IGCSEComputer ScienceCIERevision Notes6. Automated and emerging technologies6.1 Automated SystemsAutomated Systems

Automated Systems (CIE IGCSE Computer Science)

Revision Note

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Becci Peters

Expertise

Computer Science

Automated Systems

  • Automated systems use sensors, a microprocessor and actuators
    • Sensors detect changes in the environment and convert them into electrical signals that can be processed by a microprocessor
    • Microprocessors analyse the signals from the sensors and make decisions based on pre-programmed logic
    • Actuators receive signals from the microprocessor and perform actions such as opening a valve or turning on a motor
  • By combining sensors, microprocessors, and actuators, automated systems can be created that respond to changes in the environment without human intervention

Here are some scenarios where automated systems are used


Scenario


Advantages


Disadvantages

Industry

  • Reduced labour costs
  • Improved efficiency and accuracy
  • Increased production rate

  • High initial investment
  • Limited flexibility to changes in production processes
  • Maintenance costs can be high

Transport

  • Improved safety and reliability
  • Reduced labour costs
  • Improved fuel efficiency

  • High initial investment
  • May not be suitable for all types of transportation
  • Maintenance costs can be high

Agriculture

  • Increased efficiency in planting and harvesting crops
  • Improved crop yield and quality
  • Reduced labour costs

  • High initial investment
  • May not be suitable for all types of crops or terrain
  • Maintenance costs can be high

Weather

  • Improved accuracy in weather prediction
  • Ability to issue warnings in a timely manner
  • Ability to collect large amounts of data quickly

  • May be affected by external factors like interference or equipment failure
  • May not be 100% accurate all the time
  • May require continuous monitoring and calibration

Gaming

  • Improved speed and efficiency in game development
  • Ability to create complex and interactive games
  • Reduced labour costs

  • May not be suitable for all types of games or game development
  • May require significant programming expertise
  • May be affected by technical glitches or bugs

Lighting

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Ability to program lighting to suit different needs
  • Reduced labour costs

  • High initial investment
  • May not be suitable for all types of lighting needs
  • Maintenance costs can be high

Science

  • Improved speed and accuracy in data collection and analysis
  • Ability to carry out complex experiments
  • Reduced labour costs

  • High initial investment
  • May not be suitable for all types of experiments
  • May require significant technical expertise

Worked example

A theme park has a game where a player tries to run from the start to the finish without getting wet. The system for the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to spray water at a player as they run past each sensor. Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used in this system

[8]

  • A motion sensor collects analogue data [1]
  • This data is converted to digital using ADC [1]
  • The sensor sends data to the microprocessor [1]
  • where the data is compared to stored data [1]
  • If the value is outside range water will be sprayed [1]
  • A signal is sent to the actuator to spray water [1]
  • If the value is within range no action is taken [1]
  • This runs in a continuous loop [1]

Exam Tip

  • The way marks are awarded on these questions is very similar. Make sure you relate your answer specifically to the scenario in the question

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    Becci Peters

    Author: Becci Peters

    Becci has been a passionate Computing teacher for over 9 years, teaching Computing across the UK helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels. Working as a Head of Department and then as an educational consultant, Becci has advised schools in England, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Computing teaching for all. Becci is also a senior examiner for multiple exam boards covering GCSE & A-level. She has worked as a lecturer at a university, lecturing trainee teachers for Computing.