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Computer Assignment

The document discusses the application of sensors, microprocessors, and actuators in various industries and contexts. It provides examples of automated systems in nuclear power plant control, where sensors monitor processes and send data to a distributed control system which can automatically control pumps and valves as needed. Similarly, self-driving car systems use sensors and cameras to detect parking spaces and allow the onboard computer to control steering and braking to autonomously park. Both systems continuously monitor processes, compare sensor data to parameters, and use actuators to take automated action when needed while also allowing for human oversight.

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35 views

Computer Assignment

The document discusses the application of sensors, microprocessors, and actuators in various industries and contexts. It provides examples of automated systems in nuclear power plant control, where sensors monitor processes and send data to a distributed control system which can automatically control pumps and valves as needed. Similarly, self-driving car systems use sensors and cameras to detect parking spaces and allow the onboard computer to control steering and braking to autonomously park. Both systems continuously monitor processes, compare sensor data to parameters, and use actuators to take automated action when needed while also allowing for human oversight.

Uploaded by

Fun With Ibi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Assignment®

By: - M.Ibrahim Yousafzai


Title: Application of Sensors,
Microprocessors and
Actuators.

 Industries
 Transport
 Agriculture
 Weather forecasting
 Gaming
 Lighting
 Science
Industrial:
Automated systems are used in a number of industrial applications.
Many of the automated systems involve Robotics. For e.g. in recent
years the car engine manufacturers they installed pistons manually, the
installation of systems had an error rate of ~1.5% with the use of
automated systems this rate has dropped to 0.00001%

Example: A nuclear power station


A key use of automated systems is in the control and monitoring of a
nuclear power station. This is a good example, since automation gives
increased safety both in the process itself and to the workforce. At the
center of the system is a distributed control system (DCS). DCS is
essentially a powerful computer that has been programmed to monitor
and control the whole process with no human interaction required:
Data from a number of sensors is sent to a DCS. If the data is analogue,
it first must be converted into digital format using an ADC. The DCS will
have access to a large database containing operational data and
parameters. If any action needs to be taken, then signals will be sent to
the appropriate actuators to operate pumps, valves or even an
emergency shutdown system. The key here is that the system is fully
automated. A human operator (supervisor) will sit in a remote control
room where a schematic of the process will show on a large screen.
While the process is fully automatic, the supervisor can still override
the DCS and shut down the process.

Advantages:
 Much faster than a human operator to take any necessary
action.
 Much safer (an automated system is more likely to make timely
interventions than a human. It also keeps humans away from a
dangerous environment)
 the process is more likely to run under optimum conditions since
any small changes needed can be identified very quickly and
action taken
 In the long run it is less expensive (an automatic system replaces
most of the employees who would need to monitor the process
24 hours a day).
Disadvantages:
 expensive to set up in the first place and needs considerable
testing
 always possible for a set of conditions to occur that were never
considered during testing which could have safety implications
(hence the need for a supervisor)
 any computerized system is subject to cyberattacks no matter
how good the system (one way round this is to have no external
links to the DCS)
 Automated systems always need enhanced maintenance which
can be expensive.

Conclusion:
As far as my knowledge is concerned, this system uses many
sensors. If required, these sensors send the readings to an ADC.
The ADC converts the data to analogue form. Then the data is
sent to a DCS. The DCS has access to a large database, if any
values are out of the ordinary the DCS will send a signal to an
Actuator to perform an action. For e.g. to operate pumps.
A human supervisor is needed in case something goes wrong.
Every technology has some advantages and disadvantages. If we
compare this technology to a Paracetamol manufacturing
system. This system has two processes. Process 1 includes
manufacturing of Paracetamol and second process includes
making of sloid tablets. There are a number of monitoring
sensors that end the data to the central computer system. The
computer consults a database and it compares the values. If
anything is out of the ordinary it will send a signal. It also has a
supervisor which can override the computer system if necessary.
These technologies use similar monitoring systems and they
both have a supervisor whom can take actions if necessary. It all
depends upon how we use it and how much money we can
spend.

Transport:
As with industrial processes, many of the automated systems in
transport refer to robotic systems (for e.g. autonomous
buses/cars, autonomous trains and Unpiloted aircraft).

But automated systems are still used in manually controlled


transport, which Includes cars, buses/lorries, trains and aircraft.

For example, modern trains will use an automatic signal control


system. If the Driver of the train goes through a red light, then
the computer will automatically stop the train. This will make
use of sensors at the side of the Track sending signals to the on-
board computer; actuators will be used to apply the brakes.
Airplanes extensively use automatic pilots, which control the
wing flaps, throttle and rudder to maintain the correct height,
speed and direction.

Example: Self Driving Cars


The driver goes along the row of parked cars. On board sensors
and cameras gauge the size of any parking spaces, and the on
board computer warns the driver if a suitable space has been
found. The driver then selects auto parking and the on board
computer takes over. Actuators are used to operate the steering
rack, brakes and throttle under the full control of the computer.
This allows the car to and complete the parking maneuver with
no driver intervention.

Sensors in the bumpers of the car are both transmitters and


receivers. The sensors transmit signals that bounce off objects
and are reflected back. The car’s on board computer uses the
amount of time it takes for the signal to return to the sensor to
calculate the position of any objects. The sensors give the
computer a 3D image of its surroundings. This allows the car to fit
into its parking space automatically with no driver intervention.

Advantages:
 Allows the same number of cars to use fewer parking
spaces.
 cars can fit into smaller spaces
 Fewer dents and scratches to cars.
 Very consistent results.

Disadvantages:
 Over reliance on automated systems by the driver.
 faulty/dirty sensors or cameras can send false data to the on
board computer which could lead to a malfunction
 Kerbing of wheels is a common problem since the sensors
may not pick-up low kerbs
 expensive option that doesn’t really save any money
 requires additional maintenance to ensure it functions
correctly at all times

Conclusion:
These technology uses a series of sensors and cameras which
detect the surroundings and send the data to the onboard
computer. The onboard computer can then automatically park
the car by controlling the acceleration, braking, steering etc.If we
compare this technology to adaptive cruise control technology,
we can see that that this technology also uses a series of sensors
to detect if the distance from the car in front is safe, the data is
sent to the onboard computer which calculates wither the
distance is safe or not, if not then the car brakes. If the distance
is safe and the cars speed is slower than the set speed than the
car will speed up. These technology’s uses similar techniques.

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