Knowt
Chapter 6
A headteacher is setting up a newsletter to send to parents of pupils at a school. She has some photographs saved on storage devices that she needs to place in the newsletter.
State two communication methods which the headteacher could use to upload the photographs onto the school network
1 Connecting a storage device to the computer by USB cable
2 Connecting a storage devices by Bluetooth
—> Connecting a storage device/ cloud by wi-fi
Weather forecasters use computer modelling.
(a) Explain why computer modelling is used to forecast the weather
The large number of variables makes it more difficult for a human to forecast correctly/accurately
Can predict long range weather trends/global warming
Faster way of producing weather patterns than using a human
Can deal with the more complex calculations quicker
More accurate results produced
Can give residents early warning of severe weather
(b) Data is collected by different types of sensor and then input to the computer model to be processed. Identify two sensors that could be used to collect weather data
1 Pressure
2 Temperature
—> Moisture/Humidity, Wind speed
(c) The processed data is then output. Identify two output devices that could be used
1 Monitor
2 Printer
—>Plotter
The retail industry uses point of sale (POS) systems.
(a) Discuss the benefits of using POS in the retail industry.
By electronically tracking the sales of goods the industry could know when to order items so that the goods do not run out in the stores
The POS system allows a business to identify which products are selling well / selling badly so products do not run out / left of the shelves
Through this identification, a business can increase the order of profitable products and reduce unmarketable inventory
Increases speed of transaction as the checkout staff do not need to enter the price of each item
Itemised bills can be generated on screen and printed for customers
It allows self check out which means less staff are needed therefore reducing staff costs
(b) Describe the steps involved in automatic stock control when an item is sold at a POS terminal.
The (bar codes on) goods are scanned at the checkout
The item code is searched in the stock database
When the item is found the number sold of that item is read
The number in stock is reduced by this number
If the number in stock is lower than the reorder / preset value then a message is sent to automatically re-order stock
When the new stock arrives database is updated with the new stock
Quantity available will be increased when new stock arrives
Generates a report on selling trends
The number of people using online shopping has increased. This has led to an increase in the number of journeys for the delivery drivers.
Describe how an expert system can be used to produce the best route for the delivery of items.
Interactive user interface asks questions about the route
The user answers the questions with Yes/No answers
The towns and areas visited/start/end point are typed/entered into the interactive user interface
Answers lead to other questions
The inference engine searches the knowledge base uses the rules base
The knowledge base is searched for suitable routes between two points
Suggested/probable routes and schedules are displayed
A school car park is controlled by a barrier. When teachers enter the car park their number plate is read and the barrier is raised automatically.
(a) Visitors can use the keypad as an input device to enter a code which allows the barrier to be raised. Identify three other input devices
Microphone
Camera
Pressure sensor
(b) Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is used to read and check the number plate of the vehicle. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using an ANPR system
Benefits
Saves time in having to check the number plates manually
Less errors as the recognition system is automatic
Saves money as there is no need to check the number plates manually
Secure system as it only allows stored vehicles
Drawbacks
All vehicles need to be added to the database
If the number plate is obscured/dirty it is difficult to read
Some number plates cannot be read due to odd font/sideways
Data needs to be kept up to date
Expensive to setup/maintain the system
A taxi company tracks the routes their cars have travelled and the current location of each one using a Global Positioning System (GPS). A map showing the route taken and current location of each car is displayed on the office monitor.
Describe in detail how this system could work
The position/location of the car is calculated using GPS software
Data is transmitted/sent to the office computer
Data is transmitted every few seconds
An algorithm calculates the speed/location of the cars
The data is stored/saved in the computer
The map is updated every few seconds
Tawara Retail is an online store. This online store does not have physical shops. Customers buy products from this store using internet shopping.
Describe the advantages to Tawara Retail of offering internet shopping.
Tawara Retail can target prices, products and services at specific groups based on buying data
Tawara Retail can update stock availability/prices more quickly than a physical store through their website
Cheaper to publicise special offers rather than mail shots
International customer base/global market
Increased profits/lower prices due to lower overheads/fewer staff
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to customers of using internet banking rather than visiting a bank
Advantages
Reduces the number of journeys to and from the bank
Saves money as fewer journeys are made travelling to the bank
Reduces the time wasted travelling to the bank/waiting in queues
The interest rates may be better using internet banking
Easier to shop around for the better bank accounts
24/7 banking
No physical robberies of customers
Disadvantages
Security is an issue as transactions are carried out over the internet/unsecured networks
The user needs a reliable internet connection
More risk of pharming/phishing/fraud
Easier to make errors whilst using internet banking e.g. incorrect input
If the internet connection drops during a transaction, then there may be issues
Device needed for two-factor authentication
Physical money/cash cannot be deposited or withdrawn using online banking
A manager in a hospital has decided to ask a software company to develop a computer system. The system should allow patients to book all their medical appointments online.
