Cambridge IGCSE ICTICT Applications
Chapter 6 looks at how ICT is used in communication, modelling, control systems, education, booking, banking, medicine, retail, recognition systems and satellite-based systems.
CommunicationModellingControl systemsSchools & bookingBanking & medicineExpert systemsRetail & recognitionSatellites
Jump to a subtopic
Chapter 6 is a large applications chapter. Use these links to move directly to the section you need.
6.1 CommunicationNewsletters, websites, presentations, streaming, e-publications and mobile communication.
6.2 Modelling applicationsFinancial, construction, flood, traffic and weather models.
6.3 Computer-controlled systemsRobots and automated production lines.
6.4 School management systemsRegistration, performance records and CAL.
6.5 Booking systemsReal-time availability, reservations and electronic tickets.
6.6 Banking systemsATMs, EFT, cards and cheque clearing.
6.7 Computers in medicinePatient records and 3D printing.
6.8 Expert systemsKnowledge base, inference engine, rules and explanations.
6.9 Computers in the retail industryPOS, stock control, EFTPOS, NFC and online shopping.
6.10 Recognition systemsOMR, ANPR, RFID, NFC and biometrics.
6.11 Satellite systemsGPS, GIS and satellite communication.
6.1 Communication
ICT is used in many forms of communication, from printed newsletters to mobile networks and live media streaming.
Newsletters and posters
Newsletters and posters can be created using word-processing software. Text can be typed or imported, while photographs can come from:
a digital camera
files already stored on a computer/cloud
internet sources
scanned photographs
Images can then be cropped, resized and positioned, and text can be wrapped around them. The finished document should be proofread before printing or publishing.
A good newsletter should:
avoid putting too much information on one page
use clear, readable fonts
use suitable font sizes
use clear headings
use relevant photographs
Posters
Posters are commonly used to advertise events, products or entertainment. Important information such as the event, date, time, location and contact details should be clearly shown.
Websites
Websites can be used instead of printed posters or newsletters to advertise products, services and organisations.
Advantages
can reach a worldwide audience
can include sound, video and animation
hyperlinks can provide additional information
information can be updated easily
Disadvantages
websites can be hacked
internet access is required
websites need maintenance
it can be difficult to make sure the correct audience finds the site
Multimedia presentations
A multimedia presentation may contain:
textimagessoundvideoanimationshyperlinks
These features can make information more interesting and easier to understand.
Advantages
attracts audience attention
can be interactive
information can be presented in a clear sequence
Disadvantages
equipment can be expensive
hardware or software may fail
too many effects can distract from the actual message
Media streaming
Media streaming allows users to watch video or listen to audio over the internet without first downloading and saving the whole file.
Server → data packets → buffer → playback
A buffer temporarily stores incoming data so that playback can continue smoothly even if data arrives at slightly different speeds. A stable and sufficiently fast internet connection is needed.
| Streaming | Downloading |
|---|
| Plays while data is being received | Whole file is normally stored |
| Does not require permanent storage of the full file | Uses storage space |
| Requires a stable internet connection | Can be played later without downloading again |
| Uses buffering | Full file is saved |
E-publications
Examples include:
e-booksdigital newspapersdigital magazinesdigital libraries
Advantages include:
pages can be enlarged
multimedia can be included
many publications can be stored on one device
printing costs are avoided
Mobile communication
Mobile phone networks divide large areas into cells. Each cell has a tower that transmits and receives signals. As a user moves from one cell to another, the network transfers the connection to another tower.
SMS/text messagingtelephone callsVoIPvideo callinginternet access
SMS
SMS allows short messages to be sent quickly.
usually quicker than making a call
recipient does not need to respond immediately
messages can be sent even if the recipient's phone is temporarily switched off
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows voice communication over the internet. Sound is converted into digital data packets, transmitted over the internet and reconstructed at the destination.
calls can be inexpensive
allows communication over long distances
can also support video calls
Disadvantages
sound quality depends on the connection
security threats can exist
Mobile devices can connect to the internet using either a mobile network or Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi often provides greater bandwidth and can use less mobile data.
