Architecture for distributed embedded systems based on workflow and distributed resource management

Distributed embedded computing differs itself from traditional computing by its great heterogeneous, dynamic and non-standardized nature. This requires more powerful technologies that enable us to develop systems with more flexible architectures. Workflow technology achieves this by managing collaborations between system elements explicitly. However, in distributed embedded environment, current workflow systems could not be used directly for the reason of very different supporting platforms. Distributed resource management technology could bridge this gap. In this paper, we classify distributed embedded systems into fundamental types of elements representing both basic structural components and relationship between them. Then we present an architecture based on the integration of workflow and DRM systems according to our classification and analyze important coordination mechanisms among workflow, DRM systems and other elements. Ideas, such as utilizing function model to customize and optimize the design of systems, also reflect important principles to design distributed embedded systems.