Method of administrating a plurality of zone controllers within a conveyor arrangement

Abstract

Method of administrating a plurality of zone controllers (11) within a conveyor arrangement (1), the conveyor arrangement (1) comprising: - a plurality of conveyor zones (2), each conveyor zone (2) is adapted to convey an object (9) from an inlet (I) of said conveyor zone (2) to an outlet (O) of said conveyor zone (2); - a plurality of zone controllers (11) adapted to control the operation of said conveyor zones (2); - a data connection (13), connecting the zone controllers (11) and optionally the central controller (14) with each other; wherein a configuration of each of the zone controllers (11) is editable by a user input (UI1, UI2), wherein an editing access to the zone controllers is granted after the user has provided authorization details, in particular by means of providing a correct password; the method comprising the following steps: - providing a central zone controller authorization functionality (32), by which the user is set into a condition to administrate authorization to the zone controllers (11) centrally for the plurality of zone controllers (11).

Description

Method of administrating a plurality of zone controllers within a conveyor arrangement DescriptionThe invention refers to a method of setting a configuration in zone controllers within a conveyor arrangement.WO 2024 / 149872 A1 discloses a method for planning a conveyor arrangement comprising the following steps:using an IT planning tool by a user;by using the IT planning tool, arranging representations of a plurality of conveyor zones in a manner, so that an inlet of an downstream conveyor zone is linked to an outlet of an upstream conveyor zone;within the IT planning tool defining a plurality of destinations;performing an automated analysis of the arranged representations;based on the performed automated analysis, automatically generating a destination look up table, in particular a plurality of individual destination look up tables, indicating a list of zones and / or destinations, which are located downstream of each of the outlets of the respective junction zones.EP 3292056 B1 discloses a method for setting up a control unit in a conveying arrangement, wherein a zone controller controls one or more conveying zones. Each conveying zone comprises a conveying drive for conveying an object through the conveying zone. The zone controller performs a self-configuration. The zone controller thereby receives a signal from each motor connection socket or sensor connection socket and determines from the comparison of the signal with a comparison value whether a conveying drive or a sensor is connected to a motor connection socket or sensor connection socket.US 2024 / 161745 A1 discloses a conveyor system, where a second computing device is communicably coupled to one or more first computer devices. The first computer device is a control device to control operation of a conveyor zone. In a first step an emulation section and a control section of the second computing device may display conveyor zones which the operator intends to control. The operator may select one of these conveyor zone using an interactive screen and the selected conveyor zone is displayed in the emulation section with the control buttons and indicators displayed in the control section. Subsequently the user can provide control commands for the selected control zone.Conventionally (see Interroll’s “Operating manual, MultiControl Al I Bl”, Version 3.2 (05 / 2023), section 6.2; accessible viahttps: / / www.interroll.com / products / unit-handling / controls / multicontrol-ai / ),- 1 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxsetting a configuration of a zone controller is performed mainly by accessing each zone controller individually by a web interface. Access to the web interface is protected by a password (see page 32), where all controllers are delivered from the factory with the same default password. After an individually logged in via a web browser, an individual password can be defined. A factory reset can reset the password again back to the same default password (see figure 10 of the present application).EP 1 621 944 A2 discloses a security concept for industrial automation devices, in which each automation device performs its own local authentication and authorization. User credentials, access rights and comparison logic are stored and evaluated individually in each device.It is the object of the present invention to provide a high security level to the controls of the conveyor arrangement having a plurality of zone controllers controlling a plurality of conveyor zones, at the same time ensuring easy usability and access for the user to edit configurations of the zone controllers.The invention comprises a method according to the main claim; embodiments are subject of the subclaims and the description.According to the invention, a method is provided for administrating a plurality of zone controllers in a conveyor arrangement, where any configuration of these controllers requires prior authorization by the user. The method introduces a central zone controller authorization functionality, which places the user in a position to carry out authorization tasks centrally for all zone controllers. This centralization avoids the need to log in to each controller individually and significantly improves security, efficiency, and usability, especially in large conveyor systems with many controllers.In an embodiment, the central zone controller authorization functionality includes a central login functionality. After the user provides central authorization details, the user receives access to editing operations for multiple zone controllers at the same time. This approach reduces repetitive authentication processes, simplifies operation, and enables a more streamlined workflow during configuration or maintenance.In an embodiment, the central zone controller authorization functionality includes a central authorization editing functionality that enables the user, through a suitable interface, to edit authorization details for multiple zone controllers simultaneously. This collective handling of authorization information ensures that security settings remain consistent throughout the system and reduces the risk of outdated or mismatched credentials across devices.