6.2 Modelling applications
A simulation is a computer-generated model of a real system used to study how the real system might behave.
Models are based on mathematical representations and can be used to:
predict future behaviour
test different situations
see how changes affect the system
Advantages of computer models
usually cheaper than building the real system
safer for dangerous situations
several scenarios can be tested
results may be produced much faster
Disadvantages
results depend on the quality of the data and programming
complex models can be expensive
models do not always behave exactly like the real world
Financial modelling
Spreadsheets can be used to model financial situations. For example, changing:
selling pricescostsnumber of products sold
can immediately show the effect on profit or loss. This is often called what-if modelling.
Bridge and building design
Engineers can use 3D computer models before building the real structure.
For a bridge, the model might test:
heavy traffic loads
strong winds
earthquakes
vibrations
For buildings, models can test the effects of events such as strong winds, flooding or fire. If a weakness is discovered, the design can be changed before construction begins.
Flood water management
Computer models can predict:
water levels
water flow
flood depth
areas likely to flood
Different flood-defence designs can be tested before building them. Sensors can also continuously measure conditions such as sea level, wave height and wind speed, allowing warnings to be produced more quickly.
Traffic management
Computer models can test the effects of:
lane closures
different speed limits
traffic density
accidents
traffic-light timings
This is safer and cheaper than experimenting on real roads.
Road sensors → computer → compare with stored/modelled data → decision → traffic lights altered
Weather forecasting
Automatic weather stations collect data such as:
temperaturerainfallwind speed/directionair pressurehumidity
The data is entered into a computer model that predicts future weather conditions. Powerful computers are needed because very large amounts of data have to be processed.
6.3 Computer-controlled systems
Computers are widely used to control robots in manufacturing.
car paintingweldingmicrochip manufacturingelectrical goods productionmoving stock in warehouses
Robots can be programmed with a sequence of instructions or taught movements that were first demonstrated by a human operator.
Advantages of robots
can work in dangerous environments
can work continuously
produce very consistent results
excellent for repetitive tasks
can improve productivity
Disadvantages
expensive to purchase and maintain
may cause unemployment
not as good as humans at unusual or one-off tasks
Production-line control
Robots are often used on automated production lines. For example, in a bottling plant:
- Sensor detects a bottle.
- Computer sends a signal to an actuator.
- Valve opens and fills the bottle.
- A level sensor detects when the bottle is full.
- Computer closes the valve.
- Another actuator moves the conveyor belt.
The process then repeats automatically.
6.4 School management systems
Schools use ICT to manage student registration and attendance, student performance and computer-aided learning.
Registration and attendance
One method uses magnetic stripe ID cards. Students swipe their cards when entering and leaving school. The computer records:
student identitydatearrival timeleaving time
The information is stored in a database.
Another method uses biometrics, such as fingerprint recognition. Biometrics can be more secure because fingerprints are unique and cannot be forgotten or given to another student.
However:
equipment is more expensive
collecting fingerprints takes time
privacy concerns can arise
Student performance
School systems can store:
examination/test resultsattendancebehaviour recordsother assessment data
The computer can then produce reports and calculate class or year-group performance.
Computer-aided learning (CAL)
Computer-aided learning (CAL) uses computers to support teaching and learning. It is designed to support rather than replace teachers.
Advantages include:
students can work at their own pace
tests can provide immediate feedback
multimedia makes learning interactive
students can repeat activities or assessments
Disadvantages include:
practical experiences cannot always be reproduced
students may become distracted
students may become isolated
CAL cannot answer every unusual question
6.5 Booking systems
Online booking systems are commonly used for flights and travel, concerts, cinemas, theatres and sporting events.
flights and travelconcertscinemastheatressporting events
The system must update its database immediately to prevent two customers booking the same seat.
Advantages
prevents double-booking
shows availability immediately
bookings can be made 24/7
customers can choose seats
electronic tickets/QR codes can be used
Disadvantages
expensive to set up
internet access is required
system/server failures can stop bookings
poorly designed websites can cause booking errors
Example: booking a concert seat
Select event → choose date/time → choose seats → database checks availability → seats temporarily reserved → customer pays → database updated → e-ticket/QR code sent
Temporarily marking seats as unavailable prevents another customer from booking them during the transaction.
