Internet-based distributed data acquisition system for fiber-optic sensors

This paper describes the creation of an Internet-based distributed data-acquisition system for fiber-optic sensors. There is a great need in industry to coordinate remote resources to perform a common task. The architecture described is based on remote access, via the Internet, to a large number of fiber-optic pressure sensors located in different geographical areas. Distribution is done with server applications, which schedule requests for service and control the actual sensor devices. Servers also detect conflicts between new requests and their current schedules. Client applications act as virtual instrument panels that dispatch measurement tasks for servers. The architecture supports multiple servers, which can be added/removed from the system dynamically. As well, there can he multiple clients attempting to access servers simultaneously. Thus, the sensors in question are shared among the various client applications.