- 2 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxIn an embodiment, the central authorization editing functionality stores amended authorization details in a bulk authorization database. Storing this information in a single structured repository improves maintainability, ensures coherent access control, and supports recovery or audit processes when changes must be reviewed or reversed.In an embodiment, the method provides a single central login by which the user obtains editing access rights for multiple zone controllers during an authorization session. This avoids repeated login steps and creates a secure and continuous working session, reducing time consumption and lowering the chance of operator error.In an embodiment, amended authorization details are stored in a bulk authorization database that is in particular password-protected. The stored data, such as passwords, is encrypted, and the database may be located locally on the editing computer. This arrangement improves data security while allowing the user to maintain exclusive control over the authorization data.In an embodiment, the bulk authorization database contains both the factory-set passwords and any amended passwords of the zone controllers. Retaining both types of credentials allows the system to support recovery steps, for example after factory resets, while also preserving the effectiveness of updated system security measures.In an embodiment, when a default factory password is used, the user is prompted during the first login to amend the passwords for all zone controllers. This improves system security by ensuring that weak or publicly known factory defaults are replaced before configuration activities are performed.In an embodiment, a selection interface is provided that allows the user to select all zone controllers or a chosen subset to which an amendment of authorization details should apply. This selective approach enables targeted updates, supports phased maintenance actions, and avoids unnecessary interventions in controllers that do not require changes.In an embodiment, intended configuration amendments or authorization updates are distributed as a notice to the selected zone controllers via a suitable messaging protocol. This allows coordinated and consistent updates across multiple devices, reducing synchronization issues and ensuring that all selected controllers receive and implement the required changes efficiently.In an embodiment, a method of setting a configuration in zone controllers comprises receiving a definition of at least one configuration amendment through a first user interface, receiving a selection of zone controllers through a second user interface, initiating the defined configuration amendment for the selected controllers at once, and implementing the- 3 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxconfiguration amendment in the selected controllers. This method makes use of centralized authorization administration as described above, ensuring that configuration actions can only be performed by authorized users and that such actions can be carried out efficiently across multiple controllers.In particular, the central controller is an optional supervisory unit responsible for the higher-level coordination of the conveyor system. It collects information such as object identification data, determines routing decisions, and issues operational commands to the zone controllers. It may not participate in the configuration or authorization workflow but ensures coherent and optimized material flow during normal operation by providing global logic and decision-making capability.In particular, the editing computer is the service device used by a technician or operator to configure, adjust, or maintain the system. It runs the software required to communicate with the zone controllers during setup or parameter amendments. This computer is not needed during routine conveyor operation; instead, it is temporarily connected whenever updates, configuration tasks, or authorization changes are required. Its separation from regular operations enhances system robustness and security.In particular, the IT editing tool is the software application, in particular executed on the editing computer, that enables convenient configuration and bulk management of multiple zone controllers. It may provide user interfaces for selecting parameters, modifying them, updating firmware, and / or applying configurations to several controllers in a single action. By visualizing the conveyor layout and automating communication with the devices, it may reduce manual effort and minimizes errors in large installations.In particular, the authorization details database, in particular the password database, is the storage location where authentication details for all zone controllers is stored. It may contain factory-set individual credentials as well as updated passwords defined by the user. The database may store these details in encrypted or hashed form and can be located locally on the editing computer or on a remote server. It may allow the system to perform centralized verification rather than relying on individual device logins.In particular, the central zone controller authorization functionality is the system component that manages authentication processes for all zone controllers collectively. Instead of logging into each device separately, the user authenticates once, and this functionality verifies and distributes the necessary authorization across all relevant controllers. It centralizes and streamlines the security workflow, making the process both more secure and more efficient, especially in systems containing many devices.