AUTOMATED AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

AUTOMATED SYSTEM
An automated system is a combination of hardware and software that performs actions without the
need for human interaction. For example in traffic lights, air conditioning systems and washing
machines.

Sensor, microprocessors and actuators work together to create these automated system.
An automated system is an embedded control system. Typically, it is uses a microcontroller running a
single control program, without a separate operating system, performing a single task with a fixed set of
hardware.

Monitoring System
In monitoring systems microprocessor just examine sensors reading and report their results.

Control System
A Control System is a type of computer system that manages, commands and directs other devices or
systems. There are open and closed loop control systems. They usually take an input, process it and get
an output.

A control system consists of Sensors, ADC, Processor, DAC and Actuators.

Sensors
Sensors is an input device which measures a specific physical quantity (input) and send the data to
processor. There are different type of sensors like heat, infra-red, humidity, pressure, acoustic, gas,
barcode etc.

The signals generate by sensors are generally in analogue form and needed to be converted into digital
form so as processor can understand it. ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter) is used to convert these
analogue signals into digital signals.

Processor
The processor compares the reading with pre-set values, if data is outside sends digital signals, which
are converted into analogue signals using DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) so as actuator can act
upon it.
Actuators
Actuators is a hardware device that receives a signal from a computer and adjusts the setting of a
controlling device. It is responsible for powering and moving a motor in machinery. Such as a robot arm
in a factory.

Sensor ADC Processor DAC Actuators

Analogue Digital Digital Analogue

Advantages Of Automated System

 Much faster than a human operator to take an action.
 Much safer (it keeps humans away from a dangerous environment).
 The process more likely to run under optimum conditions since any small changes needed can
be identified very quickly and action taken.
 It is cost effective, in long run as it replaces workforce.
 Higher productivity.
 More consistent.

Disadvantages Of An Automated System

 Expensive to set up
 Subject to cyberattacks
 Maintenance may be expensive
 A condition may occur that was not consider during development stage.
Example 1: A Nuclear Power Station
A key use of automated systems is in the control and monitoring of a nuclear power station. This is a
good example, since automation gives increased safety both in the process itself and to the workforce.
At the centre of the system is a distributed control system (DCS). DCS is essentially a powerful computer
that has been programmed to monitor and control the whole process with no human interaction
required:

Data from a number of sensors is sent to a DCS (computer) – if the data is analogue, it must first be
converted into digital format using an ADC. The DCS will have access to a large database containing
operational data and parameters. If any action needs to be taken, then signals will be sent to the
appropriate actuators to operate pumps, valves or even an emergency shutdown system. The key here
is that the system is fully automated. A human operator (the supervisor) will sit in a remote control
room where a schematic of the process will show on a large screen. While the process is fully automatic,
the supervisor can still override the DCS and shut down the process.
Example 2: Manufacture Of Paracetamol

This automated system also depends on sensors, a computer, actuators and software. Process 1 is the
manufacture of the paracetamol. Process 2 is the making of the solid tablets. Both processes are
monitored by a number of sensors that send their data back to a central computer. The computer
consults its database to ensure both processes are operating within correct parameters. Any necessary
action is taken by the computer, sending signals to the appropriate actuator to operate pumps, valves,
heaters, stirrers or pistons to ensure both processes can operate without any human intervention.
Again, this system uses a remote monitoring station manned by an operator. The system is fully
automated, but the operator can override the central computer system if necessary.

Example 3: Self-Parking Cars

The driver goes along the row of parked cars. On-board sensors and cameras gauge the size of any
parking spaces, and the on-board computer warns the driver if a suitable space has been found. The
driver then selects auto-parking and the on-board computer takes over. Actuators are used to operate
the steering rack, brakes and throttle under the full control of the computer. This allows the car in Figure
6.4 to go from Step 1 to Step 2 automatically and complete the parking manoeuvre with no driver
intervention.
Sensors in the bumpers of the car are both transmitters and receivers. The sensors transmit signals that
bounce off objects and are reflected back. The car’s on-board computer uses the amount of time it takes
for the signal to return to the sensor to calculate the position of any objects. The sensors give the
computer a 3D image of its surroundings. This allows the car to fit into its parking space automatically
with no driver intervention. (Note: cheaper and older self-parking systems are not fully automatic; they
require the driver to operate the brakes and throttle manually and only control the steering.)

