Field Device Key Control for Time and Location Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in enforcing operating constraints, such as location and time restrictions, for field devices, which are often difficult to implement and enforce due to legal requirements and service agreements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a key generation device to generate and manage cryptographic keys based on predefined operating constraints, ensuring interaction between a field device and a control device only when the constraints are met, using a distributed ledger to secure and log audit trails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operating constraints are enforced through legal contracts and penalties, then compliance is required, but enforcement remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cryptographic key dynamic rather than static. The key changes based on constraint parameters such as location and time, automatically enforcing operational constraints without requiring external monitoring or penalty mechanisms. This transforms the static legal contract into a dynamic technical enforcement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/legal enforcement system (contracts, penalties, manual monitoring) with a cryptographic mechanism. The constraint enforcement is achieved through mathematical key derivation and verification, substituting physical/legal enforcement with an automated digital system that inherently prevents unauthorized operation.
2Reliability
If cryptographic keys are dynamically updated based on constraint parameters, then constraint enforcement is improved, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into distinct functional components: a key generation device that creates base keys and constraint parameters, and a field device that derives operational keys from these components. This segmentation allows complex key management to be distributed and modularized, reducing the burden on individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary key derivation function that bridges the base key and constraint parameters to produce the operational key. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing a clear, standardized process for key generation that automatically incorporates constraint enforcement without requiring complex decision logic in the field device.
3Reliability
If interaction is restricted to specific locations and times, then operating constraints are enforced, but device usability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the cryptographic key to vary based on changing constraint parameters such as location coordinates and time values. This enables the device to adapt its operational permissions dynamically - the same device can be authorized at different locations and times by deriving different keys from the same base key and constraint parameters, maintaining both security and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for operating a field device. The field device is configured for interacting with a control device. According to the method, a base key is received from a key generation device. A current constraint parameter relating to a predefined operating constraint for operating the field device is determined. A key is generated based on the base key and the current constraint parameter. The field device interacts with the control device using the generated key.