(a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to both the patients and the medical staff of this type of system.
Advantages
Bookings can be made last minute
24/7 booking
The bookings can be easily checked on the internet
Faster to cancel/change a booking
The patient cancels/changes their own appointment which ensures it has been done
Multiple bookings can be made for different medical units
Email/text reminders can be sent automatically
More convenient – can book from any device/on the move
Automatic confirmation of the booking
Less time spent on the phone therefore freeing up staff
The bookings can be planned easily in advance
Reminders can be sent via email/text therefore reducing cost of posting them
Repeat appointments can be made automatically therefore saving time
Frees up staff to do other things
Disadvantages
Concerns about the privacy/security of the data
If the system goes down the ability to book an appointment is lost
Some people prefer to talk to a medical person
Medical emergencies may be overlooked
Internet connected device required by patient
Computer skills required
Administration staff may lose their jobs
(b) The manager of the hospital has purchased an expert system to help diagnose their patients’ illnesses. Name three components of an expert system.
Inference engine
Knowledge base
Rules base
User interface, Explanation system
In June 2000 the London Millennium Bridge opened to the public but closed shortly afterwards for repairs. The bridge was swaying as people walked across it. Before bridges are built, computer models are produced and the models are tested.
Explain why computer models are used before building a bridge.
Fewer errors in final version of real item as errors would have been resolved in model
Saves money as it saves on resources
Safer to run a computer model rather than risking human life
Different scenarios/what ifs can be carried out which may happen in real life/to experiment
To build the bridge and test it would be impracticable due to cost/time
High street banks now offer customers access to internet banking when they are in the physical bank. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the bank of using internet banking in this way
Advantages
Branches can stay open longer and offer other services
More bank staff are available to help customers
Less chance of hacking/fraud as system used in the banks
Fewer bank tellers so more profitable for the bank
As the service is quicker/more services more likely to remain
Disadvantages
Initial cost of hardware/software is expensive
Need to retrain staff which can be expensive
System maintenance costs will be expensive as more inexperienced people
are using the system
Staff numbers may increase as staff are needed to help internet banking customers
A person contacts an online medical website that uses an expert system to allow users to self-diagnose illnesses.
(a) Write down the component within the expert system that matches the definition given.
(i) This component contains a database of facts.
Knowledge base
(ii) This component carries out the reasoning of the expert system.
Inference engine
(iii) This component allows the person to interact with the system.
Interactive user interface
(b) Describe how an expert system is used to diagnose an illness
An Interactive user interface appears
The expert system asks questions about the illness
Yes and No type answers to the questions
Answers lead to other questions
The inference engine searches the knowledge base uses the rules base
Probabilities/possibilities of diagnoses and treatments are displayed
Displays the ways it achieved the solutions/conclusions
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are used for many different applications.
(a) Describe how GPS is used by a smartphone to pinpoint its location
The location of the smartphone is calculated using GPS software
Signal is transmitted by the satellite
Signal is sent almost continuously
The data is saved in the smartphone
The coordinates of the smartphone are shown on the smartphone screen
(b) Give other examples of the use of GPS.
Real time aircraft/ship/drone position
Tracking delivery/stolen vehicles
Ploughing fields
Surveying
Military
Sat-nav in vehicle to reach a destination
Tawara School is presenting a concert. For previous concerts the booking of tickets was carried out manually using pen and paper. For this concert they are going to use an online booking system. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Tawara School using an online booking system rather than the manual system.
Advantages
Prevents double booking/overbooking
The booking staff can see immediately if the concert is fully booked
Bookings can be made 24×7
Usually cheaper as lower/fewer overheads
Booking staff can more easily see the seats that are available
Disadvantages
Requires the school to purchase expensive hardware
Setting up is more expensive
Maintenance is more expensive
Internet access is needed to run the booking system therefore the cost may be increased
More reliant on hardware
The temperature in a glasshouse is controlled by a computer. A program is being designed to open and close the glasshouse windows. If the temperature is too hot, then the windows will open; otherwise the windows will close. The systems analyst has produced a number of different instructions to show how the system works. Part of the instructions are shown.
