Synthesizing data-to-wisdom hierarchy for developing smart systems

Smart systems are defined as miniaturized devices that incorporate functions of sensing, actuation, control, and adaptation. They are capable of describing and analyzing a situation, and taking decisions based on the available data in a predictive or adaptive manner, thereby performing smart (intelligent) actions. In order to effectively manage any situation confronted by it, the system components and devices must work in consort with each other. A smart system must interface, interact and communicate with users, physical devices which may themselves be embedded in other smart systems, and their environment. Such systems have to deal with enormous amount of data and information. To cope with the heterogeneity of data and information and synthesize them in any situation the system must have sufficient knowledge on the semantics of information domains, and manage well-defined policies that will enable it to safely and securely operate in its life cycle. This paper explains how the introduction of context-awareness capabilities in Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIFK) hierarchy can serve as the basis to construct Wisdom-Intelligence-Creativity-Smart System (WICSS) model, which in turn can be a beacon light for validating the design and implementation of Smart Systems.