IoT Gateway Configuration Updates Without Session Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial IoT devices face challenges in remote management and updating of configuration logic due to harsh environments and older equipment, which complicates interconnectivity and data collection in sectors like industrial, energy, and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely updating IoT device configuration logic using a web-based platform, where a gateway device receives an updated logic version over a secondary TCP/IP network connection, allowing for independent operation from primary data transmission connections, and processes the update to replace the current logic stored in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single TCP/IP network connection is used for both data transmission and logic updates, then network simplicity is maintained, but update operations disrupt existing communication sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into two distinct TCP/IP connections: a primary connection for data transmission and a secondary connection for logic updates. This segmentation allows update operations to occur independently without disrupting the primary data communication session, resolving the contradiction between network simplicity and communication continuity.
2Ease of operation
If remote updates are implemented, then device management capability is improved, but network dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed to autonomously receive update notifications, initiate update requests, and self-update its execution logic without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. This self-service capability simplifies remote device management while maintaining a relatively simple network dependency structure.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is maintained during updates, then data collection reliability is preserved, but update operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the data transmission function (primary connection) from the update function (secondary connection), the system enables continuous monitoring and data collection to proceed uninterrupted during logic updates. The segmented architecture eliminates the need for complex coordination mechanisms that would otherwise be required to maintain data collection reliability during updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for remotely updating configuration logic on Internet of Things (IoT) devices located physically proximate to industrial systems equipment. The IoT devices are configured to monitor and detect outputs, such as sensor data, corresponding to the industrial systems equipment, and the IoT devices are further configured to operate as gateway devices through which communications are routed between a remote computing system and the industrial systems equipment. The IoT devices operate according to configuration files generated at the remote computing system and transmitted to the IoT devices. The IoT devices are notified by the remote computing system of subsequent updates to their respective configuration files. Responsive to receiving a configuration file update notice, an IoT device may establish a back-channel communication link to the remote computing system across which the updated configuration file is identified and retrieved based at least on an updated timestamp.