Control and Monitoring Technology

Control and Monitoring Technology

Workshop #3 - Tuesday 6th November

During workshop 3, we explored the increasing use of computer control in today's society and how it is beginning to have a greater role and influence in our lives. 

We began by examining a general definition of what computer control actually is. We concluded that computer control refers to when a set of instructions have been programmed into a machine, in order to produce a predetermined action. An example of this is setting an alarm.

After this, we explored the concept of computer monitoring. This relates to when a specific measuring tool is used to record information about environmental changes over a period of time. The tool which we experimented with was called a 'data logger'. This device is designed to record sound levels, temperature and light, and therefore has a number of different purposes within society.

We also examined the role of a flexiscope. This is a digital microscope which works through a USB connected to a computer/laptop. A flexiscope allows you to take a number of photos of objects that are placed underneath the lens.