Microprocessor- controlled devices

Question 1

What are Microprocessor-Controlled Devices?

Answer 1

A microprocessor-driven labour-saving machine enables users to focus on other activities while the machine completes its work.

Question 2

Advantages of microprocessor-controlled labour-saving devices:

Answer 2

no need to do manual tasks at home
more time for leisure activities
no need to stay home while chores are being done
web-enabled devices allow devices to be switched on or off while the owner is out
automated burglar alarms give a higher sense of security and well-being
smart fridges and freezers prevent food waste by keeping track of products’ expiry, availability, etc.

Question 3

Disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled labour-saving devices:

Answer 3

unhealthy lifestyle due to inactivity caused by devices
doing all tasks tend to make people lazy
potential deskilling
any device containing a microprocessor and can communicate using the internet displays a threat of cybersecurity breaches

Question 4

General advantages of using a microprocessor-controlled device:

Answer 4

save energy due to being efficient
can be easier ‘programming’ these devices to perform tasks rather than turning knobs and pressing buttons manually

Question 5

General disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices:

Answer 5

• lead to more wasteful devices
• can be more complex to operate for technophobes
• leaving devices on standby is wasteful

Question 6

Data Security Issues

Answer 6

Any home appliance managed remotely could provide hackers access to your personal information. These devices frequently have default (or no) password settings, which makes it simple for attackers to get sensitive information

Question 7

The positive aspects involving social interactions include:

Answer 7

easier to make new friends using chat rooms
easier to find people who share similar interests/hobbies
less expensive to keep in touch using VoIP technology.

Question 8

The negative aspects involving social interactions include:

Answer 8

people do not meet face-to-face as much (social isolation)
a lack of social interaction may make people more anxious about meeting people in real life
When communicating online, people can act less politely or more harshly, and cybercrime is a serious issue, especially for teenagers.

Question 9

Monitoring and Controlling Transport

Uses:

Answer 9

monitoring traffic on motorways congestion zone
monitoring automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
automatic traffic light control
air traffic control systems
railway signalling systems

Question 10

Advantages of transport monitoring and control systems:

Answer 10

• smart motorways keep updating according to changing traffic conditions
• more efficient traffic offences can be remotely penalised using ANPR
• car thefts can be spotted using ANPR
• minimises human errors, reducing the rate of accidents

Question 11

Disadvantages of transport monitoring and control systems:

Answer 11

If a hacker breaches security, the vehicle could be controlled by them.
The system might come to a halt if it malfunctions.
Systems with a poor design could compromise safety.
The easy tracking of harmless people’s movements is made possible by ANPR equipment.

Question 12

Autonomous vehicles in transport

Answer 12

To properly execute their activities, autonomous cars require sensors, cameras, actuators, microprocessors (along with very complex algorithms). Automobile control systems can accomplish essential tasks by sensing information from cameras and ultrasonics.

Question 13

Consider an autonomous vehicle approaching a set of red lighting traffic signals.

Answer 13

The vehicle’s control system must first recognize the road sign before consulting the database to determine the appropriate action.
The CPU must instruct the actuators to apply the brakes and put the gear in “park” since the traffic light is red.
The light must be continuously watched until it turns green.
After that, the CPU will again tell the actuators to engage first gear, let go of the brakes, and open the throttle (accelerator).

Question 14

Advantages of an autonomous car, bus, or van:

Answer 14

• safer due to the removal of human error
• due to the more efficient operation of vehicles, it is better for the environment
• reduced traffic congestion
• increased lane capacity
• reduced travel times
• stress-free parking for motorists

Question 15

Disadvantages of an autonomous car, bus, or van:

Answer 15

• very high installation prices
• driver and passenger reluctance of the new technology
• reduction in taxi requirements
• could lead to unemployment
• maintenance of the sensors and cameras is crucial
• the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s control system

Question 16

Advantages of an autonomous train:

Answer 16

• improved punctuality
• reduced running costs due to fewer staff
• no human error
• minimised energy consumption
• possible to increase the frequency of trains as the possibility of delays is removed
• more straightforward to update changes in train schedules

Question 17

Disadvantages of an autonomous train:

Answer 17

• fear of the system being hacked into
• initial instalment costs are very high
• ensuring passenger behaviour is vital, especially during rush hours
• human reluctance to new technology
• without drivers, CCTV monitoring will be continuously required

Question 18

Advantages of autonomous aeroplanes:

Answer 18

• improvement in passenger comfort
• reduced running costs, fewer staff
• as most accidents are due to pilot-induced errors, safety is improved
• improved aerodynamics as an outcome of the removal of the cockpit

Question 19

Disadvantages of autonomous aeroplanes:

Answer 19

security aspects due to the absence of pilots
emergencies may be challenging to deal with
hacking into the system
passenger reluctance
software glitches can be catastrophic