Self-Configuring Sensor Kit Network for Edge IoT Bandwidth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial IoT deployments face challenges such as communication disruptions due to physical obstructions, bandwidth strain from high data volumes, and security vulnerabilities in industrial settings, deterring organizations from integrating IoT sensor systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

A self-configuring sensor kit network that includes edge devices and various sensors, capable of transmitting data via multiple communication protocols, including satellite and cellular connections, with built-in machine-learned models for data processing and encoding to optimize bandwidth and security, and a backend system for monitoring and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple heterogeneous sensors are deployed to capture comprehensive data in industrial settings, then measurement precision and data quantity improve, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex IoT integration task into modular components: sensor kits with specific sensor combinations, edge devices for local processing, and backend systems for centralized management. Each sensor kit is a self-contained unit that can be independently deployed and configured, reducing overall system integration complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backend system provides universal functionality to manage diverse sensor types and communication protocols through a unified interface. The system can handle multiple sensor configurations, communication methods (cellular, Wi-Fi, wired), and data formats through standardized processes, enabling organizations to deploy heterogeneous sensors without proportionally increasing integration difficulty

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

2Quantity of substance

If hundreds or thousands of sensors capture multiple readings every second, then data quantity and monitoring coverage improve, but bandwidth consumption and computing resource strain increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and processes data locally at the edge device before transmitting to the backend. Edge computing performs preliminary filtering, aggregation, and analysis of sensor data, extracting only relevant information for transmission. This reduces the volume of data consumed by bandwidth while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage through distributed processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements selective data transmission where only partially processed or aggregated data is sent to the backend, rather than transmitting every raw sensor reading. Edge devices perform partial processing actions locally, sending summarized or filtered data sets that reduce bandwidth consumption while preserving essential monitoring information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If IoT devices are connected to computer networks for data transmission and analysis, then productivity and monitoring capability improve, but security vulnerabilities and attack surface increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the network architecture into isolated layers: sensor kits form secure local networks, edge devices create intermediate processing zones, and backend systems provide controlled access points. This segmentation limits the attack surface by containing potential security breaches within specific segments rather than exposing the entire system, while maintaining monitoring efficiency through distributed architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Edge devices serve as intermediary components between sensors and backend systems, providing an additional security layer. The edge devices can authenticate sensors, filter data, and control communication protocols, acting as mediators that reduce direct exposure of backend systems to potential attacks while maintaining productive data flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20210365012A1Edge device with self-configuring sensor kit network for monitoring and managing industrial settings
Publication Date: 2021.11.25 STRONG FORCE IOT PORTFOLIO 2016 LLC
  • US20210365012A1 patent drawing
  • US20210365012A1 patent drawing
  • US20210365012A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A variety of kits are provided that are configured with components, systems and methods for monitoring various industrial settings, including kits with self-configuring sensor networks, communication gateways, and automatically configured back end systems.