Edge Query Processing for Scalable Real-Time IoT Data Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IoT systems face challenges in flexibility of functionality, performance and scalability, particularly in handling massive data volumes with real-time requirements, and require deep technical knowledge for deployment and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising edge computing devices with interpreting software functions that interpret computer code using a query language with a predetermined syntax, allowing for flexible functionality, scalable data processing, and simplified deployment and maintenance, utilizing a graphical user interface for query definition and modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional IoT systems use static installation with fixed functionality, then system stability is maintained, but flexibility of functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of functionalityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static installation to dynamic reconfigurability through the ability to add, remove, and modify edge devices and their functionalities at runtime. The visual programming interface enables users to dynamically change system behavior without reinstallation, allowing the system to adapt to new requirements while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal edge devices that can perform multiple functions through the visual programming interface. A single edge device can be configured to perform different data processing tasks, aggregation operations, and communication roles depending on the visual program deployed, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each function.

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

2Productivity

If edge devices process massive amounts of measured data in real-time, then data processing performance is improved, but hardware resource limitations at each edge component worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing performanceVSAvoidhardware resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments data processing tasks across multiple edge devices rather than concentrating all processing at a single location. Each edge device processes local sensor data and contributes to collective analytics, distributing the computational burden and enabling real-time processing without requiring excessive resources at any single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines processing capabilities of multiple edge devices to achieve collective computational power greater than individual devices. By merging data streams and coordinating processing across the edge device network, the system handles massive data volumes while each device operates within its resource constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the system requires deep knowledge in programming for deployment and maintenance, then system control precision is improved, but usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidprogramming knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional text-based programming mechanics with a visual programming interface. Users interact with the system through graphical elements, drag-and-drop operations, and visual configuration rather than writing code, eliminating the need for deep programming knowledge while maintaining precise system control through intuitive visual programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the system supports easy deployment and maintenance, then usability is improved, but testing and simulating new operation scenarios becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidtesting and simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary testing and validation through the visual programming interface before deploying programs to edge devices. Users can simulate operation scenarios, validate logic, and test configurations in a virtual environment, ensuring reliability before actual deployment while maintaining ease of updates through the same intuitive interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4204986B1Method and system for data processing
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 STREAM ANALYZE SWEDEN AB
  • EP4204986B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4204986B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP4204986B1 patent drawingFigure 4b

AI summary

System (100) comprising several edge computing devices (ECD), each one comprising a sensor (S), a memory (M), a Central Processing Unit, CPU and a digital communication interface (IF) allowing digital communication digitally across a network (NW). The invention is characterised in that each device (ECD) is arranged with a respective interpreting software function, arranged to interpret computer code, received via said interface (IF) and stored in said memory (M), according to a query language having a predetermined syntax; in that said syntax is arranged to define queries the results of which are streams of data; in that each device is arranged to produce a result to at least one query and to communicate said result via said interface (IF), in that said syntax allows said query to be defined in terms of a calculation to be performed based on a measured value from said sensor (S), and in that the device in question is arranged to perform, as a part of said interpretation, said calculation. The invention also relates to a method.