Intelligent Node Middleware for Edge Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extending enterprise network connectivity to edge devices and systems is challenging due to the need for customized software and middleware development, which is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to maintain, and can overwhelm network bandwidth and data processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for deploying intelligent nodes in distributed networks that use node software to operate as edge application servers and enterprise service buses, providing real-time data processing, filtering, and actuator control, with dynamic software agent instantiation and communication protocols for efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized software and middleware are developed to integrate edge devices into enterprise networks, then data integration capability is improved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized middleware layer that acts as an intermediary between edge devices and enterprise networks. This middleware provides pre-built protocols and interfaces that automatically adapt to different edge devices without requiring custom software development, thus maintaining data integration capability while significantly reducing development time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal integration platform that can handle multiple types of edge devices through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional middleware layer provides common services such as data collection, processing, and communication across diverse devices, eliminating the need for device-specific customized software and reducing overall development effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized software and middleware are developed to integrate edge devices into enterprise networks, then data integration capability is improved, but maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized middleware layer serves as a stable intermediary that isolates the complexity of edge device integration from the enterprise network core. This mediator handles device-specific variations through standardized interfaces, making the system easier to maintain and update without requiring frequent custom modifications, thus reducing maintenance complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the integration architecture into distinct layers: edge device interfaces, standardized middleware services, and enterprise network applications. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently maintained and updated, reducing the impact of changes on the entire system and simplifying maintenance operations compared to monolithic custom software solutions.
3Loss of information
If data from edge devices is transmitted to enterprise networks, then data availability is improved, but network bandwidth is overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary data processing and filtering at the edge devices and in the middleware layer before data is transmitted to the enterprise network. This preliminary action includes aggregating data from multiple sources, filtering out redundant or unnecessary information, and pre-formating data according to enterprise standards, thereby reducing the volume of data transmitted while maintaining data availability and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential data from edge devices using intelligent filtering and selection mechanisms. By identifying and extracting only the most relevant information based on predefined criteria and business needs, the system reduces network bandwidth consumption while ensuring that critical data remains available for enterprise network processing.
4Productivity
If sophisticated data filtering and event detection algorithms are implemented, then data processing efficiency is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data processing framework that provides standardized algorithms and services for data filtering and event detection. This multi-functional platform offers pre-built processing capabilities that can be applied across different edge devices and data types without requiring custom complex software, thus improving data processing efficiency while maintaining manageable software complexity through standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products described by way of non-limiting examples presented herein, a computer system operates as an intelligent node in a distributed network. In one or more embodiments, the installation and execution of a node operating computer program product ("node software") on a computer system configures that computer system to operate as an intelligent node in a distributed network. The computer system may reside at the edge of the network and thus may include a number of physical world sensors and/or actuators that represent valuable but hard-to-reach data sources/sinks from the perspective of the network at large. The node software operates the computer system as an edge application server and enterprise service bus, intelligently processing data from sensors, actuators, and other edge systems and devices. Other applications, such as server-based data processing and storing, are also easily implemented via the node software.