6a) One feature of optical character recognition is the ability of the software to identify separate characters (letters) and recognize these characters. A second feature is its ability to transfer the recognition of these letters into an understanding of the entire word, and an identification of its relevant meaning.
6b) A wireless link between the camera and the network would not be possible in an area with frequent use of wireless networks, as signals could overlap and cause the corruption of data during the transfer of images from the camera to the network. A second situation in which this would not be possible would be in a situation in which the camera is physically out of range; ie, to far from the network for the connection to the network to be wireless, as it would be unable to transfer any images due to the lack of a connection.
6c) This new system will be able to detect suspicious situations in a variety of ways. One is a pre-programming into the system of behavior that is considered suspicious. A pattern or action that is considered to be suspicious would be programmed into the camera, and similar behavior in the area would be logged and sent back to the network. A second way would be to identify people who return to the area several times and yet seem to do nothing, and the camera would then record pictures of these people as well and send that data back as well.
6d) The citizens' concerns may be well-founded, as other police states have used less sophisticated methods to track "enemies of the state," but this is slightly outweighed by the value this system provides to the police. The police would now be able to identify possible threats against society and take steps to stop these threats before they occur. This gives police and early warning system, and allows them to prepare to met expected threats. The benefits of this system outweighs the concerns, as it is unlikely that one of these systems in a single city would lead to martial law. However, the spread of this system to every city increases the odds of this every time it occurs. Precautions would need to be taken in order to prevent the overzealous use of this system, and the abuse of power that could occur. But the benefits of possibly stopping major terrorist attacks as well as less serious crimes, like theft and drug deals, would outweigh the possibility of the morph into a police state.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Area of Impact: Politics/Health
Identify two input devices that could allow details of the soldiers medical condition to be determined and communicated electronically to the doctor. (2 marks)
One input device that could allow the medical condition of the soldier to be determined would be a portable X-ray machine that would be able to determine if the soldier has any broken bones or other problems, while a second input device could be a camera, in order to show the surgeon the state of the soldier visually. These would be in addition to devices monitoring his blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
Describe two factors that influence the reliability of sending information between the robot in the battlefield and the surgeon. (4 marks)
One factor that may have an influence on the reliability of sending the information would be the state of the transmitter on the robot. If it's all shot up, the robot's ability to communicate is severely hampered, and the surgeon won't be able to do what is required of him, as his commands may not get through, or only partially get through, endangering the life of the human. A second factor would be the willingness of the enemy to allow radio communications, when it can easily jam them, which could prevent the robot from receiving any of the surgeon's commands.
Explain why governments may fund the development of remotely controlled robots of this type for non military missions. (4 marks)
Governments may fund the development of these robots because of their potential usefulness in a number of other areas. One of the areas they seem most suited for is search and rescue, where the ability of a robot to perform remote medical procedures on trapped people may have an enormous impact on the survivability of people in various disaster areas. A second reason may be the fact that they can be utilized on space missions, where you would no longer need to taake medical officer along to determine the viability and health of the crew.
A hospital is planning to implement remotely controlled robots in local health clinics. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing this. (10 marks)
An advantage of installing these remotely controlled robots is greater convience for the patients, as they no longer have to travel to the hospital in order to get surgery. They need only go to their local clinic, rather than having to travel all the way to the hospital in order to get the surgery. Furthermore there is the consideration that there is no human to get in the way. There is a drastically smaller chance of human error costing a life, and the overall survival rate of hospitals would likely increase as a result. On the other hand, there is the disadvantage that a computer error would cost the life of a patient. They are rarer than human errors, but they do still occur. Another disadvantage would be the uncomfortability of the patient, who would be put through additional stress, which could have an adverse affect on thier survival.
