Management Gateway for Heterogeneous IoT Protocol Interoperability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protocols for object-to-object communication lack a standardized system-level architecture, preventing seamless integration of objects from different manufacturers into a management infrastructure, secure data exposure, and efficient resource management across heterogeneous networks.

Innovation Solution

A management gateway system that registers objects via a telecommunications network with object registration, message routing, and bandwidth management functionalities, using unique identifiers and IMS architecture to facilitate secure, scalable, and interoperable management of energy resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If local object network protocols (Zigbee, Zwave, BACnet) are used for object communication, then objects can communicate within their local environment, but objects from different manufacturers cannot be integrated into a unified management infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInteroperability between objects from different manufacturersVSAvoidSystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a management gateway as an intermediary component that bridges local object networks using different protocols (Zigbee, Zwave, BACnet) and a centralized management infrastructure. The gateway translates and adapts messages between various local protocols and the standardized IP-based management system, enabling seamless communication and integration of objects from different manufacturers without requiring direct protocol compatibility between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The management gateway is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple local object network protocols simultaneously. It can register objects from different manufacturers, route messages between various protocol types, and provide unified management services including authentication, metering, and control functions. This universal approach allows a single gateway to manage heterogeneous objects without requiring separate systems for each protocol type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If proprietary formats are used for new applications, then initial implementation is simple, but integration with standardized management infrastructures becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial implementation easeVSAvoidIntegration capability with standardized infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The management gateway serves as a mediator that allows applications implemented in proprietary formats to integrate with standardized management infrastructures. The gateway translates proprietary application protocols into standardized IP-based communication, enabling seamless integration without requiring reimplementation of existing applications. This maintains the ease of initial proprietary implementation while achieving standardized integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If objects register directly with the management infrastructure, then registration is straightforward, but security and control over data exposure are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveObject registration simplicityVSAvoidSecurity and data exposure control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The management gateway acts as a secure intermediary between objects and the management infrastructure. Objects register with their local gateway rather than directly with the centralized infrastructure, maintaining operational simplicity. The gateway then manages authentication, authorization, and data exposure control on behalf of the objects, ensuring security and reliability without complicating the registration process for end devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system architecture is segmented into local gateway level and centralized infrastructure level. Registration and security management functions are distributed to local gateways, which handle authentication and data protection for their connected objects. This segmentation maintains ease of operation at the object level while ensuring security and control at the gateway level, preventing direct unauthorized access to the centralized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If centralized management infrastructure is implemented, then comprehensive control and monitoring are achieved, but network bandwidth consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComprehensive control and monitoring capabilityVSAvoidNetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The management gateway extracts and handles local management functions including authentication, object registration, and message routing before transmitting data to the centralized infrastructure. By processing and filtering data locally, the gateway reduces the volume of information that needs to be transmitted over the network, thereby minimizing bandwidth consumption while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities at the centralized level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Management functions are segmented between local gateways and centralized infrastructure. Routine operations such as local object control and monitoring are handled at the gateway level, reducing centralized processing requirements and network traffic. Only essential management data and control commands are transmitted to the centralized infrastructure, optimizing bandwidth usage while preserving comprehensive management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2583440B1Object management method using a management gateway in a communications network
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 ACTILITY
  • EP2583440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2583440B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2583440B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of managing an object (OBJ) through a management gateway (ONG) communicating with a system architecture present on a telecommunications network offering functionalities for registering objects and for routing messages, the method comprising the registering (201) of the object with the system architecture by way of the management gateway, by using said registration functionality, and the control (203) of a parameter associated with the object by means of said management gateway, by using said message routing functionality. The present invention also relates to a management gateway (ONG) corresponding to the management method.