NAME/CLASS: SAYED QASIM OSAMA ALALAWI 12-D

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7) [62 marks]

1. 23M.1.HL.TZ1.12

Smart control systems can manage the temperature within a house.

(a) Outline the steps involving the sensor, processor and output transducer to
manage the temperature in the house. [5]
1. The sensor will detect the external temperature.
2. The observed data will be converted to digital format using ADC.
3. The processor will measure the temperature and compares the input
against the pre-set data.
4. The processor will send the command to the output transducer in
order to take the appropriate action depending on the decision during
the execution process.
5. The analyzed data will be converted to analog format using DAC.
6. The output transducer will change the temperature based on the
previous data.

(b) Describe the role of feedback in this control system. [2]

In case there is any difference in external temperature level, the feedback will
adjust it by the repeating the steps. It serves as a loop for the algorithm to
continue operating.

(c) The smart control system is managed by an operating system.

(c.i) Describe one function of an operating system. [2]

Maintain Security. The operating system is responsible of safeguarding the user

data from illegal access by providing password configuration and other security
measures. It could also prevent malicious attacks by providing embedded anti-
virus software.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 1

 (c.ii) Outline one reason why a dedicated operating system would be used. [2]

A dedicated operating system is used for its specialized functionality to optimize

performance and compatibility with a specific device or system.

(d) Compare and contrast a centralized control system with a distributed control
system for managing the temperature of a house. [4]
Both centralized and distributed control systems aim to manage the temperature of a
house effectively. Both systems utilize temperature sensors to gather data and make
adjustments accordingly. Both systems can provide comfort and energy efficiency
benefits.
Centralized control systems rely on a single central unit to manage temperature
control for the entire house, while distributed control systems have individual control
units for different zones or rooms. Centralized control systems offer synchronized
control, while distributed control systems provide localized control and customization.
In a centralized control system, changes to temperature settings are typically made
centrally, while in a distributed control system, adjustments can be made
independently in each zone or room.

2. 22N.1.HL.TZ0.12

A company is planning to transform its office building into a smart building. Among
other things, a smart building can control the opening and closing of its doors.

(a) Outline two other operations that can be controlled by a smart building. [4]

1. Lighting Control: The smart building can automatically regulate the light within the
premises using the information about occupancy, daylight, and time. It is able to
adjust the brightness of lights, color temperature as well as shut down lights in
areas that are not occupied to enhance efficiency of energy and comfort for the
occupants.
2. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Control: A smart building can
adjust temperature, airflow, and ventilation in varying zoned areas by recognizing
occupancy patterns, external temperatures, and particular preferences of
comfort. It could be able to automatically vary temperature settings, arrange to
heat or cool a space, and improve efficiency of comfort to create a desirable
indoor atmosphere.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 2

 Sensors, processors and output transducers are vital components of a smart building.
They play an important role in the collection and management of data.

(b) Explain how a smart building can control the opening and closing of all its doors.
You should refer to sensors, processors and output transducers. [4]

1. The motion sensor will detect any approaching object.

2. The observed data will be converted to digital format using ADC.
3. The processor will compare the input against the pre-set data to
identify the object.
4. The processor will send the command to the output transducer in
order to take the appropriate action depending on the decision during
the execution process.
5. The analyzed data will be converted to analog format using DAC.
6. The output transducer will open the door if any object was
approaching and will close it if nothing is detected for a certain period
of time based on the previous data.
7. This process is constantly looped for the feedback.

An operating system has a significant role in a smart building system.

(c.i) Identify two functions of this operating system. [2]

Security and access control: It implements security measures such as

authentication, encryption, and authorization to protect sensitive data and
prevent unauthorized access.

Error Handling: incorporates error handling mechanisms to detect, report, and

manage errors or exceptions that may occur within the system.

(c.ii) Suggest one technique this operating system might use to determine when a
hardware device needs attention. [2]

Polling: The process where the computer or controlling device waits for an
external device to check for its readiness or state. This technique will allow the
CPU to focus on other requested tasks until a signal from the hardware device
is sent, then the CPU will give it the full attention.

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 (d) Explain why transforming the building into a smart building will be beneficial for the
company. [3]

Transforming a building into a smart building benefits the company by improving

energy efficiency, enhancing employee comfort and productivity, and optimizing
operational efficiency. Smart buildings integrate advanced technologies for
automated control, data analytics, and security systems to create a sustainable
and intelligent environment. These advancements contribute to cost savings, a
positive work environment, and a competitive edge for the company.

3. 22M.1.HL.TZ0.13

Cars have many automated features to improve the driving experience. One example
is the use of headlights that automatically switch on and off.