One input device that could allow the medical condition of the soldier to be determined would be a portable X-ray machine that would be able to determine if the soldier has any broken bones or other problems, while a second input device could be a camera, in order to show the surgeon the state of the soldier visually. These would be in addition to devices monitoring his blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
Describe two factors that influence the reliability of sending information between the robot in the battlefield and the surgeon. (4 marks)
One factor that may have an influence on the reliability of sending the information would be the state of the transmitter on the robot. If it's all shot up, the robot's ability to communicate is severely hampered, and the surgeon won't be able to do what is required of him, as his commands may not get through, or only partially get through, endangering the life of the human. A second factor would be the willingness of the enemy to allow radio communications, when it can easily jam them, which could prevent the robot from receiving any of the surgeon's commands.
Explain why governments may fund the development of remotely controlled robots of this type for non military missions. (4 marks)
Governments may fund the development of these robots because of their potential usefulness in a number of other areas. One of the areas they seem most suited for is search and rescue, where the ability of a robot to perform remote medical procedures on trapped people may have an enormous impact on the survivability of people in various disaster areas. A second reason may be the fact that they can be utilized on space missions, where you would no longer need to taake medical officer along to determine the viability and health of the crew.
A hospital is planning to implement remotely controlled robots in local health clinics. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing this. (10 marks)
An advantage of installing these remotely controlled robots is greater convience for the patients, as they no longer have to travel to the hospital in order to get surgery. They need only go to their local clinic, rather than having to travel all the way to the hospital in order to get the surgery. Furthermore there is the consideration that there is no human to get in the way. There is a drastically smaller chance of human error costing a life, and the overall survival rate of hospitals would likely increase as a result. On the other hand, there is the disadvantage that a computer error would cost the life of a patient. They are rarer than human errors, but they do still occur. Another disadvantage would be the uncomfortability of the patient, who would be put through additional stress, which could have an adverse affect on thier survival.
Friday, March 26, 2010
ITGS Robotics- Health (Robotic Surgery)
Identify one input and one output device used in robotic surgery. (2 marks)
One input device would be a joystick or other device to control the actions of the robotic arms, and the output device would be the robotic arms that would allow you to actually operate on the patient.
Describe one capability and one limitation of the robot when used in surgery. (4 marks)
One capability of the robot would be the fact that it would be more accurate throughout the surgery, and the entire surgery would be more accurate, and the likely hood of a mistake being made would be much less than if a human was doing the surgery. This would lead to more surgeries being successes, and more patients recovering from more diseases. A limitation would be the fact that a malfunction could occur during the surgery, which could lead to a serious error that could end up killing the patient.
Discuss one economic concern, one reliability concern, and one other concern for patients undergoing robotic surgery. Evaluate the significance of these concerns. (10 marks)
One economic concern for the patient may be that robotic surgery would end up costing more money for the patient and they wouldn't be able to afford the surgery. This may be a significant concern, because if they can't afford the surgery, there's no way for them to get it. Their ability to pay determines if they even have the opportunity to get the surgery. A reliability concern would be the fact that the robot might malfunction and end up killing the patient, however this is extremely unlikely, and, as it turns out, it is more likely for a human surgeon to mess up and kill you rather than a robot malfunctioning and killing you. Therefore this particular concern is not as significant as the inability to pay for the surgery. A third concern could be related to the policies of the hospital in regard to the robotic surgeon, as there is the distinct possibility that the policies of the hospital may lead to errors in the programming of the robotic surgeon, or the maintaince of the robotic surgeon could be lax, and lead to parts of the robots that don't work. This is a significant concern, because the possibility of human failure is always present, and if the robot isn't properly maintained malfunctions and errors could rapidly develop, leading to the death of the patient.
One input device would be a joystick or other device to control the actions of the robotic arms, and the output device would be the robotic arms that would allow you to actually operate on the patient.
Describe one capability and one limitation of the robot when used in surgery. (4 marks)
One capability of the robot would be the fact that it would be more accurate throughout the surgery, and the entire surgery would be more accurate, and the likely hood of a mistake being made would be much less than if a human was doing the surgery. This would lead to more surgeries being successes, and more patients recovering from more diseases. A limitation would be the fact that a malfunction could occur during the surgery, which could lead to a serious error that could end up killing the patient.
