Field Device Display Unit With Coded Identification Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The identification of field devices in process and factory automation can be impaired if the nameplate is damaged or becomes illegible, leading to difficulties in determining parameters and monitoring processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An operating and display unit with an internal register and display unit is implemented to store and encode the field device's identification, using QR codes, barcodes, or near-field communication, ensuring secure and legible identification through detachable units or integrated displays, allowing authentication and connection to a digital twin for enhanced device recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the field device identification is stored on a nameplate, then it can be easily read and accessed, but the identification becomes vulnerable to damage and illegibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the identification data by encoding it in a QR code format. This digital representation can be stored in multiple locations (nameplate, internal memory, external database), ensuring that if the physical nameplate is damaged, the identification can still be retrieved from alternative sources without loss of integrity.
2Reliability
If the identification is stored in an internal register, then it is protected from damage, but it cannot be easily read without specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a QR code as an intermediary representation of the identification data. This intermediary serves as a bridge between the secure internal storage and the need for easy reading - the QR code can be scanned by standard mobile devices to access the identification information without requiring specialized equipment to read from internal memory directly.
3Loss of information
If a QR code is displayed on the device, then identification is always visible and legible, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing display capabilities of modern field devices to show the QR code. By making the display unit multi-functional (showing both operational information and identification QR code), the patent avoids adding dedicated identification display hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while ensuring continuous visibility of the identification.
4Reliability
If the authentication feature is always displayed, then security verification is continuous, but it consumes additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand display of the authentication QR code rather than continuous display. The QR code can be refreshed periodically or triggered by specific events (such as access attempts or time intervals), maintaining security verification capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant display.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating and display unit (110) for identifying a field device (100), comprising: an internal register (102) configured for storing an identification of the field device (100); and a display unit (112, 114) configured for a coded representation of the identification, wherein the coded representation of the identification comprises an identification feature and an authentication feature.