Industrial Automation Configuration Imaging for Secure QR Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of industrial automation systems face challenges in accessing and understanding the configuration of individual systems within the automation system, including updates and locations, due to limited knowledge and difficulty in using configuration discovery tools.
Innovation Solution
A control/monitoring system collects configuration data from industrial automation systems, generates image data such as QR codes, and displays it on an HMI, allowing scanning by computing devices to transmit data to a secure receiving component for cloud-based analysis, which updates and stores configuration information, provides recommendations, and facilitates secure data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operators use traditional configuration discovery tools, then system configuration data can be accessed, but the tools are difficult to use and operators lack full knowledge of individual systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates visual code images (QR codes, barcodes) that are optical copies of configuration data. Instead of requiring operators to navigate complex discovery tools, the system creates visual representations of configuration information that can be scanned and transmitted, making the data accessible without requiring deep system knowledge or complex tool interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary process where configuration data is converted into visual code images that serve as a mediator between the industrial automation system and the operator's computing device. This intermediary representation simplifies access by transforming complex configuration data into a scannable visual format that bridges the gap between system complexity and operator capability
2Loss of information
If detailed configuration data is made accessible, then operators gain knowledge of individual systems, but system complexity and difficulty of access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified visual code copies of configuration data that contain essential information without requiring exposure to the full complexity of the underlying system architecture. The visual code serves as a manageable representation that preserves necessary configuration information while eliminating the complexity burden
3Reliability
If configuration data is transmitted securely through cloud systems, then data security is improved, but data transmission and access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-generating visual code images that encapsulate configuration data before transmission is needed. The data is prepared and encoded into scannable format in advance, so when transmission is required, the process can proceed efficiently through secure cloud channels without requiring complex real-time data gathering or processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, performed by at least one processor, comprising generating a first set of images representative of configuration data associated with an industrial automation system. An electronic display may display at least one image of the first set of images. The processor may detect a change in the configuration data and retrieve updated configuration data from the industrial automation system. The processor may encode the updated configuration data into a second set of images and display at least one additional image of the second set of images on the electronic display.