- 4 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxIn particular, the central authorization details are the credentials the user must provide to unlock the centralized authorization system. They function as the master access key and may comprise a password, a cryptographic token and / or another secure identifier. By supplying these details, the user gains permission to manage and update authorization information for multiple zone controllers through one central interface. They ensure that only authorized personnel can perform system-wide security changes.In particular, the central login functionality is the mechanism that processes the user's central authorization details and establishes an authenticated session. Once this login is successful, the user does not need to authenticate individually on each zone controller. Instead, the system recognizes the session as valid for multiple devices, thereby reducing repetitive input effort and significantly improving workflow efficiency while maintaining a high security standard.In particular, the central authorization editing functionality is the system’s module that allows the user to modify authorization details across multiple controllers simultaneously. Using its interfaces, the user can create new passwords, apply them to selected or all controllers, generate secure credentials, and update the authorization details database. This functionality makes it possible to maintain consistent and secure authentication settings in a large system without manually updating each device, thereby reducing administrative overhead and increasing overall security.Within the present description the term plurality means more than one.An example embodiment of the invention is described in more detail with the help of the figures; herein showfig. 1 a conveyor zone in perspective view having a first embodiment light barrier;fig. 2 a basic conveyor arrangement along with a more detailed perspective view of a zone controller;fig. 3 schematic representations of different conveyor zones;fig. 4 a conveyor arrangement, showing a plurality of conveyor zones;fig. 5 the conveyor arrangement, showing zone controllers for controlling the a plurality of conveyor zones;fig. 6 - 8 an IT editing tool connected to the conveyor zones in different situation during;- 5 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxfig. 9 a table allocating an IP address to a individual zone controllers within the conveyor arrangement of figure 4;fig. 10 a conventional web interface for login into a single individual zone controller;fig. 11 an interface of the central zone controller authorization functionality in a first situation;fig. 12 schematically details of a bulk password database;fig. 13 another interface of the central zone controller authorization functionality;fig. 14 another interface of the central zone controller authorization functionality;fig. 15 schematically details of a bulk password database.Figure 1 shows an exemplary conveyor zone 2, comprising several conveyor rollers 3 which are driven together. For this purpose, one of the conveyor rollers 3 is designed as a motor-driven conveyor roller 3M, in particular motorized roller 3M. The motor-driven conveyor roller 3M is driven in particular by a three-phase motor arranged in the motorized conveyor roller 3M. Via one or more drive connectors 4, e.g. a drive belt, the conveyor rollers 3 of a conveyor zone 2 are drive-connected to each other and are jointly driven by the motor-driven conveyor roller 3M. An object 9 is linearly conveyed from an inlet I to an outlet O along a conveying direction d.By means of a presence sensor 5, the presence of a conveyed object 9 arranged within the conveyor zone 2 can be determined. The presence sensor 5 thereby generates a sensor signal S5, which is connected via a signal line (not shown) to a local zone controller 11 presented further below. In the present embodiment the presence sensor 5 is a light barrier.The conveyor rollers 3 and the presence sensor 5 are attached to a common support frame 6. The conveyor rollers 3 of several conveyor zones 2 can be attached to a common support frame 6.The motor-driven conveyor rollers 3M are each controlled by at least one or a plurality of local zone controllers 11. A single zone controller 11 can control the motor-driven conveyor rollers 3M of several conveyor zones 2. A plurality of local zone controllers 11 are arranged in a conveyor arrangement 1 (figure 2), which communicate with each other via a data connection 13.- 6 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxFigure 2 shows a basic conveyor arrangement 1 , where conveyor zones 2a... e as described previously are used. A plurality of zone controllers 11 control the operation of the conveyor zones 2. A central controller 14 (e.g. programmable logic control) may be provided to control the overall operation of the conveyor arrangement 1.Scanners (not shown) may be arranged along the conveyor zones 2 and provide identification data relating to objects 9 passing the scanner in the conveyor zones 2. These identification data are sent via data connection 13 to the central controller 14. The central controller 14 has access to an object data base (not shown), which provides destination data based on the identification of the objects 9. Based on the acquired data the central controller 14 provides operation instructions to a local zone controller 11, how to handle the object 9, i.e. to which of the outlets O said object 9 is to be conveyed. For the proper operation it is not required that each conveyor zone is equipped with an own scanner for identifying