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Cambridge IGCSE ICT - Chapter 6 - ICT Applications

This document discusses various ICT applications for communication and data handling. It describes paper-based communication methods like newsletters, brochures, and flyers. It also covers computer-based communication like websites, multimedia presentations, and mobile communication apps. The document discusses advantages of storing data on computers and provides examples like address books, surveys, and school/club records. It also outlines the role of sensors and measurement applications in gathering analog data that is converted to digital for processing.

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Sheikha Rahman
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100% found this document useful (2 votes)
2K views53 pages

Cambridge IGCSE ICT - Chapter 6 - ICT Applications

This document discusses various ICT applications for communication and data handling. It describes paper-based communication methods like newsletters, brochures, and flyers. It also covers computer-based communication like websites, multimedia presentations, and mobile communication apps. The document discusses advantages of storing data on computers and provides examples like address books, surveys, and school/club records. It also outlines the role of sensors and measurement applications in gathering analog data that is converted to digital for processing.

Uploaded by

Sheikha Rahman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ICT Applications

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


WWWYAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Communication Applications
Paper Based
Types of Communication & Purpose Use of Computers
News Letter: Used by companies to communicate certain information to staff and • Save and insert pictures
customers. May contain information on recent events and identify success from clipart, Internet,
scanned images & digital
company may have experienced.
camera.
Brochures/Leaflet: Can be used to advertise a company or to be informative. • Adjust the page layout.
• Create and Insert
Brochures are normally printed on glossy paper with a high quality finish.
Tables/charts
Flyers: Informative document which can be distributed to promote or create • Formatting the layout of
the document.
awareness of an up and coming events.
• Applying effects to
Posters: larger then flyers and are strategically positioned to promote and create images (crop, colour
scale, rotate etc.)
awareness. Displayed on billboards, notice boards, buildings as part of an
advertising campaign to target a specific target audience. Text Formatting
• Font Style
• Bold
Advantages Disadvantages
• Alignment (left, centre,
• Not necessary to have a computer or • These communication would mainly be
right and fully justified)
internet connection. distributed by hand.
• underline
• You have a physical copy of the • Printing costs
• Italic
document. • Restricted to a smaller target audience.
• colour

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Computer Based Cartoons (Animations)
Types of Communication & Purpose Animations can also
be created using
Websites specialist software
• Companies use websites as a means to communicate with existing and to promote new
potentially new customers. products.
• Websites can be easily updated and can provide relevant and up to
date information. Music Scores
• Websites can be used to research, social network, online gaming or for Music can now be
online shopping and banking. created and edited
Multimedia Presentations on computers. Can
be used as part of
• A common use for presentations is to provide training in businesses or adverts or slogans.
places of education. The presentation will be a focal point on the
projector whilst the speaker is presenting.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Can include interactive elements • Websites can be hacked and
such as sound, video, animation and information may be altered.
hyperlinks. • Setting up website and maintaining
• Can be available on different would be expensive and would
platforms. require a special skill set.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Mobile Based Voice Over Internet Protocol
(VoIP)
Types of Communication & Purpose
When voice calls
Phone Calls: Allows users to make a audio phone calls to each other from
are taken place
any location within the network coverage area.
over an internet
Text Messages: Allows user to send simple messages to each other even if connection (e.g.
the recipients phone is turned of or not within network coverage. Whatsapp, Viber).
Accessing the Internet: Email and social networking applications are now
available on mobile phones which makes it easier for users to stay in
contact with each other. Businesses can also use these apps to advertise
and communicate with customers.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Mobile phone is portable and can • Long distance calls or phones calls in
be used on the move. different countries could be expensive.
• Mobile phone contracts can offer • Mobile signal could be weak or non
free minutes and texts. existent in some places.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Advantages of Data Handling Applications for Storing Data:
• Data can be updated, organised, sorted and searched in different ways.
• Data can displayed or printed in different formats.
• Data can be backed up or moved using storage media.
• Huge storage space not required (filing cabinets)

Address Lists Surveys School Records


Mobile phones include Information from Student records including
address books which surveys could be held assessment and behaviour
include contact names, on a database so that data. Also staff data could
numbers, email data could be analysed also be held on database
addresses etc. and queried.