Complete the instructions by writing the most appropriate technical terms to explain how the windows are operated.
Data is read by the sensor.
Analogue data is output from the sensor.
Data from the sensor is sent to the microprocessor via the Analogue to Digital Convertor
If the temperature is greater than the preset value
The microprocessor sends a signal to the Motor/Actuator
Another use of computer control is in the manufacture of cars. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using computer-controlled systems rather than humans to build a car.
Benefits
Robots can work in sterile/hazardous areas where humans would need
protective clothing
Robots can work 24/7
Cheaper in the long run
More accurate
Cars will be more consistent
Robots do the boring/laborious work
Issues can be found quicker
Higher productivity
Drawbacks
More expensive to buy/more expensive in the short term
Maintenance is more expensive as maintenance staff needed
Requires backup systems, which are expensive
They replace skilled workers, leading to de-skilling
They need constant observation which increases the cost of maintenance crews
If something goes wrong, it may be difficult to find the error
Workers need to be re-trained which is expensive
To gain full marks there must be at least one benefit and drawback
A video of a race can be recorded using a camera either on an autonomous flying vehicle (drone) or in a helicopter. A person would be needed in the helicopter to operate the camera.
Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using an autonomous flying vehicle (drone) to record the video of the race.
Advantages
Safer to use drones than risking the humans filming in the helicopter
Cheaper to use a drone rather than using a helicopter
The drone could fly closer to the competitors than a helicopter
Drones can be used in areas that would not be accessible to the helicopter
Disadvantages
More difficult to fix camera problems as no humans present
The range of the drone may be smaller
The drone may become a distraction as it is closer to the race
It can fly out of range and lose control signal
Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using an online booking system.
Benefits
Available 24/7 therefore helps customers to book when they want
Fewer problems with the bookings/double bookings
Faster booking system as not waiting in queues
Immediate confirmation of the booking
Easier to cancel/change bookings
Drawbacks
Relies on telecommunications to make the booking
Needs internet access/connection
Security issues due to fraud/others seeing personal data
Wrong information may be added accidently and this may be difficult to correct
A clothing retailer only sells its clothes on the internet.
(a) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to the clothing retailer of using internet shopping.
Benefits
Saves the cost of having a store
Saves cost of rent/insurance/utilities/costs/business rates
Saves cost as less staff required
Larger customer base therefore increases profits
The selling is not limited to shop opening hours therefore increases sales
Drawbacks
Increased costs more staff needed to operate/develop the website/drivers
Needs large warehouse space/distribution system
Reliant on the technology
Operates 24/7 therefore increases overheads
Relies on customers that only shop online
A customer is purchasing some new clothes from this retailer. Describe the steps the customer would take when purchasing the new clothes using internet shopping.
Loads up the website
Sets up an account
Logs into the website
Enters a password
Browses through the online catalogue
Clicks on the items required
Enters the quantity/colours/size of items
Adds items to the virtual basket/cart
Clicks on the virtual checkout
Chooses payment method
Chooses delivery method
Adds payment/delivery/personal details
Checks the details entered
Logs out of system
Many devices in the home can be connected to the internet so they can be controlled remotely. These devices are called smart devices. A house contains a smart security system.
Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a smart security system
Benefits
Cameras can be viewed from the smartphone so intruders can be seen/reported
Increased sense of security
You receive immediate alerts if there is a security breach
Drawbacks
You may not be able to deal with the intruders if you are a long way away
The wireless technology/data could be accessed by hackers
If access to the internet is lost then control of the system is lost
Identify two sensors that could be used with the smart security system
Light
Temperature
Motion
Proximity/Passive Infra-red/PIR
Pressure pads
Acoustic/Sound
Part of the smart security system involves an automatic gate for vehicles approaching the house. There is a CCTV camera at the gate and the smart security system has software for recognising each vehicle’s number plate. Explain how automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems work.
