Beverage Machine HMI Data Exchange via Secure External Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interface (HMI) modules in the beverage industry face inefficiencies and security risks in data exchange, particularly due to the use of portable storage media like USB memory sticks, which are time-consuming, limited in processing capabilities, and vulnerable to malicious software.
Innovation Solution
An external control module that facilitates data exchange between the HMI and a server, enabling wireless or wired connections for secure and efficient data transfer, with pre-processing and conversion of file formats to ensure compatibility and security through a virtual HMI simulation and secure storage environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB flash drives are used for data transfer to HMI, then data can be transferred to the HMI, but the process is time-consuming and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device serves as an intermediary between the USB flash drive and the HMI. The mobile device receives data from the USB flash drive via wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC), processes it, and then transfers it to the HMI. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct physical connection between the flash drive and HMI, reducing security risks while maintaining data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (physically plugging USB flash drives into the HMI) with wireless communication methods (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC). This substitution eliminates the physical interface that poses security risks, while the mobile device's processor handles data formatting and validation to ensure compatibility and security.
2Productivity
If USB flash drives are used for HMI configuration, then data can be loaded into the HMI, but the HMI's limited storage and processing resources cannot process all data
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data processing function into two segments: the mobile device handles complex data processing, format conversion, and validation tasks, while the HMI only receives already-processed data suitable for its limited resources. This segmentation allows sophisticated data handling without overloading the HMI's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs preliminary actions by processing, validating, and converting data to the correct format before transferring it to the HMI. This preliminary processing ensures that the HMI receives data in a format it can handle, eliminating the need for the HMI to perform complex processing operations that exceed its resource limitations.
3Ease of operation
If manual data input is used for HMI configuration, then the HMI can be configured, but the process is extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration by allowing users to prepare configuration data on their mobile devices (using spreadsheets, photos, or existing files) and automatically transfer it to the HMI. The mobile device's application guides users through the process, eliminating the need for manual HMI configuration steps and reducing configuration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device application supports multiple data input methods (spreadsheets, photo capture, file uploads) and automatically converts them to the appropriate HMI format. This multi-functional approach allows users to choose the most convenient input method for their situation, improving ease of operation while maintaining efficiency.
4Reliability
If USB flash drives are used for data transfer, then data can be exchanged with the HMI, but vulnerability to malicious software increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as a security intermediary that validates and processes data before it reaches the HMI. The HMI only receives data from the mobile device through controlled communication protocols, eliminating the direct USB interface that allows malicious software to infect the system. The mobile device's operating system provides an additional security layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the USB flash drive interface from the HMI system entirely. The HMI no longer has a USB port for flash drive connections, removing the vulnerability vector. Data transfer occurs exclusively through the mobile device using wireless communication, which cannot be exploited by traditional USB-based malware.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a machine of the beverage industry, comprising an HMI for the user input of control commands for the machine, in particular a filling, labeling, or packaging machine. The device is configured so as to be connectable to an external control module via a wireless communication connection. By means of said wireless connection, the device can then exchange an HMI data set with the external control module. The device can receive at least one HMI data set from the external control module, said data set comprising data or parameters for configuring the HMI. Additionally, at least one HMI data set can be transmitted from the HMI to the external control module, said data set comprising data or parameters for analysis or storage by means of the external control module. The device according to the invention can be a separate module of the machine and can correspondingly be connected to the HMI, communicate with the HMI, or at least control the HMI.