Communication

Communication Media
What is communication media?
● Communication media describes the tools and channels for sharing of
information between a sender and a receiver
● Communication media can be both electronic and physical

Newsletters
● Periodic publications, often used to inform, educate, or entertain subscribers
about specific topics
○ Usually distributed through email or as printed copies
○ Suitable for organisations, schools, and clubs to keep members up-to-date

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Cost effective Low engagement
● Measurable results ● SPAM filters can unintentionally block
● Easy to personalise ● Limited interactivity
● Targeted ● Can get lost in a busy inbox
● Increases brand awareness

Posters
● Visual presentations that convey information or promote events or products
○ Combine text, images, and graphics to grab attention

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Cost effective Limited information
● Wide reach ● Lack of interactivity
● Versatile ● Can be removed/defaced
● Long shelf life in the right space ● Cannot update

Websites
● Online platforms that provide information or services
○ Accessible through the internet using a web browser
 ○ Useful for businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to share
information, sell products, or offer services

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Media rich Can be hacked
● Links to other websites ● Risk of pharming
● Easy navigation ● Maintenance can be expensive
● Global audience

Multimedia presentations
● Digital presentations that combine various forms of media, such as text, images,
audio, and video
○ Used in education, business, and entertainment to present information in a
visually engaging way

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Media rich Special equipment required
● Interactive ● Often required internet access
● Transitions/animations to highlight key ● Easy to create a bad presentation
information ● Visuals can take focus from the ove
message

Audio & Video

● Sound recordings, such as podcasts, music, and radio shows
○ It can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening
○ Suitable for providing information, entertainment, or educational content
● Moving images with or without sound, used for entertainment, education, or
promotional purposes
○ Can be streamed or downloaded for offline viewing
○ Typical platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, and social media websites

Media streaming
● Real-time transmission of audio and video files over the internet
○ Allows users to access content without downloading it to their devices
○ Popular services include Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube
E-Publications
● Digital versions of printed materials, such as eBooks, eMagazines, and
eNewspapers
○ It can be read on electronic devices, such as eReaders, tablets, and
smartphones
○ Offer benefits like portability, searchability, and adjustable text size

Mobile Communication
What is mobile communication?
● Mobile communication involves transmitting information between people and
devices using radio waves
● Smartphones use subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to link the devices to a
network carrier, allowing them to make phone calls and send messages
● Smartphones include features such as:

Feature Description

SMS messaging ●
Quick communication
● Messages are stored on the device and can be read a
● Use virtual keyboards and predictive text

Phone calls ●
Simple voice communication
● Requires cellular reception

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) ●

Audio & visual communication via the internet
● Requires extra apps installed on the devices
● Can make & receive calls via smartphone, tablet and c
● Requires a forward facing camera for video calls

Accessing the internet ●

Requires cellular reception to access on the move
● Web pages are optimised for smartphone access
● Automatically used Wi-Fi when in range and connected

Mobile payments ●
Uses NFC
Camera ●
Smartphones have built-in cameras for video calls
● Camera can act as a barcode scanner for QR codes

Computer Modelling
What is computer modelling?
● Computer modelling is using a computer to simulate a real-life system in order to
be able to study the behaviour in different scenarios
● The simulation uses a model to help predict how the system will work in unusual
circumstances
● Examples of modelling application include:
○ Personal finance
○ Bridge and building design
○ Flood water management
○ Traffic management
○ Weather forecasting

Advantages and disadvantages of computer modelling

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Cheaper than having to build the real thing A computer model will never be
● Easier to try out a range of different scenarios accurate
● Safer, can simulate hazardous environments e.g. ● Results are only as good as the
power station designed and data entered
● Faster, can speed up variables that would impact on ● Possibility of human error in the
results e.g. climate change could skew results
● Testing can be done before real-life construction
begins

