PORTABLE VIRTUAL IOT APPARATUS, VIRTUAL DEVICE DATA GENERATION METHOD USING SAME, AND PROGRAM OF SAME

A portable virtual IoT apparatus for generating virtual device data based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, performs operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the data collected by the physical devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable virtual IoT apparatus for generating virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, a virtual device data generation method using the same, and a computer program of the same.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, the Internet-of-things (IoT) technologies are attracting more attention. The IoT technology generally utilizes various physical devices (IoT devices) that are present in the world as sensors, to enable a large number of users to share various data collected from these physical devices via the Internet.

Technologies for virtualizing IoT devices are also known (see Patent Document 1). In such a technology for virtualizing IoT devices, a system can process data collected by one or more physical devices to generate data to be provided from IoT devices that do not actually exist (virtual devices). In such a technology of virtualizing IoT devices, a system can perform a certain image analysis on data detected by a camera (i.e., captured images) to thereby enable different uses of the same camera. For example, one user can use the camera as a person detection device, and another user can use it as a crowdedness detection device, while yet another user can use it as a wildlife detection device for vermin control.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT(S)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Task to be Accomplished by the Invention

In the prior art, a system for virtualizing IoT devices is generally composed of components built in a cloud, and only a predetermined smart city can be connected to the system, in which only predetermined physical devices can be used.

Thus, it is difficult for virtual IoT systems of the prior art to be used in areas where generation of virtual device data is temporarily needed (e.g., event sites, disaster sites, incident scenes) and quickly acquire virtual device data using physical devices installed on site. Moreover, there can also be physical devices that are not remotely accessible (e.g., not connected to the Internet) in such areas, and it is difficult for virtual IoT systems of the prior art to acquire data collected by such isolated physical devices.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and a primary object of the present invention is to provide a portable virtual IoT apparatus for generating virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices present on site, a virtual device data generation method using the same, and a computer program of the same, which enable quickly acquisition of virtual device data, i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices.

Means to Accomplish the Task

An aspect of the present invention provides a method of generating virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, by using a portable virtual IoT apparatus based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, the method comprising: causing the virtual IoT apparatus to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a portable virtual IoT apparatus comprising a processor configured to generate virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, wherein the processor is configured to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a program of controlling a computer to operate as a portable virtual IoT apparatus that generates virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, wherein the program causes a processor of the computer to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, a portable virtual IoT apparatus can quickly acquire virtual device data, i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by physical devices present on site.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A first aspect of the present invention made to achieve the above-described object is a method of generating virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, by using a portable virtual IoT apparatus based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, the method comprising: causing the virtual IoT apparatus to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

According to this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can quickly acquire virtual device data, i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by physical devices present on site (in a target area).

A second aspect of the present invention is the method of the first aspect, wherein at least one of the physical devices has wireless communication capabilities, and wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is caused to: detect physical devices present in the target area based on wireless signals transmitted therefrom; and acquire the collected data from the physical devices by communicatively connecting to each of the detected physical devices.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can acquire collected data from physical devices detected by wireless signals even when information about at least some of the physical devices present in the target area is not available (i.e., when presence of some of the physical devices is not publicly known).

