Flexible and extensible multi-frequency Internet of Things gateway system and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of Internet of Things gateways, and provides a flexible and extensible multi-frequency Internet of Things gateway system and a control method thereof.The flexible and extensible multi-frequency Internet of Things gateway system comprises a center gateway and an edge gateway which are connected in a wireless LoRa mode or a wired CAN mode, and the center gateway serves as the core of the whole Internet of Things network; the central gateway is used for processing, storing and forwarding data and interacting with an upper-layer application system, and the edge gateway is deployed at the edge of the Internet of Things network, is close to terminal equipment and is used for collecting and primarily processing the data and transmitting the data to the central gateway. According to the invention, the wiring cost is greatly reduced, and the flexibility and expandability of the system are improved; various third-party Internet of Things board cards can be compatible, the compatibility problem between different devices is solved, and the integration of the system is simpler and more efficient; the system has good expandability and maintainability, and the capacity and functions of the system can be expanded at any time according to the actual service requirements. Meanwhile, the maintenance of the system is simpler, more convenient and quicker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of Internet of Things (IoT) gateway technology, specifically relating to a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing IoT system architectures, wired connections are commonly used between central gateways and edge gateways. However, with the continuous increase in deployed devices, the high cost associated with wired connections is becoming increasingly prominent.

[0003] Wired connections require the installation of numerous cables and connectors, which not only increases hardware costs but also adds complexity and expense to installation and maintenance. Especially in environments demanding high flexibility and scalability, the high cost of wired connections has become a significant factor hindering the development of IoT systems.

[0004] With the rapid development of IoT technology, numerous IoT boards from different manufacturers and of different models have appeared on the market. However, due to differences in technical standards and interface specifications, compatibility between these boards has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] In IoT systems, compatibility issues are particularly prominent due to the use of various terminal devices and IoT boards. Compatibility problems often exist between devices from different manufacturers, leading to data transmission failures or system instability. This not only affects the efficiency and quality of system services but also increases system maintenance costs.

[0006] Therefore, this invention provides a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system that not only solves the problem of high wired connection costs between the central gateway and the edge gateway, but also is compatible with a variety of third-party IoT cards, thereby improving the system's flexibility and scalability, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the quality and efficiency of system services. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the existing defects and provide a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system and its control method.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system includes:

[0010] The central gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the edge gateway. It serves as the core processing unit to perform data processing, storage, forwarding, and interaction with upper-layer application systems.

[0011] The edge gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the central gateway, and is used for data collection, preliminary processing and data transmission to the central gateway.

[0012] An expansion interface module includes expansion hardware interfaces configured on the central gateway and the edge gateway, respectively, which are used to adapt to third-party IoT boards;

[0013] The protocol adaptation module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to automatically identify and be compatible with the communication protocols of various third-party terminal devices.

[0014] The IoT module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to provide IoT communication functions with various communication protocols.

[0015] Furthermore, the central gateway is configured with an upward hardware interface, which includes a wired network port and a network expansion card slot for wired and / or wireless connection with the server.

[0016] Furthermore, the edge gateway is configured with a data filtering module, which is used to perform real-time analysis on the data transmitted to the central gateway and filter out invalid or redundant data.

[0017] Furthermore, both the central gateway and the edge gateway are equipped with DC power supply interfaces and PoE power supply interfaces.

[0018] Furthermore, both the central gateway and the edge gateway are configured with an indication and debugging module, which includes a DEBUG interface, LED indicators, and a KEY key. The DEBUG interface is used for users to read system logs and input debugging commands, the LED indicators are used to visually display network status and working status, and the KEY key is used to provide device restart and default parameter restoration functions.

[0019] Furthermore, the extended interface module also includes USB and RS485 interfaces configured on the central gateway and edge gateway for connecting to different third-party devices.

[0020] Another objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system, comprising:

[0021] After powering on, the central gateway actively scans the surrounding edge gateways. Once the edge gateway is authorized to access the central gateway, both the edge gateway and the central gateway can register with the IoT platform.

[0022] It utilizes an expansion interface module to connect with third-party IoT boards and a protocol adaptation module to automatically ensure compatibility with the communication protocols of access devices.

[0023] After scanning or receiving data from terminal devices, the extended interface module, protocol adaptation module, IoT module, and edge gateway utilize the central gateway to further process, store, and forward the received data. The central gateway then uploads the data to the IoT platform in a timely manner via wired or wireless means.

[0024] Furthermore, when the edge gateway transmits data to the central gateway, it performs real-time analysis on the transmitted data and filters out invalid or redundant data.

