Industrial Controller NFC Access for Secure Smartphone Data Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial controllers require a PC connection for simple information retrieval or changes, necessitating specialist intervention via PLC programming software or web browsers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an NFC component with a conductor loop antenna and a computing unit in the industrial control system, enabling communication with smartphones for information retrieval and control without power-on requirements, with a two-step verification process for secure writing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PC connection is used for information retrieval or changes, then data communication capability is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specialist intervention via PLC programming software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC interface as an intermediary communication channel between the industrial controller and external devices. This NFC interface acts as a mediator that enables simple information retrieval and device identification without requiring specialists to use complex PLC programming software or web browsers connected via PC. The NFC interface handles basic communication tasks independently, reducing the complexity burden on the main control system while improving ease of operation for routine tasks.
2Ease of operation
If NFC component is integrated for easy information access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NFC communication functionality into a separate, dedicated interface component rather than integrating it deeply into the main control logic. This extraction allows the NFC feature to be added as a relatively independent module that provides easy information access through smartphone proximity detection, while minimizing its impact on the overall system complexity. The NFC component handles specific tasks (device identification, basic information retrieval) independently, reducing the complexity burden on the main control system.
3Ease of operation
If write operations are allowed via NFC, then ease of operation improves, but security deteriorates without verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification actions before allowing write operations through the NFC interface. The system performs device identification and authentication checks prior to permitting data modification, ensuring that only authorized operations are executed. This preliminary action mechanism maintains security by verifying the legitimacy of write requests before they are processed, while still allowing easy operation for authenticated users through the convenient NFC interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and verify NFC communication attempts. Before allowing write operations, the system provides feedback through authentication protocols that confirm the legitimacy of the requesting device. This feedback loop ensures that security requirements are met while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users, as the verification process is automatically handled through the NFC interface without requiring manual security checks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy access to industrial control system information and secure data management using smartphones, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
The second circuit board has a conductor loop configured as an NFC antenna with a first endpoint and a second endpoint
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to facilitate access to an industrial controller (100) comprising a housing (99) in which a first circuit board (LP1) with a computing unit (1) is arranged, further comprising an operating system (2) and a user program (AW), a second circuit board (LP2) is arranged beneath a front side (Vo) of the housing (99), the second circuit board (LP2) comprising a conductor loop (LS) configured as an NFC antenna. The operating system (2) can transmit data to the outside via an NFC component (D5).