A third aspect of the present invention is the method of the first or second aspect, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is caused to: determine whether or not the physical devices are deficient for generating the virtual device data based on the information about the physical devices; and when determining that the physical devices are deficient, inform a user of the deficiency of the physical devices.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can inform a user of deficiency of physical devices to thereby encourage the user to install necessary physical devices.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the method of the third aspect, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is caused to: inform the user of a fact that a number or density of physical devices present in the target area is not sufficient to generate the virtual device data, as the deficiency of the physical devices.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can inform a user of lack of physical devices in the target area to thereby encourage the user to install additional necessary physical devices.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the method of the third or fourth aspect, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is caused to: inform the user of a fact that specifications of physical devices present in the target area are not sufficient to generate the virtual device data, as the deficiency of the physical devices.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can inform a user of a fact that specifications of physical devices present in the target area are not sufficient to thereby encourage the user to install additional necessary physical devices and make a change (relaxation) in the specifications of necessary physical devices.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the method of any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the collected data from the physical devices is set such that authorization is required to use the collected data, and wherein the virtual IoT apparatus can generate the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices only when the virtual IoT apparatus is authorized to access the data.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus does not use collected data from physical devices which the apparatus is not authorized to use, and thus an administrator of physical devices can easily ensure security of collected data from the physical devices.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the method of the sixth aspect, wherein a usable time period is defined such that the authorization to use the collected data is valid only during the usable time period, and wherein the virtual IoT apparatus can generate the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices only during the usable time period.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus does not use collected data from physical devices outside the usable time period, and thus an administrator of physical devices can easily ensure security of collected data from the physical devices.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is the method of any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is caused to: acquire a provisional authorization to use the collected data from the physical devices; and transmit a data request to the physical devices based on the provisional authorization, and wherein, when a physical device receives the data request based on the provisional authorization from the virtual IoT apparatus, the physical device transmits dummy data associated with the collected data to the virtual IoT apparatus.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can do trial use of collected data from physical devices based on their dummy data. Thus, a user of the virtual IoT apparatus can preliminarily check whether or not the collected data from the desired physical device is actually available for virtual device data generation.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the method of any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein, before acquiring the collected data from the physical devices, the virtual IoT apparatus transmits to the physical devices an inquiry as to whether or not the collected data includes specific data, and wherein, when a physical device receives the inquiry, the physical device transmits a response to the inquiry to the virtual IoT apparatus.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can preliminarily check whether or not specific data required for virtual device data generation is included in collected data from physical devices, thereby preventing unnecessary data acquisition.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the method of the ninth aspect, wherein the collected data includes image data, wherein the specific data is data of a subject required to generate the virtual device data.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can preliminarily check whether or not subject data required for virtual device data generation is included in image data collected by physical devices, thereby enabling protection of the privacy of unrelated persons and others in the image data.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the method of any of the first to tenth aspects, wherein a local network isolated from the Internet is provided in the target area, wherein the physical devices and a local server for acquiring the collected data from the physical devices are connected to the local network, and wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is communicatively connected to the local server to thereby acquire the collected data from the physical devices via the local server.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can easily acquire, via the local server, collected data from isolated physical devices that are not connected to the Internet.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the method of the eleventh aspect, wherein the local server transmits the collected data from the physical devices to the virtual IoT apparatus only when the virtual IoT apparatus is authorized to access the local server.

In this configuration, a virtual IoT apparatus is not allowed to use collected data from physical devices which the virtual IoT apparatus is unauthorized to access, and thus an administrator of the local server can easily ensure security of collected data from the physical devices connected to the local network.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the method of the eleventh aspect, wherein the collected data from the physical devices is set such that authorization defined for each data attribute is required to use the data, and wherein the local server transmits only the collected data with data attributes for which the virtual IoT apparatus has the authorization to use, to the virtual IoT apparatus.

In this configuration, a virtual IoT apparatus is not allowed to use collected data with the data attribute for which the virtual IoT apparatus is unauthorized to use, and thus an administrator of the local server can easily ensure security of collected data from the physical devices connected to the local network.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the method of any of the first to tenth aspects, wherein a local network isolated from the Internet is provided in the target area, wherein the physical devices are connected to the local network, and wherein the virtual IoT apparatus acquires the information about the physical devices via the Internet.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can acquire information about physical devices via the Internet without moving to the target area. In addition, a user of the virtual IoT apparatus can preliminarily check whether or not a physical device required for virtual device data generation is present in the target area.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the method of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus is communicatively connected to one or more other virtual IoT apparatuses; and wherein the other virtual IoT apparatuses acquire at least one of the collected data from the physical devices and the virtual device data, from the virtual IoT apparatuses.

In this configuration, even when there are a plurality of virtual IoT apparatuses to be used, a virtual IoT apparatus can smoothly use collected data from physical devices.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the method of the fifteenth aspect, wherein the virtual IoT apparatus transmits the collected data from the physical devices to the other virtual IoT apparatuses, and wherein the other virtual IoT apparatuses generate the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices received from the virtual IoT apparatus.

In this configuration, when there are a plurality of virtual IoT apparatuses to be used, a virtual IoT apparatus acquires collected data from physical devices, and another virtual IoT apparatus generates virtual device data from the acquired collected data, which reduces processing load on an entire system compared to cases where each virtual IoT device independently performs collected data acquisition and virtual device data generation.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a portable virtual IoT apparatus comprising a processor configured to generate virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, wherein the processor is configured to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus can quickly acquire virtual device data, i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by physical devices present on site (in a target area).

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a program of controlling a computer to operate as a portable virtual IoT apparatus that generates virtual device data, the virtual device data being data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by one or more physical devices forming an IoT network, wherein the program causes a processor of the computer to perform operations including: acquiring information about physical devices present in a target area; acquiring collected data, which is data collected by the physical devices in the target area, by communicatively connecting to the physical devices based on the information about the physical devices; and generating the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical devices.

