Sensor Device Registration via Server Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for implementing sensors in networked computing environments are cumbersome and complex, requiring physical connection and specialized software setup, which limits the integration of sensors and hinders efficient data ingestion and insights about machine behavior.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for efficiently registering and connecting sensor devices to applications, involving receiving a device identifier, assigning it to an application, and transmitting authentication tokens to enable secure data access and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are physically connected to computing devices with specialized software setup, then sensor data can be recognized and processed, but the registration process becomes cumbersome and complex for users and devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor data recognitionVSAvoidsensor registration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that manages sensor device registrations and data routing. Instead of requiring direct physical connections and specialized software on each computing device, the server acts as a central mediator that receives sensor data, manages device identifiers, and distributes data to appropriate applications, thereby simplifying the registration process while maintaining reliable data recognition and processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server implements a universal registration mechanism that handles multiple sensor devices and various applications through a common interface. The system uses standardized device identifiers and authentication tokens that can be applied across different sensor types and applications, eliminating the need for device-specific customization and specialized software setup on each endpoint

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If administrators write and maintain specialized software to integrate sensors, then sensors can be integrated into the network, but the complexity of setup and configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integrationVSAvoidsoftware setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the software integration complexity from individual sensor devices and computing devices and centralizes it in the server. The server contains the specialized software logic for handling device registration, authentication, and data routing, while sensor devices and applications can integrate through simple standardized interfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining integration versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the integration functionality into separate components: sensor devices generate data with minimal software, the server handles all complex integration logic including device identifier management and authentication token validation, and applications receive processed data through simple interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple while the system as a whole achieves high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If sensors require physical connection and complex configuration, then sensor data can be processed, but many administrators forgo sensor inclusion, limiting data ingestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processingVSAvoiddata ingestion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that enables administrators to register sensor devices through simplified procedures. The server manages device identifiers, validates authentication tokens, and routes data appropriately, allowing administrators to include more sensors without proportionally increasing configuration complexity, thereby increasing overall data ingestion while maintaining processing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where sensor devices automatically generate device identifiers and authentication tokens, and the server automatically validates these credentials and configures data routing. This automation reduces the administrative burden and time required for sensor integration, enabling faster deployment of additional sensors and increased data ingestion productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12047450B1Management of connected sensor devices
Publication Date: 2024.07.23 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US12047450B1 patent drawing
  • US12047450B1 patent drawing
  • US12047450B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present application set forth a computer-implemented method that includes receiving a device identifier associated with a sensor device, wherein the device identifier is receivable from a location proximal to the sensor device, assigning the device identifier to a first application executing in a first network, wherein data from the sensor device is transmitted to the first application, and transmitting, to a server, an indication of the assignment of the device identifier to the first application, wherein the server stores the assignment in conjunction with a security configuration associated with the sensor device.