Modelling applications

Application Description
Personal finance ●
Use of a spreadsheet to test 'what if' scenarios
● Using spreadsheet functionality to change values and see what impact
e.g. the financial impact on a family if household income was to go dow

Bridge and building ●

design Architects will use 3D computer models of bridges and buildings so tha
of scenarios can be tested
● In bridge design:
○ How much traffic can the bridge take
○ The effects of natural vibrations
○ The effects of different weather conditions
○ What impact on structural integrity would an accident cause
● In building design:
○ The effects of different weather conditions
○ Simulating fire evacuation protocols
○ What impact on structural integrity would a fire cause

Flood water ●
management Computer models allow risk assessments to be made of high risk flood
● Using models and changing variables allows for the design of automat
defence systems
● Variables would include:
○ different rivers and sea inlets
○ time of the day
○ previous flood behaviours
○ possible obstructions etc.
● An automated system allows for:
○ Real-time monitoring
○ Data collection
○ Faster response to changing conditions e.g. advance warning to

Traffic management ●
Computer models allow users to see the effect of traffic and accidents
road networks
● The data collected can be used to optimise the traffic light times at diffe
junctions
● Data collected could include:
○ Time of day
○ Number of vehicles passing the junction from all directions
○ Factors that effect the flow of traffic e.g. pedestrians crossing, a
 ● After successful modelling has been completed, optimised systems ca
and installed

Weather forecasting ●
Sensors are used collect data and sent to a central computer
● Data collected could include:
○ Air pressure
○ Wind speed
○ Air temperature
○ Humidity
● The computer model can then be used to predict weather patterns for t
days
● Actual weather is compared to the modelled data to check for accuracy
identify any areas in the model to modify

Computer Controlled Systems

What is a computer controlled system?
● A computer controlled system uses computers and software to control, monitor,
and manage processes, machines, or devices
● The effectiveness of computer controlled systems depends on the quality of
software, hardware, and input data

Advantages and disadvantages of computer controlled systems

Advantages Disadvantages

Increased efficiency and productivity (due to working High initial investment and maintenance co
24/7)

Greater precision and accuracy Job displacement for human workers

Ability to operate in hazardous environments Dependency on reliable software and hardw

Reduced human error and fatigue Lack of flexibility and adaptability to unexpe
situations
Can work with large or delicate items Requires costly backup systems

Robotics
What is robotics?
● Robotics is the principle of a robot carrying out a task by following a precise set
of programmed instructions
● Robots can be categorised into two groups:

Dumb robots Smart robots

Repeat the same programmed instructions over and over Carries out more complex tasks and ca
again (no AI) learn (AI)

E.g. Car assembly line E.g. Assisting surgeons in delicate p

●
The development of artificial intelligence, including the increased use of machine
learning and robotics raises ethical and legal issues such as:
○ Accountability
○ Safety
○ Algorithmic bias
○ Legal liability

What is the role of robots?

● Robots play a crucial role in many areas such as:

Scenario Role Advantages Disadvant

Industry Quality inspector Advanced vision to inspect May not work on defe
products for defaults, improving require human judgem
quality control

Transport Warehouse worker Efficiency in finding, moving and High infrastructure co

 packing, less reliable on manual safety concerns for hu
labour sharing the same spa

Agriculture Planting & seeding Precise planting (optimum depths High upfront costs, ma
machine and distances) uneven terrain and ch
conditions

Medicine Rehabilitation Personalised physical therapy Doesn't provide emoti

therapist exercises to aid recovery

Domestic Sous chef Assists with meal prep by doing Limited ability and cap
basic duties (chopping, measuring
and following basic recipes)

Entertainment Educational robot Interactive learning experiences High cost, cannot repl
for children, increased guidance of human te
engagement

Worked Example
The European Space Agency (ESA) is building a new space telescope to orbit the Earth
and search for distant galaxies. The ESA is using computer controlled robots to build
the lens of the telescope.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computer controlled robots rather
than humans to build the lens.

