Ch 1.5 Types and components of a computer system

Technology Evolution

  • Rapid advancements lead to powerful computers processing multiple commands per second.

  • Emerging technologies bring both benefits and challenges to society.

  • Key technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR).

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Definition & Functionality:

  • AI enables computers/robots to perform human-like tasks (learning, problem-solving, pattern recognition).

  • Machine Learning (ML): Allows AI to learn tasks without explicit programming (e.g., recognizing sheep from images).

Key Features & Challenges:

  • AI allows machines to adapt autonomously (unlike traditional robots).

  • Bias can occur due to flawed training data (e.g., Amazon’s AI hiring tool discriminated against women).

Applications of AI:

  • Healthcare: AI diagnoses patients and analyzes medical test results with high accuracy.

  • Autonomous Machines: Enables driverless cars and drones to function independently.

  • Ethical & Legal Issues: Decision-making in emergencies, liability concerns.

Extended Reality (XR)

Definition:

  • Merges virtual environments with the real world, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).

Virtual Reality (VR):

  • Fully immersive computer-generated environments.

  • Used in gaming, entertainment, training simulations (medicine, aviation, engineering), and virtual walkthroughs.

Augmented Reality (AR):

  • Overlays digital elements onto real-world settings.

  • Used in navigation, furniture visualization (IKEA Place), paint testing apps, and architectural design.

Benefits of XR:

  • Reduces business costs by minimizing product returns.

  • Enhances customer experience and decision-making.

  • Allows real-time design analysis before construction.