Pervasive computing vs. cyber-physical systems: A perspective from smart environments

Abstract

Rapid advancements in smartphones, wireless sensors and mobile communications have led to the development of cyber-physical systems, pervasive computing and smart environments with important applications in environmental, civilian, military, industry, and government sectors. Sensor networks and smartphones play significant roles in this context as they not only act as effective interface between physical and cyber worlds, but also bring in human social aspects. However, increasing scale and heterogeneity at all levels — users, devices, networking and computing technologies, information and services — implies a high degree of uncertainty in distributed control and operations of pervasive and cyber-physical systems, thereby posing significant challenges in providing desired information quality, assurance, and reliability for intelligent decision making. This is particularly important for critical applications like smart health care and pervasive security. This talk will examine uncertainty-driven unique challenges and opportunities in cyber-physical and pervasive computing systems and their inter-winding relationships with smart environments. The talk will be concluded with provocative thoughts, open issues and future directions of research.