Club/Society Records Libraries


Information
Informationon oncurrent
currentmembers
members Information on current books
including
including names
namesand
andcontact
contactdetails. which are available to borrow
Also members
details. methodsmethods
Also members of payment and members of the libraries.
to
of pay membership
payment fee.
to pay membership
fee.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Role of Measurement Applications 1 - Input devices called
sensors feed data into the
Sensors are placed to measure physical variables. The
computer.
data from sensors are measured in analogue. The
analogue signal is then converted to a digital signal
using a convertor.
2 - The computer then
Examples processes the input data.
Weather Thermometer for measuring temperature
Anemometer for measuring wind speed Sensor readings are compared to
Stations
Wind vane for measuring wind direction the preset values.
Hygrometer for measuring humidity
Barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure
Green Sensors are placed in the green house to measure
House whether plants are growing in the correct 3 - As a result of the
conditions:
processing, the computer can
• Light, Moisture, Humidity, PH Levels
send a signal to the output
Patients Sensors will be attached to the body to monitor: devices called actuators which
Vital Signs • heartbeat, blood pressure, temperature etc. could change physical
conditions.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Why Use Computers to Measure Things?
• Computers do not require breaks .
• Readings are more accurate compared to
Data collected from humans.
Sensors is in Analogue • Readings are taking more frequently.
• Data can be analysed and compared with
ADC - Analogue-to-digital converter existing data.
• Automatic graphs can be created.
Analogue Signal now can
be understood by • Sensors can work in extreme conditions
computers. which could be dangerous for humans.
• People can complete other tasks whilst the
systems works automatically.
• If human intervention is required then a
signal will be sent to the buzzer.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Microprocessors in Control Applications

6.4 Microprocessors in Control Applications

Role of Microprocessor in Control Applications 1 - Input devices called


• Sensor readings are compared to the pre-set value which are sensors feed data into the
inputted by the user. computer.
• If sensor readings are below or higher then then the pre-set value
then a signal will be sent to the actuator to change the physical
conditions.
• Process is constantly will be repeated. 2 - The computer then
processes the input data.
Example Process Microprocessor Output
Sensor readings are compared to
Green House Compares light, temperature, • Light on/off
the preset values.
moisture to Pre-set value. • Heater on/off
• Motor
Sends signal to actuator is necessary. open/close
Process is constantly repeated windows
3 - As a result of the
Patients Vital Compares Vital signs (heartbeat, blood • Buzzer will alert processing, the computer can
Signs pressure, temperature to Pre-set staff to any vital
value. send a signal to the output
signs which are
below the devices called actuators which
Sends signal to actuator is necessary.
expected values. could change physical
Process is constantly repeated
conditions.

WWW.YAHMA.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Green House (Temperature Example)
Less than < 20 Degrees
Send signals to
Motor to close
Window and Turn
1 – Input Heater ON
ADC
Microprocessor
Sensors Preset:
Monitoring 20 Degrees
Continuously Process Send signals to
Repeated Motor to open
Window
More than > 20 Degrees

Examples in a Green House


• Light
• Moisture
• Humidity
• PH Levels

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Graphs showing levels of
pollution at each Sensor
A Sensor A compared to the previous
year

Graphs showing levels of


pollution at each Sensor Sensor B

2018
2017
B

2018
2017

2018
2017
Sensor A

Sensor B

Sensor C

Sensor C

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Turtle Graphics

Tip: In this question you have to


write out the remaining steps.

1st: Work out how many more steps you


have to get around the shape. (8) 2nd : It
is possible you may have to use a repeat
to draw the shape.
3rd: Remember to end the repeat.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Modelling Applications

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Modelling Applications
A computer model is a model which would replicate (simulate) the functions of a
real system.

To save costs and time To train people how to


by testing a system use the system in a
before you build it. safe controlled
environment.
e.g. Creating bridges e.g. Flight Simulators.

Why we use Computer Models?

