Real World feedback and control

What are feedback and control?
Feedback and control are a combination of sensing, computation, and actuation.

1. Sensing: sensing a is very common feature of things in our world from photo cells, pressure sensors, even light switches have sensors!

2. Computation: computation is taking data from the sensor and doing things with it for example: the Arduinos we have been using in class.

3. Actuators: actuators are what does the task that the sensor perceives and the computer analyzes. Typically these are motors and pistons, but things such as light (as a part of the light switch system) can be considered an actuator.

Examples of systems of feedback and control:
1. Automatic sinks/water fountains/bathrooms
Sensing: A motion sensor tells the sink if a person is nearby
Computation: When there is motion sensed the computer tells the sink to release water
Actuation: A stream of pressurized water is released by a pump
Here's a video of an automatic sink/soap dispenser/dryer in Japan

3. Automatic doors: 

Sensing: A motion sensor tells the doors if a person is nearby
Computation: When there is motion sensed, the doors are told to move
Actuation: Motor moves the doors

Here's a video of a child's first reaction to automatic doors!

3. Self-Checkout machines
Sensing: A motion sensor tells the machine if a person is trying to checkout/scans products and coupons/weighs products on a scale to make sure it is the right product being sold
Computation: The checkout machines is a computer that compiles all of the data
Actuation: Screen displays options for the buyer