[6]

Answer

Max 4 of:
Advantages

Robots can work in sterile areas where humans would need protective clothing
[1]
Robots can easily be used for transferring large delicate items [1]
Robots can work 24/7 / continuously [1]
Cheaper in the long run/robots not paid [1]
More accurate as the lens needs to be precise / higher quality of lens [1]
More frequent checking of the equipment/lens [1]
They do boring/laborious work [1]
Issues can be found more quicker [1]
Task/job can be carried out far quicker [1]

Max 4 of:
Disadvantages

Very expensive to buy / higher in the short term [1]

Maintenance is very expensive [1]
Difficult to re-program when changes are made [1]
Requires expensive backup systems [1]
They replace skilled workers, leading to de-skilling [1]
They need constant observation which increases the cost of maintenance crews
[1]
If something goes wrong, it may be difficult to find the error [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Some of the advantages/disadvantages listed above don't always apply depending on
the scenario. Choose the ones appropriate for the scenario in the question

You can't get full marks by only focusing on advantages or disadvantages - make sure
you know both

Don't use short answers like 'it's expensive' - explain your answer

School Management Systems

What is a school management system?
● A school management is a software solution designed to centralise and
streamline schools administrative tasks
● Data is stored centrally to improve efficiency
● Processes that can be included in a school management system include:
○ Registration & attendance
○ Recording learner performance
○ Computer aided learning (CAL)

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Streamlined administration and record-keeping Cost
● Improved communication between teachers, students, and ● Transition can be time
parents - this can be automated and complex
 ● Centralised access to information and resources ● Training is required
● Data-driven decision-making and insights for teachers and ● Dependant on techno
administrators ● Data security concern
● Information is more up to date
● Information can be obtained quickly in an emergency
● Patterns of absence can be found quickly which helps to tackle
truancy/lateness

Registration & attendance

● Traditional ways of recording attendance and registration involve a teacher
manually inputting data
● The use of IT systems makes other methods possible, for example magnetic
stripe cards and/or biometrics

Recording learner performance

● Using IT systems gives teachers a plethora of information which can be analysed
to identify class and individual strengths and areas for development
● Data can be used to inform teaching strategies
● Data can be used to provide individual progress reports
● Data can be used to critically analyse class/teacher performance

Computer aided learning (CAL)

● The use of computer aided learning is designed to enhance and not replace
traditional classroom teaching
● CAL allows students to work on individual development areas
● CAL can provide interactive revision resources to aid exam performance
Worked Example
A school is setting up a new computerised system to manage many aspects of the
school administration.

a. Describe how this system can be used to manage student registration and
attendance.

[3]

b. Describe the benefits of using this system.

[2]

Answers

a. three of:

Student scans a card // teacher records the student as present on the computer
system [1]
The system records the time of arrival [1]
The system sends the data to the school administration database [1]
The data is searched in the database [1]
If a student arrives after a certain time the student’s attendance record is flagged
as late/absent [1]
Attendance/lateness records are automatically printed/sent to parents [1]
Letters/texts are automatically sent to parents to show the absenteeism/lateness
of students [1]
Parents can log in into the system to check student’s attendance/lateness
records [1]

b. two of:

The information is more up to date [1]

Information about the student can be obtained quickly after a fire/emergency [1]
Information regarding patterns of absence can be found quickly [1]
Helps to tackle truancy/lateness [1]
Parents can be informed automatically about patterns of lateness/attendance [1]
Lateness is entered consistently in the school [1]
Automatic lateness reports for the form tutor can be generated [1]
Accurate/up to date records if there is a fire [1]
Speeds up the process as attendance is not marked manually [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is vital that you read the question carefully and any answers relate directly to the
context in the question