the object located in each conveyor zone. As a consequence, some conveyor zones, usually one of the most upstream zones, are provided merely with a sensor for detecting merely the presence of an object 9, without identifying the object 9.In an alternative embodiment as described in European patent application 22 180381.0, the central controller is an object data broker, to which the local zone controllers are also connected. The data broker provides destination data related to the identified objects 9 and the zone controllers 11 are adapted to control operation of the zones based on the provided destination data. For the purpose of the present invention the provision of a PLC is not required.In particular the local zone controllers 11 control the motor-driven conveyor rollers 3M in such a way that the successively approaching conveyed objects 9 do not collide with each other. The control takes place in such a way that essentially only one conveyed object 9 is present per conveyor zone 2. However, slight overlaps may occur. For example, an upstream conveyed object 9b located on an upstream conveyor zone 2c may already enter a downstream conveyor zone 2d even though the downstream conveyed object 9a has not yet left this downstream conveyor zone 2d completely. Among other things, the sensor signals S5 of the presence sensors 5 serve as input variables here, although it is ensured that the two conveyed objects 9 do not touch and thus do not damage each other.In the following course of the invention, reference is made to conveyor zones, using a schematic representation of said conveyor zones 2 as shown in figure 3. Here figure 3a represents schematically a conveyor zone 2 of figure 1 , which has one first inlet 11 and one first outlet 01. No more inlets and outlets are provided. The conveyor zone 2 can also be curved or from other shape.- 7 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxFigure 3b shows the representation of another conveyor zone 2 having an extended scope of operation. Here in addition to the conveyor zone 2 of figure 3a the conveyor zone 2 has an additional, second outlet 02. The object 9 can be conveyed selectively from said first inlet 11 to one of said first and second outlets 01, 02. Optionally, the conveyor zone 2 has an additional, third outlet 03. In this option, the object 9 can be conveyed selectively from said first inlet 11 to one of said first, second and third outlets 01, 02, 03.As an example, said conveyor zone 2 of figure 3b can be formed by a conveyor zone 2 as shown in figure 1, which additionally is provided with a transfer device as described with reference to figure 5 of EP 3222564 B1 (in this document and figure the transfer device is marked with the reference sign “20”).Figure 3c shows the representation of a conveyor zone 2 having an extended scope of operation. Here in addition to the conveyor zone 2 of figure 3a, the conveyor zone 2 has an additional second inlet I2. Objects 9 can be conveyed from one of said first and second inlets 11, I2 to said first outlet 01.The transfer device as described with reference to figure 3b may also be suitable to provide said additional second inlet I2.Figure 3d shows the representation of a conveyor zone 2 having an extended scope of operation. Here in addition to the conveyor zone 2 of figure 1 the conveyor zone has an additional second inlet I2 and an additional second outlet 02 and is an example as a combination of the embodiments of figures 3b and 3c.The conveyor zones 2 each are controlled by a local zone controller 11 as shown in figure 1 or 2, in particular wherein one local zone controller 11 may be adapted to control the operation of more than one conveyor zone 2. Figure 2 shows also a more detailed perspective view of the zone controller. The zone controller has a nameplate, in which individual information related to said individual zone controller is visually available. The information on the name plate 11 N may comprise a serial number and a type identification of the zone controller.Reference is made to figure 4. Here a conveyor arrangement 1 is shown. The conveyor arrangement 1 comprises a plurality of conveyor zones 2 as shown in figure 3 in. For better individualization, the conveyor zones are provided with indices 2a0 - 2a7, 2e - 2q, 2r0 - 2r9, 2s0-2s9.The conveyor arrangement 1 comprises at least one feed-in station F1, F2, where objects 9 can be put into the conveyor arrangement 1. The feed-in station F1, F2 may be attached to an outlet of an upstream conveyor arrangement (not shown). Close to the feed-in stations an - 8 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxidentification scanner 7 is provided detecting an identification tag 97 (see figure 1) of objects 9 to be conveyed during normal operation. The identification scanner 7 may be a barcode I QR-Code reader or an RFID reader, depending on the identification tag 97 attached to an object.The conveyor arrangement 1 comprises a plurality of destinations D1 - D16, to which an object 9 can selectively be conveyed.Most conveyor zones 2 are of the type shown in figure 3a, merely having one inlet and one outlet, e.g. zones 2a0 - 2a7, 2e - 2h, 2j - 2m, 2o - 2q.Some conveyor zones 2 are junction zones of the type shown in figure 3b, having at least two different outlets, e.g. zones 2i, 2n, 2r1-2r3, 2r6- 2r8, 2s2 - 2s3, 2s6 - 2s8.The conveyor zones 2 are controlled by a plurality of local zone controllers 11 as shown in figure 5.Each of the zone controllers 11 are adapted to control at least one of the conveyor zones 2, in particular up to four conveyor zones per zone controller. Here the zone controllers 11 are located in proximity of the zones, controlled by the respective controller. In particular each zone controller is attached to a frame 6 (see figure 1) of a conveyor zone. A zone controller controlling a junction zone, is also referred to as a junction controller.The