Applications and uses of Automated Systems

Sensors commonly used in various systems and a brief description of what they do

1. Temperature Sensor: Measures temperature and is used for monitoring and controlling temperature
in systems like tobacco curing, bakery, manufacturing plants and green houses.

2. Pressure Sensor: Measures pressure and is used in various applications such as monitoring fluid or
gas pressure.

3. Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or absence of an object without physical contact and is used
for object detection and proximity sensing.

4. Motion Sensor: Detects movement or motion and is used in security systems, automatic lighting,
and occupancy detection.

5. Light Sensor: Measures the intensity of light and is used for automatic brightness control, ambient
light sensing, and light detection.

6. Humidity Sensor: Measures the moisture content or humidity in the air and is used in weather
stations, HVAC systems, and agriculture.

7. Accelerometer: Measures acceleration and is used in motion detection, tilt sensing, and vibration
monitoring.
8. Gyroscope: Measures angular velocity and is used in navigation systems, robotics, and virtual
reality applications.

9. Magnetometer: Measures magnetic field strength and is used in compasses, navigation systems, and
metal detection.

10. pH Sensor: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is used in water quality monitoring,
chemical analysis, and agriculture.

11. Gas Sensor: Detects the presence and concentration of specific gases in the environment and is
used in gas leakage detection, air quality monitoring, and industrial safety.

12. Smoke Sensor: Detects smoke particles in the air and is commonly used in fire alarm systems and
smoke detectors.

13. Sound Sensor: Detects sound waves or noise levels and is used in audio recording, noise
monitoring, and voice recognition systems.

14. Proximity Capacitive Sensor: Detects changes in capacitance caused by the presence or proximity
of an object and is used for touch-sensitive interfaces and proximity detection.

15. Color Sensor: Measures the color of an object and is used in color detection, color sorting, and
color calibration applications.

16. Lidar Sensor: Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors use laser beams to measure distances
and create detailed 3D maps of the surrounding environment. They emit laser pulses and measure the
time it takes for the pulses to bounce back after hitting objects. Lidar sensors are commonly used in
autonomous vehicles, robotics, mapping, and remote sensing applications.

17. Ultrasonic Sensor: Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves with frequencies above the range of
human hearing to detect objects and measure distances. They emit ultrasonic waves and measure the
time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting objects. Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used
for proximity sensing, object detection, and distance measurement in applications such as parking
assistance systems, robotics, ocean depth detection, speed traps, and industrial automation.

Both Lidar and Ultrasonic sensors are used for distance measurement, but they differ in their
operating principles and capabilities. Lidar provides more accurate and detailed 3D mapping
capabilities, making it suitable for applications that require precise spatial information. Ultrasonic
sensors, on the other hand, are cost-effective(cheap) and can work well in environments with obstacles
or poor lighting conditions. They are often used for proximity detection and object avoidance in various
applications.

18. Radar: Radar sensors emit radio waves and measure the time it takes for the waves to bounce
back after hitting objects. By analyzing the reflected waves, radar sensors can determine the distance,
speed, and direction of objects.
Radar is commonly used in applications such as aviation, ocean monitoring, weather monitoring, traffic
management, and autonomous driving systems.
Sample question 1
Describe how sensors, cameras, actuators and a computer system can be used to control
entry to and exit from the car park. Your answer should include how a car number
plate meets the criteria for entry and any other security or safety aspects.

Sample solution 1
To control the entry and exit of vehicles in a car park, we can use sensors, cameras, actuators, and a
computer system that work together. Here's how they can work:

Sensors: Sensors are placed at the entrance and exit points of the car park to detect when vehicles enter
or leave. These sensors use technologies like infrared, ultrasonic, or magnetic detection to know when a
vehicle arrives or departs.

Cameras: Cameras are strategically positioned in the car park to capture images or videos of vehicles
coming in or going out. These cameras help with security, monitoring, and recognizing license plates.

License Plate Recognition (LPR): The computer system can use special software with the cameras to
read license plates. It can analyze the images or video frames to identify the numbers and letters on the
license plates.

Computer System: The computer system is like the brain of the whole setup. It receives and processes
information from the sensors and cameras. It uses the license plate recognition system to read and
validate the vehicle's number plate.

Actuators: Actuators are devices that can perform physical actions based on instructions. In this case,
actuators control barriers, gates, or bollards that regulate vehicle entry and exit. The computer system
can send signals to the actuators to open or close the barriers as needed.

Entry Criteria: The car park management system can be programmed to check each incoming
vehicle's number plate against a database of allowed vehicles. If the number plate matches an entry in
the database, the computer system tells the actuators to open the barrier, allowing the vehicle to enter. If
there's no match, the barrier remains closed, and unauthorized vehicles are not allowed in.

Security and Safety: The combination of cameras and license plate recognition technology improves
security and safety in the car park. The system can monitor and record vehicles entering and leaving,
making it easier to identify them in case of security issues. Additionally, the license plate recognition
system can alert the car park management or security personnel if it detects a vehicle associated with
security concerns or one that has been reported stolen.
Sample question 2

Describe how embedded systems in a car prevent the driver exceeding a set speed and
also prevent the car getting too close to the vehicle in front of it. Include the role of the
microprocessor and any named sensors in your answer.

