2. New Technologies

All Past Paper Questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ShBPhWWjM05zoDRgqXKh_GElfYaAQ8lj_p-vPISIL5s/edit?usp=sharing

Questions left out:

p3-ch6-pg45

Robotoics

• meaning

  • design and construction of robots
  • operation of robots
  • computer systems giving control-feedback into robots

• advantages (AI with robotics)

  • close human-robot interaction
  • can use for home work
    • (reducing human work)
  • to perform critical sugeries
  • can speed up surgeries by assisting
  • to help sick elderly

• disadvantages (AI with robotics)

  • sharing workspaces of humans
  • high power costs (energy consumption)
    • AI robots use more power
    • than simple robots
  • not as adaptable as humans
  • replaces human jobs
  • more challenging to interac with
    • specially if they try to act as human
  • social interaction may require safety procedures
  • might cause danger/embarassment to humans
  • development f rules for AI-driven robots
  • collaboration is possible
  • requires to understand social cues from humans
  • social cues maybe misinterpreted

• car manufacturing

  • stuff
    • robotic arm to move heavy objects
    • robotoic end effectors carry repetitive tasks
      • eg: fitting wheels, tightening bolts, etc...
    • to install breakable items
      • eg: windshields installed using suction pads
    • to weld body panels accurately
    • to trim fitting consistently
    • to remove unwanted parts accurately
    • to move hot & dangerous moldings
    • use of force sensing technology when polishing surfaces
    • collaboration between devices
      • for complex tasks
      • placing an object -> welding it
    • use robototic vision to inspect tasks
      • combining with AI to inspect accurately
  • how to verify fitting / how to teach a robot is windscreen is correctly fitted to car?
    • positional commands entered to GUI
    • specify X-Y-Z positions
    • lead-by-the-nose method
      • one person holding the end-effector
      • and moving to positions
      • with recording of motions
    • off-line programming to input position as codes
    • mapping positions in a graphic format
    • use hand held controllers
      • to move end-effectors
      • and program positions at the same time
    • robot simulation tools to replicate positions
    • record data for programming real robot

• impact to environment

  • use of chemicals in crops
  • remote monitoring of global warming
  • autonomous data gathering
    • eg: to monitor pollution (in hazardous areas)
  • food packaging without human contamination
  • to reduce environmental waste
    • solar panel cleaning robots use less water than humans
    • less energy in dark factories
      • heating & lighting is not important
    • (vehicle) traffic reduction, less pollution
  • negative impacts
    • more power use (over manual labor)
    • more use of scarce resources
      • eg: rare metals to manufacture robots
    • environmental damage caused by extracting rare metals

• delivery systems

  • to deliver goods
  • requires GPS and cameras to enable robotic delivery
  • need PIN to access colelcted goods
  • airbone drones
    • no need roads
    • can travel in direct routes to recipient's places
    • no need drivers
    • can handle small orders over limited distances
      • aka: 'last mile' delivery options
    • limited carrying capacity
    • limited range
    • liable to interception
    • might disrupt aircrafts
  • ground delivery
    • might disrupt pedestrians
    • pavements
      • might be overcrowded
      • might be subjected to local ordinances
        • eg: use of vehicles
    • may need special roads
    • travels at low speeds
    • have difficulties avoiding people, crossing roads, etc...
  • provide assistance for elderly when collecting items
  • robotic systems for room service
    • but guests may not like them
    • because these robots will have cameras & mics

• in space explorations

  • to aid humans
  • for tasks in hazardous conditions, eg:
    • high radiation
    • extreme temperatures
  • autonomous spacecraft
    • for space exploration
    • for delivery of resources
      • eg: for ISS (international space station)
  • autonomous machines for repairing satellites
  • Robotic arms fitted to move objects

