Borja Bordel

Cyber–physical systems: Extending pervasive sensing from control theory to the Internet of Things

Abstract Essentially, the emerging term “Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS)” is an architectural paradigm in which the pervasive sensing technologies represent a fundamental part. Originally defined in the computer sciences domain, the term Cyber–Physical Systems has been adapted to very different domains such as the control theory or electronic engineering. Even, some authors understand CPS as a particular scenario of the Internet of Things (IoT) based on pervasive sensing. Furthermore, recently, some works propose a definition for CPS including all the features described in the different domains. In this paper we provide a comprehensive analysis of the nature and characteristics of the different proposals, discuss the recent attempts to standardize CPS, and review the state-of-the-art on CPS for each technological domain. We compare those different proposals on CPS, discuss about some related terms and technologies and conclude by describing the main research challenges in the area.Essentially, the emerging term CyberPhysical Systems (CPS) is an architectural paradigm in which the pervasive sensing technologies represent a fundamental part. Originally defined in the computer sciences domain, the term CyberPhysical Systems has been adapted to very different domains such as the control theory or electronic engineering. Even, some authors understand CPS as a particular scenario of the Internet of Things (IoT) based on pervasive sensing. Furthermore, recently, some works propose a definition for CPS including all the features described in the different domains. In this paper we provide a comprehensive analysis of the nature and characteristics of the different proposals, discuss the recent attempts to standardize CPS, and review the state-of-the-art on CPS for each technological domain. We compare those different proposals on CPS, discuss about some related terms and technologies and conclude by describing the main research challenges in the area.

Self-configuration in humanized Cyber-Physical Systems

Most works on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are based on classic hardware infrastructures made of sensors, actuators and processing devices. Usual self-configuration technologies, then, do not allow humans to be integrated in CPS as service providers. Therefore, in this work we propose a new self-configuration technology for humanized CPS. The proposed technology uses simple binary and mathematical operations in order to reduce the convergence time, improve the scalability and address the dynamism introduced by humans into CPS. Besides, a human-oriented quality-of-service algorithm based on the Maslow pyramid is also introduced. Moreover, an experimental validation is conducted in order to validate the proposed solution as a useful and scalable self-configuration technology for humanized Cyber-Physical Systems.

Plug-and-Play Transducers in Cyber-Physical Systems for Device-Driven Applications

One of the most popular IoT-based technologies nowadays are Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs). In its lowest level, CPSs include a set of transducers which must be automatically connected and configured to achieve a seamless union with the environment. This problem, however, is usually addressed supposing devices with large processing capabilities, instead of small sensors and actuators seamless integrated in the physical world. Thus, in this article we propose a new plug-and-play technology specially designed for being applied in reduced capacities devices integrated in CPSs. Moreover, an experimental validation is conducted in order to validate the proposal and evaluate its performance.

Improving the Complexity of the Lorenz Dynamics

A new four-dimensional, hyperchaotic dynamic system, based on Lorenz dynamics, is presented. Besides, the most representative dynamics which may be found in this new system are located in the phase space and are analyzed here. The new system is especially designed to improve the complexity of Lorenz dynamics, which, despite being a paradigm to understand the chaotic dissipative flows, is a very simple example and shows great vulnerability when used in secure communications. Here, we demonstrate the vulnerability of the Lorenz system in a general way. The proposed 4D system increases the complexity of the Lorenz dynamics. The trajectories of the novel system include structures going from chaos to hyperchaos and chaotic-transient solutions. The symmetry and the stability of the proposed system are also studied. First return maps, Poincare sections, and bifurcation diagrams allow characterizing the global system behavior and locating some coexisting structures. Numerical results about the first return maps, Poincare cross sections, Lyapunov spectrum, and Kaplan-Yorke dimension demonstrate the complexity of the proposed equations.

Physical Processes Control in Industry 4.0-Based Systems: A Focus on Cyber-Physical Systems

Industry 4.0 or cyber-industry may employ Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) profusely to organize production media in a new and more efficient way. Many processes might be defined in CPS and Industry 4.0, however, physical processes are probably the least studied. Therefore, in this paper we propose an architecture for Industry 4.0-based systems focused on the control of physical processes. The architecture follows the CPS paradigm. Moreover, a first evaluation of the performance of the proposed solution, using simulation tools, is provided. The results proved the proposed architecture is a valid solution for physical control processes.

Building Smart Adaptable Cyber-Physical Systems: Definitions, Classification and Elements

The provision of systems that join the information technologies with the physical world has been one of the most popular issues in research in the last fifteen years. Nevertheless, the complexity associated with these systems prevented many authors from providing a theoretical formalization. Even it is difficult to find a consensus name or a definition for this new type of systems. Therefore, in this work we propose a theoretical and technical formalization for these solutions, which includes a name at the forefront of research: smart adaptable cyber-physical systems (SACPS). We also present a complete definition for the SACPS, and explain the elements and subsystem interaction.

Analyzing UAV-Based Remote Sensing and WSN Support for Data Fusion

Recent developments in remote sensing are significantly contributing to exploration and data acquisition through improved efficiency and risk reduction. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are involved in a wide range of remote sensing applications, as they are rapid, efficient and flexible acquisition systems. They represent a valid alternative or a complementary solution to satellite or airborne sensors. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), on the other hand, have proliferated significantly in recent years thanks to their timely, cheap and extremely rich data acquisition capacity with respect to other acquisition systems. This paper analyzes current state of the art in UAV-based remote sensing and WSN support for the generation of integrated data. An architecture is proposed for the combination of these technologies and the data acquisition, communication, fusion, and presentation processes are analyzed along with the proposal of future challenges.

A service-oriented monitoring system based on rule evaluation for Home Automation

This paper proposes a monitoring system based on the provision of monitoring services for the real-time checking of the correct behavior of sensors and actuators. Monitoring services consist of a set of user-defined rules, which can be registered in a cloud domain and directly executed on a controller device. An implementation of this system and an evaluation of the systems response time in detecting unexpected behavior of monitored devices is presented.

Improving Learning Tasks for Mentally Handicapped People Using AmI Environments Based on Cyber-Physical Systems

In this research work it is presented a preliminary prototype for an ambient intelligence scenario based on cyber-physical systems for improving learning tasks. The system proposed is composed of a cyber-glove, a worktable (both with RFID and NFC detection zones) and a AmI software application for modeling and workflow guidance. The authors carried out a case study where 12 mentally handicapped people and 3 trainers were involved executing workflows creation and performing and controlling tasks. The results obtained indicate that this kind of solutions are feasible, but due to the problem complexity and to the fact that the proposed solution is a preliminary version, we have found many issues to be solved in next versions. This research helped us to uncover these issues and design a better system.

An autonomous information device with e-paper display for personal environments

We propose an autonomous wireless device with e-paper display and low-energy communication for information requirements in personal environments. A commercial hardware platform is used and an additional PCB designed to achieve a power saving strategy. To detect existing devices and transmit images a distributor node is defined and implemented.