Server-Based IoT Sensor Data Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of IoT devices generates privacy concerns and administrative burdens in sharing sensor data, as existing solutions lack consumer-friendly methods for safe data sharing and normalization across different manufacturers, leading to siloed data access and impractical management of sensor devices.

Innovation Solution

A server-based system that facilitates the sharing of sensor measurements by receiving friend information, determining authorization, and sending sensor data to authorized devices, allowing users to access and share IoT data without physical access, thereby managing consent and controlling data streams while maintaining network security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor data is made accessible over the internet for increased connectivity, then data exchange capability is improved, but network security and privacy protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidnetwork security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between sensor devices and users. The server receives sensor data from devices, manages access permissions, and distributes data to authorized users. This intermediary architecture enables internet-based data exchange while maintaining security by centralizing authentication and access control, preventing direct exposure of sensor devices to network threats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sensor data is restricted to local networks for security, then network security is improved, but data connectivity and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddata connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the system from a single-dimensional local network architecture to a multi-dimensional architecture that operates at both local and internet levels. Local networks maintain security boundaries while the server layer provides internet-based accessibility. This dimensional expansion allows data to be securely accessible both within local networks and remotely over the internet simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple sensor devices are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement coverage is improved, but device management complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor device coverageVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor devices into a unified system managed through a central server. Instead of managing each device individually, the server aggregates data from multiple sensors, handles authentication for all devices, and provides centralized control. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage while significantly reducing management complexity by consolidating administrative functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If individuals own and manage multiple sensor devices for personal monitoring, then data availability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where users can automatically share their sensor data with friends and contacts through the server without manual device-by-device configuration. The system handles authentication, data formatting, and distribution automatically. Users simply need to grant permission once, and the server manages all subsequent data sharing operations, maintaining data availability while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10924490B2Sharing sensor measurements
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 AETNA INC
  • US10924490B2 patent drawing
  • US10924490B2 patent drawing
  • US10924490B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A server for sharing sensor measurements comprising one or more processors, which alone or in combination are configured to facilitate performing: receiving friend information from business to consumer (B2C) entity servers; receiving sensor information from a user device for gaining access to the sensor measurements; receiving a request for the sensor measurements from a friend device; determining whether the friend device is authorized to receive the sensor measurements based on the friend information; and sending, to the friend device, the sensor measurements in response to the friend device being authorized to receive the sensor measurements.