Worksheet 6.

1
1. Many examples of automated systems exist
a. Define what is meant by an automated system.
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b One part of the automated system involves the use of sensors.
Explain what a sensor is.
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c. Name three areas where automated systems are used.
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d. Give three general advantages of using automated systems.
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e. Give three general disadvantages of using automated systems.
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2. An example of an automated system is the control of the entry and exit to a private car
park. Cameras take a photograph of a car's number plate on entry which is then checked
before the barrier is raised. At the exit, another camera captures the car's number plate,
which is again checked before raising the barrier.

a. Name the software that is needed to convert the camera image of the car's number
plate into an electronic format that can be used in, for example, a database.
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b. Describe how sensors, cameras, actuators and a computer system can be used to
control entry to and exit from the car park. Your answer should include how a car
number plate meets the criteria for entry and any other security or safety aspects.
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c. i. Describe the advantages of using an automated system to control entry and exit to
the car park.
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2. _________________________________________________________________________
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ii. One disadvantage is the possibility of illegal copying of number plates to 'fool' the
system and allow unauthorized access to the car park.
Discuss how you might think this problem could be overcome.
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3. a. A car is equipped with self-parking technology. Explain the role of the following
devices in the self-parking technology:
i. Cameras:
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ii. Sensors:
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iii. Actuators:
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b. Describe how embedded systems in a car prevent the driver exceeding a set speed
and also prevent the car getting too close to the vehicle in front of it. Include the role of
the microprocessor and any named sensors in your answer.
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4. a. Name suitable sensors for each of the following automated systems. Describe the
function of your named sensor in each case

Description of automated system Suitable sensor(s) Function of named sensors

Manufacture of a new vaccine which

requires the mixing of four liquids in
the ratio 1:2:3:4 as a single batch.
The four liquids must be totally
mixed and the temperature must be
maintained at 35°C, which is critical
to the process. When fully mixed, the
solution turns an even yellow colour.

A lighting display has been set up in

one room of an art gallery (as part of
the exhibition). A random sequence
of different coloured LED lights is
under microprocessor control. The
display only switches on when
visitors walk into the room; at the
same time, the room lights are
dimmed to give the lighting display
its most dramatic effect.
 A train uses automatic twindoors.
Both doors open automatically when
the train stops. Both doors close
again when no one is still boarding
or leaving the train. The doors have
a safety mechanism so that a
passenger cannot become trapped
between the two closing doors. The
train can only move off when every
door on the train has been safely
closed.

b. The eight statements on the Left-hand side of the following table are either true or false. Tick ( ✓)
the appropriate box to indicate which statements are true and which are false.

Statements True (✓) False(✓)

Automated systems lead to less consistent results or less consistent

products

Automated systems are more expensive to set up than traditional

manual systems

Automated systems could be quickly overwhelmed by the amount of

data presented to them

Automated systems are inherently less safe than manual systems

Automated systems generally require enhanced maintenance when

compared to manual systems

Automated systems allow processes to run at optimum conditions at all

times

Software failures, due to unforeseen conditions, are unlikely to impact

on an automated system

Automated systems will react more quickly to unusual process

conditions than a manual system