Sensor Messaging Client Protocol Switching Across Variable Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing publish/subscribe messaging systems fail to adapt to varying network conditions experienced by mobile or dynamically changing clients, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a client with the capability to switch between MQTT and MQTT-SN messaging protocols based on context assessments, using a unified messaging session to manage multiple protocols and maintain a single interface for data sources or sinks, ensuring seamless data transmission regardless of network variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single messaging protocol is used for all publisher clients, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying network conditionsVSAvoidclient complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The client dynamically selects between MQTT and MQTT-SN messaging protocols based on real-time network conditions. The system transitions from a static single-protocol approach to a dynamic multi-protocol approach, where the messaging protocol is chosen adaptively according to network availability and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The client is designed to support multiple messaging protocols (MQTT and MQTT-SN) simultaneously, enabling it to function universally across different network environments. This multi-functionality allows the same client to adapt to varying network conditions by selecting the appropriate protocol, rather than requiring separate clients for different networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If connection-oriented transport protocol is used, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of data transmissionVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transport protocol parameter based on network conditions and data characteristics. For reliable data transmission requirements, connection-oriented protocols (TCP) are selected; for bandwidth-constrained environments, connectionless protocols (UDP) are used. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the trade-off between reliability and bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple messaging protocols are supported, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol flexibilityVSAvoidclient implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The client implementation is segmented into distinct protocol handlers (MQTT and MQTT-SN) that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain support for multiple protocols while organizing the complexity into manageable modules, each responsible for specific protocol operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protocol selection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the data source and the messaging protocols. This mediator evaluates network conditions and selects the appropriate protocol, shielding the data source from protocol complexity and enabling flexible protocol switching without increasing the complexity of the data source interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If protocol switching capability is implemented, then adaptability to network variations is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptation capabilityVSAvoidprotocol switching overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The client pre-configures support for multiple messaging protocols and maintains protocol selection logic ready to execute. When network conditions change, the protocol switching mechanism can be activated quickly without requiring time-consuming configuration or negotiation, as the framework and decision logic are already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250373704A1Messaging client, data broker and methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 HIVEMQ GMBH

AI summary

A method comprises receiving first sensor data for publication and establishing a first connection with the data broker in accordance with a first publish/subscribe messaging protocol, wherein the establishing comprises transmitting a connection request packet comprising an identifier of the sensor client via a first wireless communications network. The method also comprises publishing first sensor data to the data broker in accordance with the first publish/subscribe messaging protocol using the first connection, receiving second sensor data for publication, and determining that criteria for using a second publish/subscribe messaging protocol. A second connection with the data broker is established in accordance with the second publish/subscribe messaging protocol, wherein the establishing comprises transmitting a second connection request packet comprising the identifier of the sensor client, and the second sensor data is published to the data broker in accordance with the second publish/subscribe messaging protocol using the second connection.