Discuss one economic concern, one reliability concern, and one other concern for patients undergoing robotic surgery. Evaluate the significance of these concerns. (10 marks)
One economic concern for the patient may be that robotic surgery would end up costing more money for the patient and they wouldn't be able to afford the surgery. This may be a significant concern, because if they can't afford the surgery, there's no way for them to get it. Their ability to pay determines if they even have the opportunity to get the surgery. A reliability concern would be the fact that the robot might malfunction and end up killing the patient, however this is extremely unlikely, and, as it turns out, it is more likely for a human surgeon to mess up and kill you rather than a robot malfunctioning and killing you. Therefore this particular concern is not as significant as the inability to pay for the surgery. A third concern could be related to the policies of the hospital in regard to the robotic surgeon, as there is the distinct possibility that the policies of the hospital may lead to errors in the programming of the robotic surgeon, or the maintaince of the robotic surgeon could be lax, and lead to parts of the robots that don't work. This is a significant concern, because the possibility of human failure is always present, and if the robot isn't properly maintained malfunctions and errors could rapidly develop, leading to the death of the patient.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
ITGS Robotics Practice
A.) Define the term Robot:
A robot is a mechanical device that can perform tasks that it is programmed to perform.
B.) Describe two output devices that are necessary in a robot used for the manufacture of cars.
A robot would require some kind of output device that would allow it to interact with the car and actually participate in the manufacture of that car. A arm or some other device allowing it to participate in the manufacturing of the car. A second output device that would be required would be some kind of warning device if it had sensors and could sense someone coming to close to thier work area, to warn that person off to prevent potential injury.
C.)Explain why robots are often used in place of humans in the manufacture of cars.
Robots are often used in place of humans due to the simple fact that they are cheaper. All you have to do is pay their installment and keep them powered and maintained. You don't have to pay them a salary, or deal with giving them benefits of any kind; it simply costs less. In addition, it is extremely unlikely that a robot will go on strike, and they are much more reliable than humans. They tend to make much less errors than humans, and are more reliable in almost every manner, and they don't get sick.
A robot is a mechanical device that can perform tasks that it is programmed to perform.
B.) Describe two output devices that are necessary in a robot used for the manufacture of cars.
A robot would require some kind of output device that would allow it to interact with the car and actually participate in the manufacture of that car. A arm or some other device allowing it to participate in the manufacturing of the car. A second output device that would be required would be some kind of warning device if it had sensors and could sense someone coming to close to thier work area, to warn that person off to prevent potential injury.
C.)Explain why robots are often used in place of humans in the manufacture of cars.
Robots are often used in place of humans due to the simple fact that they are cheaper. All you have to do is pay their installment and keep them powered and maintained. You don't have to pay them a salary, or deal with giving them benefits of any kind; it simply costs less. In addition, it is extremely unlikely that a robot will go on strike, and they are much more reliable than humans. They tend to make much less errors than humans, and are more reliable in almost every manner, and they don't get sick.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Area Of Impact: Science and the Environment
5.) With changes in the world's weather, more extreme events are occurring. If the magnitude of, and areas affected by these events can be predicted, action can be taken to reduce the damage. It is possible to predict many of these events by using data initially collected at weather stations. This data is then transferred and added to a weather database and can be used in computer models and simulations.
By collecting weather data over long periods of time, the climate of these locations can also be established. Computers can be used to map the current weather patterns against the climate to see whether the climate is changing. From this information governments can take action to cope with future climate changes such as by improving flood defences.
By collecting weather data over long periods of time, the climate of these locations can also be established. Computers can be used to map the current weather patterns against the climate to see whether the climate is changing. From this information governments can take action to cope with future climate changes such as by improving flood defences.
a.)Identify two ways that data collected in a weather station could be transferred to the weather database. (2 marks)
One way that data could be transferred to the weather database would be through email, which would probably be the easiest way to transfer the data from the weather station to the weather database, as it would be the easiest and least troublesome method to use. Another method that may be used would be a log-in forum for the staff of the weather station and the weather database staff. This may be less convenient but in the end it may be more secure.
