Centralized Role-Based Access Interface for Production Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems require multiple interfaces and credentials for accessing and combining production-relevant data from various devices like ERP, MES, and automation systems, leading to distributed access and inability to provide a unified overview of enterprise data.

Innovation Solution

A device providing uniform access and visualization across multiple data sources, utilizing a central interface with role-based access, password protection, and a polling mechanism for data acquisition and visualization, enabling simultaneous multi-user access and automated data monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate interfaces are provided for each data source, then each data source can be accessed independently, but the system complexity increases and uniform access cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple data sourcesVSAvoidnumber of interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate data source interfaces into a single centralized interface that provides uniform access to all data sources. This central interface consolidates the functionality of individual interfaces from automation devices, ERP devices, MES devices, and other data sources, allowing users to access all data through one unified point rather than managing multiple separate interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized interface is designed to be universal, supporting access to multiple types of data sources (automation devices, ERP systems, MES systems, databases) through a single interface. This multi-functional interface can handle different data formats and protocols, making it adaptable to various data sources while maintaining a consistent user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications and installations are required for accessing various data sources, then comprehensive data access is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access capabilityVSAvoiduser access simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple applications and installations into a single centralized access point. Instead of requiring users to install and navigate through separate applications for each data source, the centralized interface provides a unified access mechanism that consolidates all data access functionality in one place, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized interface acts as an intermediary between users and multiple data sources. It provides a single point of contact that mediates all access requests, translating user actions into appropriate data source interactions. This intermediary layer shields users from the complexity of underlying multiple systems while maintaining comprehensive access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If distributed access to data sources is implemented, then each data source can be accessed individually, but unified data overview and integration cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata source accessibilityVSAvoiddata integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data from multiple distributed data sources into a unified view through the centralized interface. It consolidates information from automation devices, ERP systems, MES systems, and databases into a single integrated representation, eliminating the fragmentation inherent in distributed access and providing a comprehensive data overview.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized interface serves as an intermediary that collects, integrates, and harmonizes data from multiple distributed data sources. It mediates between the heterogeneous data sources and the user, providing a unified data model and consistent data representation that enables comprehensive data overview while maintaining access to all underlying sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If separate credentials are administered for each data source, then security can be maintained for each source, but administrative complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata source securityVSAvoidcredential management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate credential management systems into a single centralized authentication mechanism. Instead of requiring separate passwords and credentials for each data source, the centralized interface implements a unified authentication system that manages all credentials in one place, reducing administrative complexity while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7882250B2Device for provision of role-based access to data through a central interface

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A device for provision of access to data in various data sources. In one embodiment the device permits a user uniform central access to all data sources and a uniform visualization of the data from the corresponding data sources. The various data sources are automation devices, ERP devices, MES devices and other production relevant data sources.