A fault-tolerant framework for wearable computing in the field of pervasive healthcare computing

Dissertation for Master's Degree in Computer Engineering (Sc. M)

Treatment:

Software

Abstract

Failure in systems with sensitive applications can lead to irreparable disasters. The design of this category of systems should be such that in the event of an error, they are able to perform their duties correctly, in addition to preventing the occurrence of errors as much as possible. Therefore, fault tolerance is a critical requirement for systems with sensitive applications. Wearable computers are an example of these systems that are widely used and paid attention to by researchers in sensitive applications such as health. For example, the error of these systems can have irreparable consequences for a patient who is miles away from his doctor or hospital. Therefore, the tolerance of wearable computing against errors is essential and should be studied seriously. In the present research, it is clear that despite the importance of the subject, not much research has been done in this field. Therefore, by studying the works of others and examining the existing architectures, in this research, a three-layered architecture consisting of wearable computing, mobile computing and cloud computing is presented. Correct functioning of systems using this architecture is a challenge. In this research, in order to solve the mentioned challenge, a fault tolerance framework is presented for the above architecture. Also, it is proved that this fault tolerance framework increases the reliability.

Key words: cloud computing, mobile computing, wearable computing, fault tolerance, master node, body node, mobile node

Chapter 1

General research

Introduction

In recent decades, technologies Calculations have always been the focus of various sciences due to their remarkable progress. These technologies have helped other sciences by having many advantages such as reducing costs, increasing accuracy and speed. Computers and their technologies are being used in other scientific fields because of their role as mothers.

Among the different scientific branches, some fields, including the health field, are vital. On the other hand, computing technologies have stepped forward and entered these fields. In fact, critical applications have been attracted by the remarkable advances and benefits of these technologies. Today, applications such as health and treatment that require minimal response time have achieved huge improvements by using these technologies.

Error in computing systems is inevitable, but on the other hand, in critical applications, risk is meaningless. So it should be tried to maintain the performance and efficiency of the system despite these errors. This should be done in such a way that the system does not fail so that it can work properly. In order to achieve the mentioned goals, the system must be fault-tolerant. In fact, a system cannot satisfy the user without taking into account stability considerations, the importance of this issue is seen in systems that are more prone to failure, especially in health matters, where delay or failure will result in irreparable damage that may even lead to the death of the patient. Considering that there have not been many studies on error tolerance for wearable computing in the field of health, such studies, especially in the field of health, can be a basis for future scientific works.  

Currently, the three technologies of cloud computing, mobile computing and wearable computing are the most prominent and excellent topics in the world of computing, with the help of which they can solve many problems in the health field. In the following, the history of these three important technologies will be explained in order to get more familiar. Because the internet, like a cloud, keeps its complex and technical details hidden from the eyes of users. In the 1960s, the principles and concepts of cloud computing were described by John McCarthy. He stated that "computing may one day be organized as one of the common industries". Also, in 1966, a book titled "Problem of the General Computer Industry" was written by Park Hill Douglas, in which almost all the features of cloud computing were discussed.

Finally, the Amazon site from 2006 decided to provide services to users using computing.

Finally, since 2006, Amazon has decided to provide services to users using cloud computing. In fact, the Amazon website played an important role in the development and introduction of cloud computing by implementing a cloud platform on its data center. Over time, cloud computing has attracted the attention of researchers and other computer giants, including Google.

1-1-2 History of mobile cloud computing

The term "mobile cloud computing" was introduced only in a short time after the concept of "cloud computing" in mid-2007, which has attracted attention as a profitable business option, and it should be said that it reduces the cost of developing and operating mobile applications. Mobile cloud computing is considered by mobile users as a new technology to achieve a rich experience of various mobile services at a low cost, and by researchers as a promising solution for IT. Mobile users can run mobile applications on remote devices and through wireless networks. Mobile cloud computing refers to an infrastructure where data storage and data processing both occur outside of the mobile device. The increasing use of mobile computing is evident in a study conducted by Juniper Research, which states that the consumer and business market for cloud-based mobile on-demand applications is expected to grow to more than $9.5 billion by 2014. He said that the first wearable computer was a pocket watch that was made in the early 16th century. These types of computers were developed over time, so that in 1961, the father of information theory, Edward. he Thorpe [1] made a computer in the dimensions of a cigarette pack. This tool was able to predict the rotation of roulette [2]. In 1977, Collins[3] designed vests for the blind, and in this year, HP made a watch with an algebraic calculator. In 1981, Steve Mann[4] designed a computerized backpack to control the camera flash. In 1986, Kochgari theory was proposed by Steve Roberts[5]. He built a bicycle called Winnebiko II. A computer and a keyboard were built into this bike so he could type on the go. Edgar Mathias[6] and Mike Roissy[7] invented a wrist computer in 1994. In the same year, the researchers of IBM made a personal computer. Also, in 1994, Mike Lamming[8] and Mike Flynn[9] invented a wearable computer called Forget Me Not, which was installed on the head.

In the 1990s, the term cyborg[10] was introduced. A person whose devices such as an oxygen tank help the normal functioning of his body or control parts of his body is called a cyborg. Dr. Steve Mander created a wearable wireless webcam in 1994, he is called a living cyborg because he is the inventor of many wearable devices that he uses on a daily basis. Professor Kevin Warwick [11] is also a living cyborg, who in 1998 was surgically implanted with an automatic transmitter-receiver silicon piece on his arm, thus becoming the first human to have a computer implanted in his body. The mentioned computer allows him to open the doors when he passes through the corridors and offices of the university department where he works, this piece also automatically turns on the lights, heaters and computers for him and even informs him of the number of his emails.

However, since 2000, wearable computers have become intertwined with people's lives in such a way that they are used by users every day to perform various activities. Dr. Rozbeh Jafari, an Iranian researcher and assistant professor at the University of Dallas, designed a wireless wearable computer in the size of a button, which was easily installed on the body, in order to monitor the health status of people. Because of this invention, he won the CAREER National Science Foundation award in 2012. 1-2 Statement of the problem The more sensitive the system is and the more problems it is exposed to, the more necessary it is to manage events. Fault tolerance is a major concern to ensure the availability and reliability of critical services as well as the proper functioning of software and hardware systems. In order to minimize the impact of the failure on the system and the correct and successful operation of the system, the failure must be predicted and actively managed and controlled.