[0025] Furthermore, during the wireless transmission process of data uploading to the IoT platform, the central gateway employs data encryption or private communication methods to enhance data security and integrity.

[0026] In combination with the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows:

[0027] Application of wireless communication technology: This invention can use advanced wireless communication technology to replace traditional wired connections, greatly reducing cabling costs and improving system flexibility and scalability. The connection between the central gateway and edge gateways can use more technologies than just Wi-Fi, such as LoRa, Bluetooth, and UWB wireless communication technologies, bypassing Wi-Fi channel congestion and solving problems such as high cabling costs.

[0028] Compatible with multiple third-party IoT boards: By designing a unified interface and communication protocol, this invention enables the system to be compatible with multiple third-party IoT boards, solving the compatibility problem between different devices and making system integration simpler and more efficient.

[0029] Highly efficient data processing capabilities: This invention features data filtering at the edge gateway level, enabling real-time analysis and filtering of invalid or redundant data, transmitting only valuable data to the central gateway. This not only reduces network bandwidth consumption but also improves data processing efficiency. The central gateway is responsible for more advanced data processing tasks, such as data analysis and data mining, providing decision support for upper-layer applications. It can process data from various nodes in real time and accurately, providing strong support for system services.

[0030] Security and Reliability: This invention employs advanced security technologies and mechanisms to ensure the security and integrity of data during wireless transmission. Simultaneously, the system boasts high reliability, enabling continuous and stable operation and providing users with reliable protection.

[0031] Easy to expand and maintain: This invention has good scalability and maintainability, and the system's capacity and functions can be expanded at any time according to actual business needs. At the same time, system maintenance is also simpler and faster.

[0032] In summary, the central gateway and edge gateway in this invention are connected wirelessly via LoRa or wired via CAN, offering advantages such as flexible deployment, PCIe expansion for free adaptation to third-party devices, self-adaptation to various third-party terminal protocols, and data filtering. This system combines wired and wireless connectivity, eliminating the limitations of wired connections alone and significantly reducing hardware costs and the complexity of installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the system boasts strong compatibility, easily integrating various third-party IoT cards to achieve efficient system integration and flexible expansion. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the central gateway provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the edge gateway provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method for a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] The central gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the edge gateway. It serves as the core processing unit to perform data processing, storage, forwarding, and interaction with upper-layer application systems.

[0041] The edge gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the central gateway, and is used for data collection, preliminary processing and data transmission to the central gateway.

[0042] An expansion interface module includes expansion hardware interfaces configured on the central gateway and the edge gateway, respectively, which are used to adapt to third-party IoT boards.

[0043] The protocol adaptation module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to automatically identify and be compatible with the communication protocols of various third-party terminal devices.

[0044] The IoT module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to provide IoT communication functions using various communication protocols.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the wireless connection modules of the central gateway and edge gateway can use wireless communication connections other than Wi-Fi, such as LoRa, Bluetooth, and UWB, offering advantages such as flexible deployment, PCIe expansion for free adaptation to third-party devices, self-adaptation to various third-party terminal protocols, and data filtering. The following is a detailed analysis of this embodiment of the invention:

[0046] 1.1 Collaborative operation between the central gateway and the edge gateway:

[0047] Central Gateway: As the core of the entire IoT network, it is responsible for data processing, storage, forwarding, and interaction with upper-layer application systems. It typically has powerful computing capabilities and large-capacity storage, enabling it to handle data from multiple edge gateways.

[0048] Edge gateways: Deployed at the edge of the IoT network, close to the terminal devices, they are responsible for data collection, preliminary processing (such as data filtering and compression), and transmission to the central gateway. The distributed deployment of edge gateways improves the system's scalability and response speed.

[0049] 1.2 Flexible connection methods:

[0050] It can use wireless connection methods other than WIFI, such as Lora, Bluetooth, and UWB.

[0051] LoRa: A low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) communication technology suitable for long-distance, low-power IoT applications. It allows devices to transmit data over long distances while maintaining low power consumption.

[0052] Wired CAN: Controller Area Network is a communication protocol used to connect various electronic control units in a vehicle. It is also suitable for industrial IoT scenarios, providing high reliability and real-time performance.

[0053] 1.3 Deployment Flexibility and PCIe Expansion:

[0054] The expansion interface module can include various expansion interfaces such as a mini-PCIe card slot, a USB interface, and an RS485 interface. The system supports multiple deployment methods, allowing for flexible adjustments based on actual needs, whether centralized or distributed.

[0055] The extended interface allows the system to be freely adapted to third-party hardware devices, such as high-speed storage devices and high-performance computing modules, thereby enhancing the system's functionality and performance.