Example 4: Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control makes use of sensors, an on-board computer and actuators to allow a car to
remain a safe distance from another vehicle.
The driver will set a cruising speed (for example, 100kph) on his touch screen in the car. Lasers (set into
the bumpers of the car) are used to send out signals constantly. The lasers bounce off the vehicle in
front of the car and are reflected back to the car’s sensors. The time taken for the signal to bounce back
is used by the on-board computer to calculate the distance between the two vehicles. If the car is
getting too close to the vehicle in front, the computer will send signals to slow the car down. This is
done by actuators applying the brakes and/or reducing the throttle. If the distance between vehicles is
greater than the safe distance, the computer will check to see if the current speed equals the value set
by the driver. If the speed is different to the set speed, the computer sends signals to the actuators to
increase or decrease the throttle.
Example 5: Automated System Used In The Brazil Irrigation System

The watering of crops (irrigation) is fully automatic and also involves considerable amounts of wireless
transmission. This allows the system to be used in very remote areas that are vast in size – some of the
fields are more than 10km2 in area.

Data from an automatic weather station (see next example) is received by the controller (a computer
system) every ten minutes. This is particularly important if very wet or very dry conditions are being
predicted or detected by the weather station. Ultrasonic water level sensors are used in the crop fields
that measure the amount of water in the irrigation channels. The sensors send their data back via
wireless transmitters. This data is then picked up by the wireless receiver, which sends the data back to
the controller. The controller then uses this data, together with the data from the weather station, to
decide whether it is necessary to stop or start a series of water pumps. This is done by sending signals to
actuators, which operate the pumps. Although the whole system is fully automatic, a supervisor still
monitors the process remotely. Using a schematic of a number of processes on a computer screen and
via internet links to the controllers, the supervisor can oversee several irrigation processes from one
central point. If the supervisor wishes to further increase or reduce the water supply in any of the
irrigation systems, they can override the controller if necessary.
Example 5: Lighting System In A House
The example we will consider here is used in a house:

 where lights in the garden are turned on automatically when someone enters the garden or it
turns dark
 where a lighting show is part of a microprocessor-controlled water fountain display; the lighting
only comes on when it becomes dark.

As it becomes dark, the light sensor value will change, and the microprocessor will send signals to the
interface to control the array of LED lights around the garden. Data from the infrared sensor would also
be used (during day and night) as a security device whenever the house is unoccupied.

Also, as it becomes dark, the lighting show in the fountain could also be initiated. This could involve a
pre-programmed display involving changing colours under the control of the microprocessor. The
fountain display itself will also be under microprocessor control with signals being sent to actuators to
turn water pumps on and off according to the installed program. The whole system will be fully
automated.
Example 7: Chemical Process In A Laboratory
Imagine an experiment in a pharmaceutical laboratory where two chemicals are reacted together in a
vessel. One of the chemicals is being added from a piece of equipment (‘A’) known as a burette (which
has a tap to control the flow of liquid; the tap is operated automatically using a small actuator) to a
reaction vessel (‘B’). Once the reaction is complete, it turns a bright orange colour. The whole process is
under microprocessor control

The level sensors measure how much liquid is being added from ‘A’; this data is sent to a
microprocessor. Readings are also sent to the microprocessor from a colorimeter next to vessel ‘B’ (this
instrument checks the colour of the chemical produced). The microprocessor controls the opening and
closing of the tap in ‘A’; this is done by sending signals to an actuator that operates the tap. This means
the microprocessor has automatic control of the experiment with no human interaction needed. This
type of automated system is of great benefit to pharmaceutical companies when developing new drugs
and vaccines (several experiments can be carried out at the same time with only one person needed to
monitor the system).
ROBOTICS
The branch of (computer) science that encompasses the design, construction and operation of robots.

Robots
A mechanical device that can carry out tasks normally done by humans.

Three Laws Of Robotics

 A robot may not injure a human through action or inaction
 A robot must obey orders given by humans, unless it comes into conflict with law 1
 A robot must protect itself, unless this conflicts with law 1

What Are Robots Capable Of

1. Ability to sense their surroundings
 This is done via sensors (such as light, pressure, temperature, acoustic, and so on)
 Sensors allow a robot to recognise its immediate environment and gives it the ability to
determine things like size, shape or weight of an object, detect if something is hot or
cold, and so on; all sensor data is sent to a microprocessor or computer.
2. Have a degree of movement
 They can make use of wheels, cogs, pistons, gears (etc.) to carry out functions such as
turning, twisting, moving backwards/forwards, gripping or lifting
 They are mechanical structures made up of many parts (for example, motors, hydraulic
pipes, actuators and circuit boards)
 They contain many electrical components to allow them to function
 Can make use of end effectors (different attachments to allow them to carry out specific
tasks such as welding, spraying, cutting or lifting).
3. Programmable
 They have a ‘brain’ known as a controller that determines the action to be taken to
perform a certain task (the controller relies on data sent from sensors or cameras, for
example)
 controllers are programmable to allow the robots to do certain tasks.
Industry
Robots are used in many areas of industry, from heavy lifting work right through to delicate procedures.
Examples include: paint spraying of car bodies, welding bodywork on cars, manufacturing of microchips,
manufacturing electrical goods and automatic warehouses.