In this configuration, a computer which operates as a virtual IoT apparatus can quickly acquire virtual device data, i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices, based on data collected by physical devices present on site (in a target area).

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a virtual IoT system1with a portable virtual IoT apparatus7according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the virtual IoT system1can be provisionally built in a target area3when it becomes necessary to generate data to be provided from virtual devices (i.e., IoT devices that do not actually exist) in the target area3. In the virtual IoT system1, the virtual IoT apparatus7generates virtual device data based on data collected by physical devices (IoT devices)5A to5D present in the target area3.

The target area3is an area which a user9of the virtual IoT apparatus7(or an administrator of the virtual IoT system1) has determined that virtual device data is necessary to be generated therefor. The target area3includes, for example, an event site, a disaster site, or a crime scene. The target area3is not necessarily an area defined by physical boundaries, but may be an arbitrarily defined area for (i.e., surround) a site such as an event site, a disaster site, or a crime scene. However, the target area3does not include areas where the user9cannot directly observe events of interest (e.g., events related to an event site, a disaster site, or a crime scene).

The physical devices5A-5D are sensor devices such as cameras and thermometers configured to collect data detected by their functions. The physical devices5A are connected to the virtual IoT apparatus7via a local network11through wired communications or wireless communications based on Wi-Fi (Registered Trademark) or any other communication method. The local network11is a communication network built in the target area3and generally isolated from the Internet13.

The physical device5B is connected to the virtual IoT apparatus7via a general-purpose communication cable15. The physical device5C is directly connected to the virtual IoT apparatus7via wireless communications based on Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) or any other communication method.

The physical device5D transfers data to and from the virtual IoT apparatus7via a general-purpose storage medium17such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive, or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. In this way, even when the physical device5D is a standalone sensor device that does not require communication capabilities (or is not connected to any communication network), the virtual IoT apparatus7can easily acquire the data collected by the physical device5D.

In the following, the physical devices5A-5D are collectively referred to as “physical devices5” when appropriate.

The number and types (including specifications) of physical devices5shown inFIG.1can be changed as needed. The virtual IoT system1only requires that data can be transferred (or sent/received) between the physical devices5and the virtual IoT apparatus7by any means, and not all types of devices shown as the physical devices5A-5D are required.

The virtual IoT apparatus7can be in the form of a portable computer, such as a laptop, a tablet PC, and a smartphone. The virtual IoT apparatus7is equipped with known hardware such as a processor, a memory, and a storage. The virtual IoT apparatus7is configured to acquire data (such as image data or temperature data) collected by the physical devices5present in the target area3, and generate virtual device data (i.e., data to be provided from virtual devices) based on the collected data from the physical devices5(i.e., data collected by the physical devices5). As a result, the virtual IoT apparatus7can quickly acquire the virtual device data based on the collected data from the physical device5in the target area3. In some cases, an application for using the generated virtual device data may be installed on the virtual IoT apparatus7.

The virtual IoT apparatus7can communicate with other devices via the Internet13. The virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire information required for generating virtual device data from an information provider device19connected to the Internet13. The information provider device19may be in the form of a device such as a server or personal computer or any other device and capable of functioning as part of the virtual IoT system1.

The virtual IoT apparatus7may acquire necessary information from a storage medium21, which stores information required for generating virtual device data.

FIG.2is an explanatory diagram showing an example of virtual device data generation by using the virtual IoT apparatus7.

For example, as shown inFIG.2(A), the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires image data captured by a camera as collected data from a physical device5, and generates data to be provided from a motion detection device as a virtual device (i.e., motion detection result data) based on the image data.

For example, as shown inFIG.2(B), the virtual IoT apparatus7can generate data to be provided from a virtual sensory temperature indicator as a virtual device from a thermometer and a thermometer and an anemometer as physical devices5.

FIG.3is a functional block diagram of a virtual IoT apparatus7.

The virtual IoT apparatus7includes a communication device27, an input device29, a display device31, an electronic media reader33, a storage35, and a controller37.

The communication device27performs wireless communications with other devices (e.g., the physical device5C, wireless routers in the local network11) in accordance with a known wireless communication standard. The communication device27includes known hardware (not shown) such as antennas, modems, and wireless communication circuits to perform wireless communications with other devices. The communication device27is also provided with an interface (not shown) to which the communication cable15can be connected and can perform wired communications with other devices (e.g., the physical device5B). The hardware configuration of the communication device27is not limited to this and any hardware configuration may be used as long as the device can perform at least wireless or wired communications with other devices.