To make predictions of
To investigate the how the system would
capabilities of the system operate in the future.
in detail by interrogating
and manipulating the e.g. Use of spreadsheets to
computer model. track profit/loss over time
Type of Modelling Application
• Business used can use spreadsheets to forecast spreadsheet models to
forecast future profit or loss.
Spreadsheets • Due to the use of formulas business can adjust certain values to see
automatic changes in potential revenue.

• Pilots are able to learn how to fly a plane using a flight simulator.
• The controls and the interface is the same as real plane.
Flight • Different conditions can be tested.
Simulator • Reduced costs as a plane would not be damaged in the training.

• Before buildings are constructed simulations take place to ensure they


Building
are fit for purpose.
Simulator • Simulations ensure the potential building could cope with physical
demands including earthquake/storm threats.

• A traffic light simulator looks at the flow of traffic (data captured from
sensors).
Traffic Lights
• The simulator will adjust the lights to best control the flow of traffic.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Applications in Manufacturing Industries
Robots are used in manufacturing to help to improve productivity, consistency (in terms of final finish) and to
reduce overall running costs. Robots generally make the factory a much more safer environment for workers.
How Are Robots Used in a Factory?
1. Lift heavy items
2. Assemble parts together
3. Paint items (Spraying)
4. Manufacturing Microchips

Robots are programmed with a sequence of


Exact sequence of The robot is now able to carry out the
instructions. The programmer may guide the
movement is stored in same sequence of instructions over and
robot through each step physically or by
the memory. over again.
controlling the robot by remote.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Robots can work 24/7 with the same consistency and Robots cannot easily adapt to a situation which is beyond their
accuracy compared to humans. sequence of instructions.
• Robots can be more productive than humans. Robots can be expensive to buy and maintain.
• Robots can work in extreme conditions not suitable for Some workers may loose their jobs as robots can do more labor
humans. intensive jobs.
• Robots do not need to be paid. People are deskilled due to robots doing more complicated
jobs.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
School Management Systems

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


School Management Systems

School Management Systems are now used in schools by staff to complete a number of tasks on a daily basis.

Learner • Teachers will be able


Typetoof
click on a particular
Modelling class and complete the register.
Application
Registration and • Once this is saved then other users of the management system can see who has been
register for that particular period.
Attendance
• This is useful as it allows teachers to see who should be attending their lessons.
• Data of attendance can then be easily analysed.

Exam • Exam Timetables can be produced using management systems and teachers who are not
Timetables teaching could be easily allocated to invigilate exams.

Creating • Timetables can be produced using management systems.


Timetables or • They are generally quicker to create and less prone to errors compared to a paper
based system.
Cover
• Timetables can also be produced cover classes when teachers are absent and lessons need to
be covered.

Learner • Teacher are able to log student data (grades/applications/reports/behaviour) into a school
Performance management system.
• This data is then available (central storage of data) to anyone other members of staff.
• The data can analysed and reports can be produced.

Benefits to • Parents are able to log in and access student reports online.
school/parents • They can be kept up to date about exam results and general student progress in
subjects.
• Also they can receive immediate feedback. There would be no need for printed
reports which would reduce costs.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


A school has introduced a system so that parents of its students can access data
about their children.

Give three reasons why the school has introduced this system.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


A school has introduced a system so that parents of its students can access data
about their children.

Give three reasons why the school has introduced this system.

• To save printing costs of reports


• To ensure test results, etc. are received by
parents
• To allow immediate feedback to parents
after tests/exams
• To keep parents up to date with child’s
progress/targets

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Booking System

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Booking Systems
Online booking systems use real time processing which allows users to
make and confirm bookings instantly. Once payment has been received
and booking is confirmed then booking can not be double booked.

Example Uses:
Transport: Flight, Trains and Buses
Entertainment: Theatre, Cinema and
Stadium Accommodation: Hotels,
Apartments and Villas
Input: User will select the
requirements of the booking.
Advantages: Disadvantages
E.g. date of flights, Airports,
• User can check availability of • It may be difficult to cancel a Location etc.
tickets and compare prices on booking and get your money back.
comparison websites.
• Online booking services have
• Confirmation message is sent known to crash to high level of
Processing : involves
instantly once payment has traffic to the website. checking if bookings are
been authorised. possible (availability)
• You are unable to receive
• They prevent double booking as
specific advice on your booking
the process is real time. This
if it is done online.
means if somebody makes a
booking then it instantly • Websites may not be user friendly Outputs:
becomes unavailable. and may make the booking process booking confirmations
• You may receive special offers if more difficult.
/rejections
you regularly book using a
particular booking website. alternatives/Payment

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Describe the inputs and processing involved in booking flight tickets online?

