Connected Object Capability Update via Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems face challenges in upgrading their capabilities due to the close association between equipment, making it difficult to incorporate new technologies and functions, leading to obsolescence and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that enable connected objects to dynamically update their capabilities by exchanging information and software modules over a communications network, allowing objects to acquire and execute functions from other objects, thereby enriching their capabilities and enabling modular, upgradeable, and collaborative systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If equipment are closely associated in the initial system design, then system stability and integration are improved, but system adaptability and upgradeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a core object and multiple peripheral objects connected via a communications network. The core object maintains stable integration while peripheral objects can be independently added, removed, or updated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stability through the core object while achieving adaptability through modular peripheral components that can be upgraded without affecting the core system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal communications network interface that enables different types of objects to connect and interact through standardized protocols. This universal interface allows the core object to work with various peripheral objects (sensors, actuators, display devices, etc.) without requiring redesign, thereby maintaining system stability while enabling flexible upgrades and additions of new capabilities.
2Reliability
If system components are tightly integrated, then system reliability is improved, but system flexibility and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independently connectable objects via a communications network, the patent enables individual components to be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire system. Each peripheral object can be maintained, updated, or replaced independently while the core object remains operational, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability through the stable core.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications network acts as an intermediary between the core object and peripheral objects, providing a standardized interface that maintains reliable communication while allowing flexible component replacement. This intermediary layer decouples the tight integration, enabling components to be replaced without disrupting the overall system reliability through the network's protocol-based communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new capabilities are added to existing systems, then system adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments new capabilities into separate peripheral objects that connect to the core object through the communications network. Instead of integrating new capabilities directly into the core object (which would increase its complexity), new functions are added as independent peripheral objects. This allows capability enrichment while maintaining low core complexity, as the core object simply manages communications with peripheral objects rather than containing all functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds capabilities in a new dimension by introducing peripheral objects that connect through the communications network, rather than expanding the core object's internal complexity. This dimensional approach allows the system to gain new capabilities (adaptability) by adding objects in the network dimension rather than increasing the complexity dimension of the core object itself.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a method performed by a first object connected to a communications network. The method may comprise using the communications network to supply information representative of the capabilities of the first object, these capabilities comprising capabilities associated with an execution environment of the first object. The method may comprise receiving via the communications network information representative of the capabilities of a second object connected to the communications network, the information identifying at least one function performed by the second object. The method may also comprise obtaining a software module adapted to the first object and suitable for executing in the execution environment of the first object while using data exchanged with the second object a function performed by the second object.