Hardware Technologies for game platforms - HCI

GAME PLATFORMS(H.C.I)

 JOYSTICK
In computers, a joystick is a cursor control device used in computer games and assistive technology . The joystick, which got its name from the control stick used by a pilot to control the ailerons and elevators of an airplane, is a hand-held lever that pivots on one end and transmits its coordinates to a computer.

It often has supplementary switches to control various aspects of the aircraft's flight. Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. A popular variation of the joystick used on modern video game consoles is the analogy stick.

Reference: https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131956/a_history_of_gaming_platforms_.php

KEYBOARD
A gaming keypad is a small, auxiliary keyboard designed only for gaming. It has a limited number of the original keys from a standard keyboard, and they are arranged in a more ergonomic fashion to facilitate quick and efficient gaming key presses. The commonly used keys for gaming on a computer are the 'W', 'A', 'S', 'D', and the keys close and adjacent to these keys. These keys and style of using a keyboard is referred to as WASD. A gaming keypad will not only optimise the WASD layout, but will often contain extra functionality, such as volume control, the Esc. key, and the F1–F12 keys.

Christopher Latham Sholes (February 14, 1819 – February 17, 1890) was an American inventor who invented the QWERTY keyboard, and along with Frank Haven Hall, Samuel W. Soule, Carlos Glidden and John Pratt, has been contended as one of the inventors of the first typewriter in the United States.
Reference: https://www.razerzone.com/gb-en/gaming-keyboards

MOUSE
A gaming mouse is essentially a desktop mouse with additional functions to make it suited to computer gaming and high intensity programming. These functions often include programmable buttons, higher sensitivity, adjustable weight and faster

WHEEL&PEDALS
A racing wheel is a method of control for use in racing video games, racing simulators, and driving simulators. They are usually packaged with a large paddle styled as a steering wheel, along with a set of pedals for gas, brake, and sometimes clutch actuation, as well as various shifter controls. An analog wheel and pedal set such as this allows the user to accurately manipulate steering angle and pedal control that is required to properly manage a simulated car, as opposed to digital control such as a keyboard.

The pedal goes with the wheel so that ti works together to steer and move at the same time. This gives the player more of a feel of being in an actual car.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_wheel

MOTION SENSING INPUT DEVICE (KINECT, PLAY STATION CAMERA)

Kinect is an add-on device for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming system that enables users to control games, movies and music with physical motion or voice commands and without the need for a separate input controller like a joystick or keyboard.

The PlayStation Camera is a rectangular black device that plugs into the back of the PS4. ... TheCamera actually houses two definition-stereoscopic wide-angle cameras.
t also functions as a Kinect-style device for motion-controlled games, used in conjunction with the light bar on the back of the controller. Further, the Camera lets you command your PS4 with voice and motion controls, with functions such as launching a game or returning to the home screen.MOTION CONTROLLERS (WII REMOTE, PLAY STATION MOVE)

VOICE CONTROLLERS
Speech-generating devices (SGDs), also known as voice output communication aids, are electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate.

HEADSETS (OCULUS RIFT, HTC VIVE)

The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Oculus VR, a division of Facebook Inc., released on March 28, 2016. Oculus initiated a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 to fund the Rift's-development, after being founded as an independent company two months prior.

The HTC Vive is a virtual reality headset developed by HTC and Valve Corporation. The headset uses "room scale" tracking technology, allowing the user to move in 3D space and use motion-tracked handheld controllers to interact with the environment.

The HTC Vive was unveiled during HTC's Mobile World Congress keynote in March 2015. Development kits were sent out in August and September 2015, and the first Consumer version of the device was released on April 5th, 2016.