Robotics Assessment Task #3 Blog: By Ben G
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Monday 14 October 2013
CONTROLLING DEVICES
SECTION 5: CONTROLLING DEVICES
24.
What is processing (P.259)
Processing is the changing of data from one
form to another being generally input data to output information in which
humans are able to use.
25.
Provide an overview of the CPU's function.
Include an overview of the microprocessor and the co-processor (p. 259).
The CPU is a part of the computer in which
processes and controls functions within the computer. CPU’s can be either a
microprocessor or co-processor. A microprocessor refers to a system that uses
only one silicon chip. Some devices that use only one silicon chip include
cameras, phones and digital watches. Co-processor chips however are integrated
circuits or multiple chips that assist the CPU with the processing tasks at
hand. An example of a co-processor is a mathematics co-processor that
formulates mathematical calculations.
26.
There are 5 key components of the CPU. Please
describe them below (see p. 260, Table 8.6)
CPU components:
Register
|
An electronic circuit
capable of temporary storing binary digits.
|
Arithmetic logic unit
|
A digital circuit that
performs integer and logical operations.
|
System clock
|
Represents a computers notion of the passing of time.
|
Control unit
|
A component in which
directs and controls all operations of the processor.
|
Buses
|
Wires that transfer
signals containing data between components of the computer or several.
|
27.
Include a picture of the CPU's components
below. There is a diagram on p. 259 (Fig. 8.25) that you can use, or you can
use a similar diagram that follows.
|
|
29.
Software is
used to control robots. Identify 3 types of software that is used to control
robots and give an overview of the software. Lego NXT can be one example,
see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Mindstorms_NXT
Lego
Mindstorms NXT- Is a
software package that enables a user to program and write instructions for the
NXT brick in what tasks and steps to follow. E.g. Move forward and then turn
right. The written code containing the steps in which the robot has to follow
is then downloaded via USB or Bluetooth onto the brick in which then takes the
input data and then performs the output tasks.
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio- a Windows based
platform that is purpose to achieve robot control and simulation. Microsoft
Robotics Developer Studio provides a wide range of support application that
makes it easy to develop robot code including a program model in which the user
can follow in order to achieve successful robot control and simulation. The
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio uses a programming framework that can be
used and applied to program a wide range of different robots.
OpenRDK- OpenRDK is a modular software framework that is focused on development of commercial
robotic systems that has been targeted to many professional robotic companies
in countries such as Italy and Spain. OpenRDK has been applied in many diverse applications
with heterogeneous robots with very unique applications.
30. Provide an overview of a PLC
PLC, also
known as a programmable logic controller is a digital computer used for
automation of electromechanical processes. PLC’s are designed to perform
multiple input and output arrangements with extended
temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration
and impact. Programs that control the PLC’s in which are operated by humans are
stored in the non-volatile memory.
31. Give 3 examples of where PLC's can be used.
-Assembly
lines
-Amusement
rides
-Light
fixtures
AUTOMATED CONTROL
SECTION 4: AUTOMATED CONTROL
19. Provide
an overview of automated control.
Automated control is the mechanised command of a task or several tasks.
The machine that controls the commands and operations are most often computers
using programs that provide instructions of how to produce the output required
based on the input instructions.
23. Provide an overview of Traffic Light sensing devices and relevant pictures
23. Provide an overview of Traffic Light sensing devices and relevant pictures
Traffic light sensors use computer tracking devices to carry out their
operations. Input comes from sensors that are installed under the road that
monitor vehicle activity. Cars that travel over the sensors is counted by the
sensor and then the traffic signals are changed based on and to meet the
changing traffic patterns on the road. The sensors are wired loops that contain
a electromagnetic field that are linked to the electrical meter. Maintenance is
needed for the traffic light sensors and when a sensor does become faulty it
must be attended to. SCATS (the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System)
professionals are responsible for repair of these sensors in which they fix the
problem via the system computer.
24.
Provide an
overview of actuators and sensors to open and close doors. Please add relevant
pictures. (p. 266)
Automated doors that open and close are
controlled by sensor that detect movement in which the motors (displayed in the
picture) then carry out the tasks of either opening or closing the door,
allowing the person(s) to pass through. There are a range of sensors that are
used on automatic doors including motions sensors that use infra-red beams in
which detects when the beam is broken, pressure sensors that use under mats
that use under mats that measure weight is placed on it in which activates a
switch opening the door. In the case of automated doors, actuators are used to
carry out the action needed that is in response to a signal given by the
sensor.
FUNCTION OF ROBOTS, SENSING DEVICES AND ACTUATORS
SECTION 3: FUNCTION OF ROBOTS, SENSING DEVICES AND ACTUATORS
1.