6.6 Banking systems
ICT is used for ATMs, electronic funds transfer, card payments, cheque clearing and internet banking.
ATMselectronic funds transfer (EFT)credit/debit card paymentscheque clearinginternet banking
ATMs
ATMs allow customers to:
withdraw cash
check balances
transfer money
pay bills
deposit money or cheques
When withdrawing cash:
Card inserted → PIN checked → account checked → amount selected → funds checked → transaction authorised → cash dispensed → account updated
Advantages
available outside normal banking hours
quick
many banking services are available
Disadvantages
card/PIN theft or fraud can occur
cash withdrawal limits may apply
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
EFT transfers money electronically from one bank account to another. No physical money is moved.
paying employee salariescredit/debit card paymentsEFTPOS
Advantages include being fast and secure.
Credit/debit card transactions
With chip and PIN:
Card inserted → PIN entered → PIN checked → card checked → funds checked → payment authorised → accounts updated
A credit card allows the user to borrow money up to an agreed limit. A debit card takes money directly from the user's bank account.
Cheque clearing
Modern cheque clearing uses an image-based system.
a cheque is scanned
OCR reads its details
an electronic record is created
the information is sent electronically between banks
the receiving bank decides whether payment can be made
This is much faster than the older paper-based clearing method.
6.7 Computers in medicine
Computers are used for patient records, pharmacy records, medical scans and 3D printing.
patient recordspharmacy recordsmedical scans3D printing
Patient records
Medical databases can store:
personal detailsmedical historyblood groupallergiescurrent medicationdiagnosisX-rays and scans
Electronic records allow doctors and hospitals to access information quickly and share relevant information with pharmacies and other medical professionals.
3D printing in medicine
3D printers can produce models from CT or MRI scan data.
Surgical planning – doctors can examine a 3D model before surgery.
Prosthetics – replacement arms, hands or legs can be produced.
Tissue engineering – research allows biological tissues to be produced using bio-compatible materials and cells.
Customised medicines – medicines can be designed for individual patients and controlled to release drugs at suitable rates.
6.8 Expert systems
An expert system is designed to imitate the knowledge and decision-making of a human expert in a particular field.
medical diagnosisfinding faultsoil/mineral explorationfinancial planningroute scheduling
Main parts of an expert system
| Part | Function |
|---|
| User interface | Allows user to communicate with the system |
| Knowledge base | Stores facts and expert knowledge |
| Rules base | Contains rules used to make decisions |
| Inference engine | Uses facts and rules to reach conclusions |
| Explanation system | Explains how a conclusion was reached |
How an expert system works
User answers questions → inference engine searches knowledge base → rules are applied → conclusion is produced → explanation is given
Rules often follow an IF ... THEN ... structure.
Advantages
fast
consistent
can store large amounts of expert knowledge
can provide probabilities for conclusions
Disadvantages
expensive to develop and maintain
only as good as the information entered
cannot replace human judgement in every situation
6.9 Computers in the retail industry
Computers are widely used in shops and supermarkets for point-of-sale systems, stock control, electronic payments and online shopping.
point-of-sale systemsstock controlelectronic paymentsonline shopping
POS and automatic stock control
A POS (Point-of-Sale) terminal usually includes a barcode reader.
Barcode scanned → product record found → price displayed → stock reduced → re-order level checked
If stock reaches the minimum level, the system can automatically place an order with the supplier. The customer then receives an itemised bill.
EFTPOS
EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point-of-Sale) allows payment electronically at the checkout.
chip and PINcontactless cardsNFC-enabled devices
NFC payments
NFC (Near Field Communication) allows devices to exchange data when they are very close together.
Smartphone held near terminal → encrypted data exchanged → payment authorised
Mobile payment systems can use tokenisation, where the real card number is replaced by a randomly generated number. This means retailers do not need to receive the real card details.
