Introduction
In this blog I am going to talk about the different types of control systems that are
used to control objects, some of these can be programmable, sensing, conditional
and command systems. I am also going to list some examples related to the system
and how it works.
Programmable Systems
Programmable systems are systems that usually need to be controlled by a person.
You would input a function into the device/ system and the programmed device with
carry out the sequence of operations to output that function. This can be repeated
many times or just once. For example a VCR can be set to record programs and play
them via a remote. However here are many other programmable systems such as
Thermostats, VCR, alarm clock, microwave, oven, laptop, TV, etc. All of these have
the same thing in common where the user has to input a function through what the
device has given whether that be with a remote, touchscreen or keypad
Sensing Systems
Sensing systems are normally made from sensors. They work according to the
environment and whenever the environment changes the sensors will detect it and
change the object it is controlling. A good example of this can be thermostat, if the
device is set to maintain a good room temperature the sensors will pick up how
warm the room already is and turn on the heater/ cooler if it’s necessary. Another
example of this would be in modern cars which are starting to include sensors so
when you are parking you know how close you are to the wall or car. Some other
examples of these can be thermostat, speed camera and traffic lights. Here is a
video showing sensing systems in action.
Conditional Systems