Horizontally Scalable Edge Architecture for Multi-Domain IoT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of multi-domain interconnectivity in the Internet of Things (IoT) era leads to compatibility, reliability, safety, security, and inconsistency issues when interfacing different domains, such as automotive and infrastructure systems, due to custom communication protocols and lack of control over specifications and updates.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally scalable hardware/software architecture with an embedded edge device that uses a plug-and-play open source hardware and software module, featuring a microcontroller and cellular interface, to facilitate seamless connectivity between different domains by retrieving asset identification information, registering it with a server, and loading domain-specific applications, thereby alleviating compatibility and reliability issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom communication protocols are used for interfacing different domains, then domain-specific functionality is achieved, but compatibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized communication layer as an intermediary between domain-specific protocols and the core system. This mediator translates various domain protocols (automotive, infrastructure, etc.) into a common standardized format, enabling compatibility while preserving domain-specific functionality. The standardized layer acts as a buffer that reconciles protocol differences without losing domain capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal communication architecture that can handle multiple domain-specific protocols through a single standardized interface. The communication module is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various protocols simultaneously while maintaining a consistent internal representation, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom communication protocols are used for interfacing different domains, then domain-specific functionality is achieved, but system consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized communication layer serves as a mediator that enforces system consistency by translating diverse domain protocols into a uniform internal format. This intermediary ensures that all communications, regardless of origin domain, follow consistent rules and structures, maintaining system composition stability while allowing domain-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by making all inter-domain communications conform to a standardized protocol format. While domain-specific functionalities are preserved at the application layer, the underlying communication mechanism is homogenized through standardization, ensuring consistent system behavior across all domains.
3Ease of manufacture
If control over specifications and updates is lacking, then system integration is simplified, but safety and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct layers: domain-specific application layers, standardized communication layer, and core system layer. This segmentation allows independent control and updates of the standardized communication protocol without affecting domain-specific implementations, enabling both easy integration and controlled updates for safety and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized communication layer is designed to be dynamically updatable and configurable. The system can adapt specifications and apply updates to the communication protocol independently of domain-specific functionalities, providing dynamic control over safety and security requirements while maintaining integration simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations described herein are directed to an embedded edge device and edge/cloud system configured to facilitate seamless connectivity between multi-domain assets for system of system and internet of everything applications. Through the use of a novel horizontally scalable embedded architecture for embedded edge device that can be connected to multi-domain assets to enable seamless connectivity between them, the example implementations can facilitate wireless connections across multi-domain assets to allow overall system of systems and internet of everything applications to improve quality of life.