IoT Data Proxy Module for Legacy Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy electronic devices without native IP connection capabilities require complex and costly modifications to achieve Internet connectivity, involving custom hardware and software solutions that complicate manufacturing and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A piggyback approach using a data proxy module that connects to the internal communication bus of the device, allowing seamless data transmission without modifying the legacy hardware or software, and utilizing cloud-based parsing for data protocols, eliminating the need for custom IDs and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom hardware and software modules are added to provide Internet connectivity to legacy devices, then connectivity capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connectivity module that can interface with multiple different legacy device types through a standardized approach. The module uses a generic data model and protocol that can adapt to various device types without requiring custom hardware or software modifications for each device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connectivity module that sits between the legacy device and the Internet infrastructure. This module translates between the legacy device's native communication protocol and standard Internet protocols, eliminating the need to modify the legacy device itself while providing universal connectivity capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom hardware and software modifications are made to legacy devices, then connectivity capability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connectivity functionality into a separate, standalone module that can be manufactured independently and then integrated with legacy devices. This segmentation allows the connectivity module to be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring custom modifications to the legacy device production lines, significantly easing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connectivity module is designed to work with multiple types of legacy devices through a standardized interface approach. This universality means that the same module design can be manufactured and deployed across different device types without requiring custom manufacturing processes for each device variant.
3Manufacturing precision
If device-specific data models and protocols are implemented in connectivity modules, then communication accuracy with legacy devices is improved, but adaptability to different devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity module acts as an intermediary that translates between device-specific protocols and a universal data model. Rather than implementing device-specific protocols directly in the connectivity module, the system uses a protocol translation layer that maintains communication accuracy while enabling compatibility with multiple device types through the universal data model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by transforming device-specific data representations into a standardized universal data model format. This transformation process preserves the semantic meaning and communication accuracy of device-specific protocols while enabling the connectivity module to work with different device types through parameter transformation rather than device-specific implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (110) comprising: an electronic module (111) comprising a control unit (112) communicatively connected via a communication bus (114) with a communication interface (113); a connectivity module (120) configured to provide Internet connectivity for the device (110) via a data interface (122) communicatively connected with electronic module (111); characterized in that the device (110) further comprises: a data proxy module (127) connected between the data interface (122) of the connectivity module (120) and the communication bus (114) for transmitting data between the data interface (122) and the communication bus (114).