Internet shopping and banking
Online shopping and banking allow people to use services from home.
Advantages
available 24/7
avoids travelling
gives access to a wider range of products
useful for people who find travelling difficult
can save time
Disadvantages
security risks
fraudulent websites
goods cannot be physically examined before buying
possible social isolation
traditional shops and bank branches may close
6.10 Recognition systems
Recognition systems covered include OMR, barcode readers, QR code readers, OCR, ANPR, RFID, NFC and biometrics.
OMRbarcode readersQR code readersOCRANPRRFIDNFCbiometrics
OMR
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) detects marks made in specific places on a form.
Uses include:
school attendance registers
multiple-choice examination papers
Advantages
very fast
no manual typing
accurate when forms are completed correctly
Disadvantages
specially designed forms are needed
incorrect marks can cause problems
ANPR
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) uses cameras and OCR to read vehicle registration plates.
Sensor detects car → camera photographs plate → OCR recognises characters → registration stored/checked in database → action taken
Uses include:
car park entry/exit
speed monitoring
congestion charging
security
Disadvantages include privacy concerns and problems reading damaged or dirty number plates.
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to read information stored on a tag. An RFID tag contains a microchip and an antenna.
Uses include:
tracking stock
livestock tracking
electronic passports
vehicle identification
contactless payments
Advantages
tags can be read without direct line-of-sight
multiple tags may be read together
fast and robust
Disadvantages
more expensive than barcodes
radio signals can be interrupted
transmitted data may be attacked
NFC
NFC is a form of wireless communication related to RFID, but it works only over a very short distance.
Its modes include:
peer-to-peer communicationread/write modecard emulation
Uses include:
smartphone payments
exchanging information between nearby devices
public transport access
Biometric recognition
Biometric systems identify people using physical characteristics.
fingerprintsfacial recognitioniris recognitionretina recognitionvoice recognition
Retina recognition uses the unique blood-vessel pattern at the back of the eye.
Iris recognition uses the unique pattern in the coloured part of the eye and can be used in high-security applications such as immigration control.
6.11 Satellite systems
This section covers GPS and satellite navigation, GIS and satellite communication.
GPS and satellite navigation
GPS (Global Positioning System) is used to determine the location of vehicles and other objects. Satellites transmit their position and time.
The receiver uses signals from at least three satellites to calculate its position. In a car, satellite positioning is combined with stored maps to provide navigation instructions.
Advantages
safer than reading paper maps while driving
can calculate routes
can estimate arrival time
Disadvantages
outdated maps can give wrong directions
satellite signals may be lost
incorrect destination data produces incorrect instructions
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
A Geographic Information System (GIS) combines maps, databases and computer graphics. It allows data to be analysed according to location.
GIS often works using layers of information.
Roads + population data + environmental data → combined GIS map
Uses include:
emergency services
crime mapping
agriculture
environmental protection
route planning
Advantages
combines data from many sources
handles large amounts of information
makes patterns easier to see
Disadvantages
software can be expensive
large quantities of data must be entered
systems can be complex to use
Satellite communication
Satellites can transmit television signals, telephone communication and internet data.
A ground station sends a signal to the satellite. The satellite receives it, usually strengthens it, and transmits it back towards another location on Earth.
Advantages
very large geographical coverage
useful in remote areas
high bandwidth
avoids laying cables over difficult terrain
Disadvantages
signal delay can occur
bad weather can affect signals
obstacles can interfere with reception
satellites may need monitoring to keep them in the correct orbit
Chapter 6 exam revision checklist
Students should be particularly confident with:
streaming and buffering
VoIP
advantages of using computer models
examples of modelling in traffic, weather, flooding and construction
how sensors → computer → actuators work in control systems
advantages and disadvantages of robots
school registration and CAL
how online booking prevents double-booking
ATM and EFT processes
uses of computers and 3D printing in medicine
the five main parts of an expert system
barcode/POS automatic stock control
internet shopping and banking
OMR, OCR, ANPR, RFID and NFC
biometric recognition
GPS, GIS and satellite communication