Control Systems

An Overview

Definition

A control system is a device or set of devices that are coordinated to execute a planned set of actions.

Video Game Controller

• Remote is handled by user (you)– Input is sent to game

console and processed• Output / data is sent to

monitor • Feedback appears on

screen– Output is viewed as visual

feedback

How Video Game Controller Works

Sensor readReading

processed

Game responds

Feedbackon monitor

Device ismanipulated

Input Input Processing

OutputOutput

Input Process Output

Feedback

Typical Closed Loop Process

Music Player

• What is the input for increasing the volume?

• What is the process?

• What is the output?• What is the

feedback?

Music Player

• Controls operated by user and signals sent to device

• Request is processed by device and desired conditions are set

• Volume strength is increased

• Feedback is heard through headphones by user

How it Works

Sensor readReading

processed

Player responds

Feedback through

headphones

Device ismanipulated

Input Process Output

Feedback

Typical Closed Loop Process

Open and Closed Loop

Open Loop Control System– Sprinkler System

• No direct connection between the output of the system and the conditions can be controlled

• Can not compensate for unexpected forces

Closed Loop Control System– Refrigerator Light Sensor

• Provides the system with operation feedback

• Can compensate for conditional changes

– Thermostat• Heating or cooling equipment is actuated

based on temperature sensed

Image Resources

Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx