IB Computer Science HL Paper 1 Topic 7

Microprocessor

An integrated computer circuit (chip) that performs the functions of a CPU such as calculations and data processing

Distributed control system

A control system where the controller elements are not in a centralised location, but distributed throughout the system with each component system controlled by one or more controllers

Pros

• Quicker access to individual parts of the system

• Shared loads

Cons

• Much more expensive, as there are multiple processors and sensors

• Much more complex, and harder to implement

Sensors

Input devices that measure physical quantities in analogue data (e.g. temperature, pressure, sound)

Advantages of microprocessors

• Can process data much faster than humans

• Due to these speeds, they can react very quickly to changes in the control system

• Don’t get tired, can run 24/7

• Can work in places where it might be dangerous for humans

Disadvantages of microprocessors

• May be expensive to develop software, as they are specialised

• Can’t run if there’s a power shortage

• Can’t run in the case of a computer malfunction

• Can’t react to events it has not been programmed for

ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter)

Converts analogue data from sensors to digital data so that the computer will read it. Analogue data is constantly changing and so ADCs have to sample it, losing some quality

Microsoft Kinetic Sensor

Contains 3D depth sensors, a colour camera and a micrphone array. Used for motion sensing and voice control

Centralised systems

A system where all computing is performed in a centralised location for many computers

Pros

• Easy to administrate

• More control

Cons

• If one system fails, the entire system fails

Features of autonomous agents

• Reactivity - reacts to external stimuli

• Autonomy - activate independently and are not invoked, and can select the task themselves based on priority

• Persistence - the code describing an agent runs continuously, like a process, rather than on demand

• Concurrency - can interact with other agents through communication in different modes - coordination, cooperation, competition