Sample solution 2

Microprocessor: The microprocessor is like the brain of the system. It processes data, follows rules,
and controls different parts of the system. It takes input from sensors, makes decisions, and takes
actions to control speed and distance.

Speed Sensors: Speed sensors measure how fast the car is going. They provide information to the
microprocessor in real-time. The microprocessor keeps track of the car's speed using this data.

Speed Limit Database: The system has a database with speed limits for different roads. The
microprocessor compares the car's current speed with the speed limit for the road it's on. If the car is
going too fast, the microprocessor gives a warning or takes steps to slow the car down.

Speed Limiter: The system can also have a speed limiter feature. The driver sets a maximum speed,
and the microprocessor makes sure the car doesn't go faster than that. If the driver tries to speed up
beyond the set limit, the microprocessor controls the fuel supply or adjusts the throttle to keep the car at
or below the maximum speed.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): The system can include Adaptive Cruise Control to maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front. ACC uses sensors to measure the distance between the cars. The
microprocessor adjusts the car's speed automatically to keep a safe distance.

Distance, Ultrasonic Sensors or Lidar sensors: Distance sensors measure how far the car is from the
vehicle ahead. They work by sending out signals and calculating the time it takes for the signals to
come back after hitting the other car. The microprocessor uses this information to figure out the
distance between the cars.

Collision Warning : If the distance between the cars becomes too small, the system can warn the
driver about a possible collision. In some advanced systems, the microprocessor can even apply the
brakes or adjust the throttle to slow down the car and avoid a crash.

By using the microprocessor, speed sensors, speed limit databases, distance sensors, and adaptive
cruise control, embedded systems in cars help control speed and maintain a safe distance. These
systems improve driver safety, prevent accidents, and contribute to overall road safety.
Sample question 3
Manufacture of a new vaccine which requires the mixing of four liquids in the ratio 1:2:3:4 as a single
batch. The four liquids must be totally mixed and the temperature must be maintained at 35°C, which
is critical to the process. When fully mixed, the solution turns an even yellow color.

Sample solution 3

To manufacture a new vaccine, the following simplified steps can be taken to ensure proper mixing and
temperature control:

Equipment Selection: Choose a suitable mixing container with a microprocessor controlled agitator
for thorough mixing.

Liquid Measurement: Use level sensor or flow sensors to accurately measure the quantities of the
liquids according to the specified ratio.

Temperature Control: Use temperature sensor combined with heating system to maintain the
required temperature, when microprocessor receives temperature above 35 degrees, it will send signal
to switch off the heating system.

Color Monitoring: Check the color change during mixing using a color sensor to ensure it matches
the desired color. Microprocessor sends a signal to stop the agitator if yellow is achieved.

Sample question 4
Name suitable sensors for each of the following automated systems. Describe the function of
your named sensor in each case. A train uses automatic twin doors. Both doors open automatically
when the train stops. Both doors close again when no-one is still boarding or leaving the train. The
doors have a safety mechanism so that a passenger cannot become trapped between the two closing
doors. The train can only move off when every door on the train has been safely closed

Solution

Proximity Sensors: These sensors detect passengers approaching or standing near the doors and signal
the door control system to keep the doors open or prevent them from closing.

Door Position Sensors: These sensors determine whether the doors are fully open, partially open, or
closed, enabling the door control system to operate accordingly.

Safety Edge Sensors: These pressure-sensitive sensors detect obstructions or resistance when the
doors are closing and trigger the doors to immediately reopen, ensuring passenger safety.

Door Interlock Sensors: These sensors verify that all doors are closed properly before the train can
start moving, ensuring safe operation.
Door Status Indicators: These indicators provide visual or audio feedback about the status of the
doors, helping passengers and train operators know whether the doors are opening, closing, or closed.

Sample question 5

Name suitable sensors for the following automated systems. Describe the function of
your named sensors. A lighting display has been set up in one room of an art gallery
(as part of the exhibition). A random sequence of different coloured LED lights is under microprocessor
control. The display only switches on when visitors walk into the room; at the same time, the room
lights are dimmed to give the lighting display its most dramatic effect.

Sample solution 5

For the automated lighting display in the art gallery, the following sensors can be used:

Motion Sensors: Motion sensors, such as passive infrared (PIR) can be employed to detect the
presence of visitors walking into the room. When a visitor enters the room, the motion sensor detects
the motion and sends a signal to the microprocessor, triggering the lighting display to switch on.

Light Sensors: Light sensors, specifically ambient light sensors, can be utilized to measure the ambient
light level in the room. These sensors detect the amount of light present and provide feedback to the
microprocessor. The microprocessor can use this information to determine if the room lights need to
be dimmed further to enhance the dramatic effect in the gallery.

Color Sensors: Color sensors can be employed to detect the color of the lights in the display. provide
feedback to the microprocessor, allowing it to identify the current color being displayed. The
microprocessor can use this information to sequence the lights in a random sequence of different
colors, creating an engaging display.

Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors, such as ultrasonic or infrared sensors, can be used to detect the
distance between the visitors and the lighting display. They provide feedback to the microprocessor
about the proximity of the visitors to the display. The microprocessor can use this information to adjust
the intensity or behavior of the lighting display based on the visitors' distance, creating an interactive
experience.