IoT Data Collection via Configuration Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional development and maintenance of applications configured for data collection in IoT devices are costly and labor-intensive, as developers need to modify and release new versions of the application for every change or error in data collection, requiring extensive coding efforts.

Innovation Solution

A configuration file-based system that detects data collection events and specifies target data information and providers, allowing for dynamic data collection without requiring extensive code modifications, enabling easier adaptation to changing data collection needs and reducing resource intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If developers use conventional code-based data collection interfaces, then data collection functionality can be achieved, but development and maintenance costs increase and labor intensity increases when data collection requirements change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to data collection requirementsVSAvoiddevelopment and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses configuration files as a copy of the actual data collection requirements. Instead of modifying source code, developers create and update configuration files that describe what data needs to be collected. This configuration file serves as a template or blueprint that the data collection system executes without changing the underlying code, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and development cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where data collection parameters can be changed at runtime through configuration file updates. The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on configuration changes without requiring code recompilation or redistribution. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables flexible adaptation to changing data collection needs while avoiding the costly process of rewriting and redistributing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If developers modify code for every data collection change, then data collection accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration file acts as a separate copy that contains data collection requirements. By modifying this configuration copy rather than the original code, developers can maintain accurate data collection without the time-consuming process of code modification, compilation, and testing. The configuration file serves as an intermediary layer that preserves accuracy while enabling rapid changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data collection system into two independent parts: the stable core code that handles data collection execution, and the separate configuration file that describes what data to collect. This segmentation allows the configuration to be modified independently without affecting the code structure, thus maintaining reliability while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need to rewrite code for every change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If applications are rewritten for data collection changes, then functional requirements can be met, but resource consumption increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in data collectionVSAvoidapplication structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration file serves as a lightweight copy that captures data collection requirements in a simplified format. This configuration approach avoids the complexity of rewriting actual application code. The configuration file uses a simple key-value or structured format that is easier to manage and modify than code, thus achieving flexibility without increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration file acts as an intermediary between the data collection system and the actual data gathering operations. Instead of directly modifying the complex code structure, changes are made in the configuration file, which then mediates these changes to the execution layer. This intermediary approach enables flexible adaptation while keeping the core system structure simple and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10891127B2Configuring data collection
Publication Date: 2021.01.12 BANMA ZHIXING NETWORK HONGKONG CO LTD
  • US10891127B2 patent drawing
  • US10891127B2 patent drawing
  • US10891127B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Configuration data collection at a device is disclosed, including: detecting, with respect to a device, a data collection event, wherein the data collection event is specified by a configuration file, wherein the configuration file further specifies a set of target data information and a corresponding set of target data information providers from which to collect target data in response to a detection of the data collection event; in response to the detection of the data collection event, collecting the target data based at least in part on the set of target data information and the corresponding set of target data information providers; and controlling the device based at least in part on the collected target data.