zone controllers are connected to each other in a daisy-chain manner by said data connection 13 (see https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Daisy_chain_(electrical_engineering)). That means in particular, that a first zone controller 11a and a second controller 11b are connected to each other via a data cable 13C, which is plugged into a socket of the first zone controller 11a and into a socket of the second zone controller 11 b; the second zone controller 11b and a third controller 11c are connected to each other via another data cable 13C, which is plugged into a socket of the second zone controller 11b and into a socket of the third zone controller 11c; etc. The first zone controller 11a may be connected in the same manner with the central controller 14 (see also figure 2).The main task of a local zone controller 11 is to arrange conveying operation of the related conveyor zone, thereby in particular initiating starting or stopping the drive motors of the zones depending on the sensor signals S5 of the presence sensors 5. In case that the zone is a junction zone, it is another task to initiate, that the object is taking the correct outlet of the plurality of outlets 01, 02, 03.- 9 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxFor putting the assembled conveyor arrangement or for changing a configuration of one or more zone controllers, an IT editing tool 30 is used, as shown more detailed in figures 6 to 8. The IT editing tool 30 is an IT application running on an editing computer 16.The editing computer 16 may be a personal computer, including a tablet, desktop or laptop PC. The editing computer 16 is thereby a configuring device, which is not required during the regular operation of the conveyor arrangement.In particular the editing computer is separate to a controller controlling the regular operation of the conveyor arrangement.Accordingly, the editing computer 16 may be connected for initial configuration of the zone controllers and / or for amending a configuration of zone controllers. Afterwards, the editing computer 16 can be disconnected from the conveyor arrangement and regular operation is performed without the editing computer being connected to the conveyor arrangement.The IT editing tool 30 of figures 6 to 8 according to the present invention shows graphically in figure 6 a simplified representation of the conveyor arrangement 1 of figure 4. The IT editing tool 30 has now communication access via said data connection 13 to a plurality of zone controllers 11 within the conveyor arrangement 1.Figures 7 and 8 each shows an editing window of the IT editing tool 30 within the present invention. Here several user interfaces UI1, UI2 are provided for user interaction. In first user interface UI1 a user can select a certain parameter (see figure 7), a set of parameters or a firmware (see figure 8), which should be amended within one or more zone controllers. By amending e.g. at least one of- a parameter,- a set of parameters and- a firmware,a configuration of said conveyor zone is amended. Accordingly the first user interface UI1 is a parameter editing interface.An individual zone controller is accessible for data communication via its IP address or alternatively with any other suitable kind of identification. An individual IP address is allocated to each of the zone controllers as shown in the table of figure 9. In this respect reference is also made to the disclosure of European patent application 24187037.7.Within an second user interface UI2 a user can define, to which of the plurality of zone controllers the configuration amendments should apply. Accordingly, the second user interface UI2 is a selection tool, by which the user can select one or more or all of the zone controllers - IQ - 2026022425009PWO text.docxto which parameter amendments, selected with the above parameter editing interface, should apply.After pressing the apply button, the configuration amendment is initiated. Thereby, at first, the intended configuration amendment is communicated at to all of the selected zone controllers by means of a notice N of configuration amendment (see figure 5). Here the MQTT protocol (https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / MQTT) is a suitable way to communicate the configuration amendments to all relevant zone controllers within the conveyor arrangement at the same time. At second, as soon as a relevant zone controller receives the notice N of configuration amendment, the amendment of configuration is implemented within said relevant zone controller. Since initiating the configuration amendment is performed for all the selected zone controllers by the same command, the effort for a service person for configuring all the zone controllers within the conveyor arrangement is significantly decreased compared to the conventional way.In the following some exemplary parameters etc. are listed, for which it is useful to initiate amendment for a plurality of zone controllers at once. It is to be understood, that the inventive method is applicable for several other parameters.- default speed: The default speed defines the maximum conveying speed, at which objects are conveyed in case the conveying zone is not blocked by any other objects. Usually the neighboring conveyor zones are operated at the same default speed, so that a configured default speed is applicable to multiple zone controllers.- number of motorized rollers: In certain applications more than one motorized roller may be provided within one conveyor zone (see PCT / EP2024 / 053013), accordingly, this parameter defines, the number of motorized rollers within the conveyor zone, controlled by the respective zone controller.- ZPA mode: within the parameter a switch can be made between the block release and the single release. More general details referring to this parameter is described in US11320807B2, para