b.)Describe the differences between a computer model and a computer simulation. (4 marks)
The differences between a computer model and a computer simulation rely on the methods the programs use as well as how they display data. A computer model tends to crunch data; you input the data and it uses mathematical models to predict the outcome, whereas a computer simulation actually simulates the outcome, showing what it predicts to happen. the models tend to be more useful when crunching hard data, whereas the simulations are more useful in testing and weather mapping.
c.)Explain why the path of a hurricane may not match the prediction from the computer simulation. (4 marks)
The path of a hurricane may not match the prediction from the computer simulation because you cannot always account for all the variables. They can't account for where the hurricane may start as there is know way to know where it would form until it has actually formed, and there is no way to accurately predict where that may be. There are probabilities to where it may start, but never the certainty to where it would start. Also the model would be unable to exactly account for the temperatures where the hurricane was formed, and where it is traveling to. Again there are likely probabilities, but despite this there is no replacement for exactness. They cannot account for the them as there is no way to know what the temperatures would be during the time until it is actually happening. In hurricanes that have already been formed there are lees unknowns to consider, as you know the current temperatures and where it originated, but there is no accounting for sudden, unexpected changes that could have a drastic impact on the hurricane. This impact would be virtually unforeseen, and could end up causing lots of problems for the responders on land.
d.)Evaluate the use of different IT systems could help a country prepare against natural disasters. (10 marks)
One IT system that may help would be a data recovery system for the state's records, all stored in a secure location in order to ensure their accuracy, and continually updated. This way, after a natural disaster strikes they know where the most people live and where to deploy the first responders in order to maximize the amount of lives saved by the first responders. These records should also contain records of areas with hazardous materials that could be released by a natural disaster.
One way that data could be transferred to the weather database would be through email, which would probably be the easiest way to transfer the data from the weather station to the weather database, as it would be the easiest and least troublesome method to use. Another method that may be used would be a log-in forum for the staff of the weather station and the weather database staff. This may be less convenient but in the end it may be more secure.
b.)Describe the differences between a computer model and a computer simulation. (4 marks)
The differences between a computer model and a computer simulation rely on the methods the programs use as well as how they display data. A computer model tends to crunch data; you input the data and it uses mathematical models to predict the outcome, whereas a computer simulation actually simulates the outcome, showing what it predicts to happen. the models tend to be more useful when crunching hard data, whereas the simulations are more useful in testing and weather mapping.
c.)Explain why the path of a hurricane may not match the prediction from the computer simulation. (4 marks)
The path of a hurricane may not match the prediction from the computer simulation because you cannot always account for all the variables. They can't account for where the hurricane may start as there is know way to know where it would form until it has actually formed, and there is no way to accurately predict where that may be. There are probabilities to where it may start, but never the certainty to where it would start. Also the model would be unable to exactly account for the temperatures where the hurricane was formed, and where it is traveling to. Again there are likely probabilities, but despite this there is no replacement for exactness. They cannot account for the them as there is no way to know what the temperatures would be during the time until it is actually happening. In hurricanes that have already been formed there are lees unknowns to consider, as you know the current temperatures and where it originated, but there is no accounting for sudden, unexpected changes that could have a drastic impact on the hurricane. This impact would be virtually unforeseen, and could end up causing lots of problems for the responders on land.
d.)Evaluate the use of different IT systems could help a country prepare against natural disasters. (10 marks)
One IT system that may help would be a data recovery system for the state's records, all stored in a secure location in order to ensure their accuracy, and continually updated. This way, after a natural disaster strikes they know where the most people live and where to deploy the first responders in order to maximize the amount of lives saved by the first responders. These records should also contain records of areas with hazardous materials that could be released by a natural disaster.
Another IT system that could be used to help prepare a country for natural disasters would be some type of early warning system. It would be difficult to do so in a way that would effectively warn all people in the area, but it would be possible. A combination of emergency TV broadcasts, sirens, radio broadcasts, and possibly a text system could be used to spread the word of impending doom, thereby warning the general populace.
A third IT system that may assist in preparing for natural disasters, or at least weather related natural disasters, would be some sort of weather monitoring system that would keep track of weather changes and alert meteorologists to worrisome changes, and they could then pass on the information and utilize the warning system, and first responders. All three of these systems could assist governments prepare, and respond to natural disasters that may strike.