The input device29is equipped with known hardware such as a keyboard or touch panel on which the user9can perform input operations.

The display device31is equipped with known hardware such as a liquid crystal display. The display device31may be comprised primarily of a touch panel together with the input device29.

The electronic media reader33is equipped with an interface that can be connected with storage media such as USB flash drives and SD memory cards (in this case, storage media17and21). The electronic media reader33can also function as a reader/writer configured to read data from and write data to the storage media.

The storage35includes a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage35stores physical device information41, collected data43, access data45, and virtual IoT control programs47.

The physical device information41is information about physical devices5. The physical device information41can include, for example, information such as the identifier, location, function, and specifications of each physical device5. However, the physical device information41is only required to include at least information that enables the virtual IoT apparatus7to detect physical devices5present in the target area3.

The virtual IoT apparatus7may, for example, acquire the physical device information41via the storage medium21. Alternatively, the virtual IoT apparatus7may acquire the physical device information41from the information provider device19via the Internet13. This configuration allows the virtual IoT apparatus7to acquire information about the physical device5without moving to the target area3. The user9of the virtual IoT apparatus7can check in advance (i.e., before bringing the virtual IoT apparatus7to the target area3) whether the physical devices required for virtual device data generating are present in the target area3. Referring to the physical device information41, the user9can perform necessary tasks (e.g., setting up wireless communication, installing communication cables) to communicatively connect the physical devices5to the virtual IoT apparatus7.

The collected data43includes data collected by physical devices5. The collected data43can include, for example, time-series image data and temperature data.

The access data45is data related to authorization required for the virtual IoT apparatus7to access and use data from physical devices5when security settings are made for the data from the physical devices5. The virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire the data related to authorization required to access and use data, for example, via the storage medium21. In such a case, the user9can stop by a facility near the site (e.g., a convenience store, a utility pole, ground equipment for power supply, a mailbox, a signal, a street light, a guardrail, a station building, a bus stop, or a government) to receive the storage medium21. This configuration allows the virtual IoT apparatus7to easily acquire data related to authorization required to access and use data even when the communication network environment in the target area3is not sufficiently built. This configuration also prevents data related to authorization required to access and use data from being acquired by a malicious third party via a communication network.

The virtual IoT control programs47are programs for causing the virtual IoT apparatus7(processor in a computer) to execute operations for virtual device data generation based on data collected by physical devices5. The virtual IoT control programs47may include an application software program for using the generated virtual device data.

The controller37includes a device data acquirer51, a virtual device controller53, a virtual silo controller55, an application controller57, and a peripheral device detector59.

The device data acquirer51acquires data collected by physical devices5present in the target area3. The acquired data is sequentially stored in the storage35. However, some of the data acquired by the device data acquirer51may include data collected by physical devices installed outside the target area3(e.g., physical devices connected to the Internet13). This configuration allows the virtual IoT apparatus7to generate virtual device data using not only the collected data of physical devices5, which is highly relevant to an event of interest for the user9, but also the collected data from physical devices that are less directly relevant to the event of interest.

The virtual device controller53manages and processes collected data from physical devices5acquired by the device data acquirer51. The virtual device controller53generates data to be provided from a virtual device (virtual device data) requested by the user9based on the acquired collected data from physical devices5. The virtual device controller53is capable of converting a unique data format of collected data from physical devices5into a general-purpose data format.

The virtual silo controller55functions as an interface for applications that use virtual device data. The virtual silo controller55converts the format of virtual device data into a specific data format. In the present embodiment, the virtual silo controller55converts the format of virtual device data into a data format adapted for the application controller57and provides the converted data to the application controller57.

The application controller57performs operations using virtual device data according to application programs, to thereby allow the virtual IoT apparatus7to, by using the above-described motion detection result data (virtual device data), function as various systems, such as a system for monitoring parking lots and providing information to users, a system for monitoring garbage collection sites, a system for detecting wildlife for vermin control, and a system for detecting a person for confirmation of the safety of the person. For example, by using the above-described data provided from a thermometer (virtual device data), the virtual IoT apparatus7can also function as a system for environmental improvement for users of a temporary venue.

The peripheral device detector59can detect physical devices5which are in the target area3and are not included in the physical device information41. For example, the peripheral device detector59can receive radio signals transmitted from physical devices capable of performing wireless communications and detect nearby physical devices based on information contained in the radio signals. In this configuration, even when presence of a physical device in the target area3is not publicly known, the virtual IoT apparatus7can detect a radio signal therefrom, thereby acquiring data collected by the physical device.

