Mobile Sensor Management Unit for Dynamic Data Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often cannot receive necessary sensing data due to the absence of providers with installed sensors capable of obtaining specific data, such as traffic situation data at intersections, leading to reduced utilization of sensor network systems.

Innovation Solution

A sensing data distribution system that includes mobile objects with attached sensing devices, which can generate and provide sensing data even if no sensor is installed at the required location, by storing run operation information and device attributes, and outputting provision data catalogues to match user requests with available sensing data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are installed at fixed locations to provide sensing data, then the sensing data can be obtained at specific positions, but sensing data cannot be provided at locations where no sensor is installed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of sensing data provisionVSAvoidsensor installation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static fixed sensors to dynamic mobile sensors. Mobile objects equipped with sensors move through different locations, dynamically providing sensing data coverage to multiple positions without requiring permanent sensor installation at each location. This resolves the contradiction by making the sensing system adaptable to various locations while avoiding the complexity of installing sensors everywhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the universality principle by using mobile objects that can serve multiple functions: they act as both transport vehicles and mobile sensing platforms. A single mobile object can provide sensing data for multiple different locations during its movement, making the sensing system universally applicable across different positions without requiring location-specific sensor installations.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile objects with sensors are used to provide sensing data at multiple locations, then sensing data coverage is improved, but management and coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing data provision capabilityVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a management server as a mediator between mobile objects and users. The management server handles the complexity of coordinating multiple mobile sensors, matching sensor capabilities with user requests, and routing data flows. This intermediary absorbs the management complexity while enabling mobile sensors to provide adaptable sensing data coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing a metadata-based matching system where sensor capabilities, user requests, and data flow instructions are continuously exchanged through the management server. The system receives feedback about sensor availability and user needs, dynamically adjusting data provision to optimize both coverage and management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If providers install sensors only for their own use, then the provider's specific needs are met, but other users cannot access the sensing data even if the sensor is available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing accessibilityVSAvoidunused sensing data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by enabling mobile sensors to serve multiple users across different applications. A sensor mounted on a mobile object can provide data to multiple users with different needs, making the sensing resource universally useful rather than dedicated to a single provider's purpose.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the self-service principle through automated metadata registration and matching. The system automatically registers sensor capabilities, matches them with user requests, and establishes data sharing without requiring manual intervention from providers. This enables seamless data accessibility while preventing information loss through automated resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3687147B1Mobile sensor management unit, mobile sensor apparatus, matching apparatus, sensing data distribution system, data provision method, and data provision program
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 OMRON CORP
  • EP3687147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3687147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3687147B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A moving sensor management unit is configured to provide, to a user, sensing data generated by a sensing device attached to a mobile object, and includes a run operation information storage unit configured to store run operation information of the mobile object, a run operation information update unit configured to, when a request to change the run operation information is received, update the run operation information stored in the run operation information storage unit, in accordance with the change request, and a first output control unit configured to output, in response to a provision request to provide sensing data that is based on the run operation information, sensing data corresponding to the provision request, to the user.