Automation Device Linking via Virtual ID Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for linking automation devices to data processing systems rely on unique features like serial numbers or MAC addresses, which can lead to errors and increased manufacturing costs, especially when devices are sold anonymously or need to be replaced, and do not ensure secure authentication and authorization.
Innovation Solution
Generating a unique identification number for a virtual device within the data processing system, which is then supplied to the automation device through a configuration tool, eliminating the need for features like serial numbers or MAC addresses and enabling secure interaction and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-specific features like serial numbers or MAC addresses are used for identification, then device uniqueness is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and errors occur during anonymous sales or device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration tool as an intermediary between the data processing system and the automation device. This tool generates a virtual device representation and transfers the identification number to the automation device during configuration, eliminating the need for pre-stored device-specific features and enabling flexible, error-free device identification and replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The identification number is generated and stored in the virtual device representation before the automation device is activated or replaced. This preliminary action ensures that when the device is configured or replaced, the correct identification number is already available, preventing errors during anonymous sales or device replacement scenarios
2Reliability
If device-specific features are used for identification, then initial device linking is possible, but secure authentication and authorization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from device-specific features (serial numbers, MAC addresses) and relocates it to a centrally generated identification number stored in the virtual device representation. This separation allows the system to maintain secure authentication and authorization without relying on potentially non-unique or insecure device features
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device representation acts as an intermediary that securely stores and manages the identification number. This intermediary layer enables secure authentication and authorization by controlling how the identification number is transferred to and used by the automation device, preventing misuse and threats to the system
3Ease of operation
If manual data entry is required for anonymous device sales, then device data can be collected, but errors lead to significant process failures
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration tool enables the automation device to self-configure by automatically receiving and storing the identification number from the data processing system. This eliminates manual data entry operations and prevents human errors in data assignment, ensuring accurate linking between physical devices and virtual representations
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool serves as an intermediary that automates the data collection and assignment process. It retrieves the identification number from the virtual device representation and transfers it to the automation device, replacing error-prone manual entry with an automated, reliable process
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for linking an automation device (7) with a data processing system (1). In this method, a virtual device is created in the data processing system (1) for the automation device (7), and an identification number is generated for the virtual device in the data processing system (1). The identification number assigned to the virtual device is transferred to the automation device (7) and stored in the automation device (7). The identification number is used for the interaction of the automation device (7) with the data processing system (1).