Preserving real-time behavior in dynamic distributed systems

Real-time computing is becoming an enabling technology for many important distributed applications such as flexible manufacturing, multimedia, robotics and process control. Traditionally, real-time systems have been realized as isolated, embedded systems, dedicated to provide the requested service for single, dedicated applications like automatic brake systems in vehicles or control systems for nuclear plants. Unfortunately, the solutions provided no longer suffice for more complex systems as they are encountered in many of the above-mentioned applications. Their most distinguishing requirement is the need of the computing system to dynamically adapt to changing conditions. Little work has been done on (operating) system mechanisms and algorithms, flexible enough to cope with the new requirements. This paper presents an integrated system concept for monitoring and control. Its generic approach is emphasized by exhibiting its use in different application scenarios.