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IGCSE Computer Science > Chapter 6 - Automated And Emerging Technologies > Flashcards

Chapter 6 - Automated And Emerging Technologies Flashcards

1
Q

Automated systems

A

Combination of hardware and software designed and programmed to work automatically without any human intervention

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2
Q

automated system in nuclear power stations explanation

A

Data from sensors are sent through the ADC if analogue, and then to the DCS which has access to a large database containing parameters and operational data. If action needs to be taken signals are sent to the appropriate actuators. Supervisor watches and can override DCS is necessary

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3
Q

Where can automated systems be applied (7)

A

Transport
Industrial
Weather
Gaming
Agriculture
Science
Lighting

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4
Q

Automated system in nuclear power station advantages (4)

A

-Much faster than humans to take action
-Much safer (timely interventions and keeps humans away from danger)
-Process more likely to be run under optimum conditions (problems can be quickly identified and solved)&
-Less expensive in the long run (labour costs of people monitoring the process all day

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5
Q

Automated systems in nuclear power stations disadvantages (4)

A

-Expensive to set up and needs testing
-Possible for unexpected conditions to occur which could have safety implications
-Computerised system, so it’s subject to cyber attacks
-needs advanced maintenance and can be expensive

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6
Q

Industrial applications of automated systems (2)

A

Nuclear power plants
Manufacture of paracetamol

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7
Q

Automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol explanation

A

Controls the 2 processes, 1 to make the paracetamol, the other to make solid tablets.

Monitored by sensors that send data back to a central computer which consults its data base to ensure the quantities are within parameters. Necessary action is taken by sending signals to actuates to operate things without human involvement

Uses remote monitoring system

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8
Q

Advantages of automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol (7)

A

Higher productivity
More consistent results
More efficient use of materials
Less expensive in the long run
Process more likely to run under optimum conditions
Much safer
Much faster

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9
Q

Disadvantages of automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol

A

Expensive and needs testing
Can have unexpected conditions occur and need a supervisor
Needs enhanced, expensive maintenance
Computerised system, so subject to cyber attacks

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10
Q

Transport applications of automated systems (2)

A

Self driving cars
Adaptive cruise control

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11
Q

Automated system in self parking cars

A

As the driver goes along a row of parked cars, the sensors and cameras gauge the size of any parking spaces and the computer warns the driver if a parking is found. Actuators operate the breaks, throttle etc under control of the computer to park. Sensors in the bumpers transmit signals that bounce off objects and receive the signals that are reflected back, the time taken here is used to calculate the position of objects which gives the computer a 3D image of its surroundings

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12
Q

Advantages of automated systems in self driving cars (6)

A

-Allows same number of cars to use fewer parking spaces
-Avoids traffic disruption in cities (they park faster)
-Cars fit into smaller spaces
-fewer dents and scratches (insurance claims)
-Safer, car will stop moving if sensors pick up an object or child
-Consistent results

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13
Q

Disadvantages of automated systems in self driving cars (5)

A

-over reliance on system - loss of skills
-Faulty/dirty sensors can send false data leading to malfunction
-Sensors may not pick up low keens
-expensive and doesn’t save the driver money
-Requires additional maintenance

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14
Q

DCS

A

Distributed control system
Powerful computer system programmed to monitor and control a complex without the need for human interaction

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15
Q

Adaptive cruise control

A

The use of sensors, actuators and micro processors to ensure that a vehicle keeps a safe distance behind another vehicle

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16
Q

Accelerometer

A

Sensor that measures acceleration and deceleration and that can detect the orientation of a device

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17
Q

Automated system in adaptive cruise control explanation

A

Driver sets a cruising speed. Lasers set into the bumpers of the car are used to constantly send out signals. The time taken for the lasers to noice off the vehicle in front and to reflect back to the sensors is used by the on-board computer to calculate the distance between the vehicles. If the distance is too small the computer send signals to the actuators applying the breaks and/or reducing the throttle. If the distance is greater than the safe distance the computer checks to see if the current speed equals the speed set by the driver, and then sends signals to actuators as necessary

