Computers in Control
4. Getting it Together
Clips from this programme
Opening Titles
Duration: 00:39
The newly introduced breathalyser uses sophisticated sensing to measure blood alcohol levels.
Duration: 03:47
How to approach a complex programming problem using a structured approach. John Coll looks at programming a lift system
Duration: 01:46
The Build a Robot competition in Reading. How competitors approached the problem of picking up a cube and carrying it across a line.
Duration: 03:15
Using a development system to refine a program for a specific product (a robot buggy)
Duration: 04:10
Adding memory, a second processor and extra device control systems to make a more complex development system and using an EPROM to store a prototype program for testing the product and optimising its performance.
Duration: 02:46
A ship's engine monitoring system optimises fuel consumption
Duration: 01:01
A prototype home control and monitoring system which can be voice activated from a distance and which uses programmable devices plugged into the mains
Duration: 09:01
End Titles & Credits
Duration: 00:36Computers in Control
1. Introducing the Robot
First broadcast: 2nd March 1984
Duration 24:42
An introduction to the world of robotics. 1: Introducing the Robot: A visit to the Chicago Robotics Exhibition shows how the computer has revolutionised these mechanical servants and even made domestic versions possible. IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS begins to look at how computers can sense what's going on round them and then control mechanical devices. Production DAVID ALLEN and ROBIN MUDGE
2. Making Sense of the Real World
First broadcast: 9th March 1984
Duration 24:45
An introduction to the world of robotics. Making Sense of the Real World. How can the computer detect such widely different things as the whereabouts of a London Transport bus, fog, the length of an electronic flash or the speed of a motor? IAN MCNAUGHT -DAVIS and JOHN COLL look at a wide range of sensors which are available on the market. Production DAVID ALLEN and ROBIN MUDGE
3. Making Things Move
First broadcast: 16th March 1984
Duration 24:36
An introduction to the world of robotics. 3: Making Things Move: IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS continues his exploration of the principles behind the use of the computer in robotics by finding out how to make things move - even using a home micro. Production DAVID ALLEN and ROBIN MUDGE
4. Getting it Together
First broadcast: 23rd March 1984
Duration 24:23
An introduction to the world of robotics. 4: Getting it Together: IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS looks at some of the thinking behind more complex computer-controlled devices. Production DAVID ALLEN and ROBIN MUDGE
Now playing
5. Recognising the Obvious
First broadcast: 30th March 1984
Duration 24:36
An introduction to the world of robotics 5: Recognising the Obvious : We see, hear and interpret the real world with ease. For the computer it's not so easy, but some robotic systems can identify objects or voices and act accordingly, and it's possible to mimic these on the home microcomputer. Production DAVID ALLEN and ROBIN MUDGE