Transport
Microprocessors process the data received from cameras and sensors and sends signals to actuators to
perform physical actions, such as

 Change gear
 Apply the break
 Turn the steering wheel
Agriculture
Robots are used to apply fertilizer and pesticides to crop

Crops can be given exact amounts of fertilizer and pesticide by robots. This is particularly useful when
the chemicals are potentially hazardous to humans.

I. Harvesting and picking

 robots have been designed to do this labour-intensive work; they are more accurate
(only pick ripe fruit, for example) and much faster at harvesting
 for the reasons above, this leads to higher yields and reduces waste (for example,
vegebot uses cameras to scan, for example, a lettuce and decide whether or not it is
ready to be harvested
II. Weed control
 weed management robots can distinguish between a weed and crop using AI
 weed control robots use GPS tracking to stay on course to move along the rows of vines
and remove the weeds; a weed removal blade is operated by an actuator under the
control of the controller (microprocessor) in the robot
III. Phenotyping
 phenotyping is the process of observing physical characteristics of a plant in order to
assess its health and growth
 these robots are much more accurate and faster at predicting problems than when done
manually.
IV. Seed-planting drones and fertiliser distribution
 drones (flying robots) can produce an aerial image of a farm sending back a ‘bird’s eye
view’ of the crops and land
 they also allow for more efficient fertiliser-spreading to reduce waste and improve
coverage (this is much more efficient than conventional crop spraying)

Medicine
 robots are used in surgical procedures, which makes the operation safer and also makes the
procedures quicker and less costly
 robots can be used from monitoring patients to doing actual minor surgery
 the disinfecting of rooms and operating theatres can all be done by autonomous robots (similar
to the types described in agriculture)
 robots can take blood samples from patients:
--less painful to patients since the robot is better at determining a ‘good vein’
– safer to doctors and nurses if the patient has an infectious disease
– doctors and nurses can be freed up to do more skilled work
 microbots can be used in target therapy:
– these use microscopic mechanical components (including microprocessor) to localise a drug or
other therapy to target a specific site causing less damage to surrounding tissue
Domestic
Traditional household appliances like vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers are being replaced by robotic
versions.

 autonomous vacuum cleaners:

– these use proximity sensors and cameras to avoid bumping into obstacles and allows them to
cover a whole room automatically
– these robots have a microprocessor to control the overall operation of the device; this also
allows the user to program the device
– actuators are used to control motors which allow movement forward/ backward and from side
to side
 autonomous grass cutters (mowers):
– these use the same type of sensor, camera, microprocessor and actuator set up as vacuum
cleaners
 personal assistants (such as ‘Vector’)
– this is a robot controlled by a micro-processor that also uses cloud connectivity to connect to
the internet
– it understands voice commands (using a microphone) and will answer any questions it is asked
– it also makes use of an HD camera, utilising computer vision, allowing it to recognise
somebody’s face as well as navigate a room (using proximity sensors and actuators) to steer
around objects in its way

Entertainment
Robots such as drones can be used for film and television programmes, for example with aerial shots

 Theme parks are now using autonomous robots to entertain visitors to the park; these robots
(often dressed as cartoon characters) can interact with visitors to allow them to engage safely
with the theme park attractions and make the whole experience ‘more realistic’
 music festivals are much more immersive for the audience; robotic methods are used to control
lighting (including laser displays), visual effects and animation (e.g. superimposing an actor’s
image onto a robotic caricature and synchronising mouth movements); the visual performances
can be fully synchronised with the music
 use of robots to control cameras; for example, keeping them steady and autofocusing when
moving around a scene; the movie Gravity used many robots to operate cameras, props and the
actors (for example, to give an actor the appearance of moving around in the vacuum of space
uncontrollably, robot arms were used to simulate human behaviour and produce life-like
moving images)
 humanoid robots (either remote-controlled or pre-programmed) can perform ‘stunt’ action in
movies/ television by performing tasks impossible for a human to do; they use CGI (computer-
generated imagery) and image capture techniques to generate special effects
 robots are capable of producing special effects with a precision, speed and coordination which is
beyond human capabilities; actions and special effects can be synchronised to within a
 millisecond and produce fully coordinated/ synchronized sound effects (e.g. movement of the
mouth to match the sounds produced in a realistic manner).

