Distributed Consensus Ledger for Autonomous IoT Movement Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coordination of multiple autonomous Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a spatial area is challenging due to the complexity of central coordination, requiring high computing power and communication bandwidth, and there is a need for decentralized, secure, and transparent movement coordination to prevent collisions and ensure smooth operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a Distributed Consensus Network (DCN) based on blockchain principles, where autonomous IoT devices communicate and negotiate consensus through a distributed ledger, allowing decentralized coordination of movements and incorporating smart contracts for decision-making and priority management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If central coordination is used to coordinate movements of autonomous IOT devices, then coordination effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and computing power requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized coordination system into multiple distributed nodes that each independently participate in consensus formation. Instead of one central coordinator, the system segments coordination functions across all devices, reducing single-point complexity while maintaining collective coordination effectiveness through blockchain-based consensus mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blockchain-based distributed ledger as an intermediary layer that enables coordination without direct central control. This intermediary provides transparent, immutable record-keeping and consensus validation, allowing devices to coordinate reliably while the intermediary handles the complexity of trust and agreement verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If central coordination is implemented to manage multiple autonomous IOT devices, then movement coordination is improved, but communication bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement coordinationVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication traffic into essential consensus-related data and optional detailed movement data. Only critical coordination information is transmitted through the bandwidth-constrained channel, while less critical data can be handled locally or through alternative channels, reducing overall bandwidth requirements while preserving coordination reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and separates the essential coordination function from detailed movement control. The blockchain network handles only the critical consensus and coordination decisions, while individual devices independently execute their own movement control based on the coordinated framework, reducing the communication burden on the central system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If decentralized consensus network is used for coordination, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination speed may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcoordination speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring consensus parameters, validation rules, and communication protocols before coordination events occur. This preparation allows the decentralized network to operate more efficiently during actual coordination, reducing the time needed for consensus formation while maintaining the simplified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through time-bounded consensus rounds and structured communication intervals. By organizing decentralized consensus into periodic cycles with defined phases for proposal, validation, and commitment, the system maintains reduced complexity while achieving predictable coordination speeds through rhythmic, organized interaction patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3401891B1Distributed consensus networks supporting mobile edge computing
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3401891B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP3401891B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3401891B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for coordinating at least one movement of at least two autonomous devices in relation to each other in a planned time interval.