An image is taken of the front of the vehicle
The image is sent to the software
The software isolates the number plate from the image
Colour brightness and contrast are changed this makes the plate easier to read
Each character is read/decoded using OCR software
The number plate is searched in the database
Comparison is made with number plates stored in the database
If the number plate is identified it allows the gate to open
Describe three problems that could occur when the ANPR system reads a vehicle number plate
Another vehicle/pedestrian could obstruct the view of the camera
The number plate may be too dirty to read
The number plate may be in low light/poor weather conditions
The number plate may use illegal characters/font
The number plate could be in a different position than where it should be
Characters are misread
Position of characters/grouping of characters
The number plate has not been added to the system
Many banks have reduced the number of staff in their branches and replaced them with automatic teller machines (ATMs). These ATMs, which can be located within the bank, can be used by customers to deposit and withdraw money from their bank accounts.
ATMs can be used to deposit cheques. Describe the computer processing involved in depositing a cheque at an ATM.
Customer is asked to enter their debit card in the ATM
Customer’s bank computer is contacted
The card details are searched in the bank database
Card is checked to see if valid/in date/stolen
Customer is asked to enter their PIN
PIN is compared to the PIN stored on the chip
Customer is asked to deposit cheque
The system checks whether the cheque is valid
The cheque is scanned/read by the ATM
Amount is scanned
Bank account is checked for sufficient funds
The image of the scan is saved
The customer is asked to select the account to deposit money
Money is deducted from the bank of the cheque
Money is added to the account of the payee
A receipt is sent to the printer at the ATM
six from these
Customers can visit these banks or use internet banking. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to a customer of visiting the bank rather than using internet banking.
Advantages
Retention of banks therefore all customers could use them
Easier for customers to speak to a member of the banking staff
Customers do not have to purchase expensive computer equipment
Safer than carrying out transactions over the internet
Can withdraw cash
Do not need the internet
Disadvantages
Have to pay to travel to the bank to use the service
Customers could waste time standing in queues/travelling to the bank
More difficult for people who have a condition which affects their mobility
Smaller customer base as it is local
Potential for physical robberies
Cannot keep track of the accounts as easily
Not 24/7
To gain full marks there needs to be advantages and disadvantages
RockIT Airlines representatives use a computer booking system to book flights for customers.
A representative from the airline types in the customer reference number, the number of passengers, departure time, departure date, departure airport and the destination airport.
A customer is planning to take a flight from London Heathrow Airport. The representative types in a code LHR for London Heathrow Airport. One of the reasons for using a code for the airport is to improve data accuracy.
Describe other advantages of using a code rather than typing out the full name
Uses up less memory in the computer
Quicker to enter the data
Quicker to search for data
Describe the importance of data accuracy when making a booking
If the data is typed in incorrectly then the booking may be rejected
If an incorrect airport code is used they may fly to the wrong airport//May miss the flight
If the customer reference number is typed in incorrectly then the booking may be assigned to the wrong person
If the number of passengers is incorrectly entered then number of seats will be wrong/overbooked
So that the wrong booking is not made
Describe the processing and outputs involved in making the booking
Display flights available
Booking database is searched for the customer reference number
Matching record is retrieved
Details of the customer are displayed on the screen
Booking database is searched for matching departure airport
Booking database is searched for matching destination airport
If flight correct, date/time found
Search if seats/tickets/flight available
If unavailable error message output
Outputs the price
If seats available, flags seat as booked
If not booked then flag removed
Reduces number of seats/tickets available by number booked
E-ticket/ticket details are output
E-ticket/ticket details sent to customer
Receipt is printed//Verification email sent
must have at least six of these points
Many bank cards now use contactless technology. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using these cards rather than cards that use chip and PIN.
Advantages
Less wear on the card as it is not used in a device
Transaction is quicker
Can be read from a pocket
No shoulder surfing
Disadvantages
Transaction can be read by hacker’s device
Does not use a PIN therefore money can be taken if lost
Limit on spending on the card
If lost the card could be used by anyone so is less secure
A river authority is concerned about levels of pollution in a major river. The quality of the water in the river needs to be monitored using sensors.
(a) Name the sensors that could be used to measure the pollution in the river.
Oxygen
Light
pH
Turbidity
(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers to measure the pollution in the river rather than humans measuring the pollution.