GPS

• how it works
  • GPS recieve sees signals from (at least) 3 satellites
  • satellite transmits their atomic clock time to reciever
  • reciever calculates current time using 3-4 satellites
  • both times are synchronized now
  • reciever uses database of satellite positions
    • updated from satellite signals
  • satellites transmit pseudo random code at set time
  • reciever runs same code & compares code with that from satellite
  • reciever uses difference in code timing
    • lag of code
    • to calculate the time it takes
    • signals to travel from satellite to it
  • reciever analyzes
    • the radio signals to determine distance
    • between 3 satellites
    • calculates position & altitude
    • using 3D trilateration
  • error correction data fixes atmospheric issues
  • reciever overlays position on screen
  • reciever shows visual representation of position
• advantages
  • can pinpoint vehicle location
  • low cost once reciever is purchased
  • little user training
  • no need to consult paper maps
  • can plot shortest route to save time & fuel
  • can keep track of vehicle (eg: deliveries, if stolen)
• disadvantages
  • local GPS data might be inaccurate
    • may need to buy other versions/brands
    • (that supports the local area better)
  • can be a visual distraction when driving
  • limited battery use
  • reliant on US satellite systems
    • (can be interrupted at any time)
  • can use to track vehicles without consent
• factors degrading signal (new) // why not reciever provide accurate location
  • obstacles reduces signal strength
  • weather degrades signals
  • cannot see 3 satellites with good strength
  • low device battery
    • (hard to carry calculations and send/recieve transmissions)
• factors degrading signal (old)
  • atmospheric pressure
  • signal multipath error
  • clock errors in reciever
  • orbital errors (of satellites reported location)
  • satellites may not be visible
    • causing position errors
  • so, will not work indoors, or underground
  • satellite shading
    • because relative position of satellite at any time given is not ideal for signal reception by the reciever
    • satellite should be located at wide angle
    • poor geometry occurs when satellites are in line
  • intentional degrading of satellite signal by owner
  • to prevent military adversaries from using highly accurate gps systems
• uses
  • personal navigation uses
  • delivery systems
  • astronomers
    • for poisitional information
    • when searching for astronomical bodies
  • cartographers (map makers) determining where buildings are
  • mobile phone synchronise clocks/time (based on location)
  • tracking objects/phones (eg: find my device in android)
  • geotagging objects (eg: apple airtag)
  • tourguide applications
    • display other tuorists in same area
  • recreational use
    • eg: geocaching
  • geologists use for earthquake monitoring

Wearable Computers

• advantages
  • headsets can enhance monitoring
  • better monitoring of employees
  • can track employees
  • can transmit data live while doing activity
  • faults directly entered to fault database
  • improved employee safety
    • by remote controlling machinery
  • sensors provide info about working environment
• disadvantages
  • position of device on body might cause inaccuracies
  • wearable devices need power, so, have to carry heavy batteries
  • need charging, so, have downtime
  • staff may not wish to be monitored
• healthcare enhancements
  • help doctors monitor disease
  • less time can be put to tracking data
  • wearable systems, eg: e-skin
    • patients including sensors
    • send data direct to doctors
  • enhance patient doctor interaction
  • patients have more access to data
  • doctors can monitor remotely
  • assist in surgery
  • can overlay images onto procedure
  • remote guidance during procedures
  • allow patients to and manage and control pain
  • implantable systems to control diabetes / blood pressure / etc...
  • improve employment of personal fitness regimes
  • fitness brands to track activity
  • educates parents in their health
  • patients can monitor own health and be aware of changes
• by police
  • advantages
    • body cams to record
    • optical head-mounted technology to display information
    • operated hands-free via voice activation
    • wrist-worn computers to access communications sytems
    • wifi enabled clothing to track officer
      • monitor vital signs of officer
      • maintaining constant communications with others
  • disadvantages
    • reliance on machines
      • can remove human judgment
    • expensive implemetation
    • privacy invasion
    • location and other details can be used to track the user
    • possibility of computers being hacked
    • loss of internet could lead to loss of sync (communication services)

AR

• augmented reality
• description (short)
  • overlays digital elements onto a live view of real world
• description (medicine)
  • computer generated supplement to real world
  • in real time
  • reality is overlayed with artificial information
  • use to eg: project remote surgeons hand into real operation
  • used to show nurses/doctors (by means of handheld scanner)
  • where arteries and veins are in body
  • allows students to manipulate a skeletal model
• firefighters (how they use)
  • can be integrated to mask
  • for easily visible information
  • can view thermal imaging
    • without a seperate device
  • info from sensors directly shown
  • overlay navigation info to stay safe
  • provides realtime info of situation
  • realtime info sent back to headquarters
  • can see realtime info of others

