Automated Systems

Question 1

What is a sensor?

Answer 1

A sensor is a device that detects and measures the physical properties of the environment, then converts it into readable signals.

Question 2

What are the key features of signals? and describe them.

Answer 2

Sensitivity: Ability to detect small changes in the environment, like light, pressure or temperature.
Accuracy: The ability to provide precise measurements for consistent and reliable data.
Resolution: Creates parameters for which the smallest change it can detect.
Range: The span or area that the sensor can accurately measure.
Response Time: The speed at which the sensor reacts to changes.

Question 3

Name 6 Types of sensors and explain them.

Answer 3

Temperature sensors: Measure thermal energy to give temperature readings.
Pressure sensors: Detects the force exerted on the surface.
Light sensors: Measure light intensity.
humidity sensors: Determine the amount of moisture in the air.
Flow level sensors: Monitor the flow and level of liquids.
Gas sensors: measure the concentration of gasses in the air.

Question 4

Give an industrial application of sensors.

Answer 4

Distributed control systems (DCS)

Question 5

Give a common application of sensors.

Answer 5

Smart Lighting systems, Weather Stations, Motion capture Devices

Question 6

What is the role of the microprocessor in the automation process

Answer 6

Data Storage, Processing Input Data, Generating Output, Automated, Decision Making and Operational Control.
but its main function summarized is that is processes instructions and manages the flow of data within a computer system.

Question 7

What is an actuator?

Answer 7

An actuator is a device that preforms actions or controls a mechanism in the system, translating electrical signals into physical movement.

Question 8

What are some of the things that an actuator can do?

Answer 8

Automatic shutdowns and operate water and gas pumps to control the flow.

Question 9

What are some industrial applications of actuators?

Answer 9

Actuators are widely used in industrial systems to control machinery and processes

Question 10

What are the types of actuators?

Answer 10

1. Electrical actuators
   - DC servomotors
   - AC motors
   - Stepper motors
   - (solenoids)
2. Hydraulic actuators
   - use hydraulic fluid to amplify the controller command signal.
3. Pneumatic actuators
   - use compressed air as the driving force

Question 11

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the industrial setting?

Answer 11

Automatic emergency shutdown, gas pump valves, water cooling pumps.

Question 12

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the transport setting?

Answer 12

Adaptive cruise control, self-parking system, braking systems.

Question 13

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the agricultural setting?

Answer 13

Automated weather stations, environment monitoring, climate control.

Question 14

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the weather monitoring setting?

Answer 14

Multiple climate sensor integration, automated weather stations.

Question 15

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the gaming setting?

Answer 15

Enhanced user interaction, sensor integration, real time data processing.

Question 16

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the lighting setting?

Answer 16

Adaptive lighting, sensor-based control, energy efficiency.

Question 17

What are some key features of how automation could be used in the science setting?

Answer 17

Real time monitoring, data collection and processing, remote access and control.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of automation?

Answer 18

high initial cost, requires significant testing and calibrations, susceptible to cyber attacks, requires high maintenance, only able to respond to specific parameters, loss of jobs

Question 19

What are the advantages of automation?

Answer 19

faster than human, safer, processes can run under optimal conditions for longer, long-term cost effectiveness, increased productivity and efficient material usage, consistency

Question 20

security system uses sensors, a camera and a microprocessor to capture images of each person entering a large shopping mall.
(a) Describe how the sensors, camera and microprocessor interact to identify certain people entering the mall.

Answer 20

In a security system for a large shopping mall, sensors, a camera, and a microprocessor work together to identify certain people. Motion or proximity sensors detect someone approaching the entrance, triggering the camera to capture images of the person. These images are then sent to the microprocessor, which processes them using facial recognition software to compare with a database of known individuals. If a match is found, the microprocessor alerts security personnel or logs the entry. This integrated system ensures efficient monitoring and identification, enhancing mall security.

Question 21

Automatic doors in a building are controlled by the use of infrared sensors and a microprocessor.
Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used to automatically open a door as a person approaches.

Answer 21

Infrared sensors detect the presence of a person approaching the door by sensing the infrared radiation emitted by their body. When the sensors detect someone, they send a signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes this signal and sends a command to the door mechanism to open the door. Once the person has passed through, the sensors detect that the area is clear, and the microprocessor sends a command to close the door. This process allows for automatic and efficient door operation.