Section 6 - ICT applications Flashcards
Paper based communications
Hard copy output - (e.g.newspapers, leaflets, posters, business cards, etc.)
Digital communications
Screen based (e.g. websites, forums, slideshows, multimedia presentations, sound, etc.)
Newsletter
Paper based Simple Cheap Easy to acquire Available daily
Website
Digital-based
Can be easily access as long as there’s Internet connection
Multimedia presentations
Presentations using animation, video, sound + music
Cartoons
Digital-based
Eye catching
Flyers and posters
Paper-based
Often A4 size (smaller if flyer) or bigger
What is data handling?
where data is input and stored on a computer.
Describe the process of data handling
data input into the computer -> computer proceses the data and turns it into useful info -> useful information is output
Survey results
an investigation of the opinions of a group
Often paper-based
Computer handles data survey
Address lists
list of contacts
Stored electronically Often contains (names, addresses, tel number, etc. )
School reports
details performance levels
Stored in a database
Printed
Clubs and society records (records that store info)
Using databases
School libraries
Using databases
What are sensors?
detect changes in the environment to gather measurable data
Examples of measurement application
Scientific experiments — Data logging can be setup to automatically monitor and record data generated by scientific experiments e.g. human genome experiment
Environmental measuring — where data is collected to be used for purposes such as weather forecasting, water quality in rivers and streams, levels of air pollution
Weather stations contain lots of sensors (e.g. thermometer, humidity sensor), that feed data into computer and then analysed
Electronic timings — Computerised data logging can be used to accurately measure time)
Describe the process of sensors logging data
- Sensors automatically detect + measure physical quantities (e.g. rainfall)
- Data logging is measuring the physical item at predefined times
- Sensors are connected computer
- Sensor data must be converted to digital
Advantages + disadvantages of sensors
ads:
Work longer - Can log data 24/7
Reliable - will not make mistakes
Frequency of readings - Read data frequently, hundreds of times per second
Safer - Can operate in hostile to human environments
Automatic readings - no need for humans
Accuracy - Can analyze data and output
disads:
Might be expensive
What are the two types of data?
Analogue
Digital
Analogue data
data that use values which change very smoothly
Digital data
data that jumps from one value to the next in a step by step sequence
What are the two types of converters?
- Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC)
2. Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC)
What is a ‘microprocessor’?
A silicon chip that contains a CPU (To be found in most electronic devices today)
Smart appliances
- Keeps track of food and expiry date by either RFID, barcodes or manual data entry
- Sends alert to computer or displays on door (fridge)
- Reads the barcode and sets temperature and time according to encoded barcode (oven)
Heating / aircon systems
• Has preset range of temperatures and adjusts according to the temperature being input via sensors
Burglary systems
• Has vibration sensors, pressure sensor, motion detectors - send signal to control panel => Alarm activated
Glasshouse
- Use of sensors (light, heat, humidity)
- Input to control
- Control adjusts actuator
- Switches bulb/fan/window on or off
Washing machines
• Control water temperature, valves to let water in, valves to let water out
What are turtle graphics (LOGO)?
system designed to teach students the basics of computer programming and control
What are modelling applications?
computer programs that attempt to “stimulate” activities that happen physically (designed to behave like real life system)
The features of a spreadsheet-based model
allow a range of input variables to be set
use formulae to define rules for model
produce output based on input variables + rules
Characteristics of robots in controlled applications
Robotic arms
Strong
Joints powered by motors
Various tool attachments at the end of the arm
Controlled by microprocessors (which give instructions)
What can robots do?
Perform repetitive tasks Perform dangerous tasks (which physically harm humans) Work 24/7 Perform delicate tasks (humans make mistakes) Wielding cars in factories Pain spray cars Lift heavy items Make microchips
Advantages of robots
Work non-stop Handle repetitive tasks Work in dangerous environments Work faster than humans Do not have to be paid wages
Disadvantages of robots
Initial cost is expensive
Replace humans in jobs (unemployment)
Cannot make decisions
Can break down
What are school management systems?
a system that manages all of a school’s data in a single, integrated application (like SIMS)
What do school management systems record?
Pupil information Staff information Timetable Pupil behaviour Administration data Financial records Exam entries
How do school management systems register students?
- Electronic registration
- MIS software is on teachers computer (SIMS)
- Teacher inputs attendance (data)
- Administration run report - absence names
How do school management systems record learner performance?
Spreadsheet
Database
Specialist software (MIS)
How do school management systems record exams/timetables?
Spreadsheets
Using specialist software
What are the uses of booking systems?