[0004] ,- sensor attached: this parameter defines, whether or not a presence sensor or any other sensor is attached to the zone controller. Further related parameter values can be defined as well.In addition, a file containing a set of parameters can be sent to the relevant zone controllers, so that all parameters mentioned in the set can be amended as well.- 11 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxIn another embodiment, a new firmware as a configuration amendment can be selected and provided to all relevant zone controller.In the further course of the present description, the above configuration, wherein a configuration of a plurality of zone controllers is amended by one user command is rereferred to as a “bulk configuration”.Excursus to conventional technology:For security reasons, access to the conventional zone controller is conventionally protected by a conventional security mechanism.Figure 10 shows a conventional web interface, via which a user has access to edit parameters of a single individual zone controller. In particular a communication path with said individual zone controller is established by addressing said individual zone controller via the data connection with its individual IP address (that is similar to accessing the configuration menu of a WLAN router within your WIFI home network). Therefore, in figure 10 the IP address is inserted in a URL-address field (see arrow P1). Now the user is requested to provide authentication details, e.g. to input a username and a password, dedicated for this particular zone controller identifiable by said IP address.In the conventional technology, initially a public default username and password is set within the factory configuration and can be used to access the configuration web interface. After a successful log in into the web interface, the user can amend the password to an individual password for this particular zone controller. If the user forgets the individual password, the user can request to set the password back to the default password, which results in a loss of the configuration data.End of Excursus.Using a default password comprises several security risks. Therefore, common devices are often provided with an individual password or the user is forced to amend the default password after initial setup the device or after or at the first log-in. As common way to provide a device individual password to the user is, that a device individual password is printed on the name plate 11N (see the name plate in figure 2).According to the present invention, the plurality of zone controllers used within the present invention are set from the factory with a individual password.- 12 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxUsing individual passwords for each of the plurality of zone controllers 11 requires, that before amending a configuration within said plurality of zone controller, an authorization to get access to each of the zone controllers is to be checked with the help of the plurality of individual passwords.Manually login in into each of the plurality of zone controllers, as described with figure 10 by means of individual web interfaces for a each zone controller, is a laborious task 10.Therefore the IT editing tool 30, which is used for amending a configuration, provides a central zone controller authorization functionality 32 to easy verify authorization with said individual passwords.Figure 11 shows within the IT editing tool 30 a central login functionality 33 into the central zone controller authorization functionality 31. Within a user interface UI3 the user can select a bulk password database 31 (as an example of a bulk authorization details database) to verify authorization to all zone controllers 11 provided within the conveyor arrangement 1 and / or connected to the IT editing tool 30. The bulk password database 31 may be located locally on the user’s computer as a local file or can located on a remote database available via the internet. The database 31 itself may also be protected by a database password and the stored passwords within the database are encrypted. The bulk password database 31 along with the corresponding password is a central authorization detail 32A to get editing access to the central zone controller authorization functionality 32 for editing.Figure 12 shows schematically an exemplary password database 31, which contains a plurality of factory set individual passwords for each zone controller. A link between each of the plurality of passwords within the file to a specific zone controller is achieved by an unique zone controller identification, e.g. a MAC-address or an IP address provided already within the factory.Figure 13 and 14 show different user interfaces Ul of the central zone controller authorization functionality 32 within the remote computer 16. After initial login into the central zone controller password functionality 32 by providing a central authorization details 32A, the user is asked to amend the passwords of all zone controllers 11 (user interface UI4 in figure 13). In case the user selects to amend the passwords, in the following course the user is supported in amending the passwords for all zone controllers. In a subsequent appearing user interface UI5 (figure 14) the user can individually draft a new password or can ask a password generator to propose a new password. In addition, the user selects the zone controllers, to which an amended password should apply, in another user interface UI6 (figure 14). In particular the user can “select all”, so that the new edited password gets valid for all zone controllers.