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent human
behavior by a computer. This is often referred to as the cognitive functions of the human brain (that is,
the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the five
senses). All of these cognitive functions can be replicated in a machine, and they can be measured
against human benchmarks such as reasoning, speech and sight.

Characteristics Of AI
There are three types of AI
 Narrow AI – this occurs when a machine has superior performance to a human when doing one
specific task
 General AI – this occurs when a machine is similar (not superior) in its performance to a human
doing a specific task
 Strong AI – this occurs when a machine has superior performance to a human in many tasks.
Examples of AI include:
 News generation based on live news feeds
 Smart home devices (such as Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana):
 The AI device interacts with a human by recognizing verbal commands
 It learns from its environment and the data it receives
 The device becomes increasingly sophisticated in its responses, thus showing the ability to
use automated repetitive learning

AI Systems
There are two types of AI system
 Expert System – a computer system that mimics the decision-making ability of a human; expert
systems use AI to simulate the judgement and behavior of a human or organization that has
expert knowledge and experience
 Machine Learning – this is the science of training computers with sample data so that they can go
on to make predictions about new unseen data, without the need to specifically program them
for the new data
Expert systems
Expert systems are a form of AI that has been developed to mimic human knowledge and experiences.
They use knowledge and inference to solve problems or answer questions that would normally require a
human expert.
Application Of Expert System
 Oil and mineral prospecting
 Diagnosis of a patient’s illness
 Fault diagnostics in mechanical and electronic equipment
 Tax and financial calculations
 Strategy games, such as chess
 Logistics (efficient routing of parcel deliveries)
 Identification of plants, animals and chemical/biological compounds.
Advantages Of Expert System
 They offer a high level of expertise
 They offer high accuracy
 The results are consistent
 They have the ability to store vast amounts of ideas and facts
 They can make traceable logical solutions and diagnostics
 It is possible for an expert system to have multiple expertise
 They have very fast response times (much quicker than a human expert)
 They provide unbiased reporting and analysis of the facts
 They indicate the probability of any suggested solution being correct.
Disadvantages Of Expert System
 Users of the expert system need considerable training in its use to ensure the system is being
used correctly
 The set up and maintenance costs are very high
 They tend to give very ‘cold’ responses that may not be appropriate in certain medical situations
 They are only as good as the information/facts entered into the system
 Users sometimes make the very dangerous assumption that they are infallible.
User Interface
How a user communicates and interacts with the expert system. The system will often ask questions that
require an answer or a button press.
 Method by which the expert system interacts with a user
 Interaction can be through dialogue boxes, command prompts or other input methods
 The questions being asked usually only have Yes/No answers and are based on the responses to
previous questions.

Inference Engine
The part of the system that draws upon information from the knowledge and rules base to produce
possible solutions to a problem
 This is the main processing element of the expert system
 The inference engine acts like a search engine examining the knowledge base for
information/data that matches the queries
 It is responsible for gathering information from the user by asking a series of questions and
applying responses where necessary; each question being asked is based on the previous
responses
 The inference engine is the problem-solving part of the expert system that makes use of
inference rules in the rules base
 Since the knowledge base is a collection of objects and attributes, the inference engine attempts
to use information gathered from the user to find an object that matches (making use of the
rules base to find a match)

Knowledge Base
A collection of information from subject expert
 The knowledge base is a repository of facts
 It stores all the knowledge about an area of expertise obtained from a number of expert
resources
 It is basically a collection of objects and their attributes
Rules Base
A set of rules that are unable to be broken during problem solving
 The rules base is a set of inference rules
 Inference rules are used by the inference engine to draw conclusions (the methods used closely
follow human reasoning)
 They follow logical thinking like the example above; usually involving a series of ‘IF’ statements,
for example:
IF continent = “South America” AND language = “Portuguese” THEN country = “Brazil”

Explanation System
The logical reasoning behind the solutions and decisions offered.

Setting Up An Expert System

 Information needs to be gathered from human experts or from written sources such as
textbooks, research papers or the internet
 Information gathered is used to populate the knowledge base that needs to be first created
 A rules base needs to be created; this is made up of a series of inference rules so that the
inference engine can draw conclusions
 The inference engine itself needs to be set up; it is a complex system since it is the main
processing element making reasoned conclusions from data in the knowledge base
 The user interface needs to be developed to allow the user and the expert system to
communicate
 Once the system is set up, it needs to be fully tested; this is done by running the system with
known outcomes so that results can be compared and any changes to the expert system made.

