Automata-Based Generic Model for Interoperating Context-Aware Ad-Hoc Devices in Internet of Things

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) applications can be seen as network-controlled systems with a distributed architecture connecting many smart objects through the Internet. A typical IoT application aims to connect a set of nodes, capable of processing data and making decisions regarding the goal of the IoT application, with other nodes containing smart objects with robotic components to collect data from their environment. In this paper, a generic model for novel context-aware and adaptive IoT architecture is presented. A group of nodes contains a controller interface (CI) that is used to control other nodes containing a controller unit (CU) which communicates randomly. CU nodes have complex control systems comprising both actuators and sensors, however CI nodes typically do not have detailed knowledge of such individual functionalities. Instead, at run time, control program logic (CPL) is downloaded by the CI to facilitate control and communication. The system also allows for different CPLs for any particular CU. In such an open and adaptive IoT environment, an architecture is required that can provide sufficient flexibility in designing nodes while maintaining uniformity in the IoT system to allow for interoperability and reliability. Using the notion of automata, a generalized mathematical description is presented that allows modeling of the CI and CU nodes and their operation. This model can then be used to formulate and solve problems regarding the interaction between CIs and CUs. The application of this model is demonstrated through a case study involving remote access laboratories where the CI–CU model is used.