Automated Authentication for Agricultural Devices via Data Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authenticating agricultural implements coupled via a data bus require operator input and internet or mobile access, leading to potential errors and unsafe operating conditions due to unverified devices.

Innovation Solution

An automated authentication method where each agricultural device is independently verified through an authentication device via a data bus, using identification numbers and random numbers to generate and compare device keys, ensuring secure and operator-independent authentication without internet or cellular access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operator input is required for authentication via Internet or mobile radio, then authentication can be performed with external access, but authentication becomes error-prone and requires operator involvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidauthentication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system performs self-service authentication automatically between agricultural devices without requiring operator input. The control devices autonomously exchange authentication data and verify each other, eliminating human error and operator dependency while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where control devices use stored authentication data and generated random numbers as mediators to verify each other automatically. This intermediary process enables reliable authentication without direct operator involvement or external internet/mobile radio access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operator input is required for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidauthentication operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control devices automatically perform authentication operations without operator intervention. The system self-manages the entire authentication process including data exchange, random number generation, and verification, making operation simple while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If authentication is not performed, then device coupling is simpler and faster, but unsafe operating conditions may occur due to unverified devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice coupling speedVSAvoidunsafe operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-service authentication that occurs rapidly without operator intervention. This automated process maintains fast device coupling speed while ensuring safety through verification, eliminating the trade-off between speed and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication process performs preliminary verification to prevent unsafe operating conditions before devices begin joint operation. By proactively verifying device authenticity, the system prevents harmful effects while maintaining efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2753042B1Authenticating at least two Agricultural Devices Coupled via a Data Bus
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 CLAAS E SYST KGAA MBH & CO
  • EP2753042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2753042B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2753042B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves coupling agricultural devices (10,11) to authentication device (12) through data bus (13) automatically and independently. The agricultural devices of authentication (14,15) are subjected to direct data exchange (18) or indirect data exchange (16,17) between successful authentication. The agricultural devices are operated, when data exchange is successfully authenticated. The agricultural devices are not operated, when data exchange is not successfully authenticated. An independent claim is included for an authentication device for authentication of agricultural devices.