Towards Sensing Information Systems

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of pervasive computing, including the approaches and technologies related to Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) are changing the way we perceive computing capability. Although the scientific communities have already started to discuss about the visionary concepts that will exploit these advances, such as Sensing and Liquid Enterprise, the truly smart and interoperable CPS networks are still confined to the 'valley of death' - between prototyping and mass-production. In this position paper, we propose the concept of Sensing Information System, a novel paradigm that will facilitate the transformation of CPS to Cyber Physical Ecosystems - borderless technical environments in which the devices will become capable to sense, perceive, decide and act, based on the external, common behavioural and context models. The proposed concepts are illustrated in a case study, demonstrating the use of Sensing Information Systems for extended clinical workflows.