Unified Sensor Data Processing System for Heterogeneous IoT Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices operate independently, making it time-consuming and inefficient for service providers and users to aggregate and analyze sensor data collectively, as they use unique data formats and lack coordination.

Innovation Solution

A unified sensor data processing system that automatically registers and integrates various sensor devices, using a sensor platform and gateway to convert data into universal formats, facilitating seamless communication and analysis across different devices and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sensor devices operate independently with unique data formats, then each device maintains its own operational autonomy, but data aggregation and collective analysis become time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata aggregation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data format that enables multiple sensor devices with different native formats to communicate through a common interface. The system provides format conversion capabilities that allow any sensor device to publish data in its native format while subscribers receive data in a standardized format, eliminating the need for manual coordination and enabling efficient automated data aggregation across heterogeneous devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the standardized data format and conversion mechanism) between sensor devices and analysis systems. This intermediary automatically handles format translation and data normalization, resolving the coordination complexity without sacrificing device autonomy. The intermediary enables seamless data aggregation by mediating between diverse data sources and unified analysis targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual coordination is used to aggregate sensor devices and their data, then device integration can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration easeVSAvoidintegration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables sensor devices to automatically publish their data using a standardized format without requiring manual configuration or coordination. Devices self-register and self-configure by adhering to the universal data format specification, which includes automatic topic generation based on device type and data characteristics. This self-service mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual integration processes while maintaining ease of operation through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes preliminary standards and conventions for data format, topic naming, and device registration before actual data aggregation occurs. By pre-defining the universal data format and communication protocols, the system eliminates the need for ad-hoc coordination during deployment. Devices can be quickly integrated by simply adhering to the pre-established standards, dramatically reducing integration time while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensor devices use unique data formats, then each device can maintain its own data structure, but service providers and users face challenges in leveraging sensor data aggregated into a collective set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata format flexibilityVSAvoiddata usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data format that serves multiple functions: it preserves the adaptability needed for diverse sensor types while ensuring usability for collective analysis. The standardized format includes flexible fields that can accommodate different sensor data types (temperature, humidity, motion, etc.) while maintaining a consistent structure that enables automated processing. This universality allows service providers to leverage aggregated data from any sensor device without losing usability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms data from various native formats into a standardized parameter structure while preserving essential information. The conversion process changes the format parameters (data structure, encoding, naming conventions) but maintains the semantic meaning and analytical value of the original data. This parameter transformation enables data from heterogeneous sources to be aggregated into a collective set that retains full usability for analysis and decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10284689B2Method and system for processing machine-to-machine sensor data
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US10284689B2 patent drawing
  • US10284689B2 patent drawing
  • US10284689B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach is described for registering a plurality of gateway devices to a sensor platform operated by a service provider, detecting at the gateway devices, one or more sensors from a personal area network of a subscriber, determining corresponding identifiers of the sensors, collecting data from the sensors over one or more coordinated personal area networks, and designating each of a plurality of agents to process the collected data for local analysis and acting on this analysis, wherein the agents are configured to communicate with other agents.