Registered Edge Device Routing for Predicted Path Data Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The utility of data generated by edge devices is limited by factors such as the quantity, position, and timing of data capture, which restricts their ability to provide additional workloads.

Innovation Solution

A registered edge device manager (REDM) that obtains device data for a set of edge devices and transmits workloads to a subset based on proximity to a predicted travel path of a focal entity, allowing edge devices to capture data before the entity moves out of range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If edge devices capture data based on current position only, then data capture is simple, but data utility is limited when focal entity moves out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capture reliabilityVSAvoiddevice management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting the future travel path of the focal entity and proactively assigning workloads to edge devices that will be in proximity to the entity at future time points. This allows data capture to continue reliably as the entity moves, rather than relying solely on current position matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static position-based workload assignment to dynamic path-based assignment. By incorporating predicted travel paths and timing information, the system adapts workload distribution to the moving focal entity, maintaining data capture reliability throughout the entity's journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If edge devices are statically configured, then device management is simple, but ability to provide additional workloads is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkload execution capabilityVSAvoidcontrol configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary registration and characterization of edge devices, storing their capabilities, positions, and operational parameters in advance. This allows the REDM to efficiently match future workload requirements with appropriate devices along predicted travel paths without complex real-time configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal edge device registration framework where devices of various types (cameras, sensors, etc.) can be registered once with their basic capabilities, then dynamically assigned to multiple different workloads based on their proximity to predicted focal entity paths. This multi-functional approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing configuration complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If data capture timing is not optimized, then system operation is simple, but data utility is reduced when focal entity moves quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capture timing accuracyVSAvoiddata capture time window
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of predicted travel paths and timing, determining in advance when the focal entity will be in proximity to various edge devices. This allows optimal timing for data capture to be established before the entity arrives, ensuring precise measurement opportunities are not missed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from predicted travel path analysis to continuously optimize workload assignment timing. By monitoring the focal entity's movement and comparing it against predicted paths, the system adjusts data capture timing to maximize the likelihood of successful capture within available time windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4497238B1Registered edge device management
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP4497238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4497238B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4497238B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method can include obtaining device data for a set of edge devices. The method can further include obtaining a predicted travel path of a focal entity. The method can further include determining, for a first edge device of the set of edge devices and based on the device data, a first proximity of the first edge device to the predicted travel path. The method can further include selecting the first edge device based, at least in part, on the first proximity. The method can further include transmitting, in response to the selecting the first edge device, a workload to the first edge device. The method can further include receiving, in response to the transmitting the workload, first captured data obtained by the first edge device. The method can further include transmitting the first captured data to an electronic user device.