Distributed system architecture study Sample Clauses

Distributed system architecture study. In parallel to the other sensors investigation a study into distributed system architecture was undertaken which considered the practical aspects of working with a distributed system to perform the SUBITO task. The general aims were to identify the appropriate structure, carry out a cost-benefit analysis and define the basic requirements for this type of distributed system. In a centralized system, such as the system context described above, section 2.2, where high resolution cameras are used, and data is generally received in a compressed format. This data must be decompressed prior to analysis which places a heavy loading operation on the processing, but the cost of using specialised hardware to ease the loading on the central processor is typically not very critical. In comparison for a distributed system, low cost, high performance processors and dedicated decompression modules are required leading to considerably increased costs. From the wireless transmission tests performed in the study, it is clear that for a distributed network of surveillance processors located in crowded areas where there are potentially many other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) users. The possibility exists for the communication links to deteriorate (either through heavy load of users or deliberate jamming). This is intolerable for potentially safety critical system. The use of high gain directional antennas within the system design, could improve this situation for fixed long distance links; however, for such links a high level of external RF noise is possible which may interfere with system performance. Further details of the study outcomes as well as proposals for a proper distributed system architecture can be found in Ref. 9. The study concluded that both compressed and decompressed image formats are need within surveillance systems. The compression/decompression process using software to achieve the modern compression standards overloads typical consumer Personal Computer (PC) processors. In terms of the architecture for the SUBITO project and demonstration, no wireless or distributed processing was included due to the potential impacts on system performance and increased work in maintaining system security.