IoT Device Lifecycle Tracking via Distributed Gateway Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of connected devices gathering sensor data poses challenges in managing their environmental impact and tracking their whereabouts and life cycles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a server system, multiple gateways, and devices equipped with sensors and transmitters, which updates tracking records for devices across their life cycle stages, including production, storage, usage, recycling, and decommissioning, using various data transfer technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth, LPWAN, and GSM/NB-IoT, and stores data securely using a blockchain system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a large number of connected devices gather and transmit sensor data to a central location, then data analysis capabilities are improved, but environmental impact and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data collection system into distributed edge computing nodes (gateways) that perform local data processing and filtering. Each gateway independently analyzes sensor data from multiple devices, extracting only relevant information for transmission to the central server. This segmentation reduces the volume of data transmitted and processed centrally, thereby lowering environmental impact while maintaining analytical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between devices and the central server. The blockchain system provides decentralized data verification and storage, reducing the need for complex centralized authentication and data validation mechanisms. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing trust and validation functions across multiple nodes rather than requiring a complex centralized control system.
2Quantity of substance
If centralized data collection from billions of devices is implemented, then comprehensive data storage is achieved, but tracking whereabouts and life cycle status becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having devices and gateways automatically generate and update tracking records at each stage of the device life cycle (manufacturing, distribution, usage, disposal). These tracking records are created and verified in advance using blockchain technology, ensuring that whereabouts and status information are captured systematically throughout the device lifecycle rather than requiring retrospective tracking of vast amounts of raw data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the blockchain system continuously verifies and updates device tracking information based on data from distributed sensors and gateways. This feedback loop ensures that tracking records are automatically updated and validated in real-time, maintaining accurate whereabouts and life cycle status information without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized tracking algorithms.
3Reliability
If blockchain technology is used for data storage and token transactions, then data security and transparency are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blockchain implementation into specialized components: devices generate data, gateways validate and package data into blocks, and the blockchain network maintains the distributed ledger. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized complexity - devices don't need full blockchain clients, gateways handle the computational intensity of block validation, and the network maintains security through distributed consensus. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the gateway component universal by designing it to perform multiple functions: data collection from devices, local data analysis, blockchain block validation, and tracking record maintenance. This multi-functionality consolidates several complex operations into a single standardized component, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems and simplifying deployment across the distributed network.
Data Source
AI summary
System for tracking a life cycle of a device, including a server system, a plurality of gateways and the device, the device configured to sense and to transmit sensory data, the device including a sensor and a transmitter, wherein the server system is configured to receive transmissions from the device via any gateway of the plurality of gateways, the transmissions including a device ID of the device, the server system storing a tracking record of the device in association with the device ID, wherein the server system is configured to update the stored tracking record of the device in relation to: (i) production of the device, in response to receiving a respective communication from the device; and (ii) storage or sale of the device, in response to receiving a respective communication from the device; and (iii) usage of the device, in response to receiving a respective communication from the device.