Semantic Data Broker for Dynamic IoT Device Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT and IoE networks face challenges in managing data from diverse devices without policy constraints, relying on location-based associations that are limited and do not effectively handle dynamic device interactions and data interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A broker device identifies devices through device-identifying data, retrieves associated ontologies and interpretation instructions from an ontology server, and interprets data accordingly, enabling dynamic associations and device discovery based on application rules, thus providing interpreted data to applications in a standardized format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If applications directly manage data from different types of devices without policy constraints, then data exposure is simple and direct, but the system lacks adaptability and cannot handle diverse device types effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to diverse device typesVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a broker device as an intermediary between devices and applications. The broker receives device-identifying data, determines the appropriate ontology, retrieves interpretation instructions, and interprets data from devices according to the determined ontology. This intermediary approach enables the system to adapt to diverse device types without requiring applications to directly manage device-specific data formats, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data representation by introducing ontologies and interpretation instructions. Instead of applications directly handling raw device data in various formats, the system transforms data into a standardized interpreted format based on determined ontologies. This parameter change enables versatile device support while maintaining simple application interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If location-based associations are used for device-application connections, then initial association is straightforward, but dynamic device interactions and discoveries cannot be effectively handled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic device interaction capabilityVSAvoidassociation management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic associations by enabling applications to publish application rules that define criteria for device associations. The broker device monitors incoming device data against these rules and dynamically associates or disassociates devices from applications based on rule matching. This dynamic approach replaces static location-based associations with flexible rule-based associations, enabling effective handling of dynamic device interactions while maintaining automated ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the broker continuously monitors device data and application rules, and dynamically adjusts associations based on rule matching results. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain appropriate device-application associations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If diverse device data is collected without standardized interpretation, then data collection is comprehensive, but data interpretation becomes inconsistent and application-specific

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata interpretation consistencyVSAvoidinterpretation instruction management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ontologies that serve as universal frameworks for interpreting data from diverse device types. Each ontology provides a standardized structure and set of interpretation instructions that can be applied to multiple devices of the same type or category. This universal approach ensures consistent data interpretation across the system while managing complexity through reusable ontology definitions rather than device-specific interpretation logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9553945B2Semantic data broker for dynamic association between devices and applications

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a broker device receives device-identifying data to identify a device in a computer network. An ontology associated with the device-identifying data is then identified by the broker device and in response to identifying the ontology, interpretation instructions related to the identified ontology are determined. The broker device receives data from the identified device and interprets the received data based on the interpretation instructions.