Edge device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an edge device with which it is possible to effectively use sensing data and a system that includes such an edge device. [Solution] An edge device 1 including: a sensing information reception unit 3 that receives sensing information from one or a plurality of sensors; a user identification information storage unit 5 that stores identification information pertaining to a user who uses the sensing information; a user identification information addition unit 7 that obtains user-specific sensing information obtained by adding, to the sensing information, the identification information of the user who uses the sensing information; and a sensing information transmission unit 9 for transmitting the user-specific sensing information to an edge server.

Description

Edge Devices

[0001] The present invention relates to an edge device that can utilize and process sensing information, and a system that includes such an edge device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-195175 describes an edge computing system. This system includes an edge device connected to one or more sensors and an edge server (claim 1). This system appropriately controls data communication between the edge device and the edge server, ensuring both real-time performance and storage of all data.

[0003] In this system, the edge devices are intended simply to transmit data from the sensors to the edge server.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-195175

[0005] The purpose of this specification is to provide an edge device that can effectively utilize sensing data, and a system that includes such an edge device.

[0006] The above problem is basically based on the knowledge that the amount of data sent can be reduced by having edge devices not only send sensing information to a server but also by sending the sensing information to the appropriate edge server for each user who needs it.The above problem can be solved by further performing calculations for each user, using the information appropriately, and then sending the sensing information with user information added to it to the server.

[0007] One of the inventions described in this specification relates to an edge device 1. This edge device 1 has a sensing information receiving unit 3, a user identification information storage unit 5, a user identification information adding unit 7, and a sensing information transmitting unit 9. The sensing information receiving unit 3 is an element for receiving sensing information from one or more sensors. The user identification information storage unit 5 is an element for storing identification information of a user who uses the sensing information. The user identification information adding unit 7 is an element for obtaining user-specific sensing information. The user-specific sensing information is information obtained by adding identification information of a user who uses the sensing information read from the user identification information storage unit 5 to the sensing information. The sensing information transmitting unit 9 is an element for transmitting the user-specific sensing information to an edge server.

[0008] This edge device adds the identification information of the user who needs the sensing information to the sensing information, allowing the edge device to perform calculations for each user and send the sensing information to the appropriate server for each user.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of this edge device 1 further includes a programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 and an arithmetic processing unit 13. The programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 is an element for programmably storing arithmetic processing to be performed on the sensing information. The arithmetic processing unit 13 is an element for performing the arithmetic processing stored in the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 on the sensing information. In this embodiment, the sensing information transmission unit 9 transmits post-calculation user-specific sensing information to the edge server. The post-calculation user-specific sensing information is sensing information that has been subjected to arithmetic processing by the arithmetic processing unit 13 and to which identification information of the user who uses the sensing information has been added.

[0010] This type of edge device performs calculations on the sensing information on the edge device side, reducing communication traffic and allowing necessary processing to be performed in advance. If necessary information is missing, the information can be sent to the server once all the necessary information is collected. In addition, because the calculation content is programmable, the calculation content for the sensing information can be modified as needed.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the edge device 1, the programmable calculation storage unit 11 stores per-user calculation processing, which is calculation processing associated with the user's identification information, and the calculation processing unit 13 performs per-user calculation processing on the sensing information. In this embodiment, different calculations can be performed on the sensing information for each user.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the edge device 1, the sensing information is received from a plurality of sensors, the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 stores per-sensor arithmetic processing corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors, and the arithmetic processing unit 13 performs per-sensor arithmetic processing on the sensing information. In this embodiment, different arithmetic operations can be performed for each sensor.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this edge device 1, the sensing information transmitting unit 9 uses the user's identification information to transmit the calculated user-specific sensing information to a specific edge server among a plurality of edge servers.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of this edge device 1 further includes an alert condition storage unit 15 and an alert output unit 17. The alert condition storage unit 15 is an element for storing alert conditions that are conditions for issuing an alert. The alert output unit 17 is an element for outputting an alert when the sensing information satisfies the alert conditions.

[0015] An edge device could be, for example, a device connected to an onboard sensor and be able to send an alert to the driver if it detects a danger.

[0016] An edge computing system is a preferred application of the edge device 1. The edge computing system includes any one of the edge devices 1 described above and an edge server 21 that can exchange information with the edge device 1.