What is
meant by 'Degrees of freedom'? Ensure you include a diagram to highlight your
understanding. (p. 253)
‘Degrees of
freedom’ is meant by the number of different ways an appendage can pivot with
the term relating to the amount of movement is built and utilised within the
nature design. An example of this is below in this robotic arm with the base of
the robot (moving mechanism) having the ability to move remotely in any
direction and for the arm mechanism to rotate its arm 360 degrees.
2.
There are 5 general input devices used in
robotics. List them below. (p. 254)
1.
Digital camera
2.
Keyboard
3.
Light pen
4.
Mouse
5.
Microphones
3.
Sensors are a common input device on
robotics. Complete the following table (see p. 254 to 255)
Sensor Name
|
Description
|
Examples of use
|
Potential Issues
|
Thermostat
|
Switch that opens at a set
temperature and stays open while the temperature remains at that level or
higher.
|
Ovens, hot water services
|
Cheap but not as accurate/responsive
as other senses.
|
Thermistor
|
Measures temperature continually as
resistance: when the temperature increases the resistance drops.
|
Microwave ovens and air conditioners
|
Cheap and also similar to thermostat.
|
Semiconductor
|
Are sensor materials that have
electrical conductivity to a degree between a conductor and an insulator.
|
Transistors, solar cells and LED
lights.
|
Expensive but efficient.
|
Light
|
Detect changes in the level of light.
They collect data related to the intensity of light of an image and then
convert it to a digital form.
|
Barcode scanners, burglar alarm
|
It is harder to convert more
complicated images into digital form.
|
Position
|
A sensor used to monitor and track
the relative position of objects around it.
|
Ultrasonic sensor and proximity
sensor
|
The machine operates to a very
accurate extent but the machine could fail. A repair of a position sensor is
not easy.
|
Potentiometers
|
Sensors that are used to determine
rotation measuring electrical resistance with a meter showing the amount of
voltage at a particular point.
|
A video game joystick and a remote
control
|
Overheating and wrong readings.
Environment could have an effect on the reading. For e.g. Wind and rain.
|
Sonar
|
Sonar sensors are used to detect
sound underwater to discover the position of an object in the water.
|
Submarines and boats.
|
Can have some harm to marine mammals
such as whales.
|
4.
Define and compare an Actuator to a Sensor
A sensor is a device that converts input from
the environment into a signal that can be communicated to a control system. An
actuator however is a specialised hardware device which, under control, comes
out as mechanical actions. The differences between a actuator and a sensor is a
sensor controls the input into a robotic system however the actuator then
receives the input and then creates the appropriate output responses. Actuators work on performing the work from
the measured inputs by powering the system such as electrical and hydraulic
power however sensors focus on measuring the data from its environment such as
temperature, light, touch, sound etc. Actuators also produce mechanical actions
but sensors focus on converting an input into a signal that then leads to an
output, carried out by the actuator.
18. Actuators are
a common output device on robotics. Complete the following table (see p. 256)
Output devices
|
Description and main feature
|
Advantage
|
Disadvantage
|
Speakers
|
Is an external hardware that produces
sound from a computer through a 3.5mm stereo jack. The main feature is the
speaker’s volume control.
|
Normal speech rather than synthesized
speech is possible
|
Require extra hardware e.g. sound
cards
|
Display (CRT or LCD)
|
Is an output surface that projects
mechanisms that show text, images, animations etc. The main feature of an LCD
display is that they are available for many applications.
|
No waste of paper and instead can be
interactive or display animations.
|
No hard copy (ie. printed page)
|
Solenoids
(an actuator)
|
A cylindrical coil of wire acting as an electromagnet when carrying
electric current. It uses the electromagnet to move an arm or plunger through
a small movement.
|
High reliability and limited pressure
drop.
|
Control signal must stay on while in
operation.
|
Stepping motors
(an actuator)
|
A motor that moves and rotates in
small, discrete steps. It also uses electromagnets with it utilizing a shaft
that makes the motor turn.
|
Needs no feedback
|
Has low efficiency.
|
19.
Define Primary Storage and provides examples
(p. 257)
Primary storage is a device that holds data
for processing, processed data waiting for output and instructing for
processing. Primary storage is found in the motherboard where it is linked to
the processing parts of the computer such as the CPU and GPU. Some examples of
primary storage are ROM and RAM.
20.
Define Secondary Storage and provide examples
Secondary storage is any storage device that
is located outside of the CPU (central processing unit). This type of storage
is not essential to the operation of the computer but is used as a peripheral
to hold information and store data that can be accessed from the computer.
Secondary storage also is not the main memory of the computer. Some examples of
secondary storage are hard disk drives, DVD’s and portable flash drives.
21.
Using the following diagram, write below what
each letter represents. You will find an overview of this motherboard at http://www.build-your-own-computer.net/motherboard-diagram.html
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