Machine Learning
Machine learning is a sub-set of artificial intelligence (AI), in which algorithms are ‘trained’ and learn
from their past experiences and examples. It is possible for the system to make predictions or even take
decisions based on previous scenarios. They can offer fast and accurate outcomes due to very powerful
processing capability. One of the key factors is the ability to manage and analyze considerable volumes of
complex data; some of the tasks would take humans years to complete without the help of machine
learning techniques. One example that uses machine learning are the most sophisticated search engines:

Differences Between AI And Machine Learning

Example 1: Categorising Email As spam
Consider email messages such as ‘You have won $2 million in the National Lottery’; how can machine
learning determine that this email should be put into your spam folder?
 A machine learning algorithm collects data about emails, such as email content, headers, senders
name/email address and so on.
 It carries out a ‘cleaning’ process by removing stop words (for example, the, and, a) and
punctuation, leaving only the relevant data.
 Certain words/phrases are frequently used in spam (for example, lottery, earn, full-refund) and
indicate that the incoming email is very likely to be spam.
 The machine learning model is built and a ‘training data set’ is used to train the model and make
it learn using past email known to be spam.
 Once it is evaluated, the model is fine-tuned and tested live.

Example 2: Recognising User Buying History

When you visit an online retailer, such as Amazon, you might receive the message ‘customers who
bought Hodder Education IGCSE ICT textbook also bought Hodder Education IGCSE Computer Science
textbook’. How is machine learning used to establish a user’s buying characteristics?
 This comes from collaboration filtering, which is the process of comparing customers who have
similar shopping behavior to a new customer who has similar shopping behavior.
 Suppose customer ‘A’ is very interested in playing football and they also bought a jazz CD, a book
on Roman history and some health food.
 Two weeks later, customer ‘B’ who likes to go cycling also bought a similar jazz CD and a book on
ancient Roman history.
 The machine learning algorithms will then recommend that customer ‘B’ might like to buy some
health food due to the similarities between ‘A’ and ‘B’s shopping behavior.
 This technique is particularly popular when asking your mobile phone to generate a playlist from
your music library based on a few criteria you might select.
Example 3: Detection Of Fraudulent Activity

 Data is gathered by a survey or web scraping; for example, to detect credit card fraud,
information about customers is gathered, such as types of transactions (does the customer buy
designer clothes?), shopping habits and certain personal data.
 Redundant data is then removed; this needs to be carefully done to remove the possibility of
wrong predictions.
 The most important machine learning step: the algorithm is trained through real examples of
customer purchasing behavior.
 A model is built based on learning from the training data, and the machine learning algorithm
can now be used to detect fraud (for example, if a customer spends an unusual amount on a
piece of jewellery, there is a high chance a fraudulent activity has taken place).
 The machine learning model is then fully tested with known data and known outcomes; the
system is modified if it hasn’t met its criteria to detect fraudulent activity.
Past Paper Question
May/June 2015. P11
Q8. An alarm clock is controlled by a microprocessor. It uses the 24 hour clock. The hour is represented
by an 8-bit register, A, and the number of minutes is represented by another 8-bit register, B.
(d) The LCD (liquid crystal display) on the clock face is back-lit using blue LEDs (light emitting diodes). The
brightness of the clock face is determined by the level of light in the room. The amount of light given out
by the LEDs is controlled by a control circuit. Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and LEDs are used
to maintain the correct brightness of the clock face.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– uses a light sensor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– sends signal/data back to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– signal/data converted to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................[3]
May/June 2015. P12
Q7. (a) Street lighting is controlled automatically. A light sensor and a microprocessor are used to decide
when to switch each street light on or off. Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and light interact to
switch the street light on or off. Include in your answer how the microprocessor stops the street lights
being frequently switched on and off due to brief changes in the light intensity.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− sensor sends signal/data to the microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− signal/data converted to digital/using ADC
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− microprocessor compares value to a stored value
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− if input value < stored value …
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− … signal sent from microprocessor to actuator
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− microprocessor continues to keep light on/off for a pre-determined period
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................[5]
(b) Name three different sensors (other than light and pH) and describe an application for each of these
sensors. A different application is needed for each sensor.
infra-red/motion
Sensor 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................
automatic doors
Application ......................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
temperature
Sensor 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................
oven
Application ......................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
pressure
Sensor 3 ..........................................................................................................................................................
chemical process
Application ......................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................[6]
Oct/Nov 2015. P12
Q5. A security system uses sensors, a camera and a microprocessor to capture images of each person
entering a large shopping mall.
(a) Describe how the sensors, camera and microprocessor interact to identify certain people entering the
mall.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- infra-red, pressure, motion sensors, send signal/data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- signal/data is converted to digital (using an ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- microprocessor instructs/send signals to camera to capture image/video
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- captured image/video data sent to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- Continual/repeated process
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
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Oct/Nov 2015. P13
Q2. Sensors and a microprocessor monitor a car exhaust for high temperature and high carbon monoxide
(CO) levels.
(a) Describe how the sensors and microprocessor are used to monitor the temperature and CO levels and
warn the driver if either is out of range.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– sensors send signals / data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– signal / data converted to digital (by an ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– microprocessor compares temperature / carbon monoxide level / value
.........................................................................................................................................................................
with stored level / value
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– if CO level > stored value, microprocessor sends signal…
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– if temperature > stored value, microprocessor sends signal to light
.........................................................................................................................................................................
warning bulb on dashboard / sounds alarm
.........................................................................................................................................................................
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May/June 2016. P11
Q3. (a) Five sensors and five applications are shown below. Draw a line to link each sensor to its most
appropriate application.