[0056] 1.4. Adaptable to multiple third-party terminal protocols:

[0057] The IoT module integrates multiple communication protocols, including BLE, Sub-1G, 433M, LoRa, 125K low frequency, and Zigbee, enabling it to automatically identify and communicate with different types of IoT terminal devices. This significantly reduces the difficulty and cost of integrating third-party devices and improves system compatibility.

[0058] 1.5 Data filtering and processing capabilities:

[0059] At the edge gateway level, the system has data filtering capabilities, which can analyze and filter out invalid or redundant data in real time, transmitting only valuable data to the central gateway. This not only reduces network bandwidth consumption but also improves data processing efficiency.

[0060] The central gateway is responsible for more advanced data processing tasks, such as data analysis and data mining, providing decision support for upper-layer applications.

[0061] In summary, this scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system, through its unique architecture and technical characteristics, achieves broad support for IoT devices across multiple frequency bands, while providing flexible, efficient, and reliable data transmission and processing capabilities. This is of great significance for building large-scale, complex, and diverse IoT application scenarios.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the central gateway is the core of the flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system provided by this invention. It connects to the edge gateway wirelessly or via wired connection and adds an expansion hardware interface compatible with third-party IoT boards. This design avoids the high cost of traditional wired cabling and improves the system's flexibility and scalability.

[0063] Core Processor: The central gateway, as the core hub of the IoT system, plays a decisive role in the stability and data processing capabilities of the entire system. This invention selects an ARM-based microcontroller (MCU) as the core processor for the central gateway. The ARM architecture is highly regarded for its low power consumption, high performance, and broad ecosystem support, enabling the central gateway to handle complex algorithms and massive amounts of data with ease, providing stable and powerful computing capabilities for the IoT system. To reduce the load on the cloud platform and improve response speed, the central gateway also possesses edge computing capabilities. This means that some data processing and analysis can be performed directly on the gateway, reducing data transmission latency and thus improving the overall performance of the IoT system.

[0064] Uplink Hardware Interfaces: The central gateway provides diverse uplink hardware interfaces, including a wired network port and a network expansion card slot. The network expansion card slot can adopt a standard MiniPCIE card slot. Through these interfaces, the central gateway can easily connect to the server via wired connection, and can also access wireless connection methods such as WIFI, 4G, and 5G networks through the standard MiniPCIE card slot, realizing flexible network access and data transmission.

[0065] Power supply: The central gateway supports multiple power supply methods, including DC adapter and PoE, ensuring the flexibility and stability of power supply.

[0066] Instructions and Debugging: To facilitate user operation and maintenance, the central gateway is equipped with a DEBUG interface for reading system logs and inputting debugging commands, LEDs for indicating network status and working status, and a KEY key for functions such as device restart and restoring default parameters.

[0067] Communication interface with gateway nodes: The central gateway and edge gateways support wireless connection methods such as LoRa, Bluetooth, and UWB for data exchange. Wireless connections eliminate the limitations of wired connections, reducing system hardware costs and the complexity of installation and maintenance. Meanwhile, to adapt to environments with poor network signal quality, the central gateway also retains CAN wired data transmission.

[0068] IoT technology: The central gateway has basic IoT data reception capabilities and supports various IoT technologies such as BLE, sub-1G, 433MHz, LoRa, 125KHz low frequency, and Zigbee to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0069] Expandable Hardware Interfaces: The central gateway's mini-PCIe card slot supports third-party IoT cards, allowing users such as hospitals to easily use medical devices and IoT cards from different manufacturers, reducing the difficulty and cost of device integration. In addition, the central gateway has multiple reserved USB ports, which can not only connect USB flash drives for local automatic upgrades or historical data storage, but also connect third-party USB cameras and other devices, making the data access methods of the IoT wireless expandable gateway system more diverse. Simultaneously, the central gateway also supports a standard RS485 interface, allowing connection to various non-intelligent RS485 hardware devices.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific components of the edge gateway in this embodiment of the invention include:

[0071] MCU: The node gateway uses ST microcontrollers as processors, which effectively reduces the overall cost of the node gateway while ensuring basic data processing capabilities, providing a cost-effective solution for IoT systems.

[0072] Power supply: The node gateway supports flexible power supply methods, whether it is powered by a DC adapter or by the network cable of the central gateway, ensuring the stability and convenience of power supply.

[0073] Instructions and Debugging: To facilitate daily operation and system maintenance, the node gateway is equipped with a DEBUG interface, allowing users to read system logs and input debugging commands. Meanwhile, LED indicators visually display network and operational status, while the KEY button provides practical functions such as device restart and restoring default parameters.

