EMWF: A Middleware for Flexible Automation and Assistive Devices

Abstract

Abstract. EMWF (Embedded Workflow Framework)is an open source middleware for flexible (i.e., configurable, customizable and adaptable), usercentric automation and assistive devices and systems. EMWF 1.0 provides a light-weight workflow manager and engines on Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and Linux. It is for small embedded automation devices. EMWF 2.0 also provides basic message passing and real-time scheduling mechanisms and workflow communication facility. This paper describes EMWF 1.0 and extensions in EMWF 2.0, as well as case studies on workflow-based design and implementation as motivations for EMWF and the extensions.

Model-Based Development of User-Centric Automation and Assistive Devices/Systems

“…EMWF [19] presented later in this paper is a workflow management system designed specifically for UCAADS. Typically, such devices are not as severely power and size constrained as cell phones and PDAs and do not have challengingly stringent timing requirements.…”

“…As stated earlier, EMWF is intended to be the middleware of choice for UCAADS [19]. Both versions 1.0 and 2.0 are written in C and run on Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard.…”

“…The ALA engine uses worker threads to execute activities as work items at the priorities of the activities. Information on relative merits of the engines can be found in [19].…”

“…WF is particularly not well suited for UCAADS that has embedded components running at high rates and interacting closely with hardware. These shortcomings motivated us to develop the embedded workflow framework (EMWF) [19] with the goal of replacing WF as the middleware of choice for UCAADS. EMWF is written in C programming language and scaled down to fit embedded platforms and designed specifically for diverse UCAADS.…”