Air travel Holiday accommodation Theatre Cinema Real time processing
What is a real-time system?
where every input is processed immediately => the resulting output is ready before the next input is processed. (Double booking is avoided)
Describe the process of booking airline ticket
- Choice of available flights/tickets presented on screen (Time, Date, Destination)
- Choose seat
- Secure payment page
- Receive Reservation Number (Print ticket, QR code to mobile, Email confirmation)
Advantages of booking systems
No double booking Immediate feedback on availability 24/7 system Immediate confirmation Tied into other online apps
Disadvantages of booking systems
Expensive to create
Training for staff if over phone
Breakdown issues
Website needs to be well designed
What does ATM stand for?
Automatic Teller Machine
What are ATMs used for?
withdrawing cash depositing money checking the balance of accounts transferring money between accounts paying bills
Describe the process of withdrawing cash from an ATM
- The card is inserted into the ATM where it is read by a magnetic strip reader or a smart card reader
- Insert card
- Type PIN (Personal Identification Number)
- Choose transaction
- Follow instructions
- Take cash/Take statement/ Deposit cash
- Take card
Describe the process of cheques clearing
- Each cheque is passed through an MICR Reader that can read special numbers
- Ink numbers are read
- Handwritten part (payee + value of payment) read by OCR or input manually
(Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)
Describe card processing
- Card is read by card reader
- Enter PIN number
- Request for authorisation to pay sent to bank
- Bank sends back yes or no
- If yes - amount is debited (deducted) from your bank account and put into shops/sellers bank account
Describe the process of phone banking
- Enter account number
- Type PIN
- Hear various options
- Choose options
- to hear balance
- to pay bill
- to transfer money
Describe the process of Internet banking
- Logon to secure website
- Type username and PIN
All standard services
Apply for loans
Advantages of Internet banking
More convenient (24/7) No travel required Can download data
Disadvantages of Internet banking
Need computer and connection
More vulnerable to hacking
Some people prefer to speak in person
What is ‘EFT’?
System that allows money to be transferred digitally from one bank account to another bank account (e.g. when businesses pay their employees salary)
What is ‘EFTPOS’?
Electronic Fund Transfer at Point-of-sale (when customers pay for goods electronically)
What do patient records include?
central databases (share data between hospitals/doctors/pharmacies)
instantly updated with latest information
order drugs from pharmacy
retrieve patient records — which contain:
patient ID
personal details
allergies
medical history
current treatment/ medication/ diagnosis
can use tablets/ monitors in patient
Patient monitoring
computerized monitoring - 27/4 sensor — attached to body - pulse rate - temperature - breathing rate - blood pressure data fed to computer which processes all data logged for later analysis inputs compared against pre-set ranges (outside range alarms switched on) data can be seen on central monitor
Diagnosis - expert systems
computer is “expert”
nurse/doctor inputs symptoms
output is possible diagnoses and treatments
How can 3D printers be used in producing medical aids through?
– surgical and diagnostic aids – prosthetics and medical products – tissue engineering – artificial blood vessels – designs of medical tools and equipment
Why are computers used in libraries?
-> to keep records of books and borrowers.
Every published book has an ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
Libraries usually use direct data entry methods (faster, easier) e.g. barcode reader
What are the three types of database in a library?
1. Book database Book database may contain: - Book ID - Book details - ISBN 2. Borrower database Borrowers usually given library cards (most have barcode for ease + speed) A borrower database might contain: - Borrower ID - Personal details - Contact details 3. Loans database has records added to it when book borrowed links records from books database and borrower database Loans database would contain - Book ID - Borrower ID - Date of loan - Due Date Loans database regularly checked for loans that are late When late record found, Borrower ID used to link to borrower's record Borrower is sent automatic reminder
What are ‘expert systems’?
special databases which are designed to mimic the knowledge of a human expert
Where are the components of expert systems?
- Knowledge base: set of rules and facts
- provided by human experts - User interface
- simple to use for non expert
- able to ask questions and get advice - Inference Engine
- searches knowledge base for answers to questions
Where are expert systems used?
- Medical Diagnosis
- Geologists
- > discovering oil, water, minerals
- car mechanical faults
- strategy games
- > chess
- financial advice
- biological identification
- > e.g. what leaf is this
Describe the process of expert systems
- User interface presents user w/ set of questions relating to problems
- User answers questions
- Inference data uses rules base to match user’s answers to knowledge base
- System diagnoses + treatments
Advantages + disadvantages of expert systems
ads: Fewer mistakes More knowledge (combines knowledge of many) Cheaper More consistent answer
disads:
Cannot make judgments
Errors in the rule base can lead to incorrect decisions
Require lots of training