Advantages
More accurate results produced
Computer does not forget to take a reading
Results are processed automatically
Readings can be taken at more points as many humans are needed
Readings can be taken that would be impossible for humans
Data can be analysed continuously
Readings can be taken more frequently
Safer than using humans
Better response time
Can work 24/7
Can be placed in remote areas where humans could not work
Fewer humans required therefore reducing the cost
Disadvantages
Computer responds less to unusual circumstances
Computer equipment can be more susceptible to atmospheric conditions
Computer equipment is more likely to be damaged or stolen by vandals
To gain full marks the discussion must have correct answers for both advantages and disadvantages
A customer is booking a seat on a theatre’s online booking system. The customer reserves seats using the theatre’s website and a debit card. The website displays the seats that are available and a database stores the customer details, the payment details and the seat details. When the customer enters their debit card details for a seat, the theatre’s computer communicates with the bank’s computer.
(a) Describe the checks that the bank’s computer will make on the customer’s bank account
Is debit card number valid/exists
Does name entered match that on system
Is expiry/start date valid/matches date stored on system
Does security code/CVV entered match that stored on system
Is there available credit/funds in the bank account
Checks for unusual spending patterns
Is card blocked/reported stolen/lost
(b) Describe the processing carried out by the theatre’s computer when making a booking.
Computer looks up the date of performance/performance reference number
Matching record is retrieved
Checks/Searches if the seats are available
Flags the seats to stop double booking as temporary hold
Reduced number of available seats by the number booked//seats flagged as fullybooked
Calculate cost of seats
Prints ticket/generates e-ticket
E-ticket/ticket sent to customer
Receipt is printed/Verification email sent
Data is checked for accuracy
If booking not completed, then temporarily hold flag is removed from the seat
Reduce number of seats available once the booking is complete
Tawara Tours has created a new online booking system to allow customers to book holidays. The system was written using modules.
(a) Describe how the new system could be tested prior to it becoming operational.
Each module is tested separately
Modules are tested by the programmers
Modules/system are tested with live data
Errors and problems are noted
Improvements are made to the module
The module/system is retested
Modules are combined and tested together
System is tested as a whole
System is tested to meet the user’s requirements
(b) Tawara Tours used to book holidays using a manual booking system. This used a pen and paper to make the bookings.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using online booking systems rather than a manual booking system.
Advantages
Prevents double booking
The customer can see immediately when the holiday has been booked
Bookings can be made 24/7
No need to travel to the booking office/queue up so saves time
Can be booked from any location
Saves cost of travelling to the booking office
Tickets are usually sent online and therefore paperless//Saves printing and postal costs
Usually cheaper as lower/fewer overheads
Customers can more easily see the tours that are available
Disadvantages
Setting up is expensive//maintenance is expensive
Internet access is needed to run the booking system therefore the cost may be increased
More reliant on server/network
Booking mistakes can be more easily made
Mistakes are more difficult to rectify due to the speed of booking
If the system crashes during the booking the booking may not be made
To gain full marks there must be at least one advantage and one disadvantage
Robots are used to spray paint cars in a car production company.
Describe the other jobs that robots can perform in car production.
Fit windscreens
Fit the wheels
Welding body panels
Move cars from one place to another
Fit engines
(b) When the spray paint can is empty it needs to be refilled. There is a sensor in the can which measures the amount of paint. Describe the use of the sensor and microprocessor in this application
The depth of the paint is read by the sensor
The depth of paint is sent from the sensor to the ADC/microprocessor
The digital data from the ADC is read by the microprocessor
The microprocessor compares this data to the minimum depth of the paint/preset value
If the data is less than the minimum depth/preset value, the microprocessor sends a signal to the actuator
If the data is more than the minimum depth/preset value microprocessor does nothing
Process is continuous
(c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of robots rather than employing humans to spray paint the cars.
Advantages
They can work in areas where it would be harmful for humans
They can work 24/7
Cheaper in the long run
Higher productivity
The finish is more consistent
Disadvantages
Expensive to purchase
Skills can be lost
Expensive to maintain/reprogram
Expensive to start up//train staff to operate the robots
To gain full marks there must be at least one advantage and one disadvantage
Rockit Motors recently created a new car sales website. The website uses internet shopping features. Customers can ask questions of the virtual salespeople on the website, and then purchase the car on the website.
