Augmented Reality Security Display for Industrial Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for local access to devices protected by codes in industrial automation systems are cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring manual entry or recall of security information, which can compromise security and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing augmented reality (AR) to visually capture device identification, retrieve associated security information, and display it alongside the device image, providing visual support for correct entry, while ensuring authentication and authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual entry or recall of security information is required, then security protection is maintained, but access time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing device identification information and retrieving associated security information before the user needs to access the device. The AR system pre-processes and displays the security information along with visual guidance, eliminating the need for manual recall or entry of codes at the moment of access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual copying through AR technology to display a reproduced image of the device with superimposed security information. Instead of requiring the user to manually enter or recall the code, the system creates a visual copy of the device interface with the security information already displayed and highlighted, allowing for quick and accurate access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If manual entry of security information is required, then security is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidease of access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The AR system acts as an intermediary between the user and the device interface. It captures the device identification, retrieves the security information, and presents it through augmented reality visualization. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for the user to manually interact with the device interface for code entry, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of physically entering or recalling security codes with an optical/electronic AR system. The AR glasses or display device visually presents the security information and guides the user through the access process, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated visual information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If security information is displayed traditionally, then information is provided, but user interaction and visual guidance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation provisionVSAvoiduser interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional display to three-dimensional augmented reality visualization. The AR system overlays security information and visual guidance directly onto the device interface in the user's field of view, creating a spatial dimension that provides contextual information and interactive guidance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The AR system uses color changes and visual highlighting to guide the user through the access process. Different colors indicate different steps, correct actions, or potential errors, providing intuitive visual feedback that enhances user interaction and ensures correct procedure without requiring complex text instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4565978B1Outputting an ar display of security information
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4565978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4565978B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for outputting a display of security information (211), said security information (211) being designed to release a lock which is designed to protect access to a device (1) to be protected. The method has the steps of: - visually capturing (S1) a device identification (12) of the device (1) to be protected, whereby device identification information is generated, - transmitting (S2) the device identification information, - receiving (S3) the security information (211), said security information (211) being assigned to the device identification information (12), - outputting (S4) a visual display (21), said visual display (21) comprising at least one section of an image (212) of the device (1) to be protected and the display of the security information (211), and - additionally outputting (S5) a visual aid (213) for using the security information (211) in order to release the lock. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding augmented reality device and to a corresponding method for transmitting security information using a corresponding AR background system.