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18
Q

Controller

A

Microprocessor in control of a process

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19
Q

Robotics

A

Branch of computer science that encompasses the design, construction and operation of robots

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20
Q

Robot

A

Mechanical device that can carry out tasks normally done by humans

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21
Q

Application of automated system in agriculture (1)

A

Irrigation systems

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22
Q

Automated system in irrigation systems explanation

A

Is completely and involves wireless transmission, allowing it to be used in vast, remote areas.
Data from automatic weather station is received by the controller every 10 minutes. Ultrasonic water level sensors measure the amount of water in irrigation channels and send back their data via wireless transmitters. Data is picked up by receiver which sends it to the controller which decides weather it is necessary to start or stop a series of water pumps by sending signals to the actuators.

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23
Q

Monitoring in an irrigation system

A

Completely remote using a schematic number of processes on a computer screen and via internet links and to the controllers. Allows several processes to be seen and overridden if necessary from a central point

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24
Q

Advantages of automated systems in agriculture (6)

A
  • Reduced labour costs
  • Better and more efficient control of irrigation process
  • Better control of resources (water)
    -faster
    -safer
    -Different crops have different requirements, controllers can be programmed so that different growing conditions can be simultaneously maintained
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25
Disadvantages of automated systems in irrigation systems (3)
- Expensive to set up - Very high maintenance costs - Need to maintain the water channels to avoid in improper irrigation (system won’t pick them up and may flood or deprive an area)
26
Anemometer
Measures wind speed
27
Hygrometer
Measures humidity
28
Barometer
Measures air pressure
29
Level sensor
To measure rain fall
30
What automated weather stations require (4)
Battery (solar charging) Microprocessor Storage (database) Range of sensors
31
What sensors weather stations need (6)
Thermometer Anemometer Hygrometer Barometer Level sensor Light sensor
32
Automated weather stations
Save labour costs and gather information about remote regions. Data from all sensors is sent it microprocessor, calculations are done and stored on a central database.
33
Use of actuators in weather stations
In the tipping bucket rain gauge. At a predetermined time interval, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to the actuators to operate a piston to tip the bucket collecting rainwater into a vessel where level sensors measure the rainfall that fell during that time period.
34
Sensors used in gaming
-Accelerometers (measure acceleration and deceleration and respond to tilting the game device) -proximity sensors (touch pads) - electrodes are embedded in touch pads which can detect finger/hand position to increase user awareness
35
Automated systems in gaming
Embedded accelerometers, proximity sensors and microcontrollers allow increased human interaction with the game to provide a more immersive experience
36
Sensors used in automatic systems in lighting (3)
-Light sensors - automatically switch on/off lights depending on ambient lighting -motion sensors -infrared sensors
37
Examples of automated lighting systems (2)
Garden lights turned on when someone enters or it goes dark Lighting that comes on in a microprocessor controlled water fountain when it’s dark
38
Automated lighting systems explanation
Light sensor value changes as it becomes dark and the microprocessor sends signals to the interface to control an array of LED lights around the garden. Lighting show involving preprogrammed display under the control of the microprocessor is initiated in the water fountain, with signals being sent to actuators to turn pumps on and off according to the installed program.
39
Advantages of automated systems in lighting (5)
-Possible to automatically control light sources -reduced energy consumption -wireless connections make it safer -longer bulb life -can program different light displays
40
Disadvantages of automated systems in lighting (3)
-Expensive to set up -wireless can be less reliable than wired systems -expensive maintenance
41
Application of automated systems in science (1)
