Receiving Apparatus for Legacy Device Integration in Distributed Database Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Old devices in networked systems, such as field devices and manufacturing devices, often struggle to communicate effectively with new IT infrastructure, leading to compatibility issues and restricted communication due to outdated cryptographic and IT security capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A receiving apparatus is designed to communicate between devices and a distributed database system or network application, associating and converting messages to compatible formats, ensuring that only processable data is transmitted, and cryptographic checks are performed to secure the communication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If old devices are integrated into new IT infrastructure, then system connectivity and network coverage are improved, but communication compatibility and system stability deteriorate due to outdated cryptographic and IT security capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem connectivityVSAvoidcommunication compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a receiving apparatus as an intermediary component between old devices and the new distributed database system. This mediator translates and adapts communication protocols, converting data from legacy device formats into formats compatible with modern blockchain infrastructure, thereby enabling integration without compromising the stability of either system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving apparatus dynamically changes communication parameters by detecting the capabilities of connected devices and adjusting data formats, encryption methods, and protocol versions accordingly. This allows the system to accommodate devices with varying cryptographic capabilities while maintaining security standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If data conversion is performed for legacy devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion process is segmented into distinct functional modules: device capability detection, data format identification, translation processing, and validation. This modular approach distributes processing tasks and allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving apparatus automatically detects device types and required conversion parameters without manual configuration. The system self-adjusts by analyzing incoming data characteristics and selecting appropriate conversion routines, eliminating the need for complex pre-configuration and reducing processing overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If cryptographic checks are performed on all data, then security is improved, but processing time and system performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs cryptographic checks selectively rather than uniformly on all data. Based on device capability assessment and data sensitivity classification, the receiving apparatus applies appropriate levels of cryptographic verification, performing full checks only when necessary and using simplified validation for less critical communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Cryptographic parameters and validation rules are pre-computed and cached based on device profiles established during initial connection. This preliminary preparation allows the system to perform rapid verification using pre-established cryptographic contexts, reducing real-time processing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11640394B2Method, apparatuses and system for exchanging data between a distributed database system and devices
Publication Date: 2023.05.02 SIEMENS AG
  • US11640394B2 patent drawing
  • US11640394B2 patent drawing
  • US11640394B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gateway or a network adapter that allows old devices or legacy devices to be connected to a distributed database system such as a blockchain without having to change any configuration in the old devices is provided.