ICT IGCSE Theory

1.5 Impact of emerging technologies

Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

• Describe how emerging technologies are having an impact on everyday life (e.g.
biometrics, artificial intelligence, vision enhancement, robotics, quantum cryptography,
computer-assisted translation, 3D and holographic imaging, virtual reality
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Biometrics authentication is used as a form of identification which recognises

individuals body parts.

Finger Printing
• Staff can scan their finger prints to sign in and out of work.
• Police can use finger print to authenticate an individual’s identity.
• Some laptops use finger prints biometrics to gain access to the system.

Eye Recognition
• The iris of the eye is scanned for recognition purposes.
• No physical contact is required to scan the iris which may
be useful in some cultures.
• Immigration at airports use eye recognition to prevent
people travelling with fraudulent documentation.

Facial and voice recognition is also another form of biometrics. The main purpose of
biometrics is to improve security with regards to access to computer systems.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Quantum Cryptography

Cryptography is the technology of making message not understood to

any Unauthorized user. This is referred to as Encryption.

Encryption: Sender uses a secret key (Code) to encrypt the message before it is sent to
over the network to another receiver. The receiver of the data at the other end uses
the key to decode (Understand the message)

Quantum Cryptography: Quantum Cryptography allows messages and

data to be sent with complete privacy
 Older methods of encryption were based around mathematics but quantum
cryptography uses physics instead, Messages are encrypted using photons.
These are tiny packets of light.
 This makes the encryption impossible to break. So all the transmission data can be
more secure.
 Commonly use in online shopping and banking website to secure data.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Quantum Cryptography- Uses

 Completely secure voting

 Secure bank transfer

 Secure communication in military

 Secure personal information.

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Computer-assisted Translation

Computer-assisted translation, is a form of language translation in which a

human translator uses computer software to support and facilitate the
translation process.

Google Translate to help you with your French homework. The

human can either type or speak into a microphone. The information
will then be translated in to the selected language.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Robotics are used commonly in the manufacturing industry typically completing

labour intensive jobs.

• Robots can be programmed to complete specific tasks or used manually.

• No human intervention is required once the robot has been programmed.
• Robots can complete tasks with more precision including robotic surgery.
• Robots can work in extreme conditions or environments.

How Are Robots Used in a Factory?

1. Lift heavy items into from place to
place
2. Assemble parts together to create
things
3. Join parts together using glue, or
by welding (melting metal)
4. Paint items

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 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software. The

user will normally wear a head mounted display which will simulates their
physical presence in places in the real world or imagined world.

Uses:
1. Training: Allow professionals to conduct training in a virtual
environment without the threat of any physical harm.
2. Computer Games: users are able to immerse themselves into
a gaming platform.
3. Sports: It is used as an aid to measuring athletic performance
as well as analysing technique

4. Construction: An organisation can not only render the resulting

structure in 3D but also experience them as they would in the real
world.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

AI is being developed in the following areas:

Game Playing -
Computers developed to play games against human players.
For example: A computer named 'Deep-Blue' defeated a world
champion in the game of chess

Expert Systems -
These are computers that have been programmed to make
decisions based on information they are given.
For example: Medical expert systems can diagnose patient's
illnesses based on symptoms entered.
Languages -
AI involves computers that can understand different human
languages as they are spoken to them.

Robotic – Artificial intelligence is where machines are

programmed to imitate a human.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer systems that can simulate human intelligence
(able to make decisions typically made by a human).
The impacts that artificial intelligence can have on everyday
life:
• As seen in the movies AI could be potentially used in the
military and police force.
• Robotic surgery assistants are being used to quickly and
accurately pass the correct surgical tools to doctors. The few
seconds saved in getting the correct tool to the doctor can
save patient's lives.
• Modern home alarm systems use artificial intelligence
software that can tell the difference between the home
owners and intruders.
The software automatically alerts the police when
intruders are detected
• However the issue would be whether a robot could
demonstrate empathy in certain situations.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

Vision Enhancement uses video technology which is projected to the user through
the lens. The system can bring distant objects closer and into focus.

• The vision enhancement system amplifies infrared light so that an image can be
clearly seen even in darkness.

• Militaries across the world use this technology to complete missions and carry
out surveillance at night.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Emerging Technologies

3D and holographic imaging is a technology that allows 3D images to be

produced. A holographic image moves in the same way as the original image
in three dimensions (3D)
How Holograms are created:
Object beam Object
1. Splitting a laser beam.
Laser beam
2. Half the light (object beam) is
reflected of the object onto a
photographic plate .
Reference beam Mirror
3. The other half of the light (reference
beam) is reflected off a mirror onto
the same photographic plate .
Photographic
4. The hologram is produced when the plate
two light beams meet on the
photographic plate.