Sensor Data Broker for Isolated IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the Internet of Things (IoT) context, millions of sensor devices are deployed in remote locations without existing wireless infrastructure, making it challenging for sensor consumers to access sensor data from isolated devices that cannot establish reliable connections with wired or wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor data broker system directs a mobile collector device to retrieve data from isolated sensors by sending instructions and incentives, allowing the device to establish a local connection, store data, and forward it to the broker upon reconnecting to the network, while providing credits to the user for their efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensor devices are deployed in remote locations without wireless infrastructure, then data collection coverage is improved, but data accessibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile collector device as an intermediary that physically travels to remote sensor locations, collects data locally, and then forwards it to consumers. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the sensor deployment location from the data access location, allowing sensors to be placed anywhere while data can be retrieved from anywhere the mobile collector can reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the mobile collector device visit sensor locations and store data in advance before consumers need it. The collector proactively gathers data from isolated sensors and holds it until a consumer requests it, eliminating the need for real-time connectivity at the sensor location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile collector devices are used to collect data from isolated sensors, then data collection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile collector device is designed as a universal platform that can collect data from multiple different sensor types and deliver it to various consumers. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized systems, managing complexity through generalization rather than specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing consumers to directly request data from the broker, who then automatically coordinates with the mobile collector. The consumer doesn't need to manage the complexity of locating or communicating with remote sensors directly; the broker handles all coordination automatically.
3Productivity
If users are incentivized to collect sensor data, then data collection productivity is improved, but incentive management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broker implements a feedback mechanism where users receive credits or incentives based on their data collection activities. This automated feedback loop motivates users to collect more data without requiring manual intervention, as the system automatically tracks and rewards their contributions, managing incentive complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a broker device in a persistent data network, a request from one or more sensor consumers for sensor data originated by one or more isolated sensor devices, the isolated sensor devices not reachable by any wired or wireless infrastructure; sending, by the broker device via the persistent data network in response to the request, a message to a mobile collector device indicating an instruction for obtaining the sensor data from the one or more isolated sensor devices; and receiving, by the broker device in the persistent data network, the sensor data from the mobile collector device having established a local data connection with the one or more isolated sensor devices, and in response causing sending of a credit for receiving the sensor data to a registered user of the mobile collector device.