Display Port Adapter for Secure Remote Control Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems require costly remote maintenance due to proprietary protocols and encrypted connections, limiting direct operator access and increasing service costs.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that couples a control device's display unit to a communication network, converting control signals into data streams using a processor unit and optical interface, enabling remote access with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary protocols and encrypted connections are used for remote maintenance, then security and manufacturer control are improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control device into multiple components: the original control unit with display, the adapter unit that captures and processes signals, and the communication unit that handles network transmission. This segmentation allows the proprietary control system to remain unchanged while adding remote access capability through separate, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit acts as an intermediary between the control device and the communication network. It intercepts control signals intended for the display unit, converts them into data streams, and transmits them remotely. This intermediary approach enables remote maintenance without requiring modifications to the proprietary control system itself.
2Reliability
If manufacturer-provided remote maintenance services are used, then security and protocol compliance are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service remote maintenance by allowing operators to directly access and control the control device through standard communication networks. The adapter unit captures display signals and converts them into remotely accessible data streams, eliminating the need to pay manufacturer service fees while maintaining protocol compliance.
3Ease of operation
If direct operator access to control systems is enabled, then cost and ease of operation are improved, but security and protocol compliance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit creates a copy of the display unit's output signals and transmits this copy remotely. The original display unit continues to function normally for local operation, while the copied signals enable remote access. This copying approach allows direct operator access without compromising the security of the original control system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If built-in network cards or modems are added to control devices, then remote access capability is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit serves multiple functions: it captures display signals, converts them into data streams, provides network communication capability, and enables remote control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate built-in network cards or modems in the control device itself, reducing modification requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter for coupling a control unit having a display unit to a communication network comprises a carrier with a first connector for connecting the adapter to a display port of the control unit, a second connector electrically connected to the first connector for passing received signals from the first connector to the second connector, a processor unit, and a data interface, wherein the first connector and the second connector are mechanically complementary to each other, wherein the processor unit is coupled to the first connector and the data interface and is configured to convert control signals received from the first connector, which are intended for controlling a display unit, into a data record or a data stream and to forward them to the data interface, and wherein the data interface is configured toto transmit the data set or data stream to an external communication unit.