Device Capability Model Resolution for IoT Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interoperability issues between device code and software solution backends in IoT devices lead to increased development times and workloads, as well as limited adaptability of software solutions across different IoT device types.
Innovation Solution
A computing system method that resolves and retrieves a device capability model (DCM) by searching various sources based on a specified policy, allowing software solutions to efficiently integrate with network-connected devices and reuse software services across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software solutions are developed for specific IoT device types, then device-specific functionality is achieved, but adaptability to other device types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DCM repository and resolution service that can handle multiple device types through a common interface. The system stores DCMs for different device types in a centralized repository and provides a unified resolution mechanism that adapts to various device capabilities without requiring separate software solutions for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the software architecture into distinct components: device capability models (DCMs) that describe individual device characteristics, a centralized repository that stores multiple DCMs, and a resolution service that selectively retrieves appropriate DCMs. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while supporting diverse device types.
2Speed
If device capability models are stored locally on each computing system, then fast retrieval is achieved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DCM storage functionality into a centralized repository that serves multiple computing systems. Instead of each system maintaining its own complete set of DCMs, the system combines storage resources into a shared repository, reducing total storage requirements while providing fast retrieval through the resolution service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DCM resolution service as an intermediary between computing systems and the DCM repository. This mediator handles retrieval requests, caches frequently accessed DCMs locally, and manages the balance between centralized storage efficiency and local retrieval speed, eliminating the need for each system to store complete DCM sets.
3Reliability
If DCM resolution searches multiple sources, then comprehensive device support is achieved, but resolution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing a standardized resolution policy that defines the search order across multiple sources before actual resolution occurs. The system pre-configures the resolution hierarchy (local cache, repository, device-provided) and caches frequently accessed DCMs in advance, so that during operation, the system can quickly resolve DCMs without ad-hoc searching through multiple sources.
Data Source
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AI summary
One disclosed example provides, enacted on a computing system, a method of resolving a device capability model (DCM) for a network connected device, the method comprising receiving, from the network connected device, an identifier of the DCM, based on the identifier received, determining whether the DCM is stored on the computing system, when the DCM is stored on the computing system, then retrieving the DCM from the computing system, when the DCM is not stored on the computing system, then retrieving the DCM from one or more of the network connected device and a DCM repository and storing the DCM on the computing system, receiving, from a software solution, an application programming interface (API) call to retrieve the DCM from the computing system, and in response to receiving the API call, returning the DCM to the software solution.