(a) State one input device used by the automated headlights. [1]

Light sensor

Some cars have adaptive cruise control. This uses RADAR technology and a
processor to ensure the car stays the same distance away from the car in front.

(b) Explain how the interaction between the inputs, processing and the outputs of the
feedback loop ensure the car stays the same distance away from the car in front. [6]
1. Sensor continuously collects data related to the distance between the
two vehicles
2. Data is converted to digital using ADC and sent to the processor.
3. Processor has access to pre-set data which is the minimum distance
required between the two cars.
4. Processor compares the input data against stored/pre-set data.
5. If the vehicle is too close, the processor sends a signal to an actuator to
apply the brakes or an output signal will be displayed to the driver to
apply break (for example, warning light on the dashboard).
6. If the car has fallen back from the car in front, the processor sends a
signal to an actuator to apply acceleration or an output signal will be
displayed to the driver to apply acceleration.
7. This process is constantly looped for the feedback.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 4

 A system with many functions operating independently could be managed using either
centralized or decentralized processing.

(c) Discuss the use of centralized and decentralized processing in the context of
control systems such as those involved in the operation of motor vehicles. [5]
Centralized processing would allow the different features of the car to be controlled by
a single processor, this means that different features of the car are less likely to
impact on the operation of other features, as the central processor can coordinate
them. Centralized processing is more complex and expensive for the manufacturer to
program as the whole system needs to be coordinated in real time, but possibly safer
as the different components coordinate and communicate together.

Decentralized processing allows each of the car’s features to have its own processor,
enabling each feature to function independently and more quickly. Decentralized
processing has a faster response and is also cheaper for the manufacturer as they
can use standard parts that are already programmed, and it also allows scalability in
which the subsystems can be easily customized, but it is more difficult to get them to
coordinate with each other.

A crash in a centralized system results in a whole system failure, so far greater

consequences than in a decentralized system that may be able to partially function.

As vehicles become fully autonomous (self-driving), ethical considerations must be

taken into account when designing software.

(d) Explain one ethical concern that must be considered in the development of
autonomous vehicles. [3]

Autonomous vehicles can be seen as more dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists,

as they have to be programmed to react to avoid unpredictable movements from
them. Hence, the ethical consideration is how might the processor decide whether
to avoid the cyclist to hit a pedestrian instead which might cause a trolley problem.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 5

4. 21N.1.HL.TZ0.11

A rail transport company uses a global positioning system (GPS) to determine a train’s
position.

(a) Explain how GPS works. [4]

1. The GPS receiver in a train takes the information from the satellite/ picks up
the signals from (at least) 3 satellites.
2. The signals transmitted are: time of transmission, coordinates of the
satellite.
3. The difference between the (atomic) time of transmission and (atomic) time
of receiving the signal is used to calculate the distance.
4. The method of trilateration is used to determine position from the distance
to satellites and is used to determine the train's exact position and is used to
calculate position of the train through equation resolution on a sphere;

The GPS data is used to provide real-time arrival data on video displays in train
stations.

(b.i) State one data item concerning the arrival of a train that may be provided on the
video display. [1]

Train number

(b.ii) Outline how sensors can be used in combination with GPS to provide more
accurate arrival data. [2]

1. Motion sensors can be placed on track rail.

2. Sensing devices are placed at a distance from each side of a train

station or at some fixed points where obstacles (like tunnels) prevent
GPS from working properly;
3. Data from each sensor can be logged continuously and used in
calculations of expected arrival times during disruption.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 6

 The GPS data is made publicly available so that software developers can use it to
build apps.

The mobile application ATrainAway uses the real-time train GPS data as well as the
GPS data from the user’s smartphone.

(c) Outline two pieces of information that the ATrainAway application could provide to
the user. [4]

1. Trip planning conducted through Google trip planner within the app to
help passenger spend less time waiting on trains.
2. Information on the nearest station to help passenger to spend less time
travelling.

(d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using GPS in transportation

systems. [4]

GPS provides safer transit in which trains are tracked and in case of emergency
the location can be reached faster and emergency services provided efficiently. It
has also more favorable view of transit which helps passenger to get punctuality
status of the train. Moreover, GPS can provide worldwide three-dimensional
positions all the day long at any type of whether.

However, sometimes it is too difficult to ensure reliable positioning because some

objects that shield the antenna from a satellite can potentially weaken the signal.
It might also raise ethical concerns about privacy issue that might not satisfy the
public view.

5. 20N.1.HL.TZ0.5

Outline one feature of autonomous agents. [2]

Persistence: The code describing an agent runs continuously like a process, and
it is not executed on demand.

PP02 - Throwback Thursday (TOPIC 7 - Controls) [HL only] 7