Chemical processes in a laboratory
42
Automated system in chemical processes in a laboratory
Level sensors measure how much liquid Readings sent from colorimeter to microprocessor which controls the open and closing of taps by sending signals to actuators.
43
Advantages of automated system in chemical processes in a laboratory (6)
- Consistent results - less dangerous (hazardous chemicals) -faster (different experiments can happen at once) -automatic analysis of results -Fewer highly trained staff needed -results/experiments can be monitored from anywhere at any time
44
Disadvantages of automated systems in chemical processes in a laboratory (3)
-Less flexible than human technicians -security risks if data is being shared globally -expensive equipment
45
Advantages of using AI in automated systems (3)
-Ability to access and store vast amounts of facts -Learn from huge amounts of data faster than humans -able to better identify patterns in results
46
Disadvantages of using AI in automated systems (2)
-change in skill set -AI is dependent on the data which trains it
47
3 laws of robotics
Robot may not injure a human through action or inaction A robot must obey orders given by humans unless conflicting with rule 1 Robot must protect itself unless conflicting with law 1
48
Where can robots be found (3)
Factories Home Drones
49
Examples of robots in factories (6)
Welding Spray painting Fitting windscreens Precision cutting Bottling and labeling plants Warehouses (automatic location of items)
50
Examples of robots in the home (6)
Autonomous floor sweepers Autonomous lawn mower Ironing robots Pool cleaning Automatic window cleaners Entertainment
51
Examples of robots in drones (3)
Unmanned aerial services (UAS) (remotely controlled/use embedded systems) Used for surveillance Used for parcel delivery
52
Characteristics of a robot (3)
Ability to sense their surroundings Have a degree of movement Programmable
53
Robots ability to sense their surroundings
Through sensors which allow the robot to recognise its immediate environment and send data to microprocessor or computer
54
How robots are able to have a degree of movement (4)
Wheels, pistons Mechanical structures made up of ,any parts Contain electrical components Make use of end effectors
55
End effectors
Different attachments of a robot that allow them to carry out specific tasks (welding, sweeping etc)
56
How are robots programmable
They have a controller that is programmable and relies on data sent from sensors or cameras
57
Why don’t some robots posses AI
They do repetitive tasks rather than requiring adaptive human characteristics
58
Software robots
Not true robots, search engine bots or web crawlers and chatbots
59
Physical robots classifications (2)
Independent -no direct human control (autonomous) Dependant robots - have human interface and can supplement human activity
60
Areas where robots can be used (6)
Agriculture Domestic Industry Transport Entertainment Medicine
61
How can robots be programmed in industry applications (2)
Robot is programmed with a sequence of instructions which allow it to carry out the series of tasks A human operator manually carries out the series of tasks to enable the end effectors to operate properly. Either by manually guiding or strapping the end effector on a human arm to let the movement be stored as a set of instructions
62
Advantages of using robots (7)
-Capable of working in hazardous conditions -Can work 24/7 -Less expensive in the long run -More productive than humans -More consistent results -better suited to boring repetitive tasks -Less costs in heating and lighting (robots don’t need good lights or warmth)
63
Disadvantages of using robots (5)
-Robots find it difficult to do non-standard tasks -Robots can lead to higher unemployment amongst manual labour tasks -Risk of deskilling when robots take over certain tasks -Factories can be moved anywhere- leads to unemployment -Robots are expensive to buy and set up
64
Problem with robots in transportation
Human perception Will take time before people are comfortable in driverless cars or planes without pilots
65
What physical actions does the microprocessor signal to the actuators to perform in autonomous cars and buses (3)
Change gear Apply break Turn steering wheel
66
Advantages of autonomous vehicles (6)
-Safer as human error is removed -vehicles more efficiently operated so better for the environment - reduced congestion (no phantom traffic jam_ -increased lane capacity -reduced commute times -stress free parking
67
Disadvantages of autonomous vehicles (6)
-Expensive to set up -Fear of control system getting hacked -Security and safety issues eg. Software glitches -Maintaining of system (cameras clean etc.) -driver and passenger reluctance -Unemployment due to less need for taxis
