Monitoring and Control Systems

It consists of computers that are used to regulate the operation of other devices. It

involves the use of sensors, ADCs, DACs and actuators.

Monitoring Hospital PatientsThe equipment monitors the bodily functions of

patients who are critically ill or under assessment.Sensors are used for body temperature, infrared and

light sensors for pulse rate, stretch sensors for for breathing rates

Chest electrodes for electro-cardiogramDiagnostic stations monitor and records the

monitored functionsDiagnostic station records and monitors functionsECG traces can be included, beep and light signals to

alert medical workers.Software can provide further analysis

Burglar AlarmsSensors incude microswitches or reed

switches, pressure-sensitive mats and PIR movement sensors

Processor can poll the sensor or the sensor can send an interrupt

Output can be CCTV cameras focusing on the area being monitored, sirens or flash light actuators can also be triggered

Control panels are used for arming and disarming the alarm system

Weather MonitoringSensors are used for monitoring barometric

pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction.

These are then send to monitor current trends and predict future weather

Environmental MonitoringIt involves long term data-logging and

computerised monitoring of the environment.Sensors may be required for pollutant gases

eg Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxygen and pH

Data can be presented in the form of a table, graph or chart, maps can also be used or alarms given

Monitoring and Control of Industrial PlantsIt makes reliable, accurate and precise

monitoring of functions to enable operators to respond promptly

It requires a real-time operating systemSensors such as pressure, temperature etc are

usedInformation is displayed on screens, Alarm

signals can also be given out.In ‘safety-critical’ systems the control system

places safety limits. Redundancy can also be used to ensure safety.

Monitoring and Control Of TrafficThe purpose of the system is to optimise the

flow of trafficElectromagnetic sensor loops or lase distance

sensors can detect the flow of trafficThe signals may need to pass through an

analogue-to-digital-converterSimulations of different scenarios are then

used to determine the timings for traffic lightsThe timings can be automatically changed by

the system to optimise the traffic flow

Advantages Of Computerised SystemsReliability-data is captured round the clock

and on time.Frequency-readings can occur many

times/secondPrecision-More precise than a human-being’s

readingsAccuracy-there are no disturbances to the

system.Analysis-Data can be automatically displayed

and analysed.