Human-Machine Interaction
Human-computer interaction is a study in the science of the development and the application of computer technology that focuses on the human-computer interface, also known as human-machine interaction. HCI researchers observe how humans interact with machines and design new technologies that enable humans to interact even more effectively with machines. For example, in present-day society, it is hard to drive somewhere, especially if you do not know whether the place will be safe or not. Driving is therefore a task that involves human interaction.
A typical HMI is an interaction between a human and a machine – often called a human-computer interface (HMI). An HMI is usually measured in terms of how well a machine understands human signals and how well it can process them into something useful or valuable. HMI is therefore a combination of hardware and software, including message handlers, input/output devices, and information processors. A popular piece of hardware that enables human-computer interaction is the Human Machine Interface (HMI). An HMI allows the sharing of information between a human and computing machinery using a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other types of input/output devices.
How Does Human-Computer Interaction Take Place?
There are many methods by which this can occur, including direct human-computer interactions in which one human can directly manipulate another using a mouse, keyboard, or monitor. Electronic machines can also implement human-computer interaction through the use of a pointing device such as a pointing finger or a stylus. These devices may be physically or digitally represented on a monitor, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. In short, any piece of equipment that can be used for input to another can be used as an interface.
However, computer systems don’t always implement human factors in the interface design process. Often, this is because these systems were designed and built using traditional software engineering techniques, without taking into consideration the social and psychological aspects of human beings. This means that even though these systems can be highly efficient and effective, they may still fail to accurately represent human interaction in various situations, perhaps due to the absence of experienced human factors. For instance, a computer may not understand or differentiate the comfort that an individual can get sleeping in a twin bed vs a single bed that is just 15 inches longer than a single bed.
Human-Machine Interface Research
Human-machine interface research is research into the design and the application of computer systems, which specifically focuses on the human interfaces between humans and various computers. HCI researchers observe human interactions with various computer systems and design new technologies that enable humans to interact effectively with complex computers in new ways. With this in mind, they have made significant contributions towards the field of Information Technology (IT) by developing software and hardware that can bridge the human-computation divide. A recent study shows that human input/output system designs that incorporate artificial intelligence may hold the key to augmented human-machine interaction.
One example is a joint venture developed by Motorola and Cisco to build an intelligent glove. The goal of this joint venture was to develop an electronic device that would be able to measure human work processes. The device would include a barcode scanner, a voice recognition engine, and optical recognition camera. The camera would enable the system to capture images and text information, and the barcode scanner would enable the system to read barcodes and perform automatic identification. The work processes could be handwritten or digitized, and all of it would be captured in a single image for storage or distribution.
The Smart Glove
This smart glove was designed to allow workers in a warehouse or other manufacturing setting to easily identify work processes in a streamlined fashion. Each employee would have their barcode scanner, and all of the data would be stored and processed automatically. When a worker required further information about a process, they would just press a button on their glove and be given the command they needed to perform the task. The idea behind this technology is that all of the workers in one factory would be simultaneously engaged in 100 individual work processes at the same time.
This type of system is completely portable, as it only needs to be plugged into a computer or smartphone via a USB connection. This enables the user to either use the device while they are away from the job site, or they can simply leave it in their car or locker at the office. In addition to all of the automatic functions, this human-machine interaction system also offers hands-free options, such as speed reading. Hands-free options have proven to increase learning and retention rates. For this reason, studies have shown that a Hands-Free System reduces the chances of costly motor accidents that involve using a vehicle.
Productivity
To reduce safety, a second reason for the development of this type of system was to improve productivity. Productivity in any workplace can be dramatically increased with the use of human-machine interaction systems. This type of technology allows the operator to easily identify repetitive tasks. They also improve customer service by removing the need to repeat every step when something goes wrong. In the case of the warehouse environment, having an RFID reader on hand can help optimize staffing levels. As more tasks are automated, more of the workload can be done by trained employees without creating additional labor costs. To ensure high productivity it is also important to get enough rest or sleep at the end of the day and to achieve that one must use all high-quality bedding items such as a mattress, bed frame, various pillow sizes, comforter, etc.
Competitiveness
The final advantage to implementing a human-machine interaction system lies in its ability to increase competitiveness around the globe. The global marketplace is growing more competitive due to a lower amount of manufacturing and outsourcing performed by companies within the same region. RFID technology has allowed manufacturers and suppliers to more easily identify their customers and products. When a company chooses to implement a human-machine interaction system, it demonstrates that it is investing in a long-term strategy that will yield significant benefits in profitability and efficiency for years to come.
With the ever-increasing focus on global supply chains, human-machine interaction systems are proving invaluable to companies that are based in different parts of the world. These applications allow companies anywhere in the world to collaborate cost-effectively and efficiently. Companies that rely on regional distributors can utilize a human-machine interaction system to eliminate the need to hire additional out-of-country distributors. A human-machine interaction system can also ensure that your shipment reaches its destination on time. Implementing a human-machine interaction system is a logical investment for any manufacturing or shipping company. In addition to being a very beneficial step in reducing labor costs and increasing customer satisfaction, using a human-machine interaction system will help set your business apart from the rest.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, the use of human-computer interface technology in the context of scientific and technological research can result in breakthroughs not only in terms of accuracy and efficiency but also in terms of human relations and understanding. However, due to the increasing number of failures documented in recent years, the future value of such interfaces remains highly debated. For this reason, the current article recommends the participation of a qualified professional to avoid potential dangers associated with the development of new and potentially complex interfaces.
Larry Alton is a blogger and passionate writer at Managerteams.com. He loves cooking and is fond of traveling.