VR

• virtual reality
• description (short)
  • creates a 3D environment that does not include the real world
• description (medicine)
  • computer generated replacement of real world
  • simulates physical presence in real world
  • used in exposure therapy
    • eg: overcome fears such as dying
• training firefighters
  • cheap (except for equipment)
  • safe environment
  • more realastic experience
  • more senses to experience scenario
  • can experience many scenarios
  • can interact with others doing the same training
  • makes more confident
  • can train at any time
  • can train at any time
  • can access training at any time
  • can train anywhere
• in healthcare
  • to train healthcare professionals (using simulations)
    • safe and repeatable set of activities
  • to perform surgeries remotely (for rural areas)
  • VR therapy - psychological therapy
    • Patients can interact with harmless representations of trauma-causing stimuli to reduce fear
    • to treat depression (without drugs)
    • can role play in a fantasy world (to manage stress)
    • to improve the skills of autistic (+ depression) patients
      • by providing controllable environment

Holographic Imaging

• how its made?
  • laser lights
    • from different directions
    • to form interference patterns
  • medium & beams do not move (are stationary)
  • object beam
    • passed through scene onto recording medium (polymer plate)
  • and reference beam
    • hits only recording medium
    • used to re-create hologram from patten on plate
      • by diffraction
  • both these beams create interference patterns, creating images
  • hol. images copied by embossing
  • hol. images viewed in white light
• uses
  • hol. images on bank notes
    • difficult to forge
    • information secretly stored
      • to identify source of image
  • on credit cards / passports
    • for security
    • to identify person / brand
    • hard to copy
  • astronount in spacecraft
    • create heads-up display in screen
    • use of a holographic filter
      • to target data into forward view
  • car manufacturing process
    • laser light to create images
      • of items during production
    • to compare dimentions
    • for real-time quality control
  • a doctor in hospital
    • create 3D images of organs
    • to practice movement before actual surgery
    • anatomy training
    • have patient details displayed in line of sight
    • more clean, than using papers
  • medicine
    • advantages
      • look inside patient without surgery
      • look at patient from more angles
        • instead of using exploratory surgery
      • see whats hapenning in body
        • while doing procedures
      • makes training more realastic
    • disadvantages
      • initial cost of machinery
      • training costs to use software
      • high disk storage usage
        • than just storing X-ray images
    • uses
      • X-ray holography can be used for imaging internal organs of the body
      • No need for invasive surgery
      • Used for living biological specimens
      • With very high resolution without the need for sample preparation
      • Endoscopic holography is used for producing high resolution 3D imaging
      • With no contact/non-destructive measurements inside the natural cavities of intemal organs
      • Ophthalmology use to correct problems with lenses implanted after cataract surgery
      • In dentistry to store dental records of tooth prints as training aids forstudents
      • In otology (ear studies) to study the vibrations forces/how the inner ear bones move
      • In orthopaedics to measure strains/forces on fixation pins/rods
      • 3D images of biological specimens can be created from a series of 2D radiological images
      • Using holographic stereogram techniques/conical stereogram/ multiplex hologram
      • Holographic contour generation is useful for measurements of biomedical specimens.
  • artists
    • to enhance their work
    • include 3D into their 2D images
  • 4th gen optical disk storages
    • use holographic techniques
    • how they work (1)
      • use lasers to record data as holograms
      • green laser
        • reads data
        • from interfrence fringes of hologram
        • (near top disk surface)
      • red laser
        • is the reference beam
        • reading mechanical addressing data
        • from aluminium layer at bottom
      • Mirror dichroic layer prevents interference
        • (refraction between the layers)
      • Uses collinear holography
        • (can be read by a single optical system)
      • store terabytes on small disks
      • Use (photo)polymer/monomer as recording substrate (medium)
        • medium thickness: recording capacity
      • in UHD Blu-ray for HD videos
    • how they work (2)
      • green and red lasers used
      • both lights sent in a parallel stream
      • There is minimal divergence
      • Output about 1 watt
      • Green laser
        • reads the data from top layer of disc
      • Red laser
        • reads reference data stored on aluminium layer
        • at bottom of disc layers
      • Data stored as holographic laser interference patterns
      • servo information accurately aligns the read head position over the disc
      • (dichroic) mirror allows the red laser light to pass while reflecting the green layer
      • Stores 60,000 bits per pulse in densely packed tracks
      • Compared to a single pulse for current optical storage
      • Can store 100 GB to 1 TB
      • Phase storage systems can store more data.