[0017] One of the inventions described in this specification relates to an information processing method using an edge device 1. This method preferably uses any of the edge devices 1 described above. This method includes a sensing information receiving step, a user identification information adding step, and a sensing information transmitting step. The sensing information receiving step is a step in which the edge device 1 receives sensing information from one or more sensors. The user identification information adding step is a step in which the edge device 1 adds identification information of a user who uses the sensing information to the sensing information to obtain user-specific sensing information. The sensing information transmitting step is a step in which the edge device 1 transmits the user-specific sensing information to an edge server.

[0018] One aspect of the invention described in this specification relates to a program for causing an edge device 1 including a computer to function as any of the above-mentioned edge devices. Another aspect of the program is a program for enabling the edge device 1 including a computer to implement the above-mentioned information processing method using the edge device 1.

[0019] One of the inventions described in this specification relates to a computer-readable information recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

[0020] This specification can provide edge devices that can effectively utilize sensing data, and systems that include such edge devices.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an edge device, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an edge computing system, and Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information processing method using an edge device.

[0022] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but also includes appropriate modifications of the embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0023] 1 is a block diagram of an edge device. As shown in Fig. 1, the edge device 1 includes a sensing information receiving unit 3, a user identification information storage unit 5, a user identification information adding unit 7, and a sensing information transmitting unit 9. The edge device 1 may further include one or more of a programmable arithmetic storage unit 11, an arithmetic processing unit 13, an alert condition storage unit 15, and an alert output unit 17.

[0024] Edge Device 1 The edge device 1 is one of the information communication elements used in, for example, an IoT system. The edge device 1 is configured to receive information from sensors that acquire sensing data, and acquires sensing information from one or more sensors. The edge device 1 then transmits the sensing information to an edge server 21. The edge server 21 further transfers the sensing information to a cloud server or the like. The edge device 1 is a communication device that includes a computer (or processor).

[0025] A computer (or processor) has an input unit, an output unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and a memory unit, and each element is connected by a bus or the like to allow information to be exchanged. For example, the memory unit may store a control program or various information. When predetermined information is input from the input unit, the control unit reads the control program stored in the memory unit. The control unit then reads the information stored in the memory unit as appropriate and transmits it to the calculation unit. The control unit also transmits the input information as appropriate to the calculation unit. The calculation unit performs calculation processing using the received various information and stores it in the memory unit. The control unit reads the calculation results stored in the memory unit and outputs them from the output unit. In this way, various processes and steps are performed. The various processes are performed by each means or unit. Note that the method described in this specification may be implemented by each step performed by each element.

[0026] Sensing Information Receiving Unit 3 The sensing information receiving unit 3 is an element for receiving sensing information from one or more sensors. For example, an input unit (sensor interface I / F) functions as the sensing information receiving unit 3. When a sensor is active, the sensing information measured by the sensor is input to the edge device 1 via the sensing information receiving unit 3. In this way, the edge device 1 receives the sensing information. Any known sensor can be used as appropriate. A sensor is a device for measuring some physical quantity. Examples of sensors are a temperature sensor, a photodetector, a calorific sensor, a strain gauge, and an acceleration sensor.

[0027] User Identification Information Storage Unit 5 The user identification information storage unit 5 is an element for storing identification information of a user who uses sensing information. For example, a storage unit functions as the user identification information storage unit 5. In this case, the storage unit may be a temporary storage unit (such as a RAM) or a semi-permanent storage unit (such as a hard disk). The user may be a user (such as a computer or terminal) who uses sensing information.

[0028] User Identification Information Addition Unit 7 The user identification information addition unit 7 is an element for obtaining user-specific sensing information. For example, an input unit, a calculation unit, a control unit, and a storage unit function as the user identification information addition unit 7. The user-specific sensing information is information obtained by adding the identification information of the user who uses the sensing information read from the user identification information storage unit 5 to the sensing information. For example, the storage unit of the edge device stores, in association with the user identification information, the identification information of the required sensing information (e.g., the identification information of the required sensor and the type of required sensing information). The edge device then receives sensing information from a certain sensor along with the sensor's identification information. The edge device then uses the sensor's identification information to read from the storage unit the identification information of the user who requires the sensing information. The edge device then associates the identification information of the user who uses the sensing information with the sensing information and stores it in the storage unit. In this way, the edge device can obtain user-specific sensing information.

