2 – Input, Process, Output

🎯 Learning Objectives

Develop the Programming & Development, Algorithms Learning Strands:

  • To understand that inputs are taken in by a system, processed and then the result of the processed inputs becomes the output
  • To understand that the IoT is a wide range of different devices which are connected to the internet
  • To understand how inputs and outputs can take many different forms
  • To understand what an embedded system is
💬 Key Vocabulary

  • micro:bit
  • Internet
  • Input Process Output
  • IoT (Internet of Things)
  • Embedded system

📝 Silver Badge Activity – Input, Process, Output

  • All computer systems take data into a system using Inputs, carry out processes on the inputs and then display the result of that processing using outputs .
  • Using the Input Process Output worksheet below try to identify what the outputs will be.

📖 Embedded Systems

An embedded system is anything with a processor in it, they normally have a dedicated function and cannot do lots of different tasks.

Examples of embedded systems:

  • Cars
  • Smart TVs
  • Games consoles
  • Printers
  • Cameras
  • Wearables
  • Micro:bit

📖 Embedded Systems – Input, Process, Output

Input

  • Sensors (produce data)
    • Temperature sensor
    • Light sensor
    • Accelerometer
    • Microphone
    • Camera
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth
  • Buttons, dials or touch screens

Process

  • Takes input data
  • Does something with the data
  • Stores and/or outputs the data

Output

  • Transmits the data
  • Motors/servos
  • LEDs (micro:bit screen)
  • Sound
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth

📖 What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Adding electronics to everything

Electronics such as:

  • Sensors (cameras, temp, light, humidity etc.)
  • Microprocessors (like the micro:bit)
  • Screens

Everything can link to the internet/each other.
Anything electronic can be controlled.
Can stream data continuously.

How IoT works

📖 Gold Badge – Internet of Things – Example of Devices

  • The Internet of Things (IoT) allows a wide range of household devices that can be connect to the internet.
  • Some washing machines can be connected to the internet!
  • What could the advantages be of doing this?
  • Using the Gold Internet of Things (IoT) worksheet choose a household object of your choice. Quickly sketch out the object and highlight what facilities could be offered by connecting it to the internet .
  • Also list any disadvantages you can think of.

📖 Platinum Badge – Internet of Things – Your Home

  • The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform homes into fully ‘smart’ homes. Devices such as door locks can be connected to the internet so that you can remotely allow people to enter from your smartphone without them needing a key. Heating and lighting can be controlled via apps which can help with sustainability.
  • Download the worksheet and fill out “your home” with a selection of helpful IoT devices.

In this lesson, you…

  • Looked at the input-process-output loop.
  • Saw how devices like the micro:bit are used in the internet of things.

Next lesson, you will…

  • Look at flowcharts and how to create and interpret them.
  • Find and fix bugs in code.

🏅 Badge it

🥈 Silver Badge

🥇 Gold Badge

🥉 Platinum Badge