Unit 5- Effects of using ict

5.1- Microscopper controlled devices

Unit 5 Effects of using IT

The positive and negative effects of microprocessors/
5.1 Microprocessor smart devices in monitoring and controlling devices in
controlled devices the home including the impact on lifestyle, leisure time,
physical fitness, security of data, the degree of social
interaction The positive and negative effects of
microprocessors/ smart devices in monitoring and
controlling transport including security of data,
autonomous vehicles, transport safety

Including: repetitive strain injury (RSI), back problems,

5.2 Potential health eye problems, headaches The causes of these health
problems issues and strategies for preventing them

What is a Microprocessor?
A microprocessor is the brain of a computer. It is a small chip that carries
out instructions and performs calculations to make the computer work.

What is a Microprocessor? Very powerful microprocessors can be found in PCs

but smaller, less powerful microprocessors can be found in many everyday
devices in our homes.

Typically, a special type of microprocessor, called a microcontroller, is

used in everyday devices.

In a single ‘chip’, a microcontroller contains:

● A CPU
● Some RAM
● Some ROM (Used for storing the devices software)

Often microcontrollers also contain ADCs and DACs to allow easy connection
to devices such as sensors and actuators.

What is a Smart Device? As the name suggests, an electronic gadget that is able
to connect, share and interact with its user and other smart devices
What is a Internet of Things (IoT)?
The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to the collective network of connected
devices and the technology that
facilitates communication between devices and the cloud, as well as between the
devices themselves.

5.1 The effect of using microprocessor controlled devices in the home

Advantages of microprocessor controlled devices Microprocessor-controlled
devices mean that we have more leisure time to relax and enjoy ourselves
instead of doing household chores.

We are able to communicate with people very easily using computers, mobile
phones, etc. We can become part of online social networks, making friends with
people from all over the world.
Computers and Internet connections mean that many of the tasks that involved us
leaving the house, for example, shopping for music, clothes or food, can now be
done online.

Online shopping gives us more choice of products and saves us time. It is

also great from those who are unable to get out of the house easily, such as the
elderly, or the disabled.

Disadvantages of microprocessor controlled devices

● Data security issues
Any household device which can be remotely controlled could allow a
hacker to access personal data. For example if a fridge/freezer can
automatically order food then credit card numbers could be discovered.
The solution is password protection on all devices.

● Lack of social interaction

Devices leave people with more leisure time to do things, but many devices
simply encourage people to stay at home and become lazy and lead
unhealthy lifestyles.

For example smartphones and tablets allow for more communication, but
less face-to-face contact and increases issues like cyberbullying.

Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices

in the Home
Positive Effects:
Saving Time and Money:
- Smart fridges update shopping lists automatically. - Track lost items (e.g.,
keys) via smartphones. - Smart meters monitor energy use and allow remote
thermostat adjustments.
Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices in the Home
Positive Effects:
Improved Home Security:
- Home CCTV sends live updates to smartphones for remote monitoring.

Enhanced Care and Protection:

- Baby monitors track breathing, temperature, and movement.
- Elderly care sensors detect falls and alert carers remotely.
Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices in the Home
Negative Effects:
- High cost of devices.
- Dependence on internet (can fail).
- Risk of hacking and security breaches.
Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices On Lifestyle and
Leisure
Lifestyle and Leisure
Positive Effects:
- Smart speakers simplify tasks like creating shopping lists or adjusting
temperatures.
- Smart thermostats reduce energy use.
- Efficiency in daily tasks creates more leisure time.

Negative Effects:
- Reduced family interaction as individuals use separate devices.
- Leisure time is spent indoors with digital devices, limiting physical activity.
Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices On Lifestyle and
Leisure
Physical Fitness
Positive Effects:
- Fitness trackers monitor heart rate, sleep, and physical activity.
- Apps motivate users through real-time competition and activity tracking.
- Wearables assist in correcting posture, tracking calories, and supporting
smoking cessation.

Negative Effects:
- Over-reliance on smart devices can reduce physical activity in the home (e.g.,
cleaning or walking), leading to decreased fitness.

Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices Security of Data in

Smart Devices
Key Point:
Smart devices collect personal information to enhance efficiency, but
securing this data is crucial.

Positive Effects:

● Increased awareness and action regarding data security due to growing

concerns and publicity.

Negative Effects:

● Privacy risks as devices collect sensitive data (e.g., home activities,

possessions, health issues).
● Data may be used for marketing by device creators and third-party
companies.
● Devices connected to the internet are vulnerable to hacking, with insufficient
security measures in many IoT systems.

Positive and Negative Effects of Smart Devices On Social

Interaction
Positive Effects:
- Save time, allowing for more leisure and social opportunities.
- Enable long-distance communication via:
- Voice and text messages
- Social networking sites
- Emails and video calls
- Web conferencing.

Negative Effects:
- Reduce face-to-face interactions (e.g., chores like washing up done
alone).
- Automating tasks (e.g., shopping lists, deliveries)
minimizes human contact.
- Over-reliance on digital communication can lead to isolation and mental
health issues.

Monitoring and controlling transport

The widespread use of microprocessors in transport systems is becoming more
and more widespread. For example:
● Monitoring traffic on motorways
● Monitoring congestion zones
● Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) ● Automatic control of
traffic lights
● Air traffic control
● Railway and signalling control systems

Monitoring and controlling transport

 Smart motorways
The monitoring and control of traffic and the information displayed
on motorway signs is controlled by a central computer system.

If there has been an accident or congestion, then smart motorway signs can
control the traffic to keep it moving.

Disadvantage
The potential for these systems to be hacked could create huge safety and
security issues.

Rail and air network control systems

Safely coordinating the large number of trains and aeroplanes entering and
leaving stations and airports is a complex task which computerised monitoring
can do safer than humans.
Autonomous vehicles in
transport (Driverless)
Cars, buses and vans are all becoming driverless.

Microprocessors process the data received from sensors and send signals
to actuators to perform actions such as:
● Change gear
● Apply the brakes
● Turn the steering wheel
Cameras capture visual data from the surroundings, while radar and
ultrasonics build up a 3D image of the surroundings, which is very important
when their is poor visibility such as heavy rain, fog or at night.

Autonomous vehicles in
transport (Driverless)
Advantage
Less accidents as overall these system cause less
accidents than humans.

Disadvantage
A hacker can cause the system to crash. They may not even need to break into
the vehicle's control system to take over control and cause mayhem. All they
need to do is simply try to block sensor information to the system or send false
sensor information to the system.

Hackers may also want information about where the car is currently and
where it is going to has been, to find out about the vehicle owner.

Autonomous vehicles in
transport (Driverless)
 Autonomous trains
These trains make use of a system called LIDAR (Light detection and ranging),
which uses lasers to build up a 3D image of the surroundings.

The control system in the train also uses Global Positioning Satellite technology
to calculate the speed and direction of the train.

Actuators are used to control things like, the speed, braking, automatic and
opening and closing of the train doors.
Autonomous trains
Autonomous aeroplanes
They contain control systems that can control all stages of the flight from
takeoff to landing. ● Sensors detect turbulence to avoid it and provide smooth
flights
● Sensors detect decompression in the cabin ● Self-testing takes place
of all the circuits and systems
● GPS is used for navigation and speed calculations ● Actuators control part of
the aeroplane such as the throttle, flaps (on the wings) and rudder.
Autonomous aeroplanes
 Unit 5.2- Potential health problems

5.2 Potential health problems related to prolonged use of IT

equipment
The most common health risks are:
● Back and neck pain
● Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
● Eyestrain
● Headaches
● Ozone irritation
Back and neck strain
Eyestrain

Headaches