Cloud Proxy for Lightweight IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lightweight IoT devices with limited hardware cannot implement the cloud interworking function specified in the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) device-to-cloud (D2C) service standard, hindering remote access and external communication.
Innovation Solution
A cloud proxy function is introduced to enable IoT devices without cloud interworking capabilities to access the cloud by using a cloud proxy device that receives resource retrieval requests, extracts device IDs, and transmits requests to the appropriate devices, registering with the cloud, and publishing resources, thereby facilitating communication through a mediator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lightweight IoT devices implement cloud interworking function according to OCF D2C specification, then cloud access capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud proxy device is introduced as an intermediary between lightweight IoT devices and the cloud. The proxy device receives resource retrieval requests from lightweight devices, extracts device IDs, and forwards requests to appropriate devices. This mediator enables cloud access for devices that would otherwise be too simple to implement cloud interworking functions directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate external interworking device is added to link lightweight device with cloud, then cloud access capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud proxy device performs multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for lightweight devices, manages device registration with the cloud, handles resource retrieval requests, and coordinates communication between devices and cloud services. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If cloud proxy function is implemented, then remote access capability is improved, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud proxy device automatically manages device registration, resource publishing, and request routing without requiring manual configuration of each lightweight device. The system self-manages the mapping between device IDs and endpoints, reducing the operational burden on users while enabling remote access.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud access method of an internet of things (IoT) device and devices performing the cloud access method are disclosed. The cloud access method using a cloud proxy function includes receiving a first resource retrieval request of a client device from a cloud, extracting, from the first resource retrieval request, a device identification (ID) of a device including a resource for which a resource retrieval is requested, and transmitting a second resource retrieval request of the client device to the device based on the device ID.