Context-Aware Service Layer Connectivity Management for IoT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing service layer connectivity, leading to suboptimal application performance and resource utilization due to static communication modes that do not adapt to changing context information and network conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of context-aware and proximity-aware service layer connectivity management (CAPA) dynamically adjusts service layer connectivity based on context information, such as proximity, entity context, and network conditions, using connectivity service policies to optimize communication paths and modes between M2M or IoT entities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static communication modes are used for service layer connectivity, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates and resource utilization becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidconnectivity management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connectivity management where the service layer connection mode is automatically adjusted based on real-time context information such as proximity, network conditions, and application requirements. The system transitions from static to dynamic connection establishment, allowing entities to switch between direct service layer connections, indirect connections via gateway, and link layer connections based on current operational context, thereby optimizing communication efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service connectivity management where M2M entities autonomously determine and establish appropriate service layer connections based on pre-defined policies and context information. The entities themselves participate in the connection decision-making process, selecting communication modes that best suit their current needs without requiring external intervention, thus improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If dynamic context-aware connectivity management is implemented, then communication efficiency is improved and resource utilization is optimized, but device complexity and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidconnectivity management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where context information from the network environment, application layer, and link layer is continuously monitored and fed back to the service layer connectivity management function. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt connection modes based on actual performance metrics and changing conditions, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making based on observed system state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes connectivity parameters such as connection mode, communication path, and protocol selection based on context information including proximity, network conditions, and application requirements. By adjusting these parameters automatically according to current system state, the patent optimizes resource utilization without requiring permanent increases in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If direct service layer connections are established between M2M entities, then communication speed is improved and latency is reduced, but security and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary service layer connection management function that mediates between M2M entities seeking direct communication and the requirements for security and reliability. This intermediary assesses context information and determines whether direct connections, indirect connections via gateway, or link layer connections are most appropriate, enabling fast direct connections when safe and more controlled indirect connections when reliability is paramount

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10462260B2Context-aware and proximity-aware service layer connectivity management
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • US10462260B2 patent drawing
  • US10462260B2 patent drawing
  • US10462260B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Context-aware and proximity-aware service layer connectivity management may leverage context information and connectivity service policies to dynamically determine and adjust appropriate service layer connectivity for machine-to-machine or Internet of things entities.