QR Codes

• functional elements (new)

  • positional elements
    • 3 squares at corners to help align camera
    • 1 small square to help camera calibrate size & angle
  • error correction keys stored as dots
  • version info
    • stored as dots
    • near 'positional elements'
    • to choose decoding algorithm used
  • timing information
    • stored as dots
    • between 'positional elements'
    • to help calibration
  • dots throughout QR to store info in binary form
  • white area around code to seperate code from background

• how information is stored (old)

  • info stored digitally
  • as blocks of black&white squares
  • small dots converted to binary when scanned
  • error correction algorithm used to validation
  • many encoding methods available
  • three large squares store alignment data
  • smaller sqaures store size/angle data
  • scanned with narrow beam of light
  • reflection from white areas read by sensor/camera
  • take up less space on packaging

• advantages

  • can scan with smartphone
  • can encode any data type
    • eg: binary
  • scans quickly
  • good fault tolerance
    • works even if damaged
    • using error correction data
  • store large data (unlike 1D bar codes)
  • takes up less space on packaging

• disadvantages

  • expensive scanning equipment
    • so, not everyone has acccess
    • eg: people from africa
  • unfamiliar people will ignore
  • required training/teaching of idea
  • ugly (looks like random patterns of boxes)
  • cannot update, so, need to re-print
  • should re-create if package becomes outdated
  • need internet

• uses

  • to create time-based one time passcodes
  • mention wifi password (to connect automatically)
  • auto login for webpages
  • to store payment addresses
  • used in AR to determine position of objects
  • can send email by scanning send address
  • to record location for tracking
  • store contact details
  • store calendar data
  • store plain text (with extra details) (for tracking)

• fault tolerance

  • (why it works if damaged in QR (and not in 1D bar codes))
  • error correction for missing info
  • info. duplicated, so, if one lost, other will work
  • code blocks interleaved with each other
    • less likely to lose data
    • on a localized damage
  • multiple error correction blocks
    • ensure data read from larger QR codes
  • block size limited by design
    • errors corrected quickly
    • by less complex algorithms
  • masking patterns to break up blocks of data
    • (so the processor is not confused)

• benefits to avertisers

  • info instantly available
  • advertiser decides what happens when its scanned
  • QR codes are in an ISO standard
    • to ensure its accessible to all
  • QR points to website
  • available info updated easily
  • re-printing of advertising materials is reduced

• user, malicious code execution risk

  • code may contain url
  • web link followed
  • url contains trojan
  • it will infect device
  • trojan is javascript
    • eg: BeeF: XSS framework
  • which contacts servers that transmits malware to device
  • use cross-site scripting
    • on a legitamte website
    • to insert QR code
    • into another legit site
  • when a user goes to legit site
    • and scans qr code
    • data sent to hackers
  • malicious qr code can allow unauthorized people to control device

CAD

• computer aided design
• advantages
  • save time when designing
  • easy to edit
  • fewer errors in drawings
  • software can automate designing tasks
  • code can be re-used multiple times
  • can be saved and sent to others
  • accuracy is improved (than manual design)
• disadvantages
  • data loss (on sudden breakdown)
  • prone to malware
  • could be hacked/stolen
  • learning how to use software can take time
  • high cost of purchase
  • training costs to teach to use CAD
  • need to update regularly
  • need less employment of specialized designers
• how to design a room?
  • editing tools
    • dimentions accurately chosen by using scaled on palette
    • structure of room can be accurately plotted
    • pre-loaded library of items to display in room
    • furniture has accurate size
    • furniture can be copied / added
    • furniture colors can be changed (using fill tool)
    • furniture can be positioned anywhere easily
    • furniture can be flipped / rotated
    • flip image objects
    • fill tool to color objects
  • tools to create 3D images
    • push tool used to pull 2D object into 3D
    • drag tool to move image around to show interior
  • 3D views generated
    • from any angle
    • to help customer understand more
  • design can be experimented with
  • design can be saved to work on later

CAM

• advantages
  • more consistent results during production
    • (even at large scale)
  • faster production
  • can produce complex products, faster
  • CAD produces instructions
    • and sends to CAM
    • electronically obviating need for manual programming
• disadvantages
  • slow for one off products
  • need seperate CAM machine for each product
  • expensive software
    • difficult to maintain
  • expensive to give training (to users)
  • errors can affect whole production

3D Printing

• how objects are created? / how 3D printing works?

