5 The effects of using IT (3)
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Information Communication Technology ICT
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1.
Question 1: Discuss the causes and preventative measures for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Include examples of activities that can lead to RSI and suggest ergonomic solutions.
Causes of RSI: RSI occurs when tendons, nerves, and muscles are strained or injured due to repetitive movements, forceful exertions, sustained positions, and vibration. Common activities that contribute to RSI include:
- Typing and data entry
- Using a mouse
- Playing musical instruments
- Certain manual labor tasks (e.g., assembly line work)
- Sports involving repetitive motions (e.g., tennis, baseball)
Preventative Measures:
- Ergonomics: Using ergonomic equipment like ergonomic keyboards, mice, and chairs. Adjusting chair height, monitor position, and keyboard placement to promote good posture.
- Take Breaks: Regular short breaks (every 20-30 minutes) to stretch and rest. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) is helpful for eye strain as well.
- Proper Posture: Maintaining good posture while working, with shoulders relaxed and back supported.
- Stretching Exercises: Performing regular stretching exercises for hands, wrists, and arms.
- Vibration Reduction: Using anti-vibration gloves when using power tools.
- Warm-up & Cool-down: Performing warm-up exercises before repetitive tasks and cool-down stretches afterwards.
Ergonomic Solutions Examples:
- Adjustable height desk
- Footrest
- Wrist rest
- Ergonomic mouse
2.
Discuss the impact of microprocessors and smart devices on an individual's lifestyle and leisure time. Consider the potential effects on physical fitness, social interaction, and the balance between work and personal time. Provide specific examples to support your answer.
Microprocessors and smart devices have profoundly impacted lifestyle and leisure time, presenting both positive and negative consequences. Physical fitness can be positively affected through fitness trackers and smartwatches that monitor activity levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate, encouraging healthier habits. These devices often integrate with fitness apps and provide personalized workout recommendations. However, excessive screen time associated with leisure activities (e.g., streaming video, gaming) can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
Social interaction is a complex area. While smart devices facilitate communication through social media and video calls, potentially increasing connection, they can also lead to reduced face-to-face interaction. People may spend more time engaging with virtual worlds than with real-world relationships. The balance between work and personal time can be blurred by the constant connectivity afforded by smart devices. This can lead to increased stress and difficulty disconnecting from work. Examples include using smart home devices to automate chores, freeing up time for leisure, or using streaming services to relax after work. However, the constant availability of information and communication can also encroach on personal time and create a feeling of being "always on."
3.
Describe how microprocessors are used in autonomous vehicles to monitor the environment and make driving decisions. Include examples of sensors and the data they provide.
Microprocessors are the 'brain' of autonomous vehicles, processing data from various sensors to perceive the environment and make driving decisions. Here's a breakdown:
Sensors and Data Provided:
- Cameras: Provide visual information about the surroundings, including lane markings, traffic lights, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Data is processed using computer vision algorithms to identify objects and determine their distance and speed.
- Radar: Uses radio waves to detect the distance, speed, and direction of objects. Radar is less affected by weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain) than cameras.
- Lidar: Emits laser beams to create a 3D map of the environment. Lidar provides highly accurate distance measurements and is particularly useful for object detection and obstacle avoidance.
- Ultrasonic Sensors: Used for short-range detection, such as parking assistance and collision avoidance at low speeds.
- GPS: Provides the vehicle's precise location. This data is used for navigation and route planning.
- Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Measures the vehicle's acceleration and orientation. This helps the vehicle maintain stability and track its movements.
How Microprocessors Process Data:
- Data Acquisition: Sensors continuously collect data from the environment.
- Data Processing: The microprocessor receives data from the sensors and processes it using sophisticated algorithms. This involves:
- Object Detection and Classification: Identifying and categorizing objects (e.g., cars, pedestrians, cyclists).
- Path Planning: Determining the optimal route to reach the destination, taking into account traffic conditions and obstacles.
- Decision Making: Making driving decisions, such as accelerating, braking, steering, and changing lanes.
- Actuator Control: The microprocessor sends signals to the vehicle's actuators (e.g., brakes, steering system, throttle) to execute the driving decisions.
The microprocessor uses machine learning algorithms, particularly deep learning, to improve its ability to perceive the environment and make driving decisions. As the vehicle accumulates more data, it becomes more accurate and reliable.