IoT Reference Architecture With Reusable Components for Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT solutions face challenges in security, connectivity, and compatibility due to the decentralization of networks with diverse devices operating using different firmware and protocols, lacking standardized architectures and protocols, which hinders expansion and reuse across industries.
Innovation Solution
A device- and cloud-platform-agnostic reference architecture and toolkit providing a standardized template with reusable components, enabling repeatable use cases by supporting IoT applications through synchronous and asynchronous communication methods, and facilitating integration with various cloud platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse devices with different firmware and protocols are connected to enable IoT decentralization, then device connectivity and versatility are improved, but system complexity and compatibility challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (gateway, protocol translator, or abstraction layer) that mediates between diverse devices with different firmware and protocols and the central IoT system. This intermediary handles protocol conversion, data normalization, and compatibility management, allowing diverse devices to connect without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal interface or standardized communication layer that can work with multiple device types and protocols simultaneously. This universal layer provides multi-functional capabilities to handle various device protocols (MQTT, HTTP, CoAP, etc.) through a single standardized interface, reducing the need for device-specific integration code.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc IoT solutions are implemented for specific industries without standardized architectures, then industry-specific needs are met, but scalability and reusability across different domains are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IoT solution into modular, reusable components including device abstraction layers, communication protocols, data processing modules, and application-specific services. Each module can be independently configured and reused across different industries, allowing rapid deployment of scaled solutions while maintaining industry-specific customization through configuration rather than code changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration to adapt standardized architectures to different industry needs. By changing parameters such as device types, communication protocols, data schemas, and service configurations rather than rewriting core architecture, the system can be rapidly scaled and reused across domains while meeting specific industry requirements.
3Reliability
If secure IoT connections are established across decentralized devices, then security is improved, but connectivity challenges and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service security mechanisms where devices automatically perform certificate generation, key exchange, and authentication without manual intervention. The system includes automated security provisioning, device onboarding with automatic credential distribution, and self-healing security protocols that reduce integration complexity while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary security setup during device manufacturing or onboarding, including pre-configured certificates, keys, and security policies. Security infrastructure is established in advance before devices are deployed to the decentralized network, simplifying integration while ensuring security is built-in from the start rather than added later.
Data Source
AI summary
A system supporting one or more Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications for enabling repeatable use cases includes a reference architecture and a toolkit including re-usable components. The re-usable components are selectable to support the one or more IoT applications to enable the repeatable use cases which require access to data from multiple individual devices accessible via a cloud platform.