Online Booking Systems

What is an online booking system?
● An online booking system is a computer system that allows customers to
purchases tickets for events online
● Examples of industries that make use of these systems include:
○ Travel - booking flights, hotels and package holidays
○ Music - Reserving tickets for live music events
○ Film - Booking cinema tickets, allowing customers to pick a seat
○ Sport - Purchasing tickets to sporting events, choosing their view

Advantages and disadvantages of online booking systems

Advantages Disadvantages
Convenience and accessibility (24/7 booking) Potential for technical issues and downtime

Instant confirmation and ticketing Possible security and privacy concerns

Ability to compare prices and options Transaction and booking fees

Promotions and personalised offers Impersonal and less tailored customer servi

Faster to change/cancel Internet connected devices required

Automated reminders via email/text Staff may lose their job

Repeated bookings can easily be made

Staff are freed up to do other things

Case Study
Reserving a seat to watch a film at the cinema.

After the user logs in the following process takes place

1. Customer selects the film they want to watch

2. Customer chooses a date
3. The database is searched and times and availability are displayed on the screen
4. Customer chooses a suitable time
5. The screen seating chart is displayed, showing available/taken seats
6. Customer clicks on an available seat
7. Total price is displayed on the screen
8. Customer can choose another seat or click confirm to continue to payment
9. Seat(s) are temporarily made unavailable for booking by any other user
10. Customer checks personal details are correct and enters payment information
11. Payment is taken and confirmation message is displayed
12. Payment receipt and QR code (e-ticket) are emailed
 13. Database is updated to make seats unavailable
Worked Example
RockIT Airlines representatives use a computer booking system to book flights for
customers. A representative from the airline types in the customer reference number,
the number of passengers, departure time, departure date, departure airport and the
destination airport.

Describe the processing and outputs involved in making the booking.

[6]

Answer

Six of:

Display flights available [1]

The booking database is searched for the customer reference number [1]
A matching record is retrieved [1]
Details of the customer are displayed on the screen [1]
The booking database is searched for matching departure airports [1]
The booking database is searched for matching destination airports [1]
If the flight correct, the date/time found [1]
Search if seats/tickets/flights available [1]
If unavailable error message output [1]
Outputs the price [1]
If seats are available, flags seat as booked [1]
If not booked then the flag removed [1]
Reduces the number of seats/tickets available by the number booked [1]
E-ticket/ticket details are output [1]
E-ticket/ticket details sent to customer [1]
A receipt is printed//Verification email sent [1]

ATM
What is an ATM?
● An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is used in the banking industry to provide
customers with convenient access to financial transactions 24/7
● Characteristics and uses of ATMs:
○ Withdrawing cash: Obtain money from a bank account
○ Depositing cash or cheques: Add funds to a bank account
 ○ Checking account balance: View the current balance of a bank account
○ Mini statements: Obtain a summary of recent transactions
○ Bill paying: Settle utility bills and other payments
○ Money transfers: Sending funds to another bank account

Advantages and disadvantages of ATMs

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Convenient access to banking services Cash withdrawal limits
● Available 24/7 ● Risk of theft or fraud
● Reduced waiting time ● Limited services compared to bank bran
● Global access to funds ● Technical issues and machine downtime
● Some banks charge for using ATMs

EFT
What is EFT?
● Electronic Funds Transfer is a way of moving money from one account to
another
● EFT is used primarily for:
○ Salary deposits
○ Bill payments
○ Online purchases

EFTPOS
● Electronic Funds Transfer Point Of Sale (EFTPOS) is used by retailers to allow
customers to make purchases using a debit/credit cards
● The process involves:
○ Data being read from the chip (using RFID / NFC if it's a contactless
payment)
○ The business bank's computer contacts the customer’s bank's computer
○ The card is checked if it is valid
○ If the card is valid the transaction continues
○ If it is not valid the transaction is terminated
○ An authorisation code is sent to the business
○ The price of the item is deducted from the customer’s account
○ This money is added to the business' account

