IoT Application-Protocol Data Aggregation via Intermediary Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IoT systems lack efficient data aggregation techniques at the application-protocol layer, leading to increased transmission overhead, latency, and reduced energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with intermediary nodes that send data aggregation request messages capable of retrieving data from multiple applications, using aggregation rules, conditions, and result requirements, and receiving data aggregation responses with aggregation group identities to perform data aggregation at the application-protocol layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data aggregation is performed at the network layer only, then network routing efficiency is improved, but application-layer data processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces data aggregation at the application-protocol layer, which is a new dimension above the traditional network layer aggregation. This multi-layer aggregation approach allows data to be aggregated both at the network layer and application layer, simultaneously improving routing efficiency and reducing application-layer processing overhead while maintaining low latency through the hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If individual device data transmission is used, then data freshness is improved, but transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata freshnessVSAvoidtransmission energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual device data transmissions into aggregated data units at the application-protocol layer. Devices transmit data to intermediary nodes that aggregate data from multiple sources before forwarding to the server. This merging reduces the number of individual transmissions, lowering energy consumption while maintaining data freshness through timely aggregation intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediary nodes are introduced as mediators between individual devices and the central server. These nodes collect and aggregate data from multiple devices, reducing the total transmission overhead to the server while ensuring data freshness through regular aggregation cycles. The intermediary layer optimizes the balance between individual data transmission frequency and overall system energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If data aggregation at application-protocol layer is implemented, then transmission overhead is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission energy consumptionVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data aggregation function into distinct layers: network layer for routing and application-protocol layer for data aggregation. This segmentation allows each layer to focus on its specific function, reducing overall system complexity despite adding aggregation capabilities. The modular architecture makes the system more manageable and easier to implement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3005660B1Data aggregation
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 CONVIDA WIRELESS LLC
  • EP3005660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3005660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3005660B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Data aggregation in an internet of things (IoT) system refers generally to collecting data such that the data can be processed in a useful manner. Existing approaches to data aggregation in IoT systems, such as a system including a network of sensors for example, often focus on network logical topology and data transmission scheduling and routing schemes. Embodiments disclosed herein include systems that can aggregate data at an application-protocol layer.