given platform. I also allows for the many different methods of interaction to gaming products. Things like the Nintendo Ds and the Xbox one allow users to play differently.

Hardware technology hardware table

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Page 1: Hardware technology hardware table

Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

Name: Nathan Mather.

Researched Definition (include URL link)

Explanation in your own words

Imagery Why is this important to hardware technologies for game platforms?

Human Computer Interface

human-computer interface (HCI) The means of communication between a human user and a computer system, referring in particular to the use of

input/output devices with supporting software. Devices of increasing

sophistication are becoming available to mediate the human-computer interaction.

These include graphics devices, touch-sensitive devices, and voice-input

devices. They have to be configured in a way that will facilitate an efficient and desirable interaction between a person

and the computer. Artificial intelligence techniques of knowledge

representation may be used to model the user of a computer system, and so offer

the opportunity to give personalized advice on its use. The design of the machine interface may incorporate expert-system techniques to offer

powerful knowledge-based computing to the user.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-humancomputerinterface.html

Human computer interface put simply is the interaction of a human to an electronic device like a computer of a touch screen phone.

http://cervologix.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/human-computer-interaction.png

This is highly important as it allows users to physically play the game on the given platform. I also allows for the many different methods of interaction to gaming products. Things like the Nintendo Ds and the Xbox one allow users to play differently.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.

The CPU is the main component in any computer as it provides a HUB for the rest of the computer components.

http://grephaxs.com/wp-

This is important as it allows the rest of any gaming medium to function, allowing the device to play the games for the users.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CPU.html content/uploads/2015/07/

cpu.jpg

Graphic Processors

A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is used primarily for 3-D applications. It is a single-chip processor that creates lighting effects and transforms objects every time a 3D scene is redrawn. These are mathematically-intensive tasks, which otherwise, would put quite a strain on the CPU. Lifting this burden from the CPU frees up cycles that can be used for other jobs.http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/GPU.html

The graphics processors render different lighting and transforms objects to relieve stress from the rest of the computer which allows it to maintain speed.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/GPU_NVidia_NV40_6800GT_AGP.jpg

Graphics processors allow computers and consoles to render in 3D spaces without the device being slowed down too dramatically allowing for a better way to play.

Memory (RAM)

Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. RAM is usually associated with DRAM, which is a type of memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like it is on a CD orhard drive, the computer can access the data much faster. However, unlike ROM or the hard drive, RAM is a volatile memory and requires power to keep the data accessible; if power is lost all data contained in memory lost.http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ram.htm

Memory (RAM) allows users to store vast quantities of information whether it’s a document of an image to the computer, the amount if information that can be stored varies depending on how much memory the computer can use.

http://www.laptopinventory.com/uploads/parts/original/5468_Gateway_NV_SERIES_RAM-Memory_1.JPG

Memory allows any gaming media to store information for any game. For example, a game can be downloaded from a market place and stored on the computer as well as any game saves screenshots and DLC.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

Display A display is a computer output surface and projecting mechanism that shows text and often graphic images to the computer user, using a cathode ray tube ( CRT ), liquid crystal display (LCD ), light-emitting diode, gas plasma, or other image projection technology. The display is usually considered to include the screen or projection surface and the device that produces the information on the screen. In some computers, the display is packaged in a separate unit called a monitor . In other computers, the display is integrated into a unit with the processor and other parts of the computer. (Some sources make the distinction that the monitor includes other signal-handling devices that feed and control the display or projection device. However, this distinction disappears when all these parts become integrated into a total unit, as in the case of notebook computers.) Displays (and monitors) are also sometimes called video display terminals (VDTs) . The terms display and monitorare often used interchangably.http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/display

Display is simply anything that allows the user to perceive information, this is anything that would class as a screen or multiple screens which allows the user to have even more display capabilities.

http://www.fujitsu.com/sg/Images/x-line-display-3-views-580x224_tcm115-301767.png

Display lets players physically see the game they are doing on their computers or consoles. It also allows for the game companies to create vast worlds of colour and detail for players to enjoy at their leasure.