[0029] Sensing Information Transmission Unit 9 The sensing information transmission unit 9 is a component for transmitting user-specific sensing information to the edge server 21. For example, an output unit (communication I / F) functions as the sensing information transmission unit 9. The sensing information transmission unit 9 transmits the user-specific sensing information to the edge server 21. The edge server then acquires the user-specific sensing information. At this time, the user-specific sensing information may be transmitted to an appropriate edge server 21 based on the user information. In particular, when there are multiple edge servers 21 corresponding to the edge device 1, the amount of transmission can be reduced by sending the user-specific sensing information only to a specific edge server 21. In this case, it is sufficient that information regarding the edge server 21 that transmits the user-specific sensing information is stored in the storage unit in association with the user information. Furthermore, the edge server 21 may transmit the user-specific sensing information only to an appropriate cloud server. The storage unit stores sensing information and calculation processing information required in association with the user's identification information, as well as information regarding the edge server to which the user-specific sensing information is to be transmitted after calculation and information regarding the specific cloud server. The system uses this information to transmit the post-computation user-specific sensing information to a specific edge server. The system may also transmit information about a specific cloud server together with the post-computation user-specific sensing information to the edge server. Upon receiving this information, the edge server transmits the post-computation user-specific sensing information to the specific cloud server.

[0030] Programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11 The programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11 is an element for programmably storing arithmetic processing to be performed on sensing information. For example, an input unit and a memory unit function as the programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11. For example, the edge device is configured to be able to rewrite the control program as needed. Therefore, the content of the arithmetic and memory processing can be rewritten by inputting information via an interface (I / F). Furthermore, for example, the edge device may have a connection unit for connecting to an external memory, such as a USB connection unit. In this case, the control program stored in the memory unit may be updated by connecting the external memory.

[0031] The programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 may store per-user arithmetic processing, which is arithmetic processing associated with the user's identification information. For example, when programming arithmetic processing, the arithmetic processing content associated with the user's identification information is input. Then, the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 stores the arithmetic processing content associated with the user's identification information.

[0032] The programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11 may store per-sensor arithmetic processing, which is arithmetic processing corresponding to each of a plurality of sensors. The programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11 may store a different encryption method for each user and perform encryption processing using an encryption method associated with user information associated with the sensing information. Furthermore, the programmable arithmetic and memory unit 11 may store an encryption method associated with a communication band and encrypt the sensing information based on communication band information when the transmitting unit transmits the sensing information.

[0033] Arithmetic processing unit 13 The arithmetic processing unit 13 is an element for performing arithmetic processing stored in the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 on the sensing information. For example, a control unit, a storage unit, and an arithmetic unit function as the arithmetic processing unit 13. The sensing information is stored in the storage unit, for example. The control unit reads out the sensing information and causes the arithmetic unit to execute arithmetic processing based on instructions from the control program stored in the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11. In this way, the arithmetic processing unit 13 performs arithmetic processing stored in the programmable arithmetic storage unit 11 on the sensing information. In this way, appropriate arithmetic processing is performed in the edge device and the sensing information is sent to the edge server, thereby reducing unnecessary information and reducing communication traffic. Furthermore, information can be sent only to the appropriate edge server.

[0034] Alert Condition Storage Unit 15 The alert condition storage unit 15 is an element for storing alert conditions, which are conditions for issuing an alert. An alert is, for example, a warning issued in an emergency or in a situation where sensing information becomes meaningless. For example, a storage unit functions as the alert condition storage unit 15. However, since whether or not to output an alert is also a type of programmable calculation, the programmable calculation storage unit 11 may function as the alert condition storage unit 15. Examples of alert conditions include a predetermined value of carbon dioxide concentration, a predetermined value of carbon monoxide concentration, a predetermined value of interior temperature, and a predetermined value of the distance between the monitor and the head.

[0035] Alert Output Unit 17 The alert output unit 17 is an element for outputting an alert when sensing information satisfies an alert condition. For example, a control unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, and an output unit function as the alert output unit 17. Examples of the alert are a warning by sound or light. Specific examples of the output unit are a speaker, a monitor, and an I / F.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an edge computing system. As shown in FIG. 2, the edge computing system 23 includes any one of the edge devices 1 described above and an edge server 21 that can exchange information with the edge device 1. The edge device is typically connected to multiple sensors 23, 25, and 27. The edge server 21 may further be connected to servers such as cloud servers 31, 33, and 35. In this manner, for example, an IoT server is constructed. The connection may be physical, or it does not have to be physical as long as information can be exchanged. For example, the edge device 1 and the edge server 21 may be physically connected or physically separated. If the edge device 1 and the edge server 21 can be physically connected, it is preferable that the edge device 1 and the edge server 21 be detachable via a connection part.