- 13 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxAlternatively, the user can decide, that the amended password is only valid for one or a limited selection of zone controllers smaller than the plurality of zone controllers.In the aforementioned example, the user is prompted but not forced to amend the passwords, since the factory set password is already an individual and strong password for each zone controller.In an alternative example, all zone controllers 11 may be provided with a same default factory password e.g. as in the example of figure 10. Here, the user is forced, instead of asked, to amend the password within the first login. In particular, the user can not proceed with configuration on individual zone controllers before having set a strong password for each zone controller.Within a user interface UI7, figure 14 the user is asked to save the new set passwords within a password bulk file.Figure 15 shows exemplary the previous password bulk file 31 of figure 12, in which now the amended password is stored as well. The factory set passwords are still stored within the password bulk file 31 for the case, that the zone controller is reset back to factory setting. Storing a authorization details may not require to store the password in an explicit form, but may comprise storing hash-values, which are used for checking the correctness of a provided password.In the forementioned embodiment, the authorization is checked by passwords. The inventive method thereby provides the opportunity, that the administrating the authorized access can be done centrally for all of the zone controllers at once. The necessity to individually login in to each of the separate zone controllers 11 as shown in figure 10 is omitted.In addition to passwords, several other types of authorization details can be used to enhance security and user convenience. Biometric authentication methods include fingerprint scanning, which uses the unique patterns of an individual's fingerprint for authentication, facial recognition, which utilizes the unique features of an individual's face to verify identity, iris scanning, which relies on the unique patterns in the colored ring of the eye for authentication, and voice recognition, which uses the unique characteristics of an individual's voice to authenticate. Hardware tokens, such as security keys and smart cards, can also be used. Security keys are physical devices, like USB keys, that generate a unique code for authentication, while smart cards have embedded integrated circuits that can process data and are used for authentication. One-time passwords (OTPs) can be generated by mobile apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, or sent via SMS or email, and are valid for a single- 14 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxsession. Certificate-based authentication uses digital certificates issued by a trusted authority to verify the identity of the user. Behavioral biometrics analyze unique behaviors, such as typing patterns or gait analysis, to authenticate users. Magic links, which are links sent via email that log the user in when clicked, provide a secure and convenient authentication method. QR code authentication involves scanning a QR code with a mobile device to authenticate the user securely. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more authentication methods, such as a password and a fingerprint scan, to enhance security.Consequently, the inventive method provides a possibility to enable editing the configuration of a plurality of zone controllers in a time-efficient and secure manner.- 15 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxList of reference signs1 conveyor arrangement2 conveyor zone3 conveyor roller3M motor-driven conveyor roller4 drive connector5 presence sensor6 support frame7 identification scanner (e.g. barcode reader) 9 object to be conveyed11 zone controller11 N nameplate on zone controller13 data connection13C data cable14 central controller16 editing computer30 IT editing tool31 authorization details database I password database 32 central zone controller authorization functionality 32A central authorization details33 central login functionality,34 central authorization editing functionality97 identification tagN notice of configuration amendmentD destinationF feed-in stationI inletO outletd conveying directionS5 sensor signal (of presence sensor)Ul user interface- 16 - 2026022425009PWO text.docx

