An Agent-Based Approach to Reconciling Data Heterogeneity in Cyber-Physical Systems
Abstract
Computing and communication devices in any cyber-physical system (CPS) of non-trivial scale exhibit significant heterogeneity. Critical infrastructure systems, which are prime examples of CPSs, are no exception. The extent of networking capability, decentralized control, and more generally, integration between the cyber and physical infrastructures can vary greatly within a large-scale CPS. Other manifestations of heterogeneity in CPSs are in the resolution, syntax, and semantics of data collected by sensors from the physical infrastructure. Similar challenges complicate the use of databases that maintain past sensor data, device settings, or information about the physical infrastructure. The work presented in this paper aims to address these challenges by using the summary schemas model (SSM), which enables heterogeneous data sources to be queried with an unrestricted view and/or terminology. This support for imprecise queries significantly broadens the scope of data that can be used for intelligent decision support and carries the promise of increased reliability and performance for the CPS. We seek to ensure that ambiguity and imprecision do not accompany this expanded scope. The ultimate goal of a CPS is to fortify and streamline the operation of its physical infrastructure. The success of this task is contingent upon correct and efficient interpretation of data describing the state of the physical components, and the constraints to which it is subject. To this end, we propose agent-based semantic interpretation services that extract meaningful and useful information from raw data from heterogeneous sources, aided by the SSM. The proposed approach is described in the context of intelligent water distribution networks, which are cyber-physical critical infrastructure systems responsible for reliable delivery of potable water. The methodology is general, and can be extended to a broad range of CPSs, including smart power grids and intelligent transportation systems.
Recommended Citation
J. Lin et al., "An Agent-Based Approach to Reconciling Data Heterogeneity in Cyber-Physical Systems," Proceedings of the IEEE Parallel and Distributed Processing Workshops \& PhD Forum (2011, Anchorage, AK), pp. 93 - 103, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), May 2011.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1109/IPDPS.2011.130
Meeting Name
IEEE Parallel and Distributed Processing Workshops & PhD Forum (2011: May 16-20, Anchorage, AK)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Second Department
Computer Science
Sponsor(s)
National Science Foundation (U.S.)
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Intelligent Systems Center
Keywords and Phrases
Cyber-Physical Systems; Intelligent Water Distribution; Multi-Agent; Multidatabases; Semantic Interpretation Service; Summary-Schemas Models; Critical Infrastructures; Decision Support Systems; Distributed Parameter Networks; Embedded Systems; Intelligent Systems; Parallel Processing Systems; Potable Water; Public Works; Semantics; Sensors; Smart Power Grids; Water Distribution Systems; Distributed Computer Systems
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-1612844251
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1530-2075
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2011 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 May 2011
Comments
This work was supported in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. IIS-0324835 and in part by the Missouri S&T Intelligent Systems Center.