[0037] One of the inventions described in this specification relates to a program for causing an edge device 1 including a computer (or a processor) to function as any of the edge devices described above. Another aspect of the program is a program for enabling an edge device 1 including a computer (or a processor) to implement an information processing method using the edge device 1 described above.

[0038] One of the inventions described in this specification relates to a computer-readable information recording medium on which the above program is recorded. Examples of information recording media include CDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, SD cards, memory chips, USB memory, and hard disks.

[0039] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method using an edge device. In this example, the information processing method using the edge device includes a sensing information receiving step (S101), a user identification information adding step (S102), a calculation processing step (S103), and a sensing information transmitting step (S104). Each step may be the step described above.

[0040] An example of information processing using edge devices is described below. In this example, edge server 1 is connected to sensors A, B, C, and D. A control program that performs arithmetic processing on sensing information is stored in the memory unit of edge server 1. Edge server 1 can update the control program stored in the memory unit online. In addition, the control program can be updated by inserting a USB memory into edge server 1. User A uses sensing information from sensors A, B, and D. User B uses sensing information from sensors B, C, and D.

[0041] Update information for the control program for user A is input from the terminal. Then, the storage unit of the edge device 1 updates the control program for user A.

[0042] Sensing information from sensors A, B, C, and D is input to edge device 1. The edge device then reads a control program for user A from the storage unit, reads the sensing information from sensors A, B, and D from the storage unit, and causes the calculation unit to perform calculation processing for user A. At this time, encryption processing for user A may be performed on the information obtained as a result of the calculation. The storage unit also stores identification information for the edge server (or cloud server) to which the information for user A is to be transmitted. Therefore, edge device 1 transmits the processed sensing information together with user A's identification information to the appropriate edge server. For user B, a control program related to calculation processing different from that for user A is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the sensing information for user B undergoes calculation processing different from that for user A, and the calculated sensing information is transmitted to the appropriate edge server. In this way, the sensing information is transmitted only to the appropriate edge server, eliminating the need to transmit information to multiple edge servers and reducing communication traffic congestion. Furthermore, since the information is sent from the edge device to the edge server after appropriate calculation processing, the amount of information sent from the edge device to the edge server can be reduced. The sensing information sent to the edge server is then sent to the appropriate cloud server for use.

[0043] Meanwhile, the memory unit of the edge device stores alert conditions. The alert conditions may be conditions unrelated to the conditions required by the user. For example, assume that edge device 1 is an in-vehicle device and sensor A is a concentration meter that measures the carbon monoxide concentration inside a vehicle. In this case, edge device 1 stores a threshold value for the carbon monoxide concentration in the memory unit. When the carbon monoxide concentration is input from sensor A, edge device 1 reads the threshold value from the memory unit and causes the calculation unit to compare the carbon monoxide concentration inside the vehicle with the threshold value. As a result, if the carbon monoxide concentration value inside the vehicle is greater than the threshold value, the edge device reads information for outputting an alert from the memory unit and outputs the alert. The alert may be a warning from a speaker inside the vehicle, or information required to identify the person who output the alert and the circumstances (such as GPS information, identification information, and mobile phone number of the owner of sensor A) may be transmitted to a security company's server via an edge server.

[0044] The present invention can be used in the information and communication related industries.

[0045] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Edge device 3 Sensing information receiving unit 5 User identification information storage unit 7 User identification information adding unit 9 Sensing information transmitting unit 11 Programmable arithmetic and memory unit 13 Arithmetic processing unit 15 Alert condition storage unit 17 Alert output unit 21 Edge server 23 Edge computing system

Claims

[Claim 1] a sensing information receiving unit (3) that receives sensing information from one or more sensors; a user identification information storage unit (5) that stores identification information of a user who uses the sensing information; a user identification information addition unit (7) for obtaining user-specific sensing information, which is information obtained by adding identification information of a user who uses the sensing information to the sensing information; a sensing information transmission unit (9) for transmitting the user-specific sensing information to an edge server; An edge device (1), a programmable calculation storage unit (11) that programmably stores calculation processing to be performed on the sensing information; and a calculation processing unit (13) that performs calculation processing stored in the programmable calculation storage unit (11) on the sensing information, The sensing information transmission unit (9) transmits, to an edge server, post-calculation user-specific sensing information, which is sensing information that has been subjected to calculation processing by the calculation processing unit (13) and to which identification information of a user who uses the sensing information has been added; The programmable calculation storage unit (11) stores a calculation process for each user, which is a calculation process associated with the user's identification information, The arithmetic processing unit (13) performs the arithmetic processing for each user on the sensing information. Edge device (1).