In addition, the peripheral device detector59can display information about the detected physical device (e.g., identifier or location) on the display device31to thereby encourage the user9to connect the detected physical device to the virtual IoT apparatus7.

The controller37includes one or more hardware processors (such as CPU and GPU). The functions of the controller37are implemented by a processor executing the virtual IoT control programs47. Controls performed by the controller37are not limited to controls on the operation for virtual device data generation. The controller37can comprehensively control the operations of the respective parts of the virtual IoT apparatus7.

FIG.4is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of an operation of virtual device data generation.

The virtual IoT apparatus7is usually brought into the target area3from outside by the user9when the virtual IoT system1is built. Then, the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires information on physical devices in the target area3(ST101). The virtual IoT apparatus7stores the acquired physical device information in the storage35as physical device information41. However, the virtual IoT apparatus7may acquire at least part of information on the physical devices in the target area3before the virtual IoT apparatus7is brought into the target area3.

Next, the virtual IoT apparatus7connects communicatively to nearby physical devices5based on the physical device information41(ST102). Then, the user9can build a new local network11or place communication cables15between the virtual IoT apparatus7and physical devices5, as necessary.

Then, the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires collected data from the detected physical devices5in sequence (ST103). The virtual IoT apparatus7performs the operation of acquiring collected data in a continuous manner over a predetermined period of time. In some cases, the virtual IoT apparatus7may acquire a batch of collected data accumulated in the physical devices5for a predetermined period of time.

Then, the virtual IoT apparatus7generates virtual device data based on the collected data acquired from the physical devices5(ST104). The application controller57performs a processing operation on the generated virtual device data. Alternatively, the virtual IoT apparatus7may provide the virtual device data to other users (or data processing devices) who need the data.

(Variant of First Embodiment)

FIG.5is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a virtual IoT system1according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the variant of the first embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, a local server61is connected to the local network11. The local server61is equipped with known hardware such as a processor, a memory, and a storage. The local server61manages the physical devices5A connected to the local network11and data collected by the physical devices5A.

The virtual IoT apparatus7can be communicatively connected to the local server61via the local network11so that the virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire collected data from each physical device5A from the local server61. The virtual IoT apparatus7may be communicatively connected directly to the local server61without going through the local network11.

In the virtual IoT system1so configured according to the present embodiment, the virtual IoT apparatus7can easily acquire collected data from the physical devices5A, which are isolated from the Internet13, via the local server.

FIG.6is an explanatory diagram showing an example of restriction on use of data collected by physical devices5.

In some cases, an administrator of a physical device5located in the target area3does not want collected data from the physical device to be widely available to unspecified third parties or wants to limit the users of the collected data.

As shown inFIG.6(A), for example, the virtual IoT system1may be configured such that the virtual IoT system1can encrypt data collected by physical device5based on a public key, and provide that encrypted data to the virtual IoT apparatus7used by a specific user9(police in this example) who owns the secret key. In addition, the virtual IoT system1may also be configured such that the virtual IoT system1can encrypt data collected by physical devices5based on attribute-based encryption (ABE: Attribute-Based Encryption), and provide the encrypted data to the virtual IoT apparatus7used by a specific user9(fire department in this example) having a specified attribute.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.6(B), for example, the virtual IoT system1may be configured such that, when virtual IoT apparatuses7acquire data collected by physical devices via the local server61, an administrator of the local server61can grant only a specific virtual IoT apparatus7access to the local server61. The local server61transmits collected data from physical devices5only to the virtual IoT apparatus7that has access to, i.e., is authorized to access the local server.

In this configuration, a virtual IoT apparatus7which is unauthorized to access the local server is not allowed to use collected data from physical devices, and thus the administrator of the local server61can ensure security of collected data from the physical devices5connected to the local network11. In some cases, the administrator of the local server61may grant access thereto for each attribute of the user9(e.g., affiliation of the user9).

Moreover, as shown inFIG.6(C), for example, the virtual IoT system1may be configured such that an administrator of the local server61can grant the virtual IoT apparatus7authorization (in the form of token, for example) to use collected data of a specific type (data attribute).

In this example, the virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire collected data (in this case, temperature data63) which the local server61grants authorization to use, but cannot acquire collected data (in this case, image data65) which the local server61does not grant authorization to use. The local server61transmits only the collected data (in this case, temperature data63) having data attribute for which the local server61grants the virtual IoT apparatus7authorization to use.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus7is not allowed to use collected data having a data attribute for which the virtual IoT apparatus7is unauthorized to use, and thus an administrator of the local server61can ensure security of collected data from the physical devices5connected to the local network11.

