IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.1 Automated Systems Hangman

The 49 key terms

1automated system

A system that senses its surroundings, decides what to do and acts, without a person controlling each step. For example, an automatic door.

2sensor

An input device that measures a physical quantity, such as heat or light, from the environment and sends the readings to a computer or microprocessor.

3ADC (analogue-to-digital converter)

Turns the continuously varying analogue readings from a sensor into digital values (binary numbers) so a computer can process them.

4microprocessor

A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip. It is only the processor, not the whole computer, and is found in PCs, phones and embedded devices.

5stored value

A pre-set value, such as a target temperature, kept in the microprocessor. It compares each digital sensor reading with it to decide if the reading is too high, too low or on target.

6actuator

An output device that turns a control signal from a processor into physical action, such as a motor turning, a valve opening or a heater switching on, in control systems and robots.

7feedback loop

A sensor sends readings to a microprocessor, which compares them with a stored value and signals an actuator, such as a heater, to act. This repeats continuously.

8feedback

When an actuator's effect changes the next sensor reading, so the system keeps adjusting itself until the stored value is reached, e.g. a heater warms the room until the target.

9embedded system

A computer system built into a larger device to perform one dedicated function, usually running a fixed program. Examples: a washing machine controller or a microwave timer.

10temperature sensor

An input device that measures how hot or cold something is. Used in central heating, ovens, greenhouses and weather stations.

11light sensor

An input device that measures how bright the light is and sends the light level to a computer. Used in automatic street lights, screen brightness and greenhouses.

12moisture sensor

An input device that measures the amount of water in a solid material such as soil. Used in automatic plant watering and farming. Not the same as a humidity sensor, which measures air.

13humidity sensor

An input device that measures the amount of water vapour (moisture) in the air. Used in weather stations, greenhouses and air conditioning systems.

14pressure sensor

An input device that measures the force applied over an area by a gas, liquid or solid, e.g. in tyre pressure monitors, weather forecasting and pressure pads.

15level sensor

A sensor that measures how full a container is by detecting the height of a liquid or solid, e.g. in a water tank, fuel gauge or chemical vat.

16flow sensor

An input device that measures how much liquid or gas moves past a point in a set time (the flow rate). Used in water meters, fuel systems, pipelines and irrigation.

17gas sensor

An input device that detects the presence or concentration of a particular gas in the air, e.g. in carbon monoxide alarms, gas leak detection, air quality checks and breathalysers.

18pH sensor

An input device that measures how acidic or alkaline a liquid is on the pH scale and sends the pH value to a computer. Used in water treatment, fish tanks, soil testing and food production.

19acoustic sensor

A sensor that detects sound and measures its level. Used in noise monitoring, burglar alarms and glass-break detection to show how loud a sound is or whether a sound is present.

20infra-red sensor

A sensor that detects infra-red radiation, such as heat given off by people and objects, or a broken infra-red beam. Used in burglar alarms and automatic doors.

21proximity sensor

A sensor that detects whether an object is nearby, or how far away it is, without touching it. Used in parking sensors, phones turning off the screen during calls and automatic doors.

22accelerometer

A sensor that measures acceleration (change in speed or direction) and tilt. Used for phone screen rotation, step counters and car airbag impact detection.

23magnetic field sensor

An input device that detects the presence and strength of a magnetic field. Used in door alarms, compasses, wheel speed counters and metal detectors.

24data first, then sensor

Each sensor captures one type of data, so identify the data first (e.g. moisture in soil, humidity in air), then name the sensor that measures it.

25suitable sensor

The sensor that measures the physical quantity a system needs, e.g. light for street lamps or pressure for a car park. Justify it with 'because'.

26inputs and outputs

A complete system uses input devices or sensors to capture data and output devices or actuators to deliver results, each chosen to suit the task.

27sensor, microprocessor, stored value, actuator

Describe the system: the sensor measures, the microprocessor compares the reading with a stored value, the actuator responds, and the process repeats.

28Automated system in industry

Sensors send readings to a microprocessor, which controls actuators like motors, valves and robotic arms to run a production line or chemical plant with little human control.

29automated transport system

A vehicle or traffic system where sensors send data to a microprocessor, which controls actuators to steer, brake or signal without a driver controlling every action.

30agricultural automation

Sensors, a microprocessor and actuators keep crop conditions right, such as watering or heating a greenhouse, without a farmer checking all the time.

31automatic 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.

32gaming automated system

Sensors in a controller or headset send readings to a microprocessor, which changes what the player sees or feels, such as moving the view or making the controller vibrate.

33automated lighting

Lights switched on, off or dimmed by sensors and a microprocessor with no one touching a switch, e.g. a street lamp that comes on when its light sensor detects dusk.

34automated system in science

Sensors and a microprocessor measure and control conditions in experiments, and collect data in places too dangerous or remote for people, such as volcanoes or space.

35works continuously

An automated system runs 24 hours a day with no tiredness or breaks, so it can monitor and control a process all the time and react quickly to every sensor reading.

36consistency

An automated system repeats a task in exactly the same way every time, with no tiredness or human error, so its results are more accurate and consistent than human work.

37safety in dangerous places

An automated system can work in hazardous or hard-to-reach places, such as toxic chemicals, volcanoes, deep sea or space, so people are not put at risk.

38lower running costs

An automated system can cut costs over time as it needs fewer paid workers and wastes less material, energy or time, though buying it costs a lot at the start.

39Cost of automation

Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain because they need sensors, microprocessors, actuators and skilled technicians.

40job losses

Automated systems can replace workers, causing unemployment, and fewer people keep practical skills. Retraining is needed. Example: a driverless train replacing drivers.

41system failure

When an automated system stops working or is harmed, for example by a faulty sensor, a power cut or hacking, so the whole process may fail. A backup or manual control helps.

42cannot judge unexpected situations

An automated system only follows its program and sensors, so it has no human judgement when something unexpected happens (like an odd obstacle). People are still needed to oversee it.

43human oversight

People set up, monitor and maintain an automated system, fix faults and can override it in an emergency, so automated does not mean no people are needed.

44advantages vs disadvantages

Weigh what a factory gains (nonstop work, steady quality, safety) against its costs (set-up cost, job losses, breakdowns), link points to the scenario, then conclude.

45weigh benefits and drawbacks

Compare what automated vehicles and signals gain (fewer driver errors, steady speed, no tiredness) with risks (sensor failure, hacking, job losses), linking each point to the scenario.

47automatic weather station pros and cons

Weigh benefits like remote sites, readings day and night and no staff at risk against cost, storm damage, power supply and remote repairs, linking each point to the scenario.

48advantages and disadvantages

Weigh the benefits of sensor-based game controls (natural, immersive, accessible) against drawbacks (hardware cost, misread movement, space needed), linking each to the scenario.

49automatic lighting trade-off

Weigh benefits (saves energy, safer at night, no switching) against drawbacks (install cost, sensor faults, animal false triggers) and link each point to the scenario.

51sensor, microprocessor, actuator

Use these terms in order in an exam answer: the sensor reads, the microprocessor compares and decides, the actuator acts. Tie each point to the scenario and explain it with 'because'.