Elevator Service Tool Wireless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional service devices for elevator systems require a proprietary dongle for advanced operational configuration changes, which is expensive and limits technicians' ability to service elevators without it.
Innovation Solution
A service tool with enhanced security provisions, including online authentication and cloud-based remote service functionality, allows direct operation checks and configuration changes via a wireless access device connected to the elevator controller, eliminating the need for a proprietary dongle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proprietary dongle is used for advanced operational configuration changes, then security and control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security verification function from the physical dongle and implements it as a software-based authentication system. The service tool application performs online authentication with the elevator controller through cloud service communication, eliminating the need for the physical dongle while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical dongle connection with an electronic/software-based authentication system. The service tool uses online authentication protocols and cloud service communication to verify credentials and authorize advanced operations, substituting the physical hardware requirement with a software solution.
2Reliability
If a proprietary dongle is required for advanced operations, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The service tool application provides multiple levels of access (field technician level and adjuster/construction level) through a single unified interface. The online authentication system allows different user types to access appropriate functions without requiring separate physical devices, making the system more universal and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The service tool performs automatic online authentication with the elevator controller through cloud service communication. The authentication process is automated and does not require manual intervention or physical dongle connection, allowing technicians to independently access advanced functions when authorized.
3Reliability
If online authentication and cloud service are implemented, then security provisions are improved, but use of energy and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The online authentication and cloud service communication occur periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The service tool establishes communication with the elevator controller only when authentication is needed or when configuration changes are required, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A service tool is provided. The service tool includes a transceiver communicatively coupled to a wireless access device physically connected to a mechanical system. The service tool includes a memory storing a service tool application software thereon. The service tool includes a processor executing the service tool application software to execute at least one of a plurality of operability support levels by the service tool for the mechanical system. The plurality of operability support levels includes an adjuster/construction level. The adjuster/construction level includes security provisions for control of the mechanical system.