5. Process

Once the input data from the sensors has been received by the computer, it can then begin to process it.

a processing computer

The data will be compared against a set of rules which have been programmed into the control system and a decision will be made. The result is an output of some kind.

For example, think about a central heating system:

The system is set to keep the room at a comfortable 22 degrees C. 

  1. The sensor takes regular temperature readings in the room and sends the readings to the computer. 
  2. The computer will then process the data to see if it matches the set temperature of 22 degrees. 
  3. If it is lower, for example 20 C, then the computer turns the boiler on. 
  4. If the room has reached the set temperature of 22 C then the computer turns off the boiler.

This stage is called processing.  The computer can only follow the rules that it has programmed into the control system, it cannot make its own decisions.

 

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Data Processing