  • computer file
    • has STL instructions to create object
      • SLT: standard triangle lanugage
    • made from CAD software
  • breaks objects into layers
  • creates solid objects from computer instructions
  • object created from liquid/powder material
  • materials added layer by layer
  • material in layers of binder material and powder
  • printing finished by removing supporting parts
  • oversize printing is removed
  • finishing given by fine grinding/polishing

• advantages

  • easy customization of complex designs
  • quick prototyping
  • cheaper production
  • great consistency
  • fast production
  • cost effective for low volume production
  • reduces need to store components as they can be printed on demand
  • less conventional manufacturing machinery
  • more jobs for technicians to maintain printers
  • can produce sophisticated shapes
  • more expensive manual machinery
    • so, adds to production costs

• disadvantages

  • limited product size
    • depends on the size of the 3d printer
  • limited range of raw materials can be used

  • limited materials available

  • designs can be stolen by competitors
  • hard to see whats fake and real in blueprint
    • as raw materials are the same
  • ?? loss of production skill ??
  • copyright issues, since anyone can print it
  • can make dangerous items easily, eg: guns
  • slow

• uses

  • produce motherboard
    • quicker to produce items
    • great consistency
    • can have a high production rate
      • can run continously without supervision
    • can produce sophisticated shapes
    • more expensive manual machinery
      • so, adds to production costs
    • high speed of production
    • CNC can take a long time to produce
    • need to be accurate to ensure production of item is properly carried out
  • in space exploration
    • can create 'hard-to-build' objects
      • with complex geometry for satellites
      • (e.g. rocket nozzles, antennae)
    • will save money
    • saves weight
    • more rigid when printed as one part
    • can make designs simpler
    • objects can be made with less bulk
      • reducing launch costs
    • can create replacement parts to order
    • can create specialist tools
      • eg: medical instruments when needed
    • no need to carry spare parts (saving space)
    • can cheaply make one off objects
    • models can be quickly made
    • can create lattice structures instead of solid.
      • to reduced weight
    • can even print in space
  • medicine / surgeons
    • re-create damaged bone structures
    • make custom surgical implants (to match patient's anatomy)
    • surgical prostheses to aid recovery
    • bioprinting tissues for surgical procedures
    • creating customized anatomical models for planning surgery
    • customized surgical tools to match patient
    • customized frames for use in surgical theatres
  • artificial blood vessels
    • advantages
      • no need to wait for real blood vessels to grow
      • allows oxygen to be supplied immediately to implant
      • vessels can be customized for invidual organs
      • lower rejectionr ates
  • manufacture prescription drugs at home with 3D printer
    • advantages
      • Chemical components of the drug can be customised at molecular level to individual patient
      • can customize to specific issue/patient
      • personalised for specific illness
      • chemical blueprint created
        • so drug can be printed at any pharmacy
        • using specific compounds
    • disadvantages
      • human errors might make wrong drug
      • incorrect dosage being used
      • hard to verify drug creation
        • e.g. incorrect base materials may be used
      • hard to regulate use of the drug
      • cant to regulate the supply of the drugs once blueprint is published
      • cleanliness of production difficult to control
      • could be used to produce illegal drugs.

• tissue engineering (not sure where)

  • advantages
    • uses biochemical techniques (using biological materials) to replace biological tissues with a greater success rate in patients
    • use of other materials like tissues is cheap
    • dont need biological donors
      • eg: use of artificial blood, skin
    • reduces recovery time (for patients)
    • reduce risk of tissue rejection
    • can produce customized tissue
    • artificial organs increase survival rate
      • artificial liver, pancreas, etc...
    • no relegious objections using donated organs
    • can make artificial meat products
  • disadvantages
    • expensive
    • original material is limited, so, must be newly developed
    • may not be enough for development
    • possible inclusion of hidden disease in base tissue
    • difficult to find latent diseases
    • might increase treatment time
      • as tissue can take longer to synthesize

