Local Coordinator for IoT Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in managing and coordinating embedded devices or IoT devices with limited local user interfaces, particularly due to latency issues and privacy concerns when communicating over external or public networks.
Innovation Solution
A coordinator is introduced within a coordinated environment to enable local management of these devices, utilizing a localized on-demand code execution system that executes portable code segments, or 'tasks', to manage device states and communications without external network reliance, employing device shadows and various protocols like MQTT for efficient data representation and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote management is used to manage embedded devices, then management capability is improved, but communication latency increases and privacy risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A local coordinator device is introduced as an intermediary between embedded devices and remote management systems. The coordinator runs locally on the network, receiving management instructions and executing them locally without requiring continuous external network communication. This mediator approach enables remote management capability while eliminating the latency associated with external network round-trips.
2Ease of operation
If remote management is used to manage embedded devices, then management capability is improved, but privacy risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The local coordinator acts as a privacy-protecting intermediary that processes management instructions locally. Sensitive device data and control commands remain within the local network boundary, preventing exposure to external networks. The coordinator translates remote management requests into local actions without transmitting sensitive information externally, thus maintaining privacy while enabling management capability.
3Speed
If local coordinator with on-demand code execution is implemented, then responsiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinator implements self-service through on-demand code execution capabilities. Instead of requiring complex pre-configured management logic, the coordinator can dynamically execute management code locally when instructions are received. This self-service approach enables rapid responsiveness to management requests while keeping the base coordinator relatively simple, as complexity is introduced only when and where needed through executed code.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for configuring a coordinator within a coordinated environment, which environment includes set of coordinated devices managed by the coordinator. The coordinated devices may include devices configured to be managed remotely, such as thin devices, devices with alternative primary functions (e.g., appliances, household objects, etc.), or devices with limited localized user interfaces. To manage the set of coordinated devices, the coordinator can execute tasks, each task corresponding to a set of portable code executable by the coordinator to implement a desired functionality. A user may generate one or more tasks, and submit them to a service provider environment for deployment to the coordinator. The service provider environment can utilize a device shadow to notify the coordinator of the obtained tasks, and thereafter deliver the tasks to the coordinator, thus modifying a configuration of the coordinator.