Vision and Challenges for Realising the Internet of Things

CuteLoop
Framework
Implementation
Implementation
Generic
Service
Templates
CuteLoop Framework
based Solution
Basic Basic CuteLoop CuteLoop Platform
Platform
CuteLoop
Security
Communication
Framework
Bus
Data
Management
Basic CuteLoop
Platform
User Interface
Agent
Connector
Agent Agent Platform
Platform
Agent
Platform
Customised
Service/Agent
Multi-Agent
System
CuteLoop
Platform
Connector
Agent Agent Platform
Platform
Basic CuteLoop
Platform
Security
Framework
Generic
Agent
Templates
Legacy Legacy Integration Integration Platform
Platform
User Interface
Agent
Platform
Customised
Service/Agent
Legacy Legacy Connector
Connector
Legacy
Security
System
Framework
Adaptor
Legacy
Connector
Legacy
Interface
Figure 4.2-4: Reference structure for implementation, using the Framework for realisation of
CuteLoop Framework based solutions.
Finally, the CuteLoop framework is OS platform independent, hence applicable on different
types of networked devices. While analysis of current devices from active RFID type platforms
over mini-PC to multi-purpose devices like smartphones and netbooks indicates that at least a
certain JAVA support is required. Low performance devices are also envisaged to be integrated,
when developing an overall solution. However, an initial architecture already needs to
be driven by the process related requirements to find an appropriate distribution of higher
level functionality in relation to networked devices. Such active devices operating an agent
platform specifically include a management agent that will coordinate an intelligent workflow
support. However, main elements of the CuteLoop Framework are a basic platform, an agent
platform and a legacy connector, as presented in Figure 4.2-4.
Based on specific requirements of a defined scenario, appropriate elements with their entities
would be composed to a specific CuteLoop solution. Such a solution would be highly customised
and based on real business processes with their defined actors and existing applications.
5 Conclusions
The CuteLoop project is addressing two business environments that are characterised by a
large amount of SMEs that are collaborating in open chains with dynamically changing relations
between enterprises. A significant amount of human operators are working in decentralised
and distributed settings, lacking an integrated ICT support. The related business challenges
were analysed as well as innovation aspects of using Networked Devices Enabled Intelligence.
Several application cases of NDEI were elaborated. Required technology related capabilities
were grouped in a framework, facilitating the realisation of ICT solutions that provide
an intelligent and human centric support for the integrated enterprise.
To assure an impact on the business environment, attention was paid to neither a specific
hardware device nor on a certain operating system, but on elaborating a framework of key
features that are specifically required when aiming to develop certain capabilities and services
that are required for implementing Networked Devices Enabled Intelligence. Hence it is targeted
at the reuse of available/state-of-the-art infrastructures and devices. In the ongoing
work of the project, software components are under development that will be tested and demonstrated
in business environments. Grouped in accordance to a reference structure of capabilities
and business process related interaction models, also methodological guidelines will be
provided for using the CuteLoop framework in developing solutions in relation to innovative
application cases. These results are envisaged to directly address identified challenges, while
from an SME perspective specifically addressing aspects related to trust, scalability and costs.
6 Acknowledgement
The presented work is carried out in the scope of the CuteLoop project (Customer in the Loop:
Using Networked Devices Enabled Intelligence for Proactive Customers Integration as Drivers
of Integrated Enterprise – http://www.cuteloop.eu). The research leading to these results has
received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme
(FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 216420. It is carried out by an international consortium
from France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, The Netherlands and UK.
CERP-IoT – Cluster of European Research Projects on the Internet of Things
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