A Generic Model of Contracts for Embedded Systems

We present the mathematical foundations of the contract-based model developed in the framework of the SPEEDS project. SPEEDS aims at developing methods and tools to support "speculative design", a design methodology in which distributed designers develop different aspects of the overall system, in a concurrent but controlled way. Our generic mathematical model of contract supports this style of development. This is achieved by focusing on behaviors, by supporting the notion of "rich component" where diverse (functional and non-functional) aspects of the system can be considered and combined, by representing rich components via their set of associated contracts, and by formalizing the whole process of component composition

Modeling a distributed Heterogeneous Communication System using Parametric Timed Automata

In this report, we study the application of the Parametric Timed Automata(PTA) tool to a concrete case of a distributed Heterogeneous Communication System (HCS). The description and requirements of HCS are presented and the system modeling is explained carefully. The system models are developed in UPPAAL and validated by different test cases. Part of the system models are then converted into parametric timed automata and the schedulability checking is run to produce the schedulability regions

Correction: Sharpening the Scythe of Technological Change: Socio-Technical Challenges of Autonomous and Adaptive Cyber-Physical Systems

We, the authors, wish to make the following corrections to our paper[...

Histogram-less LiDAR through SPAD response linearization

We present a new method to acquire the 3D information from a SPAD-based direct-Time-of-Flight (d-ToF) imaging system which does not require the construction of a histogram of timestamps and can withstand high flux operation regime. The proposed acquisition scheme emulates the behavior of a SPAD detector with no distortion due to dead time, and extracts the Tof information by a simple average operation on the photon timestamps ensuring ease of integration in a dedicated sensor and scalability to large arrays. The method is validated through a comprehensive mathematical analysis, whose predictions are in agreement with a numerical Monte Carlo model of the problem. Finally, we show the validity of the predictions in a real d-ToF measurement setup under challenging background conditions well beyond the typical pile-up limit of 5% detection rate up to a distance of 3.8 m

A Generic Model of Contracts for Embedded Systems

We present the mathematical foundations of the contract-based model developed in the framework of the SPEEDS project. SPEEDS aims at developing methods and tools to support "speculative design", a design methodology in which distributed designers develop different aspects of the overall system, in a concurrent but controlled way. Our generic mathematical model of contract supports this style of development. This is achieved by focusing on behaviors, by supporting the notion of "rich component" where diverse (functional and non-functional) aspects of the system can be considered and combined, by representing rich components via their set of associated contracts, and by formalizing the whole process of component composition

Safe Delivery of Sensed Data in Wireless Sensor Networks for Gas Leak Detection: a Boiler Facility Scenario

AbstractIn this work we share our experience in the deployment of a Wireless Gas Sensor Network (WGSN) in an operational boiler facility. Our setup is based on a state-of-the-art WGSN platform which ensures reliable gas detection and long–term operation of the network. We first describe the deployment of the network and then evaluate its wireless links using Received Signal Strenght Indicator (RSSI) and Link Quality Indicator (LQI) metrics

A Self-powered Module with Localization and Tracking System for Paintball

Abstract. In spite of the popularity of wireless sensor networks (WSN), their application scenarios are still scanty. In this paper we apply the WSN paradigm to the entertainment area, and in particular to the domain of Paintball. This niche scenario poses challenges in terms of player localization and wireless sen-sor node lifetime. The main goal of localization in this context is to locate and track the player in order to facilitate his/her orientation, and to increase the level of safety. Long term operation could be achieved by adopting appropriate hardware components, such as storage elements, harvesting component, and a novel circuit solution. In this work we present a decentralized localization and tracking system for Paintball and describe the current status of the development of a self-powered module to be used between a wireless node and an energy harvesting component.

A Methodology for the Design of Safety-Compliant and Secure Communication of Autonomous Vehicles

International audience; The automotive industry is increasing its effort towards scientific and technological innovations regarding autonomous vehicles. The expectation is a reduction of road accidents, which are too often caused by human errors. Moreover, technological solutions, such as connected autonomous vehicle platoons, are expected to help humans in emergency situations. In this context, safety and security issues do not yet have a satisfactory answer. In this paper, we address the domain of secure communication among vehicles - especially the issues related to authentication and authorization of inter-vehicular signals and services carrying safety commands. We propose a novel design methodology, where we take a contract-based approach for specifying safety, and combine it in the design flow with the use of the Arrowhead Framework to support security. Furthermore, we present the results through a demo, which employs model-based design for software implementation and the physical realization on autonomous model cars