Profile-Based M2M Services for Backward-Compatible Feature Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing M2M/IoT service layers face challenges in managing compatibility and overhead due to varying device and application versions, leading to increased code complexity and development costs, especially when integrating new features that are not recognized by older service layer instances.
Innovation Solution
Implementing profile-based services and content management systems that allow for defining and applying profiles to M2M service layer resources, attributes, and messages to ensure compatibility across different versions, including system and custom profiles, with error handling and testing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new features are integrated into M2M service layer, then functionality and capabilities are improved, but compatibility with older service layer instances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining and storing profile information in advance that describes compatibility requirements for different service layer versions. When a new feature is integrated, the system pre-defines profile data that identifies which devices or applications can utilize the new functionality and which require the old behavior. This allows the service layer to selectively apply new features based on the client's profile without breaking compatibility with older instances, as the compatibility rules are established beforehand.
2Reliability
If version-specific code is implemented to support multiple service layer versions, then compatibility is improved, but code complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a profile parameter that encapsulates version-specific compatibility information. Instead of implementing multiple version-specific code paths, the system uses a single unified codebase that queries the client's profile parameter to determine which version behavior to apply. This transforms the complexity from structural (multiple code paths) to data-driven (profile parameter evaluation), significantly reducing code complexity while maintaining compatibility across versions.
3Productivity
If profile-based management is implemented, then processing overhead is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating and storing profile templates that represent common compatibility scenarios. Once a profile is defined for a particular device type or application, it can be copied and reused for similar clients, eliminating the need to re-evaluate compatibility rules for each individual client. This template copying mechanism reduces processing overhead significantly, as the system only needs to match clients against existing profiles rather than analyzing compatibility from scratch for every interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Profile based services and content can assist with the backward and forward compatibility of conventional service layers or the like. Using a profile to manage content and access to services offered may reduce the overhead or processing associated with providing those value added services by service layers.