6g Discuss Hardware and Software Developments ***

Question 0

The wedding outfitter uses an international courier service to send their goods abroad. The wedding outfitter needs to know where the goods and delivery vehicles are located at any given time.
Discuss hardware and software developments that will enable the wedding outfitter to do this. (11 marks)

Answer 0

Possible points to discuss may include for example;
 bar codes/microchips/smart labels on goods
 hand held scanners
 computerised screening/sorting/conveying
 operational control
 on-line tracking
 SatNav
 GPS systems
 route planning software
 tracker systems in delivery vehicles
 mobile phones
 on-screen signatures

Question 1

Discuss hardware and software developments that might change the way hotels function in the future. (11 marks)

Answer 1

Points for discussion may include for example;
 intelligent software to note guests’ activities
 prompts throughout guests’ stay based on accumulated data
 chip and pin ordering and payment
 wireless hotspots
 internet access points
 adjusting the levels of heat, light etc automatically
 Intelligent materials could be used in the construction
 holographic representations
 virtual staff
 virtual tours
 personalised paging service
 robots as service droids
 sensors which activate artificial voices/ virtual PA
 iris scanners/voice/face recognition software recognises guests
 personalised messages displayed or projected as guests move round the hotel

Question 2

Members of the regional Mountain Rescue Organisation purchase their own personal equipment at a variety of outlets.
Discuss hardware and software developments that are changing or might change the way members of the Organisation find and purchase equipment. (11 marks)

Answer 2

Possible points for discussion may include for example;
 mobile devices used for payment
 wireless mobile connectivity
 inclusion of biometric technology to make transactions safer
 biometrics for advertising
 virtual measurement and try-on
 cyber theft
 encryption
 cost increase to allow for technological advances

Question 3

Discuss hardware and software developments that are changing or might change the way the salons are run. (11 marks)

Answer 3

Points may include:
 mobile devices used for payment
 wireless mobile connectivity in salons
 inclusion of biometric technology to make transactions safer
 biometrics for advertising
 virtual styling / modelling
 cyber theft
 encryption
 cost increase to allow for technological advances

Question 4

Discuss hardware and software developments that are changing or might change the way Awburn House Surgery treats patients. (11 marks)

Answer 4

Points may include for example:
 health advice via apps
 3-D imagery for treatments
 multimedia presentations as distractions
 robotic physiotherapy
 combating cyberchondriacs
 artificial implants
 txt reminders for appointments and course of tablets
 embedded micro sensors in band-aids
 smartphones and device consolidation
 phone attachments to utilise cameras and send images
 interfacing with pharmacies
 remote monitoring, diagnosis and consultation
 virtual procedures in training
 sensors in prosthetics
 demographic mapping of symptoms
 e-records
 self-barcodes during difficult treatment
 robotic feedback of progress of treatment
 ingested microchips as a form of control
 implanted sensors connecting to mobile phones to alert staff.

Question 5

Discuss hardware and software developments that are changing, or might change, the way houses are bought and sold. (11 marks)

Answer 5

Points may include:
 inclusion of biometric technology to make funds transactions safer
 encryption
 biometrics for advertising
 virtual styling
 3D modelling
 holographic representations
 virtual tours
 cost increases to allow for technological advances.