Service Layer Function for Automated IoT Device Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IoT systems lack the ability to dynamically manage the relationship between IoT devices and users, leading to inaccurate user profiling and inefficient configuration of devices, especially in scenarios like smart hotels where user preferences need to be replicated across different locations.

Innovation Solution

A service layer function that manages user profiles by associating IoT devices and applications with users, allowing for dynamic configuration and secure data import/export between gateways or servers, using techniques like temporary user accounts and extended attribute-based access control policies to ensure privacy and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If user profiles are manually managed for each IoT device, then configuration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser profiling accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service configuration where the service layer function automatically retrieves user profiles and configures IoT devices without manual intervention. The device autonomously obtains configuration parameters from the service layer based on user identification, eliminating the need for manual profile management while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

User profiles are pre-established and stored in the service layer before device configuration is needed. When a user interacts with an IoT device, the service layer function already has the necessary profile information ready to be retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for real-time manual configuration and reducing both complexity and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If user data is transferred between gateways, then user preference replication is improved, but data security and privacy risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference replicationVSAvoiddata privacy risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The service layer function acts as an intermediary between users, gateways, and IoT devices. It securely manages user profile data and controls the transfer process, ensuring that only authorized data is transferred between gateways. This intermediary layer implements security policies and access controls, enabling user preference replication while mitigating privacy risks through centralized security management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated device configuration is implemented, then configuration efficiency is improved, but user profile management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidprofile management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service layer function serves multiple functions: it stores user profiles, retrieves configuration data, manages device registration, and controls data transfer between gateways. This multi-functional approach consolidates profile management complexity into a single universal service layer, enabling automated device configuration while keeping the overall system architecture simple and manageable.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11522865B2Automated IoT device configuration using user profile
Publication Date: 2022.12.06 CONVIDA WIRELESS LLC
  • US11522865B2 patent drawing
  • US11522865B2 patent drawing
  • US11522865B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A service layer (SL) function may be used for managing a user profile that is associated with a SL user and using this profile to automatically configure different types of devices connected to an IoT service provider's platform. A SL function may be used to support user data privacy and security when data is imported and exported between gateways or servers temporarily.