Semi-automatic

Semi-automatic is a working principle of a system , a process , a machine , a device that is based on only partial support of a process or a human user through automation . In contrast to fully automatic , semiautomatic does not achieve complete autonomy of the process flow or complete relief of the machine user. The semi-automatic function usually acts on a manipulated variable . However, there are also systems in which only one measuring process runs semi-automatically.

The decision in favor of a partial functionality with a semi-automatic system is mostly based on the higher costs of the fully automatic system, as this requires more effort in terms of design or production . Another reason for partial functionality with a semi-automatic system is the lack of robustness against interference, which cannot be achieved with the known approach or can only be achieved with the involvement of a human. A semi-automatic can always be switched off, and electronically controlled machines can often be switched between semi-automatic and fully automatic during operation.

Examples

Semi-automatic therefore means

in the case of aircraft, the presence of the pilot even when the autopilot is in operation. The flight control then takes place automatically as long as no malfunction is detected.

In the case of vehicle transmissions , the user has to initiate the gear change manually while the clutch is actuated automatically. See AKS .

in the case of floor-standing devices, the need to approach a treated object in such a way that the desired connection between device and treated object is established, for example in the case of RFID readers and passive tags. The reading process may then be automatic

in the case of hand-held devices, the need to guide the hand-held device in such a way that the desired connection between the device and the processed surface is established, for example in the case of a hand-held drill when thread cutting The drilling itself may then be automatic.

In the case of turntables , the user places the pickup manually on the record , but is automatically raised or returned to the rest position when the end of the playback area is reached.

In the case of espresso machines , that the pressure for producing the coffee is generated by a pump that is manually switched on and off by a user. Protection against overpressure and overheating is automatic.

For cameras, a form of exposure measurement in which the user selects exposure time or aperture number manually, but the other parameter is set automatically. If the user is only shown by a pointer whether the selected combination is suitable for the respective situation, this is not a semi-automatic function, but a complex measuring function.

in the case of guns , that the breech opens and a fired cartridge case or cartridge is ejected by the weapon function, but the weapon has to be reloaded manually.

In the case of handguns , after the shot has been fired, a cartridge is automatically loaded from the magazine into the chamber so that the weapon is ready to fire again. The shot is only released when the trigger is pressed again. See automatic firearm .

Individual evidence

↑ Halio, Jay L. Björn: As you like it: an annotated bibliography, 1940-1980 . Garland, 1985, ISBN 0-8240-9071-3 ( worldcat.org [accessed April 30, 2019]).

[1] Halio, Jay L. Björn: As you like it: an annotated bibliography, 1940-1980 . Garland, 1985, ISBN 0-8240-9071-3 ( worldcat.org [accessed April 30, 2019]).