A usable time period (valid period) may be defined such that encryption of data, access to the local server61and authorization to use collected data as described above are valid only during the usable time period. In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus7does not use collected data from physical devices5outside the usable time period, which improves the security of collected data from the physical devices5.

FIG.7is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of an operation of data inquiry from a virtual IoT apparatus7to physical devices5.

The virtual IoT apparatus7can perform an operation (data inquiry operation) to transmit an inquiry to a physical device5communicatively connected thereto, inquiring as to whether or not the physical device5contain specific data that the virtual IoT apparatus7needs. For example, the virtual IoT apparatus7performs the data inquiry operation shown inFIG.7before step ST103(data acquisition) shown inFIG.4.

As shown inFIG.7, the virtual IoT apparatus7first acquires information about the specific data required by an application (in this case, application controller57), which is to use virtual device data (ST201). Examples of the specific data required by the application include shot image data of a specific subject.

Next, the virtual IoT apparatus7transmits an inquiry (inquiry data) to the physical device5as to whether or not collected data in the physical devices5contain specific data based on the information about the specific data (ST202). Examples of inquiry data include shot image data of a specific subject.

Upon receiving the inquiry, the physical device5searches its collected data to check whether the collected data contains the specific data required by the application (ST203). The physical device5transmits the search result to the virtual IoT apparatus7as a response to the inquiry data. The virtual IoT apparatus7can display information included in the response on the display device31for the user9.

When the collected data contains the specific data (Yes in ST204), the virtual IoT apparatus7determines the physical device5as a target for data acquisition (ST205). When the collected data does not contain the specific data (No in ST204), the virtual IoT apparatus7excludes the physical device5from targets for data acquisition in step ST103shown inFIG.4.

The above steps ST202-ST205are repeated until the inquiries to all the physical devices5are completed (Yes in ST206).

The above-described data inquiry operation allows the virtual IoT apparatus7to preliminarily check whether or not specific data necessary for virtual device data generation is contained in the collected data in the physical devices5, thereby preventing unnecessary data acquisition. In addition, when collected data to be searched for specific data includes image data that can include unrelated persons, this configuration advantageously enables protection of the privacy of unrelated persons and others in the image data.

FIG.8is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of an operation to provide dummy data from a physical device5to the virtual IoT apparatus7.

Even when the presence of a physical device5in the target area3is detected, it is not always possible for the virtual IoT apparatus7to actually communicate with the physical device because the physical device5and the virtual IoT apparatus7may differ in the interface or the communication protocol, or in the case of wireless communications, radio waves may be blocked by buildings or other unexpected communication conditions. Even when the virtual IoT apparatus7is able to acquire collected data from the physical device5, it is not always possible to use the collected data for virtual device data generation because the data may have an unknown data format, the data may lack essential information, the data may not be accurate enough, or the data may be unexpected one. Thus, the virtual IoT system1may be configured such that the virtual IoT apparatus7can temporarily connect to a desired physical device5in advance and acquire dummy data from the physical device5.

As shown inFIG.8, the virtual IoT apparatus7first acquires information about the specifications of a physical device5in the target area3(ST301). For example, the virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire information about the specifications of the physical device5from the information provider device19via the Internet13.

Next, the virtual IoT apparatus7selects the physical device5the user9requires based on the information about the specifications of the physical device5and acquires a provisional authorization to use the collected data from the physical device5(ST302). For example, the virtual IoT apparatus7can acquire information on the provisional authorization to use the data collected by the physical device5, from the information provider device19via the Internet13.

The virtual IoT apparatus7then executes a data request to the target physical device5based on the provisional authorization to use the data (ST303). When receiving the data request from virtual IoT apparatus7based on the provisional authorization to use the data, the physical device5transmits dummy data to the virtual IoT apparatus7, resulting in that the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires the dummy data (ST304). The dummy data has the same attributes and data format as the data collected by the physical device5, although data values are different from those of the actual data collected by the physical device5. Alternatively, the dummy data may be old actual data that was collected by physical device5in the past.

The above-described operation to provide dummy data allows the user9of the virtual IoT apparatus7to preliminary confirm whether the virtual IoT apparatus7can successfully communicate with the desired physical device5. In addition, the virtual IoT apparatus7can do trial use of collected data of the physical device (rehearsal for virtual device data generation for the virtual device) based on the dummy data provided by the physical device5. As a result, the user9of the virtual IoT apparatus7can preliminary confirm whether the collection data from the desired physical device can actually be used to generate virtual device data.