Claims

Claims1. Method of administrating a plurality of zone controllers (11) within a conveyor arrangement (1), the conveyor arrangement (1) comprising:- a plurality of conveyor zones (2), each conveyor zone (2) is adapted to convey an object (9) from an inlet (I) of said conveyor zone (2) to an outlet (O) of said conveyor zone (2);- a plurality of zone controllers (11) adapted to control the operation of said conveyor zones (2);- a data connection (13), connecting the zone controllers (11) and optionally the central controller (14) with each other;wherein a configuration of each of the zone controllers (11) is editable by a user input (UI1 , UI2), wherein an editing access to the zone controllers is granted after the user has provided authorization details, in particular by means of providing a correct password;the method comprising the following steps:- providing a central zone controller authorization functionality (32), by which the user is set into a condition to administrate authorization to the zone controllers (11) centrally for the plurality of zone controllers (11).

2. The method according to the preceding claim,characterized inthat the central zone controller authorization functionality (32) comprises a central login functionality (33), wherein after providing central authorization details (32A) the user is granted access for editing a configuration of a plurality of zone controllers (11) at once.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims,characterized inthat the central zone controller authorization functionality (32) comprises a central authorization editing functionality (34), wherein the user is granted access by a user interface (UI5 UI6) to edit the authorization details for the plurality of zone controllers (11) at once.

4. The method according to the preceding claim,characterized in- 17 - 2026022425009PWO text.docxthat the central authorization editing functionality (34) stores the amended authorization details in a bulk authorization details database (31).

5. The method according to any preceding claim,characterized inthat the central zone controller authorization functionality (32) provides a single central login by which the user obtains editing access rights for a plurality of zone controllers (11) during an authorization session.

6. The method according to any preceding claim,characterized inthat amended authorization details are stored in a bulk authorization details database (31),in particular that bulk authorization details database (31) is password-protected and in which the stored passwords are encrypted and / or in particular the bulk authorization details database being located locally on the editing computer (16).

7. The method according to the preceding claims,characterized inthat the bulk authorization details database (31) stores both factory-set authorization details and amended authorization details for each zone controller (11).

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims,characterized inwherein upon first login the user is prompted to amend passwords for the plurality of zone controllers (11) when a default factory password is set.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims,characterized inthat a selection interface (UI2, UI6) allows selection of all zone controllers (11) or a subset thereof for applying an amendment of authorization details.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims,characterized inthat intended configuration amendments and / or authorization updates are distributed as a notice (N) via MQTT to the selected zone controllers (11).

11. Method of setting a configuration in zone controllers within a conveyor arrangement (1), the conveyor arrangement comprising:- 18 - 2026022425009PWO text.docx- a plurality of conveyor zones (2), each conveyor zone (2) is adapted to convey an object (9) from an inlet (I) of said conveyor zone (2) to an outlet (O) of said conveyor zone (2),- a plurality of zone controllers (11) adapted to control the operation of said conveyor zones (2);- optionally a central controller (14), adapted to provide control commands to the zone controller;- a data connection (13), connecting the zone controllers (11) and optionally the central controller (14) with each other;the method comprising the following steps:- receiving a definition of at least one configuration amendment by means of a first user interface (III 1 );- receiving a selection of zone controllers out of said plurality of zone controllers by means of a second user interface (UI2), wherein said selection comprises more than one zone controller;- initiating said defined configuration amendment for said selection of zone controllers at once;- implementing said defined configuration amendment within said selected zone controllers,characterized inthat a method of any of the preceding claims is used to administrate authorization to the zone controllers (11) centrally for the plurality of zone controllers (11).- 19 - 2026022425009PWO text.docx

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