68
LiDaR
Light Detection and ranging The use of lasers to build up a 3D image of surroundings
69
GPS
Global positioning satellite
70
Advantages of autonomous trains (6)
-reduced costs (less staff) -Improves punctuality of trains -improves safety -minimises energy consumption -can increase frequency of trains -easier to change train scheduling
71
Disadvantages of autonomous trains (6)
-Fear of control system being hacked -System doesn’t work well with very busy services -high capital and operating costs -can’t ensure passenger behaviour (door jamming etc) -passenger reluctance -no drivers = need for CCTV monitoring stations
72
Main features of a control system on a plane (5)
Sensors to detect turbulence Increase in self testing of all circuits and symptoms Sensors that automatically detect depressurisation in the cabin allowing for quick stabilisation Use of GPS for navigation and speed calculations Use of actuators to control different things
73
Advantages of pilotless airplanes (4)
Improvements in passenger comfort Reduced running costs Improved safety Improved aerodynamics (don’t need cockpit anymore)
74
Advantages of pilotless airplanes (4)
Improved passenger comfort Improved aerodynamics Reduced running costs Improved safety
75
Disadvantages of pilotless steering (5)
Secturity Hard to deal with emergency situations Flight control may be hackable Passenger reluctance Software glitches
76
Where in agriculture could robotics play a role (5)
Harvesting/picking vegetables and fruit Weed control Phenotypic Seed planting/fertiliser distribution Autonomous labour-saving devices
77
Robots in harvesting and picking
Vegebot More accurate and faster Reduces waste and has higher yields Uses one camera to scan the crop and another guides an arm to remove the plant from its stalk damage free
78
Robots in weed control
Uses AI to distinguish between weed and crop Saves labour costs and improves crop growth Uses GPS to stay on track and a weed removal blade is operated by an actuator controlled by the controller Uses a drone to produce a programmed course of action which is stored in the robot’s memory
79
Drone
Flying robot that can be autonomous or remote controlled used for reconnaissance and delivery
80
Phenotyping
Process of observing the physical characteristics of a plant to assess its health and growth
81
Robots in phenotyping
Equipped with sensors (spectral and thermal cameras), use machine learning to see if there are problems with the plant and convey the data to the farmer More accurate + faster at predicting problems
82
Robots in seed planting and fertiliser distribution
Drones produce an aerial image for a view of the land Allow for more accurate seed planting Allow for more efficient fertiliser spreading (reduces waste while increasing crop coverage) Drones used in cloud seeding Drones use a complex camera system to target seeding + allow fertiliser spraying
83
Autonomous agriculture devices (4)
Grass mowers/cutters Weeding pruning and harvesting robots Seeding robots Fertiliser spraying robots
84
Benefits of robots taking blood samples
Less painful Safer to doctors +nurses when dealing with infectious diseases Frees up doctors and nurses
85
Robots in medicine abilities (6)
Surgical procedures Monitoring patients/minor surgeries Disinfecting rooms Take blood samples Target therapy Prosthetic limbs
86
Robotic Prosthetic limbs
Bionic skins and neural implants which interface with the human nervous system to give feedback for better control of the limb. Actuators are used to give human-like responses
87
Robots in Target therapy
Microscopic mechanical components used to localise a drug/therapy to a specific site without causing damage to the surrounding tissue
88
Eg of domestic robots (3)
Autonomous vacuum cleaners - proximity sensors Autonomous grass cutters Personal assistants
89
Personal assistants
Robot controlled by micro processor that uses cloud activity to connect to the internet Understands voice commands Makes use of HD cameras allowing it to recognise someone’s face and use proximity sensors to navigate a room
90
Robots used in entertainment (5)
Theme parks (entertainment) Music festivals (more immersive) Control cameras (keep steady/focused) Humanoid robots(remote/pre-programmed to perform stunts) - uses CGI Produce special effects with precision (synchronised to the millisecond)
91
AI
Artificial intelligence Collection of rules and data which gives the computer system the ability to reason, learn and adapt to external stimuli Branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent human behaviour by a computer
92
Cognitive
