IoT Gateway Read-Write Separation for Safe Equipment Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT applications face issues with unintended actions due to coding mistakes or processing errors, leading to undesirable outcomes such as production loss or damage to devices, as they lack a clear separation between read and write access functions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a framework that separates sensing functions for read-only access and actuating functions for write-only access, using IoT gateways to manage communication and ensure that only supported actions are executed on IoT devices, thereby preventing unintended write commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IoT applications allow both read and write access through unified functions, then the system is simpler to implement, but coding mistakes or processing errors can cause unintended actions leading to production loss or device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IoT application functions into separate sensing functions (read-only access) and actuating functions (write-only access). This segmentation ensures that reading data and executing actions are handled by distinct functional modules, preventing unintended write commands caused by coding mistakes while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the gateway or service platform) that mediates between the application layer and the IoT device. This intermediary validates and manages write commands, ensuring that only authorized actions are executed while blocking unintended operations, thus enhancing safety without significantly increasing end-user complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IoT applications have unrestricted write access to devices, then more actions can be performed, but errors can lead to undesirable outcomes such as machine shutdown or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary validation mechanisms that check intended write commands before execution. The system pre-defines allowed actions and validates each write command against these definitions, preventing harmful actions before they can occur. This approach maintains versatility by allowing all authorized actions while blocking potentially harmful ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the state of IoT devices and adjusts write command execution accordingly. By continuously feedback on device state and action outcomes, the system can prevent harmful actions while maintaining adaptability for legitimate operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An IoT gateway at a client site uses sensing functions and actuating functions to safely implement actions for equipment. The client provides, to the IoT service, specifications for a sensing function and one or more actuating functions that are to communicate with the sensing function. The functions are deployed to the IoT gateway at the client site. The sensing function may be assigned read only access to the equipment and the actuating function may be assigned write only access to the equipment. The sensing function may collect data from the equipment and determine that a condition has been met (e.g., temperature is above an upper limit). In response, the sensing function provides an indication of an action to the actuating function (e.g., via a unique topic). If the action is a supported action, then the actuating function causes the equipment to perform the action; otherwise, it ignores the indicated action.