Digital Twin Assignment via Secure Component Link Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning digital twins to physical components in automation systems are not scalable and prone to errors, especially in large systems, as they often rely on manual processes that are time-consuming and susceptible to mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses link information, such as optically or contactlessly readable codes, cryptographically protected data, and URLs, to automatically and reliably assign digital models to physical components, ensuring secure and accurate association by integrating the link information directly on the physical components, which can be verified using cryptographic keys or NFC labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual assignment methods are used to assign digital twins to physical components, then security and accuracy of assignment can be maintained, but scalability and efficiency deteriorate significantly when the number of physical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assignment processes with automated optical reading systems. Physical components have machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, or contactless NFC tags) that can be automatically scanned and read by imaging devices or NFC readers, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing human error while maintaining assignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the assignment information in machine-readable form on or near each physical component. Instead of manually looking up and entering digital twin identifiers, the system uses optical copies (visual codes) or contactless data copies (NFC tags) that contain the assignment information, allowing rapid automated retrieval and assignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assignment processes are implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and error susceptibility increase with system size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning machine-readable codes to physical components during manufacturing or setup, and pre-registering digital twins in the system. When a physical component needs to be assigned to a digital twin, the system simply needs to read the pre-existing code and match it with the corresponding digital twin, eliminating time-consuming manual lookup and assignment processes.
3Reliability
If cryptographic protection is implemented on link information, then security and trustworthiness of digital twin access are improved, but system complexity and verification overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where the system checks cryptographic signatures or hashes of the codes read from physical components against registered digital twin identifiers. This intermediary verification layer automates the security check, reducing the complexity burden on users while maintaining high security standards through automated cryptographic validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for assigning a digital model to a physical component of an automation system. An example method includes: consulting a physical component with a piece of link information referring to a digital model of the physical component in a digital twin of the physical component; and using the link information to determine the digital model to which the link information refers and assign said digital model to the physical component.