A number of different system concepts have become apparent in the
broader context of embedded systems over the past few years. Whilst
there are some differences between these, this book argues that in
fact there is much they share in common, particularly the important
notions of control, heterogenity, wireless communication,
dynamics/ad hoc nature and cost.
The first part of the book covers cooperating object
applications and the currently available application scenarios,
such as control and automation, healthcare, and security and
surveillance. The second part discusses paradigms for algorithms
and interactions. The third part covers various types of vertical
system functions, including data aggregation, resource management
and time synchronization. The fourth part outlines system
architecture and programming models, outlining all currently
available architectural models and middleware approaches that can
be used to abstract the complexity of cooperating object
technology.
Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of the trends
guiding current research and gives suggestions as to possible
future developments and how various shortcomings in the technology
can be overcome.
