CPS

Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are integrations of computation, networking, and physical processes. Embedded computers and networks monitor and control the physical processes, with feedback loops where physical processes affect computations and vice versa. The economic and societal potential of such systems is vastly greater than what has been realized, and major investments are being made worldwide to develop the technology. The technology builds on the older (but still very young) discipline of embedded systems, computers and software embedded in devices whose principle mission is not computation, such as cars, toys, medical devices, and scientific instruments. CPS integrates the dynamics of the physical processes with those of the software and networking, providing abstractions and modeling, design, and analysis techniques for the integrated whole.

Smart building automation systems utilize a variety of sensor information to automate and improve building systems management. Daylight sensors automatically adjust room lighting to dim or turn off lighting when sunlight suffices. HVAC systems utilize temperature, air quality and occupancy information to adjust heating, cooling and ventilation. Buildings are pre-cooled or pre-heated for occupancy based upon historical occupancy records, so that the application of HVAC conforms to actual building usage rather than fixed schedules. Elevator control systems utilize historical elevator traffic records to pre-position elevators closest to the floors where they will most likely be called next. This speeds up elevator response and reduces congestion in elevator lobbies.

Smart buildings systems facilitate the efficient implementation of office hoteling — a method of office management in which workers dynamically schedule or select their use of workspaces such as desks, cubicles, and offices. By presenting an access card at an office door or typing an ID code into a desk cubicle telephone, phone calls for the worker's phone extension are automatically routed to the desk phone, with lighting and HVAC being adjusted according to the individual worker's preferences.

Smart building smartphone apps enable authorized individuals to adjust the lighting and HVAC levels in their newly occupied space, as well as the warmth or coolness of overhead LED lighting in their occupied area. Package deliveries can be automatically routed to the worker's currently occupied space, with smartphone notification of pending delivery.