Sound Audio is sound within the acoustic range available to humans. An audio frequency (AF) is an electrical alternating current within the 20 to 20,000 hertz (cycles per second) range that can be used to produce acoustic sound. In computers, audio is the sound system that comes with or can be added to a computer. An audio card contains a special built-in processor and memory for processing audio files and sending them to speakers in the computer. An audio file is a record of captured sound that can be played back. Sound is a sequence of naturally analog signals that are converted to digital signals by the audio card, using a microchip called an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). When sound is played, the digital signals are sent to the speakers where they are converted back to analog signals that generate

Application of sound allows any user to perceive the sounds which would be used for any application which would require it. It amplifies the effectiveness of certain medias such as video games.

http://www.logitech.com/assets/20147/20147.png

With the application of sound player can become more immersed in the world which they are playing in. It also allows them to have an understanding of the environments and events which are happening.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

varied sound.http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/audio

Game Storage Medium

In computers, a storage medium is any technology (including devices and materials) used to place, keep, and retrieve data. A medium is an element used in communicating a message; on a storage medium, the "messages" - in the form of data - are suspended for use when needed. The plural form of this term is storage media. Although the term storage includes both primary storage (memory), a storage medium usually means a place to hold secondary storage such as that on a hard disk or tape.http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-medium

Game storage medium is any device which allows saved data to be transferred between devices. This ranges from floppy disks; CDs and USB drives. It allows the computer to operate smoothly and have more memory (RAM) available for later use.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01739/dvds_1739548c.jpg

Game storage medium is highly useful as it allows players to transfer any data from one computer or console to another. With these devices they are able to move their game saves; screenshots e.t.c to any other computer/ device for if they are on the go or simply need to create space without losing all of their progression.

Interface Devices

An interface device (IDF) is a hardware component or system of components that allows a human being to interact with a computer, a telephone system, or other electronic information system. The term is often encountered in the mobile communication industry where designers are challenged to build the proper combination of portability, capability, and ease of use into the interface device. The overall set of characteristics provided by an interface device is often referred to as the user interface (and, for computers - at least, in more academic discussions - the human-computer interface or HCI ). Today's desktop and notebook computers have what has come to be called a graphical user interface ( GUI ) to distinguish it from earlier, more limited interfaces such as the

Interface devises are components that allow any user to interact with a computer system. Commonly a keyboard and a mouse are used. These two components allow the complete interaction with any computer. Until touch screen was devised these two components were necessary for the vast majority of computers to be used.

http://blog.wolfram.com/images/lou/gamepad.gif

Interface devices like keyboard and mouse or controllers allow players to interact and control sections of the world, which they play in. It also allows players to easily control the character in games with many different movements and mechanics being

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

command line interface ( CLI).

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/interface-device-IDF

integrated.

Connectivity

Computers. the ability to link to and communicate with other computer systems, electronic devices, software,  or the Internet:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/connectivity

Connectivity is more or less what it says. It’s the interaction between multiple users on multiple devices or a single device. The internet is the main component in this in the modern time as it allows for social media and also multiplayer gaming to take hold. http://www.totalteam.co.nz/

packages/totalteam/website/img/3T/Connectivity.png

With the use of the internet player are able to play games online together from their homes without having to use multiple controllers on a single console. It also allows players to socially interact with many different players playing the same game as they are.

Power Supply

A power supply is a hardware component that supplies power to an electrical device. It receives power from an electrical outlet and converts the current from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current), which is what the computer requires. It also regulates the voltage to an adequate amount, which allows the computer to run smoothly without overheating. The power supply an integral part of any computer and must function correctly for the rest of the components to work.

A power supply is a computer component which provides power to the main computer system. These come with a transformers which lowers or raises the amount of power which is supplied to the device to avoid either overloading the system or simply not providing enough power to it.

http://core0.staticworld.net/images/article/2013/01/standard-psu-100021930-gallery.jpg

A power supply is vital to all players as without it there would be nothing to power the computer or console, and thus wouldn’t be able to play any games on their given medium.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 20: Computer Game Platforms and TechnologiesBrief 1_Task 2

http://techterms.com/definition/powersupply