(a) Describe two other features of internet shopping
Menu of different types of cars
Shopping basket in which to place bought items
Login for username and password
Create a customised car
Calculates the price
Checkout page for creating the order
(b) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using internet shopping for Rockit Motors
Benefits:
Fewer staff/fewer shops therefore reduced overheads/lower costs
The company can better target customers
Updated more often
Cheaper to publicise special offers rather than mail shots
More special offers can be offered as lower overheads
Broader customer base
Operates 24/7
The customer can see immediately if the car is available
Can be used from any location
Saves cost/time of travelling to the showroom
Drawbacks:
Expensive due to the cost of setting up the website
Expensive due to the cost of maintaining the website
Expensive due to the need to re-train staff
Internet access is needed by the customer
Purchasing mistakes can be more easily made
Mistakes are more difficult to rectify due to the speed of operation
May be difficult to use as help is not as convenient
If the system crashes during the purchase the car may not be bought
The customer may experience internet/network problems
Cannot test drive the car
The pictures of the car may not be the same as the actual car
To gain full marks there must be at least one benefit and one drawback
(c) Before the website became operational it needed to be tested. The web designer created a test plan including module and whole system testing. Explain the difference between module and whole system testing.
Module testing tests the operation of each module
Modules are tested separately
Module testing tests the relationships between each module
Module testing tests the data passing into and out of the modules
Easier to find errors in module testing
Whole system testing is carried out after module testing
Whole system testing checks that the system works as it is supposed
to//matches the user requirements
Whole system tests the combined modules
Tick (✓) whether the following are examples of control, measurement or modelling applications.
Humans can send unmanned aircraft into storms to collect wind speeds and temperature data. The unmanned aircraft have sensors attached to them which send the data back to computers at the weather station. The computers analyse the data.
Previously the aircraft was manned and all the data was collected and flown back to the weather station.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the unmanned aircraft rather than using the manned aircraft.
Advantages
Less expensive to fly the aircraft into the storm
Less risk to life as there is no flight crew
It can be flown closer to the storm
Time taken to receive the data is shorter as don’t have to land the aircraft before sending data
Results are processed immediately
On board computers can analyse the data continuously
Readings can be taken more frequently
Disadvantages
The sensors could malfunction and there is no way of repairing them easily
You can lose the signal due to the electrical charges in the storm
Less responsive
Slower to react
May go out of range
To gain full marks there needs to be advantages and disadvantages
Many teachers feel that monitoring student progress is an important part of the teaching and learning process.
Describe how the features of a spreadsheet can be used by a teacher to help monitor student progress.
Student progress can be shown over time using graphs
Comparisons between students can be shown using graphs
Comparisons with archive data can be shown using graphs
Conditional formatting can be used to show how a student is performing
compare to other students or past performance
Data can be sorted to show the best performers in the class
Calculate average marks to enable comparisons
Automatic reporting results to parents
Filtering students to show those above/below a threshold
Describe the computer processing involved in the use of a microprocessor-controlled fitness tracker when displaying and monitoring the blood pressure of the user.
The data is sent to/read by the microprocessor
The data is stored by the tracker
Convert the raw data into blood pressure data
Compare the data with pre-set values
If out of range send data to an alert system
The data is sent to the screen
A school is planning to introduce a contactless card system for pupils to pay for school meals. Each card contains an amount of money which is topped up by parents. Parents transfer amounts of 7 money into the school system and pupils place the card close to a reader to upload the money onto the card.
(a) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks, to the pupils, of using a contactless card system rather than paying by cash
Benefits
Fast throughput of pupils at the tills
Fast transaction as only the card is presented
If the card is stolen it can be blocked
One card is less bulky than money
Using the card is more secure because the money can only be used in the canteen
Drawbacks
Tendency to spend more as it is a card
Difficult to keep track of your spending as no physical money
If the card is damaged/lost the pupil cannot buy food/lose all their money
Card needs topping up regularly
Cards will need to be purchased by the pupils and can be expensive
Parents can see what the pupils buy
If there is an issue with the machine not easy to see mistakes
Easier to misplace than cash/coins
Parents can limit how much is spent on food
Pupils can only spend the money in the canteen and on food
To gain full marks there must be at least one benefit and at least one drawback
(b) The terminals in the school use electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS). Describe the computer processing that takes place to pay for a meal at the EFTPOS terminal using the card.
The cost of the meal is totalled
The reader reads the details from the card
The amount of money on the card is checked
The total is compared to the amount of money on the card
If it is greater the transaction is rejected
If it is less than or equal to then the transaction is accepted
Checked whether card it is correct type/stolen/blocked
The cost is deducted from the amount on the card
The amount/total balance on the card is updated following the transaction
The amount is credited to the school system
The details of the receipt are prepared//The receipt is produced//Rejection slip is produced//Message is prepared
Tawara school uses an optical mark recognition (OMR) system for its school register. An example of the register is shown. For each session of the school there are two lozenges to be shaded in.
