User-Friendly Method to Optimize the Network of a Cyber-Physical System*

When developing a cyber-physical system, designers mainly concentrate on functionality and dynamics.  As the system becomes more complex, multiple nodes and connections are needed to run the system safely, which may result in a slower network. This research focused on optimizing the network of the CAT Vehicle, the autonomous vehicle at the University of Arizona. The optimization process started with a model of the CPS's network using a Domain Specific Modeling Language (DSML). The DSML then uses interpreters to verify that the system operates within set values of cost, processing power, bandwidth, and latency. If constraints are violated, technique selectors give suggestions on how to rewire connections or exchange nodes within the network. When all constraints are met, a new interpreter is used to generate template code from the DSML which can tell the car how to operate. The purpose of this project is to present a user-friendly method to optimize the network of the CAT Vehicle, which can be applied to any cyber-physical system.