Data-Flow Control Device for Sensor Network Metadata Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In sensor networks, the establishment of pairs between data providers and data users is hindered by mismatches in metadata attributes, leading to inefficient data distribution and increased investment costs for users seeking sensing data.

Innovation Solution

A data-flow control device that acquires and matches device-side and application-side metadata, allowing for the adjustment of mismatched items by inquiring users about changeability and enabling automatic correction of metadata to establish successful pairings between sensors and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If metadata attributes are strictly matched between device-side and application-side metadata, then data distribution precision is improved, but the establishment rate of pairs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata distribution precisionVSAvoidpair establishment rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a changeability flag to metadata items, allowing the system to dynamically adjust strictness of matching parameters. When a mismatch is detected, the system can modify the matching criteria based on whether the metadata item is marked as changeable, thereby balancing precision and establishment rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The matching process becomes dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts matching strictness during the pairing process based on real-time detection of mismatches and changeability flags, allowing flexible adaptation between different matching scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If all metadata items must be completely matched to establish a pair, then data matching accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata matching accuracyVSAvoidease of data distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment during the matching process. When mismatches are detected, the system automatically identifies changeable items and adjusts matching criteria without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The matching process incorporates feedback mechanisms where mismatches are detected and used to trigger automatic adjustments. The changeability flag provides feedback information that guides the system in deciding whether to enforce strict matching or allow flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3432245B1Data-flow control device and data-flow control method
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 OMRON CORP
  • EP3432245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3432245B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3432245B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This data-flow control device has: a device-side metadata acquisition means that acquires device-side metadata about each of a plurality of devices; an application-side metadata acquisition means that acquires application-side metadata about an application that uses data provided by a device; a storage means that stores each type of metadata; a matching means that extracts a combination of an application and a device that can provide data satisfying the specification required by the application; and a data-flow control means that generates a data flow control command specifying a device and an application. If there is an item in which a mismatch has occurred among the items in each type of metadata, the matching means acquires information indicating whether changing the item in which a mismatch has occurred is allowed, and, on the basis of the information, changes the item in which a mismatch has occurred.