Second Embodiment

FIG.9is a functional block diagram of a virtual IoT apparatus7according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the virtual IoT apparatus7inFIG.9, repeat use of reference numerals is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the virtual IoT apparatus7of the first embodiment. Except for what will be discussed here, the virtual IoT apparatus7of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the virtual IoT apparatus7of the second embodiment, the controller37includes a device deficiency determiner71. The device deficiency determiner71determines whether or not physical devices in the target area3are deficient for generating the virtual device (i.e., physical devices necessary for generating virtual device data are not installed).

When determining that physical devices are deficient for generating virtual device data, the device deficiency determiner71reports the deficiency of the physical devices5to the user9. For example, the device deficiency determiner71can display information about the deficiency of the physical devices5on the display device31to thereby report it to the user9. In this way, the virtual IoT apparatus7can inform the user9of the deficiency of the physical device5to thereby encourage the user9to install necessary physical devices.

FIGS.10and11are explanatory diagrams showing examples of deficiency of physical devices.

The example shown inFIG.10(A)shows a situation where cameras at two locations are required as physical devices5to generate virtual device data, and a camera is installed at one location but not at the other location. Due to the lack of collected image data, the virtual IoT apparatus7can only acquire person detection result data from one location as the collected data from the virtual devices. Thus, the user9needs to install an additional camera as a physical device5at a location where no camera is installed.

In the example shown inFIG.10(B), a thermometer is installed, but an anemometer is not installed, and the virtual IoT apparatus7cannot generate data from a thermometer as a virtual device. Thus, the user9needs to additionally install an anemometer as a physical device5.

In the example shown inFIG.11(A), the user9needs to acquire temperature data in 10-meter increments in order to determine the distribution of temperature in target area3. However, in the target area3, thermometers as physical devices5are installed every 100 meters. Thus, the virtual IoT apparatus7cannot acquire temperature data with the required accuracy (number or density of measurement points). Thus, the user9needs to install additional physical devices5as physical devices5so as to compensate for deficiency in the number or density of thermometers (the number of physical devices5per unit area).

In the example shown inFIG.11(B), the user9wants to acquire temperature data in 10-meter increments in order to determine the distribution of the temperature in target area3. In the target area3, thermometers as physical devices5are installed every 10 meters, but anemometers are not installed, and thus the virtual IoT apparatus7cannot generate data from thermometer as virtual devices. Thus, the user9needs to install an additional anemometer as a physical device5.

Even when the number, density, and each installation interval of physical devices5in the target area3are appropriate, the capabilities (specifications) of each of the physical devices5may not meet the requirements. For example, even when a camera is provided s as a physical device5in the target area3, the quality of images acquired from the camera may not be sufficient. In such a case, the device deficiency determiner71still determines that physical devices are deficient for generating virtual device data, and reports the deficiency of the physical devices5to the user9. Then, the user9can either install an additional physical device with sufficient specifications or relax the specifications of necessary data.

FIG.12is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of an operation of virtual device data generation according to the second embodiment.

The virtual IoT apparatus7first acquires information on physical devices in the target area3(ST401), in a similar manner to step ST101inFIG.4.

Next, the virtual IoT apparatus7determines whether the physical devices in the target area3are deficient or not. When determining the physical devices are deficient (Yes in ST402), the virtual IoT apparatus7reports the physical device deficiency to the user9(ST403).

When determining that the physical devices are not deficient (No in ST402), the virtual IoT apparatus7performs operations in steps ST404-ST406as in steps ST102-ST104inFIG.4, respectively.

Third Embodiment

FIG.13is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a virtual IoT system with a portable virtual IoT apparatus7according to a third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG.13, repeat use of reference numerals is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the virtual IoT apparatus7of the first embodiment. Except for what will be discussed here, the virtual IoT apparatus7of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the virtual IoT system1of the third embodiment, other virtual IoT apparatuses107are communicatively connected to the virtual IoT apparatus7. Thus, the other virtual IoT apparatuses107can acquire necessary data (e.g., at least one of the collected data from a physical device5and that from a virtual device) without the need to be communicatively connected to the physical device5. The other virtual IoT apparatuses107have the same configuration as the virtual IoT apparatuses7described above. Alternatively, the other virtual IoT apparatuses107may have a configuration formed by making some modifications to (e.g. omissions of some features) the configuration of the virtual IoT apparatuses7.

