Human interaction with a computer is the most important link in the process of solving applied problems of a different nature. So what is an interface?
An interface is a complex of physical and logical forms of interaction between the individual components of the hardware included in the operating system. In other words, this is a set of certain algorithms and conventions for the exchange of information between components (logical type of interface), as well as the combination of mechanical, physical and functional characteristics with which the interaction is realized (physical type of interface).
Also, this term is often referred to as software and hardware that form the connection of devices with aircraft nodes. The distribution of the interface falls on all physical and logical means by which the computing system interacts with the external environment, for example, with the operating system, the user, etc.
Having considered what an interface is, it should highlight its types with their inherent features. So, the interfaces differ in the structure of connections, the connection method and the method of data transfer, the principles of control and synchronization.
Interface Types
The machine interface is a communication system and means for connecting blocks and computer nodes with each other. In fact, it combines the electric communication lines (wires), the interface circuit with the components of the computer, as well as the protocols (algorithms) of signal transmission. The machine interface, in turn, is divided into single-connected and multi-connected. In the first case, the connection of all PC blocks with each other is carried out using local wires, and in the second - using a common or system bus.
An external interface is a computer communication system with peripheral devices or with other computers. They are also divided into several types: peripheral device interface and network interface. The first is connected using I / O buses, and the second is connected within a peer-to-peer network or a client-server network.
Human Machine Interface In another way it is called custom. What is a human-computer interface? This is the way in which a task is performed, that is, the actions that you perform and what results from it. Such an interface is primarily aimed at a person, that is, it meets his needs and takes into account weaknesses.
Since the user interface is most interesting to humans, it is also classified into several subspecies: command, SILK and WIMP.
At the command interface, the interaction of a person with a PC is carried out by submitting to a computer (electronic computer) certain commands that it executes in order to give the user the desired result. It can be based on batch technology or command line technology.
The serial interface provides the transmission of information (a sequence of bits) on one line.
What is the SILK interface? This is the kind of user interface that is closest to normal human communication, that is, to normal conversation. So, a computer analyzes a person’s speech and finds the necessary key phrases in it, on the basis of which it executes certain commands, giving the person a result also in a form understandable to him. This type of interface is associated with significant financial costs, therefore it is used at this stage only for military purposes.
A characteristic feature of the WIMP interface is that the dialogue between the user and the computer is carried out using windows, a cursor, graphic images, and other elements. It includes the standard interface of the Windows family of OS.