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

Computer + processingsoftware

Outputs

INTERFACE

Home Control Examples• 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 Reading (ANPR) digital 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.

• 90359988 • iStockphoto

GreenhouseSensors• 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/engineeringExamples:• Integrated

manufacturing/engineering systems

• Computer-integrated engineering (CIE)

• Computer-integratedmanufacturing (CIM)

• CAD/CAM links• RobotsAdvantages:• Continuous operation• Improved reproducibility• Increased speed• Less hazardous

environments

• 96397883 • iStockphoto

Other examples:

HospitalsExamples• 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 ConverterDAC: 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.

DiscussionDiscuss the consequences of these technologies1. 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.