Intermediary Node Querying for Constrained IoT Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constrained devices in IoT and MTC scenarios lack positioning functionality, making it impossible to factor in location information for their management due to limited capabilities such as size, weight, and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first node in a communications network sends a query to a second node to obtain location information of a constrained communication device, which then updates an object in the device with this information, enabling location services despite the device's inability to query the second node directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If constrained devices are used in IoT scenarios, then device size, weight, and power consumption are reduced, but positioning functionality and location information capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
A first node acts as an intermediary between the constrained device and the second node. The first node sends queries to the second node on behalf of the constrained device, obtains location information, and updates the device's object with this information. This mediator approach allows constrained devices to access location services without needing direct querying capability or built-in positioning functionality.
2Device complexity
If constrained devices lack positioning functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide location services is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first node serves as a mediator that enables location services for constrained devices without adding complexity to the devices themselves. The mediator handles the complex querying and information retrieval, while the constrained device simply receives updates to its object, maintaining low device complexity while enabling location service adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the location service functionality into separate components: the constrained device maintains a simple object structure, the first node handles communication and coordination, and the second node provides the actual location information. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple while the system as a whole provides comprehensive location services.
3Ease of operation
If constrained devices cannot query the second node directly, then device capability requirements are reduced, but the ability to obtain location information independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The first node acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures location information is obtained and delivered to the constrained device. By centralizing the querying function in the first node, the system maintains operational simplicity for the device while ensuring reliable location information acquisition through the mediator's coordinated actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first node (111) is described herein. The first node (111) operates in a communications network (10). The first node (111) sends (204) a query to a second node (112) operating in the communications network (10). The query requests information on a location of a communication device (130) operating in the communications network (10). The communication device (130) is identified by the first node (111) as a constrained communication device (130) lacking a capability to query the second node (112). The first node (111) obtains (205) the information from the second node (112), in response to the sent query, and initiates updating (207) an object in the communication device (130) based on the obtained information. A method performed by the communication device (130) is also described, whereby the device sends (301), to the first node (111), an indication that it is constrained, and obtains (304) the update.