Virtual Sensor System for IoT Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of installing and maintaining numerous physical sensors in large facilities, along with the need for frequent upgrades, pose challenges in efficiently monitoring and controlling services like heating, cooling, and security.
Innovation Solution
A virtual sensor system that utilizes smart mobile devices to measure and report parameters, reducing the need for physical sensors by enabling mobile devices to act as virtual sensors, broadcasting measurement requests, and responding with sensor data to IoT control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerous physical sensors are installed to monitor and control services in large facilities, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual sensor data by copying and processing data from existing physical sensors. Instead of installing additional physical sensors, the system generates virtual sensor readings through data processing algorithms that simulate sensor outputs, thereby maintaining measurement coverage without increasing physical device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing physical sensors serve multiple functions by having them provide data for both direct monitoring and virtual sensor generation. A single physical sensor can support multiple virtual sensor instances, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring coverage with reduced physical sensor deployment
2Reliability
If physical sensors are installed and maintained in large facilities, then monitoring capability is improved, but maintenance cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual sensor instances that replicate the functionality of physical sensors without requiring physical maintenance. These virtual sensors are software-based and can be updated, replicated, or modified without physical intervention, significantly reducing maintenance operational complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages sensor data processing and virtual sensor generation without requiring manual intervention for routine operations. The virtual sensor framework self-adapts to changes in physical sensor data streams, reducing the need for manual configuration and maintenance operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor systems are upgraded to meet expanding facility needs, then adaptability is improved, but cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sensor system where virtual sensors can be created, modified, or removed through software configuration rather than physical installation. This allows the system to adapt to changing facility needs dynamically without complex physical reconfiguration or additional hardware installation
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual sensor framework provides a universal platform that can accommodate various sensor types and measurement requirements through software configuration. The same infrastructure supports multiple sensing functions, enabling the system to adapt to expanding facility needs without requiring specialized hardware for each new requirement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are generally directed to a virtual sensor system. An embodiment of a mobile device includes a transmitter to transmit data and a receiver to receive data; and one or more sensors. Upon receiving a measurement request from a requestor, the measurement request including one or more measurement requirements including at least one type of sensor measurement, the mobile electronic device is to compare the one or more measurement requirements against at least sensor capabilities of the mobile electronic device. Upon determining that there is a match between the sensor capabilities and the one or more measurement requirements, the mobile electronic device is to perform a measurement with at least one of the one or more sensors to produce sensor data, and transmit a response including the sensor data to the requestor.