3.4 Computer Control and Data
Logging
Overview
Demonstrate and apply knowledge and
understanding of computer control systems
for the domestic home, traffic control and
greenhouses in terms of input, process
output, feedback
A control system
Analogue
Digital
Inputs
Sensors
Outputs
I
N
T
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R
F
A
C
E
Computer +
processing
software
Home Control Examples
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Touch panels near doorways
Security sensors
Controlling devices from the internet
Home cinema
Underfloor heating
A fingerprint entry system
A network of motion sensors that switched the lights
Taps operated by infra-red beam
Swimming pools equipped with ionisation filtration systems
Automatic awnings which cover terraces at the first sign of rain,
An "intelligent" bedroom mirror which videos your image from behind and plays it on a
plasma screen
Mood lighting
Fully-programmable audio systems
Induction cooker hobs: Produce heat only when a saucepans placed on them
Automated blinds and curtains
A working home
• The following web site shows a running video
of a home of the future. It is a bit technical
http://www.be-home.com.au/display%20home_files/
http://www.be-home.com.au/display%20home_files/
Traffic Speed camera
• Contains video system with
Automatic Number Plate
• 90359988
Reading (ANPR) digital
• iStockphoto
technology.
• Requires o a minimum of two
cameras each fitted with infra
red illuminators fitted on
gantries above the road,
• It can work day or night
• It works out the vehicles
average speed, given the time
it takes to drive between the
two camera positions.
Greenhouse
Sensors
• Temperature sensor measures the
heat in the greenhouse and if too warm/cold
turns on/off fans or opens/closes windows
• Air humidity sensor tests the
moisture in the air and if too dry sprays water
into the air
• Light sensor
• Soil moisture sensor adds
water to
the soil if it i s to dry
• Light sensor measures the light and
controls window blinds/shades as
appropriate
Other examples:
Fork lift driving/engineering
Examples:
• Integrated
manufacturing/engineering
systems
• Computer-integrated
engineering (CIE)
• Computer-integrated
manufacturing (CIM)
• CAD/CAM links
• Robots
Advantages:
• Continuous operation
• Improved reproducibility
• Increased speed
• Less hazardous
environments
• 96397883
• iStockphoto
Other examples:
Hospitals
Examples
• Ambulance control systems
• (CAT) scanners
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) scanners
• Automatic blood pressure
monitors
• Heart monitors
• Oxygen monitors
• Intravenous drug measurement
• Surgical robots
Blood pressure
machine
• 94038881
• Hemera
• And
• 92056199
• iStockphoto
Definitions
Data logging: recording data over time by using
sensors
Feedback: Where the output from the system
influences what is put into the system
Sensor: A device that measures a physical
quantity
Acronyms
ADC:
Analog to Digital Converter
DAC: Digital to Analogue converter
Discussion
Computer control is very useful with regard to
the disabled.
Make a list of ICT devices designed to assist
the disabled.
Discussion
Discuss the consequences of these technologies
1. A refrigerator that can tell what’s sitting on the shelf with 80
percent accuracy therefore if you have a few potatoes, and
onion and some pasta the fridge suggests what dish to make
with these items
2. Web controlled home machines so that if you are going to be
late home you can log on and turn the oven to low or put
some lights or the heat on.
3. An oven mitt that when you touch the food decides whether
it is cooked or not.
Research
• Think an ICT related gadget that could be
invented that would be of value in the home
• In a word processed document try and
incorporate a picture of what your gadget
would look like.
• Add a short statement as to the function of
your gadget.