Action-Oriented Query Processing for Pervasive Computing

Pervasive computing applications monitor physical-world phenomena and integrate data acquisition, communication and actions across small, heterogeneous devices (e.g., smart sensors, network cameras and handheld devices). To ease the development of these applications, we propose to perform their tasks by executing action-embedded queries, which are continuous queries with operations towards devices. We extend SQL to allow applications to specify actions and action-embedded queries. We treat actions as first-class citizens (operators) in query execution plans, and investigate adaptive, costbased optimization techniques for a single query as well as for multiple queries. We evaluate our prototype query processor, Aorta, using a pervasive lab monitoring application. The initial experimental results show that Aorta ensures correct application semantics, improves query response time and balances device workload.