Connection Gateway for Connected Object Identification in IoT Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to enable connected objects to efficiently identify and exchange messages with other objects in a network infrastructure, particularly when multiple networks with different communication interfaces are interconnected, lacking the ability to centralize functionalities and needs of connected objects.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows a connected object to search for and identify other connected objects based on specific criteria by analyzing search criteria with information in a routing list maintained by connection gateways, which use different communication interfaces, and transmitting characteristic information about identified objects back to the source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connected objects rely on decentralized routing protocols (like RREQ/RREP) for message transmission, then communication flexibility is maintained, but the ability to identify and exchange messages with other connected objects efficiently is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage exchange efficiencyVSAvoidknowledge of connected objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that maintains a routing list containing information about connected objects. Instead of connected objects directly discovering each other through complex decentralized protocols, the gateway mediates this process by storing and managing routing information, thereby enabling efficient message exchange while preserving knowledge of connected objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway serves multiple functions: it acts as a routing intermediary, maintains a comprehensive routing list of connected objects, and provides information to source objects about available destinations. This multi-functional approach consolidates several capabilities into a single component, improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple local area networks (LANs) are interconnected via a data transport network with different communication interfaces, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the complexity of identifying and communicating with objects across different interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidgateway configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication interfaces (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF433, IrDA) simultaneously. It maintains a unified routing list that abstracts the underlying interface diversity, allowing connected objects to communicate across different networks without each object needing to understand or configure multiple interface protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway acts as an intermediary that translates and routes messages between different communication interfaces. It maintains a routing list that maps connected objects regardless of their interface type, thereby simplifying the complexity of inter-network communication while preserving adaptability to various interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If connected objects maintain updated knowledge of all other connected objects for efficient message exchange, then message routing efficiency is improved, but the storage and maintenance of routing information increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage exchange rateVSAvoidrouting information management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the routing information management function from individual connected objects and centralizes it in the gateway. Instead of each object maintaining its own routing knowledge, the gateway maintains a comprehensive routing list that is consulted by objects needing to exchange messages. This extraction reduces the complexity burden on individual objects while preserving routing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway serves as an intermediary information repository that stores routing details about all connected objects. When a source object needs to communicate with a destination object, it queries the gateway's routing list rather than maintaining its own complete knowledge base. This intermediary approach improves message exchange efficiency while centralizing the complexity of routing information management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3675463B1Method for identifying a connected object in a network infrastructure
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 BULL SA
  • EP3675463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3675463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3675463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is proposed for identifying a connected object in a network infrastructure comprising at least two networks of connected objects interconnected via a data transport network. The method allows a connected object to search for and identify one or more other connected objects in the network infrastructure based on predetermined search criteria. Specifically, a connection gateway can, firstly, receive (201) and process (202) a request, containing the search criteria, from a connected object and, secondly, transmit (203) to that connected object identification information for other connected objects that meet those criteria.