Measurement applications

This type of application involves use of sensors to constantly take

measurement of data such as temperature, rate of rotation or light
intensity. Because the data from the sensors are often in an analogue
form, they have to be sent to an analogue to digital converter (ADC) to
turn the data into a digital format. This is needed because
microprocessors and computers only understand digital data.

The term analogue means the data is constantly varying and has no
discrete values e.g. the height of mercury in a thermometer to represent
temperature)
The term digital refers to discrete data which is made up from binary
values 0 and 1. When controlling devices such as pumps, valves, heaters,
etc, data/signals (a series of 1s and 0s) from the computer is often need
to be converted back to analogue from (e.g. electric signals) using a
Digital to Analogue Converter (ADC)
After conversion, the data is sent to a microprocessor where it is
processed. In measurement applications, the microprocessor simply
reviews the data from sensors ( by sometimes comparing it to data
entered in memory) and updates its files and sometimes gives a warning
signal if the values are outside given parameters. The microprocessor will
take no action to change any of the conditions during the measurement
process.
Examples of measurement applications
 Weather stations
 Scientific experiments (e.g. taking temperature measurements)
 Measuring a patient’s vital signs on a hospital
 Pollution monitoring
 Burglar alarm systems.
Weather stations
Weather stations are set up to automatically gather data from the
environment. They are usually unmanned and use a variety of sensors to
measure:
Rainfall
Temperature
Wind speed
Wind direction
(barometric) pressure (air pressure)
Humidity.

The data needs to be gathered 24/7. This data can then be used by
weather forecasters to help in predicting the weather for the next few
days or take a more long-term view by looking at weather patterns.
Measuring a patient’s vital signs on a hospital
The following steps show what happens when a computer is used to
measure, the key vital signs of a patient in a hospital:
 Sensors read key vital signs (such as pulse/heart rate, temperature,
blood pressure, respiration, etc.).
 The data from the sensors is converted into digital using an ADC.
 The data is stored in the computer’s memory.
 The computer compares the data from the sensors with the values
stored in its memory.
 The results are output on a screen in the form of graphs and/or
digital read-outs.
 An alarm is activated if any of the data is outside acceptable
parameters.
 The system continues to monitor the patient until the computer is
turned off.

Pollution monitoring
Measuring pollution in a river
The following steps show what happens when a computer is used to
measure pollution in a river:
The sensors are placed in at least two different positions so that pollution
comparison can be made
The data from the sensors is converted into digital using an ADC and sent
to a computer
The computer stores the received data
The oxygen levels and acidity levels are compared to the historical data
stored in memory and they are also compared to pre-set levels stored in
memory
The oxygen and acidity levels from different positions in the river are also
compared to see if they are similar- this is used to see if the source of
pollution can be found.
The data is either transferred to a CD/DVD or to a memory stick or a
memory stick and taken away for further analysis or the computer is
connected to a mobile phone network and transmits the data back
automatically to the monitoring station.
Other sensors, such as light sensors ( to see if there are solid or
chemicals in water blocking out light), can also be used.
Advantages
1. The computer wouldn’t forget to take readings
2. The computer’s response time is much faster
3. Doctors, nurses, scientists, etc can all get on with other tasks whilst
the measurements are taken automatically.
4. Computers give 24-hour cover every day
5. The readings will tend to be more accurate
6. Readings can be taken more frequently if done by a computer and
sensors.
7. It could also be safer since whatever is being measured may have
potential hazards (e.g. children falling into the river whilst
attempting to take readings or a nurse looking after a patient who
has a contagious disease)
8. Computers can produce graphs automatically for analysis of results.
9. There is a potential cost savings as fewer staff are needed since the
measurements are now done by computer.
Disadvantages
1. The computer is unable to respond to unusual circumstances.
2. Computer equipment and measuring software can be expensive to
purchase and set up in the first place.
3. A student doing an experiment, for example, will rely on the
computer doing the measurement and analysis-it is possible the
student will not be learn as much using a computer system.
4. If the computer malfunctions or if there is a power cut, then the
computer cannot be used, and there needs to be good backup
procedures in place to cover this eventually.