Sensor Data Aggregation via Content Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing and outsourcing sensor/control networks are inefficient due to monolithic service provider approaches that limit access and require significant customer commitment, making it difficult for users to manage multiple service providers and share data effectively, leading to higher costs and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method for aggregating and publishing sensor node data through content channels that allow multiple service providers to access and manage different portions of a sensor/control network, enabling fine-grained management and subscription to data and control services, with features like data filtering, advertising, and revenue distribution among stakeholders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If monolithic service provider approaches are used to manage sensor/control networks, then service quality and expertise are improved, but access limitations and customer commitment requirements worsen system flexibility and ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidaccess flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monolithic service provider model into multiple specialized service providers, each managing specific portions of sensor/control networks. This allows customers to access different providers for different needs without requiring comprehensive commitment to a single provider, thereby improving access flexibility while maintaining service quality through specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform that enables multiple service providers to access and manage different portions of the same sensor/control network. This multi-functional system allows a single customer network to be served by various providers simultaneously, improving ease of operation and access flexibility without sacrificing the specialized expertise of individual providers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple service providers are allowed to access sensor networks, then service versatility and customer choice are improved, but system complexity and management overhead worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary platform that manages access between multiple service providers and sensor/control networks. This intermediary handles authentication, authorization, and coordination, thereby enabling service versatility while abstracting away the management complexity from customers. The intermediary acts as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between multiple providers and the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where service providers can independently configure and manage their access to specific portions of the network through standardized interfaces. This automation reduces the need for manual coordination and customer involvement in managing multiple provider relationships, thereby reducing management overhead while maintaining service versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If fine-grained monitoring and management is implemented across extensive sensor networks, then service precision and value are improved, but customer interaction requirements and overhead worsen efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring precisionVSAvoidmanagement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring access rights, data formats, and management protocols before multiple service providers begin operating. This upfront setup establishes standardized interfaces and automated workflows that enable fine-grained monitoring without requiring continuous customer intervention. The preliminary configuration reduces the time and effort needed for ongoing management while maintaining high monitoring precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8868447B1Sensor and control node publishing and subscription system
Publication Date: 2014.10.21 CHARLOTTE INTPROP
  • US8868447B1 patent drawing
  • US8868447B1 patent drawing
  • US8868447B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system aggregates data collected from independently owned and controlled networked sensors and controls into content channels. The system allows for anonymous subscription to content channels and sensor data by channel client, other sensor owners, and service providers who bid for the right to advertise services to content channel clients based on sensor data patterns for which the service providers can provide particular insight.