FIG.14is an explanatory diagram showing an example of communication connection (FIG.14(A)) and data transfer between a virtual IoT apparatus and other virtual IoT apparatuses (FIGS.14(B) and14(C)).

In the example shown inFIG.14(A), the virtual IoT apparatus7is connected to physical devices5through wired communications. Other virtual IoT apparatuses are connected to the virtual IoT apparatus7through wireless communications.

This configuration allows data collected by the physical devices5to be smoothly used by multiple virtual IoT apparatuses (in this case, the virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107) even when the physical devices5have relatively low or no wireless communication capability.

In the example shown inFIG.14(B), the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires the collected data from physical devices5and provides virtual device data generated based on the collected data to other virtual IoT apparatuses107.

In this configuration, when multiple virtual IoT apparatuses (in this case, the virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107) are used, the other virtual IoT apparatuses107do not need to generate virtual device data, which reduces processing load on an entire system compared to cases where each virtual IoT apparatus independently performs virtual device data generation.

In the example shown inFIG.14(C), the virtual IoT apparatus7acquires the collected data from physical devices5and provides (transfers) the acquired collected data to other virtual IoT apparatuses107.

In this configuration, when multiple virtual IoT apparatuses (in this case, the virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107) are used, the other virtual IoT apparatuses107do not need to perform operations for connection to the physical devices (such as acquiring information about physical devices, setting up wireless communications, installing communication cables). In some cases, instead of the virtual IoT apparatus7, a data relay device may be provided and used to transfer the collected data from the physical device5to the other virtual IoT apparatuses107.

(Variant of Third Embodiment)

FIG.15is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a virtual IoT system1according to a variant of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the form of communication connection between a virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107is more scaled up the third embodiment. Except for what will be discussed here, the virtual IoT system1of the third embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment. As shown inFIG.15, the virtual IoT system1can include a number of other virtual IoT apparatuses107along with the virtual IoT apparatus7. In the following, the virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107are distinguishably referred to as virtual IoT apparatuses A-H. Physical devices5i.e., cameras are also distinguishably referred to as cameras A-C.

In this example, the virtual IoT apparatus A is communicatively connected to the cameras A-C. Each of the virtual IoT apparatus B-D is not communicatively connected to the camera A-C, but to the virtual IoT apparatus A. The virtual IoT apparatuses E-G are not communicatively connected to the cameras A-C and the virtual IoT apparatuses A-C, but to the virtual IoT apparatus D. The virtual IoT apparatus H is not communicatively connected to the cameras A-C and the virtual IoT apparatus A-F, but to the virtual IoT apparatus G.

In this configuration, the virtual IoT apparatus A can acquire video data (data collected by a physical device5) from the camera A and provide (transfer) the acquired video data to the virtual IoT apparatuses B-D, respectively.

The virtual IoT apparatus D has a function of caching collected data from physical devices5(in this case, the video data from the camera A), which allows the virtual IoT apparatus D to provide cached video data from the camera A to the virtual IoT apparatuses E-G, respectively.

The virtual IoT apparatus G, like the virtual IoT apparatus D, has a function of caching collected data from physical devices5(in this case, the video data from the camera A), which allows the virtual IoT apparatus G to provide cached video data from the camera A to the virtual IoT apparatus H, respectively.

This configuration allows the multiple virtual IoT apparatuses (in this case, the virtual IoT apparatus7and other virtual IoT apparatuses107) to independently use collected data from physical devices (in this case, the cameras A-C) without the need to be communicatively connected to the physical devices5.

The form of communication connections of multiple virtual IoT apparatuses can be modified in various ways. For example, the multiple virtual IoT apparatuses may be interconnected by any of wired communications, wireless communications, a storage medium or any combination thereof for data transfer with each other. The multiple virtual IoT apparatuses may be connected in a star configuration through a gateway, or may be connected in a linear or mesh manner through multi-hop communications.

While specific embodiments of the present invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments. It will be understood that various changes, substitutions, additions, and omissions may be made to elements of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, elements and features of the different embodiments may be combined with each other as appropriate to yield an embodiment which is within the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A portable virtual IoT apparatus for generating virtual device data, a virtual device data generation method using the same, and a computer program of the same according to the present invention have an effect of enabling quick acquisition of virtual device data from virtual devices based on data collected by physical devices present on site (in a target area), and are useful as a portable virtual IoT apparatus for generating virtual device data, a virtual device data generation method using the same, and a computer program of the same.

Glossary