Control Module Encryption for Secure Local Process Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and diagnosing complex processes due to the increasing volume and complexity of process data, which often requires real-time analysis and is hindered by the limitations of cloud-based systems in terms of cost, logistics, and security.
Innovation Solution
A local control system with modules such as an AI module that performs analysis using locally available data, encrypts information for secure communication, and adjusts operations without relying on cloud computing resources, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnostics within a secure local area network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cloud-based systems are used for real-time data analysis, then processing power and storage capacity are improved, but security risks and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control architecture into multiple modules (process control module, advanced control module, optimization module) that can process data locally. This segmentation allows distributed processing power while maintaining data security within the local network, resolving the contradiction between needing processing power and maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encryption/decryption module as an intermediary between data modules. This intermediary secures data transmission between modules using encryption keys, enabling secure local processing that eliminates the need to upload sensitive data to cloud systems, thus maintaining both security and processing capability.
2Measurement precision
If more process data is collected and analyzed, then monitoring accuracy and diagnostics capability are improved, but data processing complexity and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data processing tasks across multiple specialized modules (process control, advanced control, optimization). Each module handles specific types of data analysis, which reduces the complexity burden on any single module while collectively achieving high monitoring accuracy through comprehensive data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules perform self-service by maintaining local datasets and processing capabilities. Each module can independently analyze its assigned data without requiring centralized cloud processing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high monitoring accuracy through distributed intelligent processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted between modules, then system integration and coordination are improved, but security risks and communication bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements encryption and decryption modules as intermediaries between data modules. These intermediaries secure data transmission by encrypting data before transmission and decrypting it at the destination, enabling system integration and coordination while maintaining data security throughout the communication process.
4Productivity
If real-time data processing is performed, then operational efficiency and response time are improved, but computational resource consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments computational tasks across multiple modules, allowing parallel processing of data. This segmentation enables real-time operational efficiency through concurrent processing while distributing energy consumption across the system, preventing any single module from consuming excessive computational resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial automation system may include an automation device and a control system. The control system may be communicatively coupled to the automation device and may include a first module that may receive a request for information regarding the automation device. The first module may then determine information related to the request for information based on one or more datasets locally available to the first module, alter the information based on a signal configured to obscure the information, and send encrypted information to a second module of the plurality of modules.