Advantages and disadvantages of EFT

 Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Fast and efficient Risk of online fraud
● Reduces paperwork ● Technical issues
● Lower transaction costs ● Requires internet connection
● EFT transactions can be disputed for up to 60 days ● Requires immediate funds a

Internet Banking
What is internet banking?
● Internet banking is a secure online platform for accessing and controlling a
persons bank account
● Internet banking can be accessed via the internet through a secure website or by
using the bank's official app on a smartphone
● Internet bank allows for transfers, bill payments, account management and much
more

Advantages and disadvantages of Internet banking

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Convenience and 24/7 access Security of transactions
● Easy account management ● Requires a reliable internet connecti
● Reduced need for branch visits (saving time and ● More risk of fraud
money) ● Easier to make errors (typing in the w
● Interest rates may be better information)
● Easier to shop around for the best account ● Physical cash can't be deposited/wit

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Sometimes the question will be about advantages and disadvantages of going to the
bank rather than using online banking. Read the question carefully (you can reverse the
statements in the table above)
Worked Example
Adam is paying his bill in a restaurant using a contactless debit card.
Describe the computer processing involved in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) using
contactless cards.

[4]
Answer

Four of:

The reader checks the amount to pay is less than the contactless limit [1]
The data is read from the chip using RFID / NFC [1]
The restaurant’s bank's computer contacts the customer’s bank's computer [1]
The card is checked if it is valid [1]
If valid the transaction continues [1]
If not valid the transaction is terminated [1]
An authorisation code is sent to the restaurant [1]
The price of the meal is deducted from the customer’s account [1]
Added to the restaurant’s account [1]

Information Systems
What is an information system?
● An information system is a purpose built system designed to collect, store,
process, distribute and use information
● In a hospital an information system would be used to:
○ Access patient medical records
○ Appointment scheduling
○ Manage medication dispensing
○ Facilitate communication between doctors, nurses and other healthcare
providers
○ Public health reporting
● Information systems are used by healthcare professionals for making informed
decisions about patient care
3D Printers
What is a 3D printer?
● A 3D printer is a machine capable of outputting three-dimensional objects from a
digital file
● 3D printing starts with the creation of a 3D model using computer aided design
(CAD)
● The benefits of 3D printing include:
○ 3D models can be fully customised on the computer before printing
○ Prototyping
3D printers in medicine
Printing of prosthetics ●
Custom-made prosthetic limbs or body parts
● Can be tailored to a patient's specific needs
● Faster and more affordable than traditional methods

Tissue engineering ●
3D printing of living cells to create functional tissues
● Can be used to repair or replace damaged organs
● Potential to reduce the need for organ donations

Artificial blood vessels ●

3D printed blood vessels made of biodegradable materials
● Can be used in surgeries to replace damaged vessels
● Allows for improved blood flow and faster healing

Customised medicines ●
3D printed pills with precise doses and drug combinations
● Tailored to a patient's specific needs and conditions
● Potential to improve medication adherence and effectiveness

Expert Systems
What is an expert system?
● An expert system mimics human knowledge and experience and uses a
combination of the two to solve problems or answer questions
● Examples of expert systems include:
○ Equipment troubleshooting and repair
○ Technical support
○ Medical diagnosis system
● Expert systems share five key characteristics

Knowledge base ●
A database of facts to generate rules that are used to solve problems
decisions

Rule base ●
A set of rules or logic that is used to apply the knowledge in the know
to specific problems

Inference engine ●
 A program that applies the rules in the rule base to the facts in the kn
base to solve problems

Interface ●
A way for users to interact with the system and provide input

Explanation system ●
Provides the users with explanation and reasoning behind decisions
recommendations
● Gives a percentage probability of the accuracy of its conclusions

Case Study
Movie recommendation system

Inputs

● Indicate favourite genres/directors

● Rate movies watched (stars/thumbs up, thumbs down etc.)
● Previous movie searches (keywords)

Inference engine

● Matching similar movies to users history (based on director/genre/actor/reviews

etc.)
● Filtering movies with similar characteristics as previously watched
● Filtering movies based on what users with similar tastes have watched/liked

Output

● Display a personalised list of movie recommendations

Advantages and disadvantages of expert systems
Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Consistent results Only as good as the data entered
● Faster responses ● Responses can be cold and lack human emoti
● Can store large amounts of data ● Requires training to use correctly
● Unbiased

Worked Example
Expert systems are used by doctors.
a. Describe how an expert system can be used to diagnose illnesses.
 [5]

b. Name two other applications of expert systems.

