RSCS

Automata Based Interfaces for Dynamic Resource Scheduling in Control Systems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposed project addresses the emerging need for efficient resource utilization in embedded control software. The main objective is to combine control theory and scheduling theory in such a way as to remove the need for strict requirements on hard deadlines for control software components without compromising the ability to use them in safety-critical applications. To this end, I will conduct research on interfaces for components of software control systems that allow integration of dynamic scheduling mechanisms in safety-critical systems by providing formal performance and stability guarantees. The main benefit that we can expect from dynamic scheduling mechanisms is that resource utilization can be made more efficient by allowing adjustments to resource allocation in response to time varying needs. Specifically, I will study the possibility of using automata-based dynamic schedules that, I will show, give a good balance between expressivity and analyzability, thereby allowing better interface between scheduling and control. The specific research objectives are: 1) Expansion of the scope of automata-based interfaces; 2) Proposal of practical mechanisms for dynamic resource allocation in control systems; 3) Development of experimental tools for demonstrating the advantages of the new approach; 4) Contribution to formal methods and hybrid system theories.

In summary, because complete co-design of control and scheduling may become prohibitively complex for most systems, I propose to develop engineering methodologies that will take into account the interaction of scheduling and control without breaking the separation of concerns between control and software engineers.

Innovations and progress beyond the state the art include: 1) new links between formal languages and hybrid systems theories, 2) mathematical tools for analysis of switched and hybrid systems, 3) new methodologies for the design of efficient and reliable embedded control systems.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team has created novel embedded control software that more efficiently utilises resources. Work addressed interfaces for the system components, being potentially useful in fields such as robotics, aviation and industrial machines.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded RSCS (Automata based interfaces for dynamic resource scheduling in control systems) project addressed a need for efficient resource utilisation in embedded control software. The plan was to combine control theory and scheduling theory, thereby removing the need for strict requirements on hard deadlines for software components.

Yet, in addition, the proposal would not compromise the ability to use control system components in safety-critical applications. The team studied interfaces for components of software control systems that streamline the integration of dynamic scheduling mechanisms. Expected benefits included efficient resource allocation in critical control systems. The principle worked by feeding information from the control loop back to the scheduling algorithm, thus allowing adaptive adjustments to resource allocations. Potential applications include robots, aircraft and industrial machines. The four-year project ended in August 2014.

RSCS expanded the scope of automata-based interfaces. Researchers also provided ways of using automata as a practical interface between scheduling and control. The development allowed dynamic scheduling, formal performance guarantees, and separation of concerns between software and control engineers.

The team also created practical mechanisms for dynamic resource allocation. Results included a lightweight decision-making and scheduling mechanism. The outcome permitted control strategies that dynamically change resource demands depending on conditions.

Another result was experimental tools for demonstrating the advantages of the new approach. One tool, called GameComposer, demonstrated the applicability of the project's vision via case studies.

Finally, the team contributed to formal methods and hybrid systems theories.

The RSCS project developed new control and design techniques, and contributed to automata theory. Outcomes include more flexible interfaces and more responsive control systems.