Abstract:

In this paper, we consider the problems and benefits of developing the infrastructure needed to handle the timing requirements of a real-time industrial control application and the processing of multimedia streams. In particular, this paper explores various application scenarios which can benefit from a real-time control system integrated with multimedia. We propose a high-level architecture based on open systems and identify key research issues at the system and database levels that must be addressed in order to incorporate multimedia capabilities into a distributed industrial control application. A real-time multimedia database is a key component in this platform and it can aid both in real-time control and in the decision making process at the management level, potentially resulting in reduced costs and improved operation of an industrial plant.