A third IT system that may assist in preparing for natural disasters, or at least weather related natural disasters, would be some sort of weather monitoring system that would keep track of weather changes and alert meteorologists to worrisome changes, and they could then pass on the information and utilize the warning system, and first responders. All three of these systems could assist governments prepare, and respond to natural disasters that may strike.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Computer Models and Simulations
1. When customers visit a supermarket, they do not expect to wait in checkout queues for too long, however the supermarket manager cannot afford to have all the checkouts open all of the time.
In an attempt to solve the problem the supermarket manager may decide to make a computer model using a spreadsheet to calculate the optimum number of checkouts that should be open at any time. N07P1
(a) Define the term computer model. (2)
A computer model is a computer program that utilizes mathematical data and trends to represent a real-world situation. It is used to demonstrate larger items or larger problems, and to simplify them in order to gain a better understanding of the problem or object through a mathematical equation.
(b) Describe two inputs into the model that would be needed in order to calculate the best number of checkout operators. (4)
One input that would be needed to calculate the best number of checkout operators would be the salary of a checkout worker per hour, determining how much a checkout operator makes in an hour, while the second input needed would be the sales per hour for the store in question, to determine when peak sales are, and to calculate what the most profitable amount of checkout operators would be for every hour the store was open. This way the store would be able to employ the right amount of checkout workers to achieve the greatest amount of profits for every hour the store is open, and would maximize thier profits.
(c) Explain why this or any other computer model may not give accurate results. (4)
This may not give accurate results, because there are other factors that may not be included into the computer model. For example, in the above model, there are other factors that are ignored. For example the sales per hour may not stay consistent. On Monday the peak sales may occur at 4pm while on Thursday they could occur around 11am. This inconsistency may endanger the plan, although it could be avoided if there is a different schedule for every day of the week. Also, there is the additional factor of the holidays; sales patterns differ around the holidays, something that was also not taken into account by the model. The most common reason that a computer model may not give accurate results is the exclusion of factors, as happened above. Also, computer models may give inacccurate results because they received inaccurate data, which prevented them from accurately modeling whatever they are modeling.
2. Computer models and computer simulations are often used by businesses to test and train staff. One situation where a computer simulation is used is in the training of airline pilots. M07P1
(a) Define the term computer simulation. (2)
The term computer simulation refers to a computer program that utilizes mathematical models and other computer models to visually simulate reactions and events in the real world. It creates a visual representation of a real world situation in order to allow people to study or interact with the simulation, allowing people to gain knowledge of natural processes or train pilots to fly before actually letting them fly an actual plane.
(b) Describe two input devices that would be used in a pilot training computer simulation. (4)
One input device that would be used in a pilot training simulation would be a yoke, in order to allow the pilot to interact realistically with the computer model as if it were an actual plane, and to indicate the direction and heading the aircraft in the simulation will follow. This allows a realistic interaction between the pilot and the simulation, making it seem like an actual flight. A second input device that would be used in a pilot training would be the airspeed and rudder controls for the aircraft. This would allow the pilot to control the airspeed and flaps of the plane, as he would do so in a real life situation, only this time he was doing so with an simulator, in order to train for the real thing, and gain the necessary experience before ever having to actually go and fly the plane.
(c) Explain one benefit and one problem associated with training pilots on simulators instead of using real planes. (4)
One benefit to training pilots on simulators instead of on planes is the fact that there would be no risk to the pilots if they made a mistake. They wouldn't crash. There was no risk to them. And there was no loss of the actual plane, and therefore no subsequent risk of the loss of investment. The pilot is able to learn in an entirely risk free manner and in a trial and error, and can discover the nuances to flying in an easier environment. A drawback to training pilots on simulators as opposed to the real thing is the fact that there are factors you can't foresee that would be helpful to the pilot to experience. Also, the simulator cannot replicate the feel of flying, and may fail to adequately prepare the pilot for flight by himself.
