5.1 Microprocessor - controlled devices

• Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home

  Many common household devices are now fitted with microprocessors to control their functions
• Positive effects of microprocessors on lifestyle

  • People no longer do manual tasks at home
  • You can leave home while your clothes are washed and your food is being cooked
  • People have more leisure time
  • You can control heating systems and ovens from a smartphone
  • Automated burglar alarms give people a sense of security
  • Smart fridges and freezers can lead to healthy lifestyles
• Negative effects of microprocessors on lifestyle

  • More wasteful society, it is less cost effective to repair devices
  • People are dependent on the devices and it can make them lazy
  • People can become less fit because the devices will carry out the manual tasks
  • Skills are lost as machines do tasks
• Microprocessor-controlled systems


  Systems used in many aspects of transport
• Vehicle safety


  • Microprocessor-controlled systems used in all modern motor vehicles
  • Most common use is in the electronic control unit (ECU) for engine management systems
  • Problems diagnosed and fine tuning done by computer
  • Gone are the days when a mechanic 'tinkered' with the engine
• Using an ECU for engine management


  Leads to more efficient fuel consumption and less pollution
• Safety related functions of ECU

  • Anti-locking braking systems
  • Electronic stability control (ESC) to automatically correct driver errors
  • Adaptive cruise control (ACC) to maintain correct distance from car in front
  • Collision avoidance systems to warn of objects and apply brakes
• Control systems in vehicles improve safety but may malfunction
• Intelligent transport system


  Use of communications devices, computers, control and sensing devices to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic movement through transmitting real-time information
• Smart city


  A city where sensor-driven data collection and powerful computers are used to automate and coordinate a wide range of services in the interests of better performance, lower costs and lessened environmental impact
• Intelligent transport system


  1. Collect data from sensors

  2. Analyse data

  3. Maintain optimum traffic flow through control of traffic lights, informing travellers, informing public transport users
• Intelligent transport system


  Improves traffic efficiency by minimising traffic problems, reduces travel time, enhances safety, comfort and mental health
• Intelligent transport systems are expensive to implement and may malfunction or break down
• Intelligent transport systems rely on surveillance of vehicles and pedestrians and so impinge on their human rights of privacy and security
• Autonomous vehicle


  A vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement
• Autonomous vehicles


  • Eliminate human driving error
  • Observe surroundings and respond to situations with maximum efficiency, 24 hours a day
• There are concerns about safety decisions that autonomous vehicles have to make, such as whether to prioritise saving the driver or pedestrians
• Rules and laws must be enacted to define correct procedures for autonomous vehicles, and there are concerns about different countries having different rules
• There are concerns about security and data privacy with intelligent transport systems and autonomous vehicles
• Control systems used for intelligent transport and in vehicles are vulnerable to hacking