At the start of the registration period the teacher shades in a lozenge [P] on the register to show that a pupil is present and shades in a lozenge [A] for each pupil who is absent. If a pupil is late then the teacher shades in both the [P] and the [A] lozenges. The register sheets are sent to the school office to be processed and the data from them is stored in the computer’s database.
(a) Describe the inputs and computer processing of the registers when they are sent to the school office, prior to them being stored on the computer’s database.
OMR sheets are scanned in using an optical mark reader//Reader reads the lozenge
Data is sent to the computer
A template of the register is loaded into the computer
A value is assigned to each lozenge
A light passes through the scanner and shows position of each filled in
lozenge//Comparing dark spots with lighter areas//Use X Y coordinates
The position is compared to the template/pre-determined data
If the lozenge shaded is [P] then the pupil is recorded as present
If the lozenge shaded is [A] then the pupil is recorded as absent
If both lozenges [A] and [P] are shaded then the pupil is recorded as late.
If no lozenge on a line is shaded the result is discarded
(b) The headteacher of the school is considering modernising the registration system so that pupils can register using a facial recognition system.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a facial recognition registration system rather than the OMR system they currently use.
Advantages
Faces are unique therefore greater security
Data entry is faster as it does not need to be sent to the office for entry
Data entry is more accurate the teacher could enter the wrong data on OMR sheet
Greater security as the pupil needs to be present to register
More difficult to fake biometrics
OMR data sheets can be forgotten or lost
Disadvantages
Facial injuries/facial hair/glasses/masks can affect the data entry
The cost of setting up a new system is higher as extra hardware and
software needs to be purchased//Setting up the system is more expensive
Time consuming to set up all the pupils
The data will need to be updated regularly due to facial changes as pupils get older
Higher error rate
System is more complex therefore may cost more to maintain//Maintaining the system is more expensive
The environment and usage may affect the reader
Biometric systems are not 100% accurate
Less flexibility as the OMR sheets can be used anywhere in the school
Biometric data harder be reset if incorrect/if change needed
Greater invasion of privacy as biometric data has to be stored on the computer
To gain full marks there must be at least one advantage and one disadvantage
Biometric data, like facial recognition, is an example of personal data. Give other examples of personal data that could be stored on the school registration database
Name
Address
Gender
Date of birth
Personal contact details, such as Email address and phone number
ID card/roll number
Race//Ethnic origin
The Fish Bowl is a large outdoor music arena. It uses an online booking system. A customer has entered her data into the booking system using an online data entry form.
(a) Evaluate this online data entry form.
Positives
The fields are fully visible on the screen
The fields are clearly labelled
Ample/suitable space to enter the data
Screen looks clear to read
Text is clear to read
Suitable space between fields
Negatives
No indication of what to do for the seat position/how to select the correct option
There is too much space to enter the data
No drop down/combo box lists for number of adults/children
No navigation/submit/help buttons
No radio button for position of seat
No explanation on how to fill in details
The form does not fill the screen
Text is too small
To gain full marks there needs to be at least one positive and at least one negative
(b) When a person makes a booking, a ticket will be produced for each person. The ticket will be sent by email and can then be printed out or used on a smartphone to gain entry to the event.
Design a ticket that includes elements for both visual and electronic checking for the forthcoming music event.
Max four from:
Adult or Child shown/type of ticket
Name of the performance
Time of the performance
Date of the performance
Seat position
Title of the venue
Seat number
Ticket number shown
Person’s name
Uses a bar code/QR code/RFID – 1 mark
Looks like a ticket with enough elements – 1 mark
Autonomous vehicles are being tested on some of the world’s roads. These vehicles can travel in convoys with each vehicle following the one in front with a set distance between them. The whole operation is computer controlled. If the vehicle in front slows down, then the following vehicle also slows down to maintain the distance between them.
A proximity sensor is used to detect how close the vehicle is to the vehicle in front.
Describe how the microprocessor would maintain the set distance between the vehicles
Microprocessor reads the data
The data from the proximity sensor is compared to the pre-set value
The pre-set value is set to show the minimum distance from the vehicle in front
If the values are the same nothing happens
If the values are different the microprocessor sends a signal to the actuator
Actuator speeds up the vehicle/slows down the vehicle/applies the brakes
The process is continuous