Relating to the mental process of the human brain involved in acquiring and understanding knowledge through thought, experiences and input from the 5 senses
93
Categories of AI (3)
Narrow AI - machine has superior performance to human in one specific task General AI - machine is similar in performance to human in a specific task Strong AI-machine has superior performance to human in many tasks
94
Examples of AI (5)
News generation based on live news feeds Smart home devices Chatbots Autonomous cars Facial expression recognition
95
Types of AI systems + explanation (2)
Expert system - mimics the decision making ability of a human, use AI to stimulate judgment and behaviour of a human/organisation that has expert knowledge + experience Machine learning - science of training computers with sample data so that they can make predictions with unseen data
96
Applications that use expert systems (7)
Logistics (routes of parcel deliveries) Strategy games (chess) Identification of plants animals etc. Oil + mineral prospecting Illness diagnosis Fault diagnostics in equipment Tax +financial calculations
97
Advantages of expert systems (9)
Fast Consistent results Can have multiple expertise Unbiassed reports + analysis High level of expertise Indicate probability of solution being correct Make traceable logical solutions + diagnostics High accuracy Able to store vast amounts of data and facts
98
Disadvantages of expert systems (5)
Users need training Expensive set up and maintenance No bedside manners Only as good as information given them Users sometimes think they are incapable of being wrong
99
Parts of expert system (5)
User interface Explanation system Inference engine Rules base Knowledge base
100
User interface (3)
Method by which user interacts with the system through dialogue boxes, command prompts etc. Questions being asked are based on previous questions asked and usually have yes/ no answers
101
Explanation system
Part of expert system which informs the user its reasoning behind its conclusions and recommendations
102
Inference engine
search engine used in an expert system which examines the knowledge base for information that matches queries
103
Inference rules
Rules used by inference engine and in expert systems to draw conclusions using IF statements
104
Knowledge base
Respiratory of facts which is a collection of objects and attributes
105
Object
An item stored in the knowledge base
106
Attribute
Something that defines an object stored in a knowledge base
107
Rules base
Collection of inference rules used to draw conclusions
108
Machine learning
Sub-set of AI in which algorithms are trained to learn from past experiences and examples. When a program has the ability to automatically adapt its own processes and/or data.
109
Web scraping
Method of obtaining data from websites
110
What does the inference engine do (5)
As it is the main processing element of an expert system it acts as a search engine examining the knowledge base for information/data that matches the queries Responsible for gathering information by asking a series of questions (that build) Problem solves using inference rules and attributes Attempts to use the users given knowledge to find an object with correct attributes
111
Setting up an expert system (6)
Gather information from human experts/written sources/internet Create knowledge base and fill it with the information gathered Create a rules base Set up inference engine Develop user interface Test system with known outcomes and compare the results
112
Differences between AI and machine learning (4)
Ai: -represents stimulative intelligence in machines -aim is to build machines that are capable of thinking like humans Machine learning: -practice of machines making decisions without being programmed to do so -aim to make machines able to learn through data acquisition to be able to solve new problems
113
Examples of machine learning (3)
Categorising spam Recognising user buying history Detection of fraudulent activity
114
How machine learning categorises emails as spam (5)
Collects data about emails Carries out a cleaning process to remove stop words Checks for frequently used spam phrases Machine learning model is built and is trained with a training data set Model is tested
115
How machine learning recognises user buying history
Collaboration filtering Uses algorithms to recommend new customers things based on similarities between shopping behaviours
116
How machine learning detects fraudulent activity
Gathers information through web scraping Data cleaning Exploration and analysis Building a model Model evaluation

IGCSE Computer Science (11 decks)

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