IoT Device Twin Configuration for Industrial Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring data collection logic in IoT devices for industrial systems, such as substation automation, are limited by hardcoded protocols, requiring on-site personnel or introducing security risks, and are not adaptable to new industrial devices without additional complexity or error-prone processes.
Innovation Solution
Storing protocol configurations within a device twin data structure on an IoT platform allows for bidirectional synchronization, enabling IoT devices to configure data collection logic without on-site personnel and adapt to new devices or protocols, using a strongly typed definition to model data and configuration associated with industrial devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protocol configuration is hardcoded in the IoT device, then the device can operate without on-site personnel, but the data collection logic is limited to a few industrial devices and cannot be configured or changed by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the protocol configuration dynamic by storing it in a device twin data structure on the IoT platform rather than hardcoding it in the IoT device. This allows the configuration to be updated remotely and adapt to different industrial devices while maintaining the benefit of automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the configuration storage from the IoT device layer to the IoT platform layer (device twin), creating a separation between the fixed device and the flexible configuration. This dimensional shift allows configuration changes without modifying the device itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol configuration is edited by a human expert and stored on the IoT device, then enhanced versatility is achieved, but on-site personnel or remote access is required to modify the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The device twin data structure acts as an intermediary between the IoT platform and the IoT device. Configuration is edited on the platform and automatically synchronized to the device, eliminating the need for on-site personnel or complex remote access procedures while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration by automatically synchronizing the device twin from the IoT platform to the IoT device. The device collects and processes configuration information autonomously without requiring human intervention or complex remote access procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If special messages are used to transfer files or information to the IoT device, then configuration can be updated, but additional transfer channels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration update function with the existing device twin synchronization mechanism. Configuration information is updated through the same communication channel used for device twin synchronization, eliminating the need for additional transfer channels or special message protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
To configure an Internet of Things, IoT, device (30) for collecting data from industrial devices (11-13), the IoT device (30) is coupled to a IoT platform (50). The IoT platform (50) stores device twin data (61, 64, 67) of the industrial devices (11-13). The device twin data (61, 64, 67) includes configuration information (62, 65, 68). The IoT device (30) retrieves the configuration information (62, 65, 68) from the device twin data (61, 64, 67) stored in the IoT platform (50) and uses the configuration information (62, 65, 68) for collecting data from the industrial devices (11-13).