[2]

Answers

a. five of:

An Interactive user interface appears [1]

Questions are asked about the illness [1]
Yes and No type answers to the questions [1]
Answers lead to other questions [1]
The inference engine searches the knowledge base [2]
Using the rules base [1]
Probabilities/possibilities of diagnoses and treatments are displayed [1]
Displays the ways it achieved the solutions/conclusions / explanation [1]

b. two of:

Mineral prospecting [1]

Car engine fault diagnosis [1]
Chess games [1]
Tax queries [1]
Careers recommendations [1]
Movie recommendations on streaming platforms [1]

POS & EFTPOS

What is POS & EFTPOS?
● Point of Sale (POS) is a computer terminal used to read product barcodes
● Barcodes are used in an automatic stock control system in shops
● A barcode is part of a process that involves:
○ Every barcode being assigned to a product in stock
○ Each product record contains its price, stock level and a description
○ When a barcode is matched with a record the information is
transferred to the POS terminal and the price is displayed on the
screen
○ The stock level is reduced by one
○ If the current stock level falls below a minimum reorder stock level it
triggers a restocking process automatically
 ● Electronic Funds Transfer at the Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is how a payment
is made to purchase good or services using a card or electronic devices
such as smartphones
● Examples of EFTPOS include:
○ Chip and Pin
○ Contactless
○ Near field communication devices (NFC)

Chip and Pin Contactless NFC

● ● ●
Enhance security with two- Allow for faster Facilitate paym
factor authentication transactions smartphones a
● Require customers to enter a ● Enable customers to tap devices
personal identification number their card on the ● Increase conve
(PIN) terminal customers

Internet Shopping
What are the advantages and disadvantages of internet shopping?
● Internet shopping is the act of purchasing good or services online through
a website or mobile application
● Characteristics of Internet Shopping
○ Online stores accessible through web browsers
○ Wide variety of products and services are available
○ Convenient and often open 24/7

Advantages and disadvantages to the customer

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Time-saving and convenient Security concerns
○ Shop from home or on the go ○ Risk of fraud or identity theft
○ Avoid queues and busy stores ○ Need to provide personal and
● Greater product variety information
○ Access to the global market ● Limited physical interaction
○ Compare products and prices easily ○ Can't touch or try products b
● Customisation options purchasing
○ Personalise items or services ○ This may lead to dissatisfacti
○ Tailor purchases to individual returns
 preferences ● Delivery delays and fees
● Potential cost savings ○ Wait for items to be shipped a
○ Competitive pricing due to lower delivered
overheads ○ Additional costs for shipping
○ Take advantage of online sales and handling
promotions ● Impersonal customer service
○ Difficulty resolving issues or
items
○ Lack of face-to-face interactio
staff

Advantages and disadvantages to the business

Advantages Disadvantage

● ●
Can target prices, products and services at specific groups Increased Compe
based on buying data ● Digital Fraud and
● Can update stock availability and prices more quickly than a Concerns
physical store through their website ● Technical Issues
● Cheaper to publicise special offers rather than mail shots Downtime
● International customer base ● Costs of Delivery
● Increased profits due to lower overheads (e.g. fewer staff) Returns
● Customer Trust
● Inventory Manage
● Depersonalisation
● Online Reviews
● Dependency on In
Infrastructure
● Logistical Challen
● Legal and Regula
Compliance
● Increased Custom
Expectations

Worked Example
Modern supermarkets have automated stock control systems, which use data
from the checkouts.
Describe how food items can be ordered by an automated stock control system
so they are delivered before the stock in the supermarket runs out.

