Software Hardware Combination for IoT Sensor Data Gathering and Prototyping : Architecture model, framework, and process model

Abstract

Nowadays large scale data gathering is more common than previously, enabled by faster communication channels. In an Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, different kinds of sensor systems collect a huge amount of data from different environments. The first steps when starting to build a data gathering system are complex and challenging. This thesis provide guidelines for making a start. More specifically, this thesis describes data gathering with sensor devices and building a system.

In this thesis, the issue is approached using the design science method. At first, the problem was identified and divided into sub-questions. After determining the objective, the design of the prototype systems and development for data collection began. The developed systems were evaluated, documented, and the findings were published. During this thesis research work, more than ten prototype systems (most of which are discussed in the thesis) were built for gathering data from different environments.

The results and contributions of this thesis are divided into three IoT data gathering prototype development sections: sensor node architecture, a framework for IoT prototype development, and a process model for prototype development.

The sensor node architecture section introduces the abstract models developed for data gathering: multi node and single node architecture models. The main components are described: the sensor node, master node, communication, and the Internet as a communication channel for user applications. Furthermore, the purpose of the models and possible applications as a data collection tool are presented.

The framework section introduces the Software / Hardware (SW/HW) framework for IoT data collection. The framework categorizes prototype systems into three different types of construction, depending on the use case. Type 1 suits large amounts of data from a few sensor nodes. Type 2 collects simple data from several points with separate sensor nodes. In Type 3, smartphones are used as the data gathering sensor devices. In addition, several prototype applications with suitable software and hardware components are presented.

The prototype development process section introduces the Descriptive Model for the Prototyping Process (DMPP). The process model brings together IoT prototype development practices that have been applied in research projects between university and enterprises.

These contributions were verified and validated by developing several data gathering prototypes. The architecture model and the framework were used in several prototype systems. The approach entailed setting a target, designing a measuring system, finding suitable tools, building the system, and evaluating the results. This prototyping took shape in similar processes, and was modeled into the descriptive model for the prototyping process itself.

The main results of the research and the thesis can be used as a guideline to make it easier to develop data gathering applications for an Internet of Things ecosystem.