CAT

• computer assisted translation

• advantages

  • CAT can increase speed (of translation)
  • available faster for reference
  • more consistent
    • phrases have already been translated before
    • more reliable
  • document format becomes irrelavant
  • readily available
  • technical terms (jargon)
    • retried from the database
    • and translated accurately
    • so, correct context
  • can easily translate to many languages
  • increases collaboration
  • reduce translation time
    • by re-cycling recurring translations
  • reduce need for human input
  • improves performance of human translators

• disadvantages

  • contextual erros when new (unseen) content
  • not fully understood by scientist
  • not everything translated correctly
  • so, misunderstanding
  • localization might not be perfect
    • dialects/localizations not fully translated
  • so, phrases misunderstood
  • repeated translations = loss of accuracy
  • confidentiality lost
    • when comparing with a database
  • confidentiality issues
    • (saved code (to recycle) might be available to others)

• how its used (in software company)

  • localization to language of country
  • amend src code directly
  • configurations set for target country
  • translation tools use
    • parsers and filters
    • to detect translatable strings
  • translation memmory systems re-use previous translations
  • QA tools built into check grammar
  • translate instructions into local language
  • recognize phrases that cannot be directly translated
  • adjust binary files so text is translated
    • by passing in command line arguments
    • or by editing a config file
  • adjust background to local norms (cultural)
  • adjust colors to local norm
  • adjust to local currency

Other

• prosthetics

  • CAD to design perfect fitting stuff
  • CAM to create many prototypes
    • during development
    • for better cusotmization
  • CAM to make more accurate stuff
  • 3D modelling used during deisgn
  • 3D scanners to quantify areas for implanting
  • use of micro-processor controlled feedback loops
    • to enhance performance
  • connection to nerve by microprocessor
  • myo-electric prothetics capture electric signals
    • through skins
    • to control artificial prosthetic limb
  • microprocessor
    • to analyse data from sensors
    • send signal to actuator -to mimmic natural body movement
  • sensors use synthetic nerve system to detect touch

• vision enhancement technology

  • uses
    • for visually impaired (blind) people
      • general support
        • built in magnifier tools
        • implantable miniature automatic telescopes to improve vision
          • to enlarge image over the retina
        • automatic contact lenses to improve vision
          • in macular degeneration sufferrers
        • of LED to focus on retina
        • system to divert focus to other parts on retina
        • retinal prostheses when light sensitive cells degenerate
        • artificial retina with computer chips on silicon implanted into retinal position
        • smart glasses using screens (infront of eyes)
        • vision enhancing algorithms produce HD video
        • use of VR to immerse people in real world
        • dialouge user interface to control devices
        • retinal implants connected to camera
          • signals allow brain to interpret environment
          • wearer has some sense around
        • night vision goggles to enhance low light vision
        • used by surgeons when carrying our surgery
          • surgery can be carried out more precisely
          • improves patient recovery rates
      • walking around
        • shape outlines for objects (to make it more apparent)
        • enlarge signs to make words more readable
        • change objects colors to be visible
        • detect objects and produce sounds representing them
        • user will learn these sounds and manage easily
        • infra-red light amplified for enhanced vision in dark
    • military operations
    • night driving (eg: truck drivers)
    • age related vision problems
    • detect chemicals for forensics
    • detecting heat (eg: from people, like using thermal camera)

• e-waste

  • impact
    • all components of devices
    • which are discarded
    • might contain harmful chemicals
    • they get into environment
    • eg:
      • lead
      • aluminium
      • cadmium
      • PVC
      • mercury
      • germanium, etc...
    • recycling will hurt the staff/workers (smokes/fumes)
    • CRT monitors release lead
    • when PCBs stripped by burning, dioxins released
    • computer chips release heavy metals when burnt
    • plastics from wires, keyboards, etc...
    • dangerous fumes released to air when burning
    • affects water quality too
    • polutants (eg: heavy metals) get into human food chain
    • need to increase recycling
    • recycle safely to not release dangerous chemicals

• automated online assistant

  • components
    • Human types a request
    • Dialog system provides interface
      • between human input
      • and assistant's database
    • translates human input to digital format
    • (assitant) generates human intelligible replies
    • uses natural language processing (NLP)
    • Avatar appears meaning help available
    • Avatar represents a 'real' (human) assistant
    • trust that humans reply
    • but actually Help is generated by system
    • System provides help that the human requested.
  • advnatages
    • help available 24x7
    • less humans needed
    • provides customized expertise
    • increased trust by customer