Key Words: Requirements, availability, confirmation, payment, booking reference, e-ticket

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Describe the inputs and processing involved in booking flight tickets online?

Key Words: Requirements, availability, confirmation, payment, booking reference, e-ticket

The customer would first select the number of tickets (requirements), arrival and destination
airport, date and time of the flight. The computer will then check for the availability of the
seat. Alternative tickets may be offered on a different day if tickets are not available. The
customer will then select and confirm the ticket and the payment details will be entered.
Once the payment has been processed a booking reference will be generated and the seats
will become unavailable. Confirmation (e-ticket) could be sent over email.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Give four advantages of using online booking systems for the customer rather than
using manual systems.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Give four advantages of using online booking systems for the customer rather than
using manual systems.

• Speeds up the booking process


• Customers may not have to travel to the theatre so save money in travelling
• Customers may not have to travel to the theatre so save time in
travelling/queuing
• Can make/cancel/change a booking at any time
• Can book several shows at same time
• Booking can be carried out anywhere

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


A theatre manager wishes to introduce an online booking system. A programmer
has been asked to write the software. She could continue on her own or discuss the
ideas with the theatre manager.
Explain why is it beneficial to discuss ideas with the theatre manager before
writing the software.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


A theatre manager wishes to introduce an online booking system. A programmer
has been asked to write the software. She could continue on her own or discuss the
ideas with the theatre manager.
Explain why is it beneficial to discuss ideas with the theatre manager before
writing the software.

• The programmer will not be familiar with the workings of the theatre/to
understand the requirements of the system
• The solution may be easy for the programmer to use but not the users/make it
user friendly
• The theatre manager is paying the programmer
• The theatre manager may want enhancements that the programmer has not
thought of
• The progress of the solution needs to be checked with the theatre manager in
case the he/she changes his mind
• The budget needs to be discussed (as it may involve purchasing new
hardware/software)
• The timescale needs to be discussed

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Banking Applications
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) allows money to be transferred electronically from one
account to another. An example of EFT is when an Employer pays their employees their
salaries.

Employee 1
Business
+ £1500
Bank EFT instruction to pay Employees
Account Employee 2
£4500
+ £1500
-£4500 Employee 3
+ £1500
Advantages: Disadvantages
• No physical money is transferred which makes • Money could be transferred from the incorrect
the transfer more secure. account.
• Transfer of salaries can be regulated by the • Incorrect amount of money could be transferred
government (e.g. Used in Qatar to ensure by mistake.
employers are paying their employees on time). • If you have a poor credit rating then you may not
• Customers can set up standing orders (direct be declined to use EFT as a method of payment
debit) to pay bills on specific dates. (e.g. paying monthly for a mobile phone contract).

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Processing credit/debit card Transactions

Customer’s Bank (Card Holder’s Issuing Bank)


Merchants' Bank (Acquiring)

Funds are transferred


Checking Funds
Funds are not available

Transaction
Using details on the Declined. Card holder is paying by
card the Merchant’s Card.
bank contacts the Card will be place in
card holders bank to chip and pin reader.
check for sufficient Merchant Card Holder Pin will be entered to
funds to complete the proceed with
transaction. transaction.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Describe the processing that takes place at POS to make payment using a debit card?
Key Words: PIN, Validity of Card, Account, Balance, Sufficient funds, Transfer, declined, receipt

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Exam Qustion
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Describe the processing that takes place at POS to make payment using a debit card?
Key Words: PIN, Validity of Card, Account, Balance, Sufficient funds, Transfer, declined, receipt

Once the customer has entered the Pin it will be compared to Pin on the Chip. IF the Pin is
correct than the card will be checked to see if this is valid (not stolen and expired). If the card
is valid than the transaction will continue. Using the account details on the chip the shops
computer will make contact with the customer’s banks. Checks will be made for sufficient
funds to complete the transaction. If funds are available then the amount will be transferred
from the customer’s account to the shops account. If funds are not available then the
transaction will be declined. If the transaction has been successful the receipt will be printed
and the card will be given back to the customer.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
When a debit card is read by computer, data on the card can be used for
transactions.
List four items of data found on a debit card which can be read by computer.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


When a debit card is read by computer, data on the card can be used for
transactions.
List four items of data found on a debit card which can be read by computer.

