Fog Service Layer Architecture for Smart Transport Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cloud computing faces challenges with latency and bandwidth issues, particularly in IoT applications, due to the remote location of cloud nodes, which can hinder real-time data processing and response in applications like smart traffic control and public safety.

Innovation Solution

Fog computing deploys cloud-like functions at the edge in fog nodes, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements by processing data closer to the source, enabling real-time data processing and response through hierarchical fog node deployment and interaction with cloud entities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cloud computing is used with remote cloud nodes, then service provisioning is simplified and resource management is centralized, but latency increases and bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provisioningVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized cloud computing architecture into distributed fog nodes deployed at network edges. Each fog node independently provides computing, storage, and networking services locally, eliminating the single-point bottleneck of remote cloud nodes. This segmentation reduces latency by processing data closer to sources while maintaining simplified service provisioning through standardized fog service procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fog nodes as intermediary components between end devices and remote cloud nodes. These fog nodes act as mediators that handle real-time data processing locally, reducing the need for constant communication with distant cloud nodes. The intermediary fog layer maintains centralized service management capabilities while eliminating latency issues associated with direct remote cloud access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cloud computing is used with remote cloud nodes, then resource management is centralized, but bandwidth requirements increase for data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource managementVSAvoidbandwidth requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data processing workloads across distributed fog nodes, preventing concentration of all data transmission to single remote cloud nodes. Each fog node processes and filters data locally, transmitting only essential information to the cloud. This segmentation dramatically reduces aggregate bandwidth requirements while maintaining centralized resource management through coordinated fog service procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial data transmission where fog nodes perform local processing and filtering, transmitting only critical or aggregated data to remote cloud nodes rather than all raw data. This partial action approach maintains centralized resource management benefits while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption by eliminating unnecessary data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If fog nodes are deployed at the network edge, then latency is reduced and real-time processing is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidfog node deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs fog nodes with universal, multi-functional capabilities that can be deployed across diverse network edge environments. Each fog node provides standardized computing, storage, networking, and service management functions, eliminating the need for custom configurations for different deployment scenarios. This universality reduces device complexity despite the added functionality, as the same fog node architecture serves multiple purposes across various applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes to adapt fog node configurations to different deployment scenarios without fundamentally changing the core architecture. By adjusting parameters such as resource allocation, service types, and operational modes rather than redesigning the entire system, the patent reduces deployment complexity while maintaining low-latency processing capabilities across diverse environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If fog nodes process data locally, then real-time response is achieved, but infrastructure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidinfrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple infrastructure functions (computing, storage, networking, service management) into integrated fog nodes deployed at network edges. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while enabling real-time data processing. The merged fog node architecture provides all necessary capabilities in a single deployable unit, simplifying infrastructure despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses standardized fog node templates that can be copied and deployed across multiple locations without customization. This copying approach maintains consistent, low-complexity infrastructure configurations while enabling real-time processing capabilities throughout the network. By replicating proven fog node designs rather than designing unique systems for each deployment, the patent reduces infrastructure complexity while achieving widespread real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11614974B2Enabling a fog service layer with application to smart transport systems
Publication Date: 2023.03.28 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • US11614974B2 patent drawing
  • US11614974B2 patent drawing
  • US11614974B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fog service layer architecture is disclosed using hierarchical fog node deployment including the co-existence and interactions of the fog node with a cloud node. The architecture also includes a list of functions, capabilities or services that are hosted in each fog node. One or more fog management procedures may be run between fog nodes (or between fogs and the cloud) and may comprise a fog capability discovery procedure, a fog connection verification procedure, and a fog capability status report procedure. In addition, fog nodes may be configured to interact with each other to get particular services using one or more fog service procedures described herein.