IBDP Computer Science A4.4 Ethical considerations HL Paper 1 - New Syllabus
Question
(ii) Outline why sensors are appropriate input devices in this situation. [2]
(ii) Explain how the microprocessor can deal with this interrupt. [3]
(ii) Outline one concern about monitoring the traffic with cameras. [2]
Most-appropriate topic codes (IB Computer Science HL):
• Topic A4.4: Ethical considerations (Part (d)(ii))
▶️ Answer/Explanation
(a)(i)
Answer (any two):
Electromagnetic sensors; / Pressure sensors; / Infrared sensors; / Ultrasonic sensors; / Microwave sensors; / Inductive loop detectors; / Acoustic sensors.
(a)(ii)
Sensors automatically detect the presence of cars in the given environment without the need for human operation. They can detect cars continuously, including \(24 \times 7\), without losing efficiency.
Sensors can detect the presence of a car and send data quickly to the CPU, enabling faster reaction times.
Sensors reduce the need for staff to monitor the crossroads, reducing costs.
(b)
Answer (any one):
ROM — it is non-volatile, so the control program is retained when power is removed.
PROM — it can be programmed once and is not erasable.
EPROM — it can be reprogrammed if there is a change in traffic flow.
EEPROM — it can be erased one byte at a time, allowing flexible reprogramming.
(c)(i)
An interrupt is a signal sent to the processor that causes the current process to be halted so that the processor can deal with the interrupt.
(c)(ii)
The microprocessor responds to the interrupt using an interrupt handler / Interrupt Service Routine (ISR).
The ISR provides instructions for how the microprocessor should handle the interrupt and can send a signal to the output transducers.
The microprocessor can then turn the traffic lights to red to stop the cars, after which normal processing can continue.
(d)(i)
Answer (any one):
Cameras can improve traffic flow by monitoring the movement of vehicles and helping determine appropriate traffic-light timing.
Cameras can help reduce accidents by monitoring vehicle movement and identifying drivers who speed.
Cameras can improve safety by having a preventative or disciplining effect and can be used to identify defaulters and take legal action or issue fines.
Automated traffic cameras can be less expensive than physical policing and can operate continuously.
(d)(ii)
Answer (any one):
Privacy: cameras enable the activities and movements of drivers and pedestrians to be monitored.
Cost: installing and maintaining a large number of cameras and monitoring systems can be expensive.
Security: cameras can be vulnerable to damage or misuse, for example if criminals or hackers find ways to disable or disconnect them.