• Sort code
• PIN
• Debit card number
• Bank account number
• Valid from
• Expires end

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Contactless debit cards are replacing standard debit cards. Some countries are
introducing contactless debit card transactions at ATM machines. Give three
disadvantages to the customer of using these cards at an ATM.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Contactless debit cards are replacing standard debit cards. Some countries are
introducing contactless debit card transactions at ATM machines. Give three
disadvantages to the customer of using these cards at an ATM.

• The card may be read accidently


• Only small amounts can be withdrawn
• More chance of fraud if card is stolen/lost
• May not be able to use the ATM as not everyone will be contactless due to cost
• Devices can read the cards wirelessly to steal money

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Clearing of Cheques
You receive a check
from your employer The cheque is then The cheque data is
which you pay into sent to a clearing sent electronically to
your bank account. centre where it is the payers bank (the
You
sorted and cheque person who wrote
Employer
data is created. the cheque).

Money is received If funds are


After 4 working The payers bank
electronically from available then the
days the person checks for fraud and
the cheque payers money is sent
who paid in the also checks if
bank and deposited electronically to
cheque should sufficient funds are
into the account of the bank of the
have access to available.
the person who paid person who paid in
the money. the cheque.
in the cheque.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


ATM (Cash machines) can be used for various purposes (including cash withdrawal/deposit,
checking/printing statement).

The PIN number is Customer may be asked to select a language.


compared with the PIN
stored in the chip. If Pin
is the same then the The customer types in the PIN.
customer can Proceed. Cash Withdrawal
If Pin is correct then the customer will select a Cash Deposit
If not customer will be service. Check Balance
requested to re enter Print Statement
the Pin. Phone Topup
If customer selects the Cash Withdrawal then they
The customer’s account
are requested to select an amount to withdraw.
is checked to see if it has
sufficient funds. If there are sufficient funds and the amount is
within the card limit the required notes are issued.
The amount is also
checked against the card
limit or daily withdrawal Customer is requested if they would like a receipt.
limit. The card is then returned to the customer.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Bank Applications

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Bank Applications
Banking Advantages Disadvantages

Online Customers can now access their bank accounts • Can be accessed from • Internet connection
Banking online on secure websites using authentication various platforms and required.
used 24/7 including
techniques. Some banks have also developed whilst on the move. • Less personable for
online banking applications to allow customers to those who would prefer
access their accounts via mobile phones and • Save time and costs- No direct communication
tablets. Travelling or money spent with a bank
on travelling or parking. representative
Customers can use the on-line banking system to: .
• Check their balance and print statements • Statements can be • Your account could
• Manage direct debits downloaded from a be hacked or
• Transfer money internally and externally to given time period. passwords stolen
other accounts using EFT. from key logging
• Several layers of software.
• Apply for loans or credit cards.
authentication.

Phone Phone banking is very similar to online banking in • Can talk directly to a • Call costs
that customers can complete similar tasks. representative from • May be put on hold
Banking the bank. for a long time.
Customers will have to enter in their account
• Ask additional queries • Call times (9am-5pm)
details to authenticate them to the system. Then which are not available are not flexible.
they will have to select from various options by
WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK online.
the specified numbers keys.
Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Computers in Medicine
Type Use of Technology Advantages Disadvantages
Information • Keeping patient records in a • Computers can take more • Equipment could
Systems in database so correct accurate an more frequent be expensive.
Medicine diagnosis can be given readings of patients. • Training would
according to patients • Computers can respond be required.
medical history. quicker to any changes in • Regular
• Monitoring patients (vital patients condition. maintenance of
signs) using measure and • Staff are available to the system would
control systems complete other tasks. be required.
• The use of expert systems to • Data can be stored in • Systems could
diagnose an illness. central place. stop responding.
• Saving physical space
which would be required
to stored paper records.
3D printers • Surgical and Diagnostic Aids • Printing is relatively cheap. • Technology is still
• Prosthetics • Printing can be faster in the earl stages
• Tissue engineering compared to of development.
• Artificial blood vessels manufacturing parts. • Limited selection
• Designs of medical tools and of materials
equipment available.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Computers in Libraries
Computers are used in libraries to keep a track on which books have been borrowed by which
members. Databases software is typically used to store details of the books and the members.

