Towards a Generic Model of Information Processing Systems

Abstract

The convergence of communication and computer systems leads to new architectures, such as the intelligent network. Such a network provides information processing, retrieval and transfer services for the user in a transparent way. Its structure is based on nodes with various information processing models and performances. The structure is dynamically changing because of failures and modifications, with static or dynamic task allocation over inhomogeneous or homogeneous resource types. Such a system cannot be handled by the classical models. A generic model is presented having logical, temporal and topological structures together with operations on these structures. The necessary mathematical concepts are parameterised hierarchical relations, logic functions, hierarchies of variables with their hierarchical control operators, and neighbourhood/similarity structures. Introducing a model time as a partial ordered set of time instants, an evolutionary system can be considered, both its capabilities and its active structure.