State one input device used by the automated headlights.

Explain how the interaction between the inputs, processing and the outputs of the feedback loop ensure the car stays the same distance away from the car in front.

Discuss the use of centralized and decentralized processing in the context of control systems such as those involved in the operation of motor vehicles.

Explain one ethical concern that must be considered in the development of autonomous vehicles.

Award [1 max]
photoelectric sensor;
light sensor;

Award [6 max]
Sensor (continuously) collecting data (related to the distance between the two vehicles);
Data is converted to digital using ADC…;
…and sent to the processor;
Processor has access to pre-set data (minimum distance required between the two cars);
Processor compares the input data against stored/pre-set data;
If the vehicle is too close, the processor sends a signal to an actuator to apply the brakes/ an output signal (for example, warning light on the dashboard/ audible warning) to the driver to apply break;
If the car has fallen back from the car in front, the processor sends a signal to an actuator to apply acceleration/ an output signal to the driver to apply acceleration;
This process is constantly looped (feedback loop);

Award [5 max]
Award [2 max] for centralised processing
Centralized processing would allow the different features of the car to be controlled by a single processor;
… this means that different features of the car are less likely to impact on the operation of other features, as the central processor can coordinate them;

Award [2 max] for decentralised / distributed processing
Decentralized processing allows each of the car’s features to have its own processor;
… enabling each feature to function independently/more quickly;

Award [1 max] for concluding statement
Centralized processing is more complex for the manufacturer to program, but is possibly safer as the different components coordinate;
Centralised processing is more expensive to achieve as the whole system needs to be coordinated in real time;
Decentralised processing has a faster response (time due to the use of multiple smaller PLCs);
Decentralised processing is simpler/cheaper for the car manufacturer as they can use standard parts that are already programmed, but it is more difficult to get them to coordinate with each other;
Decentralised processing allows scalability, the subsystems can be easily customised;
A crash in a centralized system would result in failure of the whole system / a critical system failure so would have far greater consequences than in a decentralized system where the system may be able to partially function hence are riskier than decentralized ones;

Award [3 max]
Autonomous vehicles can be seen as more dangerous to pedestrians/cyclists;
…as they have to be programmed to react to avoid unpredictable movements from them;
The ethical consideration is how might the processor decide whether to avoid the cyclist to hit a pedestrian instead (trolley problem);

When autonomous vehicle control systems are perfected;
… they should be safer than human drivers;
… it may then be an ethical consideration as to whether a human who cannot drive should be the responsible person in the autonomous vehicle?;

An autonomous driving system could collect detailed information about the movements of the car;
… this information could reveal where individuals go, and raise privacy concerns;
… which could be exploited for commercial gain/ be considered as a form of surveillance (an ethical consideration);

There may be times when an accident is unavoidable (the trolley problem);
The autonomous vehicle has to make a ‘decision’ about who to hit;
In this case is the driver, the manufacturer, the software engineer or the third party accountable?;

Note to examiners: accept other reasonable answers.

This question was reasonably answered except by weaker candidates

Some candidates failed to achieve full marks as result of incomplete and vague answers.

Some candidates demonstrated poor understanding of control systems.

Many responses to part (b) were verbose while missing crucial information that would award the mark.