Issuing of Books Advantages:


• Books and members can be identified by unique • Data from the books
barcodes which can be scanned in directly by and the members are
barcode scanners. entered quickly and
• When a book is taken out the bar code is scanned as more accurately
well as the barcode on the members card. compared to manual
• The due date is worked out by the date the book methods.
was issued.

Automatic Processing Advantages:


• The library’s database is checked on a daily basis to • Members would be
check which books are due. able to extend the
• Liberians can quickly check if a book is available to lease period on the
be borrowed or could provide specific dates to book borrowed
members when the book will be returned. online.
• Automatic emails could be sent to the members to
remind them of the due date.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Expert Systems
Expert systems are used to provide expert opinions without the need for the expert by using a
system allowing the user to query the knowledge base to find solutions to their problems.

User interface - Will allow user to interact knowledge base - Information is


with the system to receive feedback. developed by experts based on
For example the user may be prompted to enter a collection of facts and rules.
their symptoms for a medical issue. For Example a medical diagnosis expert
system would be developed by doctors.

User

User Inference
Knowledge base
Interface Engine

Inference Engine - The Inference engine will act as a search engine.


It will query the knowledge base to match the query of the user. Rules Base
Additional questions could be to user to provide a more specific
diagnosis

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Creating an Expert System

1. Data is gathered/collected from experts to create a knowledge base.


2. The rules base is designed/created based on the information from the knowledge base.
3. A user interface screen is designed/created which would provide the user with the ability to
interact with the system.
4. The inference engine is designed/created as link between the user interface and the
knowledge base.
5. The system is tested.

Examples

Car Diagnostic Expert System

Car engine will connected to the diagnostic expert system.


The expert system will automatically test certain functions
and provide feedback for repair.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Computers in the Retail Industry

POS (Point of Sale) is the place a transaction takes place. Customers can pay by cash or using
their debit/credit cards. Stock control systems can automatically update stock records when
items are purchased at the POS.

Bar code scanner -6


used to scan purchased
items at POS cans

Current Stock Level 6 Cans Purchased Current Stock Level 4


10 When goods are sold at the POS the stock
control system is automatically updated.

If Stock Falls Below 5


(Pre-set)
True: Reorder 10
Order is sent to the
Stock control system automatically suppliers.
updates the stock levels adding the The suppliers send a delivery (10 Suppliers address details
delivered goods. cans of beans) to the store. stored in database.

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Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer Point of Sale) is when a customer uses a card to complete a
transaction.
1. Customer gives bank card to cashier at POS.

2. The cashier enters the card in to the chip and pin reader
Pin entered has and confirms the value of the purchase.
to be correct for
the transaction 3. The customer is requested to enter their pin. If Pin
to continue. The matches the Pin stored on the chip then the transaction can
card will also be continue.
checked for
4. The shops computer will use the account details on the
validity (expiry If funds are not available a
chip to connect to the customers bank account and check
date/stolen). declined message will be
the balance.
sent to the stores
5. If funds are sufficient then the transaction will be computer. The cashier will
approved. then request for another
method of payment
6. The purchase amount is subtracted from the customer’s
account and deposited into the shops banks account.