(b) Automatic doors in a building are controlled by the use of infrared sensors and a microprocessor.
Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used to automatically open a door as a person
approaches.
sensor(s) sends signal/data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
signal/data converted to digital (using an ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
microprocessor compares signal/data with pre-set/stored value
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
if sensor(s) signal/data indicates the presence of a person / the door needs to be opened
.........................................................................................................................................................................
/ a match is found / door is closed
.....................................................................................................................................................................[4]
Oct/Nov 2016. P12
Q11. A security system is installed in a house. A hexadecimal number is entered to activate or deactivate
the alarm.
(b) Identify two sensors that the security system could use to detect intruders. Describe how each sensor
could be used in the security system.
Infrared/motion sensor
Sensor 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................
Description ......................................................................................................................................................
Used to detect the heat of an intruder // used to detect if an infrared beam has been
.........................................................................................................................................................................
broken by an intruder
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Pressure sensor
Sensor 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................
Description ......................................................................................................................................................
– Used to detect a change in pressure
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– Placed on a window/door, at the entrance
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................... [6]
Oct/Nov 2016. P13
Q9. A security light is controlled by sensors and a microprocessor.
Describe how the sensors and microprocessor interact to switch on the security light when an intruder is
detected.
– infrared / motion / pressure (sensor) // sensor detects movement/pressure
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– signals/data sent (continuously) to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– converted from analogue to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– microprocessor compares value with those stored in memory
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– if sensor value does not match the stored value(s) signal sent to switch on the light
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– works in a continues loop
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May/June 2017. P11
Q12. The processes in a chemical factory are monitored by sensors connected to a microprocessor.
(a) Identify two different sensors used in this application. Give an example of how each sensor could be
used in the chemical factory.
Temperature (sensor)
Sensor 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................
to measure the temperature of the chemicals to make sure it is
Use ..................................................................................................................................................................
not too high/low
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Pressure (sensor)
Sensor 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................
to measure the pressure of chemicals flowing through pipes to
Use ..................................................................................................................................................................
check that level are not too high / low
.................................................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Describe how the sensors and a microprocessor are used to monitor a process.
• Sensors send signals to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Analogue signals are converted to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Microprocessor compares value to stored value, If out of range , signal
.........................................................................................................................................................................
sent to alert workers (e.g. sound alarm)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Output/record readings
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Monitoring is continuous
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May/June 2017. P12
Q9. A cold store is kept at a constant low temperature using a sensor, a microprocessor and a cooling
unit.
Explain how the sensor and microprocessor will maintain a constant low temperature.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• temperature sensor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• analogue data / temperature is converted to digital data (with an ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• sensor sends signal to the microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• microprocessor compares input values with stored values/pre-set
.........................................................................................................................................................................
values if temperature matches the stored values, no action is taken
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• an actuator is used to turn the cooling unit on / off / up / down
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• the process is a continuous loop
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Oct/Nov 2017. P12
Q9. Anna has a farm that grows fruit.
She has a system that monitors the conditions for growing the fruit.
Sensors are used in this system.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term sensor.
•It is an input device
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• It measures/takes (physical) readings of the surrounding environment /
.........................................................................................................................................................................
environment by example / physical properties
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) State two sensors that could be used in this system and describe how they could be used.
Light (sensor)
Sensor 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................
Use ..................................................................................................................................................................
To measure the brightness of the environment
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Gas (sensor)
Sensor 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................
Use ..................................................................................................................................................................
To measure the amount of CO2/oxygen present
.........................................................................................................................................................................
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May/June 2018. P11
Q9. A business wants to use a biometric security system to control entry to the office.
The system will use a biometric device and a microprocessor.
Explain how the biometric security system will make use of the biometric device and the microprocessor
to control entry to the office.
− Suitable biometric device, such as fingerprint scanner/retina/eye/iris
.........................................................................................................................................................................
scanner/face recognition/voice
.........................................................................................................................................................................
recognition/palm scanner // description of use e.g. use fingerprint on device
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Sensor (in biometric device) captures/takes data/readings (of user)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Data/readings are converted from analogue to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Data/reading sent to the microprocessor
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− Data/readings compared to stored values/data , if data/readings match
.........................................................................................................................................................................
user can enter
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May/June 2018. P12
Q11. A factory uses a security system to control a security light. The system uses a sensor and a
microprocessor.
Explain how the security system makes use of the sensor and the microprocessor to control the security
light.
Suitable sensor (motion/infra-red)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– Data converted (from analogue) to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– Data sent to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
– Data is compared to stored value/range,if data matches/out of range data
.........................................................................................................................................................................
security light turned on
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Oct/Nov 2018. P12
Q10. A system uses pH sensors and a microprocessor to help monitor pollution in a river.
The pH of the water should be between 6 and 8. The system outputs an alert if the pH of the water is not
in this range.
Explain how the system uses the pH sensors and the microprocessor to help monitor the pollution.
• The sensor sends data to the microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• The analogue data is converted to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• The microprocessor compares the reading to the set range/stored
.........................................................................................................................................................................
values/stored data (6 to 8), If the reading is >8 or <6 / outside range, the
.........................................................................................................................................................................
microprocessor sends a signal to output the alert
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• The process is continuous/repeated
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Oct/Nov 2018. P13
Q3. An elevator (lift) has a maximum weight limit of 2400kg. The weight carried is monitored by a sensor
and a microprocessor.
Describe how the sensor and the microprocessor are used to make sure the maximum weight limit is not
exceeded.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• A pressure sensor is used
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• The sensor sends data/signals to the microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Data is converted to digital format
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Microprocessor compares data value against set value
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• If value is under weight limit lift is permitted to operate
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• If value is over weight limit signal is sent from the microprocessor to deliver warning
.........................................................................................................................................................................
message to passengers
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• If value is more than 2400Kg signal is sent from the microprocessor to lift mechanism
.........................................................................................................................................................................
to stop lift operating
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May/June 2019. P12
Q7. (a) An office has an automated lighting system. When movement is detected in the office the lights
are switched on. If movement is not detected for a period of 2 minutes the lights are switched off. The
system uses a sensor and a microprocessor.
Describe how the automated lighting system uses a sensor and a microprocessor.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
Motion sensor is used
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
Sensor sends data/signal to microprocessor
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
Data/Signal is converted from analogue data to digital data (using ADC)
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
Value to compared to stored value(s) //
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
If value matches, microprocessor sends signal to switch lights on
−.........................................................................................................................................................................
Every time movement is detected the timer is reset
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Oct/Nov 2019. P13
Q4. A factory that manufactures cleaning products has a system that monitors conditions throughout the
manufacturing process.
The inputs to the system are:

