Software Architecture to Integrate Sensors and Controllers

A system architecture is proposed for integrating sensors, controllers, actuators and instrumentation within a common framework. The goal is to provide a flexible and scalable system. Extending the system, by adding additional components such as sensors or actuators, does not increase the overheads and is achieved seamlessly with minimal modification of the core controller program. The architecture is generic, though it has been proposed to implement a prototype system on a small form factor PC to remote control an autonomous vehicle. The architecture will find application in many other spheres such as home, office and factory automation, process and environmental monitoring, surveillance and robotics.