Other applications of Computers.

So far we have learned much of what it takes to “face” the modern technological life without us being shocked by the ignorance of terms such as hardware, operating systems, etc. Now is the moment that we will start talking about the applications of Computers.

To do this, we want to review a series of concepts already seen and which are part of the essence of knowledge that you found with the reading at this Website.

Before, we want to talk to you about two important definitions that although they are a fundamental part of the technological world digital (and analogue), they are little mentioned by their real names. We refer to the terms Transducer and Sensor.

Definitions.

Technically speaking, the term transducer is very broad. In fact, if you are looking for information regarding, for example, in Wikipedia (very useful Digital Encyclopedia which can be accessed via the Internet), you will find something like this:

“… A transducer is a device capable of transforming or converting a particular manifestation of energy entering another out, but very little value in relative terms with respect to a generator.”

In the case of sensors, Wikipedia is a bit more generous with the definition:

“… A sensor is a device capable of detecting physical or chemical quantities called instrumentation variables, and transform them into electric variables. Instrumentation variables can be for example: temperature, light intensity, distance, acceleration, inclination, displacement, pressure, force, torque, humidity, motion, pH, etc. Electrical magnitude can be an electrical (as in a RTD) resistance, a capacitance (as in a humidity sensor), a voltage (as in a thermocouple), a power (as in a phototransistor), etc.

What are the differences?

A sensor differs from a transducer that the sensor is always in contact with the variable’s instrumentation with what can also be said that it is a device that takes advantage of one of its properties in order to adapt the measuring signal so that another device can interpret it. As for example the Mercury thermometer that exploits the property that holds the mercury to expand or contract by the action of temperature. A sensor also can be said that it is a device that converts one form of energy into another.”

Both definitions are absolutely certain, but we include them only as a reference. We will use both terms but in the meaning more easily and it occurs to us that it may be something like this:

” Sensors and Transducers are devices used to capture physical and chemical signals, and turn them into readable or interpreted by a computer that uses them to make decisions “.

We accept for now (as long as you research, compare and validate) that definition and continue with “our theme”.

Then…

If we start from the premises (which we have already seen) conceptual following about the Applications of Computers:

• A COMPUTER is able to “make decisions” and offer one or more OUTPUTS predefined response to one or more INPUTS using the instructions or PROGRAM. This Program is lodged in its MEMORY and which may have been “installed” by a user or come installed in the non-volatile memory by the manufacturer.
• A COMPUTER is made up of elements of hardware inside of which the “brain” is the MICROPROCESSOR also called CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT and is not more than a CHIP container many switches of solid state, taking the position of open (0) or closed (1) depending on what program indicate.

MP 6502 Apple II. 1977

MP Z80 TRS80. 1980

MP Intel Corel Duo. In use to Date

 

• A COMPUTER PROGRAM is the interactive sequence of steps running items on the computer when it receives instructions or signals through the INPUT devices, to give us one or several shares of OUTPUT across devices which can be of many types, such as a screen or display, a printer, some audio, a communications technology Bluetooth signal outputs , or simply the opening or closing of an electrical contact.
• The INPUT devices of a computer are not limited to a keyboard, or a mouse pointer or the movement of your finger on a touch screen. It can also consist of INPUT/OUTPUT PORTS, which receive signals from SENSORS OR TRANSDUCERS externally associated with the environment where the computer “works”.

….. Then, if we look to our around, we find plenty of large, medium and small “applications of computers”. These applications, except in rare exceptions, never get the name they deserve… Where?

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