[4]

Answer
four of:

Each item is scanned/bar code is read at the POS terminal [1]

Bar code is searched in the database [1]
The quantity of products is reduced [1]
The stock database is updated [1]
When the minimum stock number/level/reorder level is reached [1]
Reads re-order quantity [1]
Goods flagged as ordered [1]
The automated stock system sends a signal to the warehouse computer to order
new items [1]
The warehouse sends the items to the supermarket [1]
Re-order quantity is found in the database [1]
Flags removed [1]
The stock control system updates the stock levels in the stock control database
with the new stock [1]

Recognition Systems
What is a recognition system?
● A recognition system is a way of using computer technology to
automatically identify something
● Common examples of recognition systems include:
○ Facial recognition
○ Speech recognition
○ Optical character recognition

OMR & OCR

What is OMR?
● Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) detects marked areas on paper by using a
special machine to read the marks
● Examples include:
○ Multiple-choice examination
○ Barcodes
○ QR codes
● Automates data collection and entry
 An OMR form being filled in

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
Fast and efficient data collection Limited to predetermined responses
● Reduces manual entry errors ● Sensitive to poor marking or smudgin

What is OCR?
● Optical Character Recognition (OCR) converts printed or handwritten text
into digital format
● Useful for digitising documents
● Assists in searching and editing text
● Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is an example of OCR
○ For example, reading number plates and controlled entry and exit at
airport parking

Advantages Disadvantages

● ●
No staff required Privacy concerns as number
● Faster, no need to stop and take tickets etc recorded
● Stops cars parking illegally, cannot enter without ● Number plates can be cloned
authorisation ● Dirty or broken number plate
be read
 ● Lack of staff could lead to va

RFID & NFC

What is RFID?
● Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) use radio waves to identify
and track objects
● Examples of where RFID can be used is:
○ Stock tracking
○ Passports
○ Vehicles
○ Contactless payment
● RFID tags are made of a microchip and antenna and can be either:
○ Passive - uses energy from the reader
○ Active - has it's own power source

Stock tracking ●
Livestock tracking on a farm
● Keeping track of animals
○ Location
○ Medical data
● Active tags would be used due to the distance involved

Passports ●
Passive chips in passports
● Read by a reader to decrypt data stored on the chip
○ Personal details
○ Photo
○ Fingerprints

Vehicles ●
Track progress on assembly line
● Used on toll roads to automate payment and raise barriers
● Entry and exit to carparks

What is NFC?
● Near field communication (NFC) is a subset of RFID which allows
communication between two devices in very close proximity
● NFC can be either:
○ Passive - uses energy from the reader
 ○ Active - has it's own power source
● Smartphones use active NFC to allow contactless payments by tapping a
smartphone on a reader
● Smartphones can also exchange data using NFC by tapping together
(usually back to back)
Worked Example
A farmer has purchased a computerised feeding system for her goats. A goat has
an RFID tag
attached to its ear, which is recognised by the computer. The system uses a
passive RFID tag.
a. Describe how the RFID tag can be activated.

[3]

b. Describe how RFID technology will be used to give the correct feed to the
animal.

[3]

Answers

a. three of:

The RFID reader sends radio waves / signals to the RFID antenna in the tag [1]
The tag sends radio wave/signal back to the reader [1]
The radio waves move from the tag’s antenna to the microchip [1]
A signal is generated and sent back to the RF system [1]
The RF wave is detected by the reader which interprets the data [1]

b. three of:

The goat passes the RFID reader [1]

The RFID reader extracts data from the tag [1]
The ID is compared with data stored in the database [1]
The feed for the goat is then selected/identified / read from the database [1]