Discovering Computers

Chapter 7: Input and Output

Computers process data (input) into information (output).

Besides the obvious input (keyboards, mouse, touch sreen, etc.) and obvious output (printer, monitor, audio, etc.), below are some amazing technologies that take input and output to new levels.

Meet Milo

Back in 2009, the Milo game was introduced to the world. It was powered by technology that allowed a human to naturally intereact with the animated character named Milo. The game was to be titled Milo and Kate. In the game, players would interact with a 10-year-old child (Milo or Millie, selected at the start) and a dog named Kate, playing through a story. This video is a demonstration of the technology. Notice the sensor (input), at the top of the display. Shortly before it's release, the gaming project was cancelled. The reasons since have been vague. The creator, Peter Molyneux (worked at a company called Lionhead; Microsoft is the parent company), was quoted as saying the world was just not ready for it. Some feel it was too great of a marketing challenge (who would be the audience and how would it be received).

 

Meet Asimo; a robot controlled by the power of thought alone

Honda, Japan's number 2 automaker, is working on technology that can control robots by thought alone. A "brain-machine interface" is used as the input device.

Learn more from Business Week and C|net and The Guardian.

Asimo technology has advanced further, see what he can do now on a recent visit to the US.

 

Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere allows input via a text message. The output may be displayed in real-time in a graph.

 

QR codeScanable QR Code

QR code (quick response) is mentioned on page 305. You can download a free QR code reader for your device. Search "bar code reader" or "qr code reader" at the App Store, Google Play, Amazon, Windows Store, etc. Did you know you can easily create your own code for personal, business, Facebook, or events at no cost? See example QR Code next to this paragraph that contains my contact information. Below are a few sites where you can create your own at no cost:.