Data Sharing Platform for Isolated IoT Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT applications are generally disconnected and isolated, limiting their ability to interact with each other, even when operating on the same platform or device, and lack flexibility in triggering interactions and responding actions.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamic sharing of application data among multiple isolated applications through a central data sharing platform, which receives, combines, and processes data feeds, automatically invokes third-party applications, and directs them to perform specific actions based on configuration information and predictive analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If applications are kept isolated and disconnected, then application security and independence are maintained, but application interaction capability and data sharing are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication interaction capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data sharing platform as an intermediary component that sits between isolated applications. This platform receives data feeds from multiple applications, processes them centrally, and distributes relevant data to consuming applications. The intermediary approach enables application interaction without direct connections, maintaining security boundaries while achieving data sharing and collaboration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration of application interactions is required, then interaction precision and control are improved, but ease of operation and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configuring application interactionsVSAvoidtime for configuring and managing interactions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data sharing platform implements self-service capabilities by automatically discovering available data feeds from registered applications, analyzing data schemas, and enabling interactions without manual configuration. The system autonomously performs data validation, format standardization, and routing decisions, eliminating the need for users to manually configure interaction parameters and reducing setup time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring data feed templates, validation rules, and interaction patterns during application registration. The system prepares data processing pipelines in advance, establishing data schemas, transformation rules, and distribution logic before actual data sharing occurs. This preliminary setup enables rapid activation of interactions without time-consuming configuration during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If limited triggers and actions are used in application interactions, then system complexity and security are improved, but adaptability and functionality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of triggers and actionsVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the trigger and action frameworks flexible and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically registers new trigger types and action handlers as applications are added or updated, allowing the interaction capabilities to evolve with the system. This dynamic approach enables unlimited trigger-action combinations while maintaining system stability through structured registration and validation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The data sharing platform implements universality by designing a generic trigger-action framework that can handle diverse interaction types through a unified interface. The system provides multi-functional capabilities where a single platform supports various data feed types, trigger conditions, and action responses across different applications. This universal design enables flexible adaptation to new interaction scenarios without compromising the core system architecture or stability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3516850B1Systems and methods for sharing application data between isolated applications executing on one or more application platforms
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3516850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3516850B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3516850B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for facilitating dynamic sharing of application data among multiple isolated applications executing on one or more application platforms. In an implementation, a method of operating an application platform executing an application to consume application data generated by other applications executing on one or more application platforms is disclosed. The method includes receiving an instruction to invoke the application in a runtime environment. The instruction is generated by a data sharing and decision service platform based on one or more application data feeds provided by the other applications registered with the data sharing platform. The method further includes processing the instruction to automatically invoke the application in the runtime environment and, once the application is invoked, directing the party application to perform the action.