(c) A sensor and a microprocessor are used to monitor the pH of the cleaning products. The system
records each reading that is taken. If the reading is greater than 7 a warning message is displayed on a
monitor.
Explain how the sensor and microprocessor are used in the system.
• Sensor sends a signal/reading/data to the microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Signal/reading/data is analogue and is converted to digital using ADC
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Reading/data is stored in the system
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Microprocessor compares data/reading to the pre-set value of 7
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• If value is greater than 7, a signal/data is sent by the microprocessor to
.........................................................................................................................................................................
display a warning message on a monitor
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• The process is continuous
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Oct/Nov 2020. P13
Q11. 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.
− Suitable sensor used e.g. motion sensor/pressure sensor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− (Analogue) data is converted to digital (using ADC)
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− Sensor sends data to microprocessor
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− Data compared to stored data, signal sent to actuator to spray water
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− Continuous loop
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May/June 2021. P11
Q5. Jamelia has a greenhouse that she uses to grow fruit and vegetables. She needs to make sure the
temperature in the greenhouse stays between 25°C and 30°C (inclusive).
A system that has a temperature sensor and a microprocessor is used to maintain the temperature in the
greenhouse. The system will:
 open a window and turn a heater off if it gets too hot
 close a window and turn a heater on if it gets too cold.
Describe how the system uses the temperature sensor and the microprocessor to maintain the
temperature in the greenhouse.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Sensor send data/readings/signal to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Data is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Microprocessor compares/checks data to stored values/range of values, If
.........................................................................................................................................................................
data is greater than 30 / above the range microprocessor sends
.........................................................................................................................................................................
signal to open window and to turn heater off
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− If data is below 25 the microprocessor sends signal to turn on heater
.........................................................................................................................................................................
and to close window
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− If data is between 25 and 30 / within the range no action taken
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Actuator is used to operate heater/window
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− Whole process is continuous
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May/June 2021. P12
Q5. A security light system is used by a factory. The light only comes on when it is dark and when
movement is detected. The light will stay on for 1 minute before switching off.
Sensors and a microprocessor are used to control the security light system.
(a) Identify two sensors that would be used in the security light system.
− Light sensor
Sensor 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................
− Motion sensor // infra-red sensor
Sensor 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor control the security light system.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Sensors send data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Data is converted to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− Microprocessor compares data to stored value(s) …
.........................................................................................................................................................................
− … if one value or neither values are within range/out of range/match no
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action is taken, If both values are out of range/in range/match microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
sends
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signal to switch light on … 1-minute timer is started
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− Actuator used to switch on/off light
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− When timer reaches 1 minute, microprocessor sends signal to switch
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light off
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− Whole process is continuous
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Oct/Nov 2021. P12
Q8. An electronic game has three square mats that are coloured red, green and blue.
The player will see a colour displayed on a screen and has 1 second to hit the mat that matches the
colour. If the player hits the correct mat, within 1 second, a counter is incremented. When a player hits
an incorrect mat, the game ends.
The game uses sensors and a microprocessor to determine if the player hits the correct mat within 1
second.
Explain how the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to count the number of times a player hits a
correct mat within 1 second.
− Timer is started
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− Pressure sensor (within each mat)
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− Sensor sends data to microprocessor
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− Analogue data is converted to digital (using ADC)
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− Microprocessor compares data to stored value(s)
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− If data matches / in/out range microprocessor stops timer
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− If data has not come from the correct colour mat sensor the game ends
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Oct/Nov 2022. P12
Q2. An automated water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate. Water flows from
the tap when a person’s hands are placed underneath the tap. Water stops flowing when the person’s
hands are removed from underneath the tap.
(a) Explain how the water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Motion/proximity/infra-red sensor is used
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Sensor sends data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Data is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• Data is compared to stored/set value(s)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
• If data is inside range/outside range/greater than/less than, signal is sent to turn water
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tap on
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• If data is outside range /inside range/less than/greater than, tap remains off / signal is
.........................................................................................................................................................................
sent to turn water tap off
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• Actuator is used to turn the tap off/on
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May/June 2023. P12
Q2. An automated water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate. Water flows from
the tap when a person’s hands are placed underneath the tap. Water stops flowing when the person’s
hands are removed from underneath the tap.
(a) Explain how the water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
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May/June 2023. P11
Q5. A farm has an automated drinking system for its animals. The drinking system has a water bowl
that contains the water. When the water bowl is empty, it is automatically refilled. The system uses a
sensor and a microprocessor.
(a) Identify the most appropriate sensor for this system.
Pressure
.................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Describe how the sensor and the microprocessor are used to automatically refill the water bowl.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- Sensor continually sends digitised data to microprocessor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- Microprocessor compares data to stored value(s)
.........................................................................................................................................................................
- If value is outside range / matches microprocessor sends signal to release
.........................................................................................................................................................................
water to refill water bowl
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- bowl filled by set amount // bowl filled for certain time
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- Actuator used to release water
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- Whole process repeats until turned off/stopped
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May/June 2023. P11
Q9. A company uses robots in its factory to manufacture large pieces of furniture.
(a) One characteristic of a robot is that it is programmable.
State two other characteristics of a robot.
It has a mechanical structure/framework
1 ......................................................................................................................................................................
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It has electrical components // by example
2 ......................................................................................................................................................................
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(b) Give two advantages to company employees of using robots to manufacture large pieces of furniture.
Employees don’t need to lift heavy furniture
1 ......................................................................................................................................................................
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Employees can be protected from dangerous tasks
2 ......................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Give one disadvantage to the company’s owners of using robots to manufacture large pieces of
furniture.
Expensive to install/purchase/setup
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