Virtual Sensor Aggregation for Smart Environment Hardware Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart environments face challenges in updating sensor technology due to the long and complex process of replacing older or defective hardware, making it impractical and expensive to incorporate newer sensors, especially in areas where access is limited.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an aggregator system that utilizes data from multiple sensors to create virtual sensors, allowing for the seamless integration and updating of sensor technology without the need for physical hardware changes, leveraging data channels and encryption for secure and efficient data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical sensor hardware is replaced with newer technology, then sensor performance and capabilities are improved, but the complexity and cost of the update process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual sensor copies that replicate the functionality of physical sensors through software. These virtual sensors process and generate data identical to or derived from physical sensor inputs, allowing system updates without replacing physical hardware. The virtual sensor acts as a digital twin that maintains sensor functionality while eliminating the need for complex physical hardware replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between physical sensors and the system they serve. This intermediary virtual sensor layer absorbs the complexity of sensor updates, allowing physical sensors to remain unchanged while virtual sensors are updated independently. The intermediary handles data transformation and processing, isolating the system from hardware replacement complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical sensor hardware is replaced, then access to newer technology is achieved, but the time and labor required for manual replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual sensor copies enable immediate access to newer sensor technology capabilities through software deployment rather than physical replacement. The virtual sensor can be instantiated and updated in minutes through code deployment, compared to hours or days required for physical hardware replacement, installation, and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual sensor software can be prepared and tested in advance independently of physical sensor installation. Update packages can be developed, validated, and staged before deployment, allowing seamless updates without interrupting physical sensor operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming coordination required for physical hardware replacement.
3Reliability
If physical sensors are updated in areas with limited access, then sensor technology is improved, but the cost and practicality of the update decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual sensor copies can be deployed remotely through software distribution mechanisms without requiring physical access to sensor locations. The virtual sensor software can be pushed over networks to edge devices or gateways that collect sensor data, enabling technology updates in hard-to-reach locations such as remote infrastructure, dangerous environments, or sealed enclosures where physical access is limited or costly.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual sensor system enables self-updating capabilities where sensor nodes can automatically download and install new virtual sensor software without human intervention. This self-service update mechanism eliminates the need for technicians to physically access remote or dangerous locations, allowing sensor technology improvements in areas where manual updates are impractical or prohibitively expensive.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor aggregator is disclosed that may instantiate virtual sensors providing virtual sensor data. Virtual sensor data may be based at least in part on data shared by transitory sensors that come into an environment associated with the aggregator. An aggregator may have local sensors, e.g., non-transitory sensors associated therewith or disposed therein, or mobile sensors operating in conjunction with or for the aggregator, that may be used to provide sensor data to the aggregator that may also be provided as sensor output from the aggregator. An aggregator may combine different sensor inputs to derive virtual sensors based on received sensor data. In an emergency, an aggregator may assist with exit strategies based conditions sensed in various locations to help route people away from problems. Multiple aggregators may share data and trust mechanisms employed to determine if received sensor data may be trusted/used by an aggregator. And, aggregators may operate to store and forward data, such as to a cloud service, on behalf of a sensor. Accounting/payment systems may be used.