One benefit to training pilots on simulators instead of on planes is the fact that there would be no risk to the pilots if they made a mistake. They wouldn't crash. There was no risk to them. And there was no loss of the actual plane, and therefore no subsequent risk of the loss of investment. The pilot is able to learn in an entirely risk free manner and in a trial and error, and can discover the nuances to flying in an easier environment. A drawback to training pilots on simulators as opposed to the real thing is the fact that there are factors you can't foresee that would be helpful to the pilot to experience. Also, the simulator cannot replicate the feel of flying, and may fail to adequately prepare the pilot for flight by himself.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Vocab 3/8/09- Models and Wizards
Model:
A program or demonstrative item that represents a larger or more copmplex problem through the application of patterns and projections of the assumed course or actions that will take place. Used in computers, this program applies patterns and projections to everything from climate models to models of the shifting of the tectonic plates.
IB: Computer program based on matematical trends to represent the real world.
Simulation:
Similiar to a model, a computer simulation uses a computer generated system to represent the possible reactions and behavior of a real or proposed system, object or action. Utilizing mathematical equations and models to represent the real world.
IB: A Computer program utilizing mathematical models to visually represent the real world.
Feedback Loop:
A feedback loop is a loop that gives you feedback on the current events in a simulation, and can help determine what happened when during a simulation.
Tutorial Software:
Is software that is modified to be used by a user, explaining the uses, and how to use a program that may utilize fairly complicated methods of use, or be unfamiliar to the user, who may be used to a significantly different system.
Training Software:
Software that teaches various employees or others how to do various tasks that a company may need that employee to execute, or to teach them how to use a particularly complicated program that they may be unfamiliar with.
Wizards and Assistants:
Wizards and assistances are both used to better allow the installation of new programs and software, in order to make the installation an easier process, as the process without the wizards and assistants could lead to confusion among less computer-savvy users.
Help Menu and Help Features:
Help Menus and features are designed to assist the user during the operation of programs, helping users utilize various features that the program has, while at the same time, helping users identify problems that may occur in the program, and when they do occur, help the user identify these problems, and suggest courses of action to combat these problems.
"Read Me" Files:
Read Me files traditionally contain all relavent material on the program they come with, outlining legal guidelines for use, along with describing the various uses the program can be used for, where legally allowed, while also outlining the terms 0f use, and the acceptable uses of the program while also containing a detailed account of the functions of the program.
A program or demonstrative item that represents a larger or more copmplex problem through the application of patterns and projections of the assumed course or actions that will take place. Used in computers, this program applies patterns and projections to everything from climate models to models of the shifting of the tectonic plates.
IB: Computer program based on matematical trends to represent the real world.
Simulation:
Similiar to a model, a computer simulation uses a computer generated system to represent the possible reactions and behavior of a real or proposed system, object or action. Utilizing mathematical equations and models to represent the real world.
IB: A Computer program utilizing mathematical models to visually represent the real world.
Feedback Loop:
A feedback loop is a loop that gives you feedback on the current events in a simulation, and can help determine what happened when during a simulation.
Tutorial Software:
Is software that is modified to be used by a user, explaining the uses, and how to use a program that may utilize fairly complicated methods of use, or be unfamiliar to the user, who may be used to a significantly different system.
Training Software:
Software that teaches various employees or others how to do various tasks that a company may need that employee to execute, or to teach them how to use a particularly complicated program that they may be unfamiliar with.
Wizards and Assistants:
Wizards and assistances are both used to better allow the installation of new programs and software, in order to make the installation an easier process, as the process without the wizards and assistants could lead to confusion among less computer-savvy users.
Help Menu and Help Features:
Help Menus and features are designed to assist the user during the operation of programs, helping users utilize various features that the program has, while at the same time, helping users identify problems that may occur in the program, and when they do occur, help the user identify these problems, and suggest courses of action to combat these problems.
"Read Me" Files:
Read Me files traditionally contain all relavent material on the program they come with, outlining legal guidelines for use, along with describing the various uses the program can be used for, where legally allowed, while also outlining the terms 0f use, and the acceptable uses of the program while also containing a detailed account of the functions of the program.
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