4th Six Weeks Flashcards
Data Logging
Computers automatically record data from sensors without human
intervention
o Intensive care units logging vital signs
o Monitoring volcanic and seismic activity
Advantages
Ability to collect large numbers of variables at once and extremely
frequently
Better integrity of data
o No human error involved
Safer
o Data logging instruments can survive in harsh environments
Systems only need attention when something is abnormal
o Medical monitoring devices only need to alert operators to a problem
Analog data (continuous data)
is measured
Digital Data (discrete data)
is counted
Computers only read
digital data
Data Logging Process
- Analog data is collected using a variety of sensors
- The analog data is converted to digital data through ADC
- The digital data is transferred to a computer for storage
- Data is analysed and processed
- Alarms or alters can be sounded if data is outside predetermined ranges
- Output such as graphics or tables is produced
Satelltie imaging
Advanced imaging satellites are capable of taking precise photos fromover 400 miles away
radar
radio waves
lidar
lasers
sonar
sounds
Online Mapping
Many free online high resolution mapping programs are available
They have data layers customized for the target audience
o A tourist may see hotels, airports, rental car agencies, etc.
Common to have geotagged images
o Images with location coordinates embedded
Many allow for turn by turn directions
Combined with a GPS receiver, online mapping systems are the core component of portable and in-car satellite navigations systems
Environmental Impacts of Technology
Amount of resources used during manufacture
Speed with which products become obsolete and new ones are
manufactured
Use of dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing process affecting
workers
Pollution caused by old equipment when it is discarded
Technology Power Consumption
Key issue by consumers is about battery life in mobile devices
Companies care about how much energy is required to power the actual system and how much is required to keep them cool
Data centers
Require a ton of energy to keep them cool and running
continuously
Power Consumption Solutions
Use lower power settings on personal devices
Speed throttling
Processors that reduce the devices speed when not being used intensively
Blade servers
Modular systems that allow shared power and cooling systems versus traditional rack servers
Resource Depletion
The volume of resources used to manufacture IT is a concern
Harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process
o Recycled air in bunny suits is breathed over and over again
E-waste & Unsafe Disposal
Most IT equipment contains harmful toxins
o Mercury, lead, beryllium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium
Improper disposal leads to seepage in the soil and groundwater
Chemicals impact all parts of the body if consumed
Sources
Most e-waste originated in more economically developed countries
(MEDC) like Europe and North America
Average cost is $30 to recycle or dispose per computer
Much is sent to less economical developed countries (LEDC)
Speed of Change
E-waste has become a significant problem because of speed of
change within the IT industry
Some IT systems have short life cycles
o Think about cell phones and MP3 players
planned obsolescence
Designing a device that will be out of date or will fail after a
certain amount of time
Reducing Waste
3 Rs
Reduce
The amount of raw materials and energy used to produce
o Reuse
Taking obsolete equipment and either reusing or
o Recycle
Recycled with specialty equipment to extract valuable
Generally very expensive
the product
refurbishing the equipment and giving it away materials
Waste Electrical and Electronic Directive (WEEE)
o European Community Directive
o Prohibits companies from charging when people return old equipment
