Remote IoT Device Auditing for Reliable Field Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Identifying defective IoT devices in a large network before or during deployment is difficult, leading to costly failures in performing intended functions, particularly in asset tracking systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for auditing IoT devices, including adhesive tape platforms, to determine functionality and task capability, with remote initiation and tracking of audit results, allowing defective devices to be replaced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large number of IoT devices are deployed without pre-deployment auditing, then deployment speed and productivity are improved, but the reliability of the system deteriorates due to defective devices causing costly failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary auditing and diagnostic testing of IoT devices before they are deployed to the field. The system performs functionality checks, configuration validations, and performance assessments on devices at a centralized location prior to deployment, ensuring that only fully functional devices are deployed. This preliminary action prevents defective devices from being deployed while maintaining deployment efficiency through automated testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If defective IoT devices are deployed, then deployment quantity is maintained, but the loss of time and resources increases due to costly failures and inability to perform intended functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment quantityVSAvoidtime loss from failures
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where audit results and diagnostic test outcomes from IoT devices are transmitted back to the centralized system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically identifies defective devices and excludes them from deployment. The feedback loop also enables continuous monitoring and re-auditing of devices, ensuring that only devices meeting performance criteria are deployed, thereby preventing time loss from future failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If comprehensive auditing and testing of IoT devices is performed before deployment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidauditing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service auditing where IoT devices perform their own diagnostic testing and functionality checks when connected to the centralized system. The devices automatically report their operational status, configuration details, and test results without requiring manual inspection. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of the auditing system while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive automated testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12381794B2Method and system for performing ad hoc diagnostics, maintenance, programming, and tests of internet of things devices
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 TRACKONOMY SYSTEMS INC
  • US12381794B2 patent drawing
  • US12381794B2 patent drawing
  • US12381794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method and system for performing audits of one or more IOT devices in an IOT system, prior to deployment of the IOT device or during deployment in the field. The audits are used to determine if an IOT device is functional and capable of performing a task assigned to the IOT device. If an audit is failed, the IOT system may determine that the IOT device is defective and needs to be replaced for the respective task. The IOT system remotely initiates the audits, and tracks the status and results of the audits of the IOT devices.