[0074] Communication interface with the central gateway: The central gateway and edge gateways use communication protocols such as LoRa, Bluetooth, and UWB to achieve flexible data exchange. Furthermore, to adapt to the instability of the network environment, the edge gateway also retains CAN wired communication to ensure reliable data transmission.

[0075] IoT technology: The edge gateway has broad IoT technology compatibility, supporting multiple communication protocols such as BLE, sub-1G, 433MHz, LoRa, 125KHz low frequency, and Zigbee, to meet the data reception needs of various application scenarios.

[0076] Expandable hardware interfaces: The edge gateway's mini-PCIe card slot supports third-party IoT cards, providing users with convenient device integration. Meanwhile, multiple USB ports support USB flash drive access for local automatic upgrades or historical data storage, while the standard RS485 interface supports the connection of various non-intelligent hardware devices, enriching the access methods for IoT systems.

[0077] This invention solves the problems of high cost of wired layout and compatibility with third-party IoT boards, improves the flexibility and scalability of IoT systems, reduces deployment costs, and promotes the further development and application of IoT technology.

[0078] Example 2:

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a control method for a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system, including the following steps:

[0080] S1: After power-on, the central gateway actively scans the surrounding edge gateways. Once the edge gateway is authorized to access the central gateway, both the edge gateway and the central gateway can register with the IoT platform.

[0081] S2: Use the expansion interface module to connect with third-party IoT boards, and use the protocol adaptation module to automatically ensure compatibility with the communication protocols of the access devices;

[0082] S3: After scanning or receiving data information from terminal devices, the extended interface module, protocol adaptation module, IoT module, and edge gateway use the central gateway to further process, store, and forward the received data. The central gateway then uploads the data to the IoT platform in a timely manner via wired or wireless means.

[0083] Preferably, in this embodiment of the invention, when the edge gateway transmits data to the central gateway, it performs real-time analysis on the transmitted data and filters out invalid or redundant data.

[0084] Preferably, in the wireless transmission process of data uploading to the Internet of Things platform, the central gateway of this embodiment of the invention uses data encryption or private communication methods to improve the security and integrity of the data.

[0085] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the various embodiments of the present invention are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated in the present invention, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the various embodiments may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0086] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system, characterized in that, The system includes: The central gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the edge gateway. It serves as the core processing unit to perform data processing, storage, forwarding, and interaction with upper-layer application systems. The edge gateway is equipped with a wireless connection module and a wired interface that connect to the central gateway, and is used for data collection, preliminary processing and data transmission to the central gateway. An expansion interface module includes expansion hardware interfaces configured on the central gateway and the edge gateway, respectively, which are used to adapt to third-party IoT boards. The protocol adaptation module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to automatically identify and be compatible with the communication protocols of various third-party terminal devices. The IoT module, built into the central gateway and edge gateway, is used to provide IoT communication functions using various communication protocols.

2. The flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central gateway is configured with an upward hardware interface, which includes a wired network port and a network expansion card slot for wired and / or wireless connection with the server.

3. The flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge gateway is equipped with a data filtering module, which is used to analyze the data transmitted to the central gateway in real time and filter out invalid or redundant data.

4. The flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the central gateway and the edge gateway are equipped with DC power supply interfaces and PoE power supply interfaces.

5. The flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the central gateway and the edge gateway are equipped with an indication and debugging module, which includes a DEBUG interface, LED indicators, and a KEY key. The DEBUG interface is used for users to read system logs and input debugging commands. The LED indicators are used to visually display the network status and working status. The KEY key is used to provide device restart and default parameter restoration functions.

6. The flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extended interface module also includes USB and RS485 interfaces configured on the central gateway and edge gateway for connecting to different third-party devices.

7. A control method for a flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system, characterized in that, The control method includes: After power-on, the central gateway actively scans the surrounding edge gateways. Once the edge gateway is authorized to access the central gateway, both the edge gateway and the central gateway can register with the IoT platform. It utilizes an expansion interface module to connect with third-party IoT boards and uses a protocol adaptation module to automatically ensure compatibility with the communication protocols of the access devices. After scanning or receiving data from terminal devices, the extended interface module, protocol adaptation module, IoT module, and edge gateway utilize the central gateway to further process, store, and forward the received data. The central gateway then uploads the data to the IoT platform in a timely manner via wired or wireless means.

8. The control method for the flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the edge gateway transmits data to the central gateway, it performs real-time analysis of the transmitted data and filters out invalid or redundant data.

9. The control method for the flexible and scalable multi-frequency IoT gateway system according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the wireless transmission process of data uploading to the IoT platform, the central gateway employs data encryption or private communication methods to enhance data security and integrity.

Images