Activity 3.1.4 While and If-else Structures (VEX)
One of the powerful attributes of a computer program is its ability to make decisions. Although it can be argued that only humans are capable of decision making, computers are able to make decisions using criteria. They are able to compare two values and determine whether one is larger than the other. They can determine whether a statement is true or false, based on empirical data.
Conclusion 1. Describe any challenges that you encountered while developing the programs.
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Activity 3.1.5 Variables and Functions (VEX)
A program can accomplish a given task in any number of ways. Programs can quickly grow to an unmanageable size so variables and functions provide a technique to reduce the size of the program. A variable is a space in your robot’s memory where you can store data, such as whole numbers, decimal numbers, and words. Functions group together several lines of code, which can then be referenced many times in task main, or even other functions. The use of variables and functions allows for complex control of a system.
Conclusion 1. Describe any challenges that you encountered while developing the program.
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Activity 3.1.6 Open and Closed Loop Systems (VEX)
Many devices function without ever knowing whether they are doing the job that they were programmed to do. They might run for a specific amount of time or perform one function and then stop. For example if you set the clothes dryer to run for 45 minutes, your clothes might be dry or they might not be dry. A clothes dryer is an open loop system because the process provides no feedback to the device. Newer clothes dryers possess moisture sensors. The moisture sensors inform the machine when the clothes are dry, at which point the dryer can stop running. The feedback provided by the sensor makes this a closed loop system.
Conclusion
1. Describe an open loop system that has not already been given as an example. Could the system benefit from feedback? Justify your answer.
Conclusion
1. Describe an open loop system that has not already been given as an example. Could the system benefit from feedback? Justify your answer.
- A cell phone is an open loop system. The program starts when it receives an incoming call and it ends when the "END" button is pressed. The system could benefit from feedback because hitting the end button ends the process and the end button is a feedback.
- An air conditioner is a closed loop system. The feedback it gets comes from a thermometer. If the temperature is higher than the set temperature, it will cool the house down until the set temperature is reached. If the temperature is lower than the set temperature, it will warm the house up until the set temperature is reached.
Project 3.1.7 Machine Control Design (VEX)
Every machine that is controlled by a computer bases every operation on data and instructions that were designed by an engineer, technician, or end user. Designers must think through every contingency and all that can go wrong. In addition safeguards must be in place so that people and equipment are not damaged.
Conclusion
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
Conclusion
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
- Getting it all to work the way you want it to.
Activity 3.2.2 Pneumatic Demonstration
In this activity you will be introduced to a pneumatic device demonstrated by your teacher. You are responsible for gathering information to contribute to a class discussion regarding the device.
Activity 3.2.3 Fluid Power Practice Problems
An engineer can deduce how a fluid power system will transform forces and distances from input to output -- from effort to resistance. Making a good sketch of a system and making accurate predictions based on your sketch are great problem-solving skills that allow you to design a fluid power system for a particular task. Answer the following questions. Sketch each, then label all known values. Be sure to include all steps and units throughout each solution.