Integrate multimedia in manufacturing networks using ATM

Computing and networking technologies allow the integration of continuous media data flows to almost every computer system. We particularly focus on the case of the factory and process control plants where audio, animation and video devices will soon take part in the control and the monitoring of manufacturing processes. We propose a MMS-like multimedia application service element (MASE) for the configuration and the management of multimedia devices and continuous media data streams on manufacturing and process control plants. We also propose a novel architecture for real-time distributed systems using a 155.52 Mbit/s ATM network. The system is based on an intelligent communication board integrating a processor and a field programmable gate array component on which MASE and other flexible high level communication functions are implemented. The embedded ATM switch provides high speed communication links inside the workstation. The main advantages of our architecture include: the reduction of the multimedia load imposed on the host processor, the provision of an efficient real-time data service to applications, and the support of the TCP/IP protocol.