← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Automated systems in weather monitoring

A system where sensors and a microprocessor record weather readings at set intervals and send the data on without a person present, often in remote places, to help forecasting.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.1 Automated Systems — Module 31

Understanding Automated systems in weather monitoring in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: A sensor reading is passed to the microprocessor, which stores it. Temperature, humidity, pressure and light sensors all work this way. Transmitting the stored data lets forecasters use it from remote places. The output is data sent on, not a physical action. The microprocessor is programmed to take readings at regular intervals, so no person needs to be present. Automation means readings can be taken continuously in places that are dangerous, far away or hard to reach. Stored and transmitted readings are analysed so forecasters can predict upcoming weather. Microprocessors only process digital data, so an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is needed first.

Common mistakes: A weather station records and sends its data on. It does not carry out a physical action with an actuator. Line 3 should be SEND temp TO server. Humidity must be read from the humidity sensor. A pressure sensor measures air pressure, so line 2 should use humiditySensor.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 580–607) and word search (Modules 553–607).

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Learning

Duo

Which sensors would an automatic weather station use to measure the weather?

Temperature, humidity, pressure and light sensorsKeyboard, mouse and microphone

Matches

A weather station needs a person to read each sensor and write down the value

↓

An automatic weather station needs no person present. Its microprocessor records the readings itself.

Applying

Meanings

Term

automatic weather station

Meaning

A system where sensors and a microprocessor record weather readings at set intervals and send the data on without a person present, often in remote places, to help forecasting.

Practice

WHILE TRUE DO

Testing

Gaps

temp ← ("temperature")

Check Answer

Spots

2 temp ← READ(tempSensor)

3 MOVE motor TO temp

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Quick Questions

1. Which sensors would an automatic weather station use to measure the weather?

A. Temperature, humidity, pressure and light sensors ✓

B. Keyboard, mouse and microphone

Weather stations use sensors to capture physical data such as temperature, humidity, air pressure and light level. Keyboards and mice are input devices for people.

2. How often does an automatic weather station take its readings?

A. At set, regular intervals, such as every few minutes ✓

B. Only when a person presses a button

The microprocessor is programmed to take readings at regular intervals, so no person needs to be present.

3. What does the microprocessor in a weather station usually do with the sensor data?

A. Uses an actuator to change the weather

B. Stores it or sends it on to a central computer ✓

A weather station records and transmits data. It does not carry out a physical action, because nobody can control the weather with an actuator.

4. Why are automatic weather stations useful in remote places such as mountains or deserts?

A. They collect data without a person being there ✓

B. They need a person to stay there to read the sensors

Automation means readings can be taken continuously in places that are dangerous, far away or hard to reach.

5. Which statement about the data from a weather station is correct?

A. It is thrown away once the reading is taken

B. It is used to help forecast the weather ✓

Stored and transmitted readings are analysed so forecasters can predict upcoming weather.

Match the Pairs

automatic weather station → A system where sensors and a microprocessor record weather readings at set intervals and send the data on without a person present

every 10 minutes: read sensors, then transmit → The station takes readings at regular intervals and sends the data on instead of making a physical movement

Sensors such as temperature, humidity, pressure and light supply the readings that the microprocessor processes → temp <- READ(TemperatureSensor)

The station sends its data to a forecasting centre instead of switching something on → TRANSMIT(temp, humidity, pressure)

A weather station needs a person to read each sensor and write down the value → An automatic weather station needs no person present. Its microprocessor records the readings itself.

A weather station records its readings once and never again, so the data cannot be used for forecasting → Readings are taken at regular intervals, so the data builds up over time and can be used to forecast.

Key Term

automatic weather station

A system where sensors and a microprocessor record weather readings at set intervals and send the data on without a person present, often in remote places, to help forecasting.

Fill in the Blanks

1. temp ← READ_SENSOR("temperature")

Hint: Type the function name that takes a reading from a sensor.

2. WAIT 10 MINUTES temp ← READ_SENSOR("temperature") SEND(temp, base_station)

Hint: Type the command that pauses the station so readings are taken at regular intervals.

3. SEND(temp, base_station)

Hint: Type the command that transmits the stored reading on, so nobody has to be there to collect it.

4. IF pressure < 1000 THEN SEND("low pressure", base_station) ENDIF

Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks whether the pressure reading is lower than the stored value.

5. WHILE station_on = TRUE SEND(temp, base_station) ENDWHILE

Hint: Type the keyword that starts the loop which keeps the station working continuously.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A WHILE station is on

B temp ← READ(tempSensor)

C MOVE motor TO temp

D WAIT 10 MINUTES

E ENDWHILE

Line C — A weather station records and sends its data on. It does not carry out a physical action with an actuator. Line 3 should be SEND temp TO server.

Question 2

A REPEAT

B hum ← READ(pressureSensor)

C STORE hum IN log

D WAIT 1 HOUR

E UNTIL station is off

Line B — Humidity must be read from the humidity sensor. A pressure sensor measures air pressure, so line 2 should use humiditySensor.

Question 3

A pres ← READ(lightSensor)

B IF pres < 980 THEN

C SEND storm warning

D ENDIF

Line A — The variable pres holds air pressure, so it must be read from the pressure sensor. A light sensor measures light level. Line 1 should be READ(pressureSensor).

Question 4

A WHILE station is on

B light ← READ(lightSensor

C STORE light IN log

D WAIT 30 MINUTES

E ENDWHILE

Line B — The closing bracket is missing from the READ call. Line 2 should be light ← READ(lightSensor).

Question 5

A interval ← 15

B WHILE person is present

C record readings

D WAIT interval MINUTES

E ENDWHILE

Line B — An automatic weather station works without a person present. The loop must depend on the station being on, so line 2 should be WHILE station is on.

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