7. Once the transaction is complete receipt will be printed.


The cashier will give the card and receipt to the customer.
WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Computers in the Retail Industry
Internet banking and shopping is becoming more popular to users due to the development of
the internet and the advancement of mobile internet technology.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Internet is now available on more platforms including • Online accounts could be hacked/cards
applications available on phones and tablets. details could be stolen.
• Internet can be accessed 24/7. • Users require a internet connection and
• No need to travel (saves money on travel/parking) need to be computer literate.
• Saves time (No need to que in the banks or shops) • Lack of socialising/exercising.
• Access to wide range of goods on the internet. • You can not see the goods before you
• Useful for individuals who find it difficult to travel and buy (try on clothes).
goods can be delivered directly to your home. • Delays in delivery.
• People can spend more time doing other leisure activities.

Effect on the company


• Less retail outlets required which means no rent or utility costs.
• Less staff required in retail outlets however specialist staff would have to be
employed to maintain the website and run the dispatch department.
• Online presence would attract more customers (Global).
• Lack of customer interaction.
WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Recognition Systems
Recognition Systems are used to directly enter data into a computer system. Recognition
systems tend to be more accurate and quicker method of entering data into a computer system
compared to manual methods.

MICR Magnetic ink which are found at the bottom of the checks
are scanned in to MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader).

Pencil or pen marks are scanned in by the OMR (Optical


OMR
Mark Reader).

Scanned text is converted into a format which can be


OCR
edited.

Uses radio waves to capture and store information on a


RFID tag.

Sensors are used to detect a car (if its gone over the line)
Number Plates and a signal will be send to the microprocessor to take
the image of the number plate.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK
Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Describe how RFID technology reads the details from the chip.

Explain why RFID technology is used for reading data from passports.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Describe how RFID technology reads the details from the chip.

• The chip is presented near a computer with a radio-frequency scanner


• The scanning antenna puts out radio-frequency signals in a relatively short range.
• It provides a means of communicating with the transponder/the RFID tag
• The scanning device provides energy…
• …so that the chips can broadcast the information in them…
• …for the computer to read.
Explain why RFID technology is used for reading data from passports.

• More secure than a traditional passport as biometric measurement data difficult


to forge
• Counterfeits can be more easily identified than non-RFID passports
• More rapid flow at security check points/quicker than reading it manually

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


Monitoring and Tracking Systems
Reasons for Monitoring and Tracking Systems:
• Surveillance (Potential Criminals/Terrorists)
• Tracking released prisoners to ensure they stay within an agreed location(Ankle monitors)
• Monitoring customers buying patterns.

Key Logging Call Monitoring


Key logging software monitors which keys Calls can be monitored by police as part of
have been pressed. Passwords and personal surveillance operations.
details can be obtained for malicious Calls may also be monitored as training tool
purposes by hackers. in call centres to improve employees
performance the quality of the customer
service.

Cookies Number Plate Recognition


When a user visits a website a cookie is Number plates can be tracked by cameras
created which could store the user browsing situated in specific locations to keep track
preferences: of whereabouts of a specific individuals to
• Language settings whom the car is licenced too.
• Items in the shopping cart
•Links which have been click on
Cookies essentially leave an electronic
footprint on user browsing habits.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK
Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Satellite Systems
GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
GPS can determine a specific locations using satellite navigation systems.
• Cars, Ships, Planes can use GPS when navigating to specific locations.
• Walkers to locate position on hills/mountains.
• Used by runners to calculate distance.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Drivers do not have to use maps • Loss of signal
• GPS can re-route and find quickest • Maps have to be updated (New roads
routes. may not be shown)
• Can provide useful locations of
amenities (e.g Petrol stations)

• Typically four satellites must be visible to the receiver.


• Calculates the distance from a receiver to the satellite.
• Calculates the position of the receiver.

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna


GIS (Geographic Information System)
GIS allows for potential locations to be analysed based on specific queries.
GIS will allow users to see specific details on a location:
• Road Networks GIS will then combine these
• Community Services (e.g. Schools) specific details and allow the
• Environmental Features (e.g. Rivers) user to specify certain criteria
• Properties Details (e.g. rental about a particular location.
properties)

Business can use GIS to identify a suitable location for their


business taking into consideration:
• Road links which could be easily accessible for customers and
suppliers.
• Proximity of Customers to potential retail outlets.
• Availability of potential retail outlets mapped by the GIS to give
options to the business.
• Environmental features to avoid being close to flood risk zones.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK

Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna

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