Field Device Diagnostics via Optical Codes and Secure Cloud Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for commissioning and maintaining field devices in automation technology lack secure data transmission mechanisms, which can lead to unauthorized manipulations and errors during the process of reading and acting upon diagnostic information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of static and dynamic codes for unidirectional data transmission from field devices to a reading tool, which then communicates with a cloud-based service platform to retrieve and apply device-specific information for event handling, ensuring integrity and providing remedial actions without establishing a usual communication connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bidirectional communication connection is established between the reading tool and field device, then the reading tool can write data to and read data from the field device, but the field device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized manipulations and security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into two separate unidirectional channels: one for reading diagnostic information from the field device to the reading tool, and another for transmitting remedial measures from the cloud platform to the reading tool. This segmentation eliminates bidirectional communication between the reading tool and field device, preventing unauthorized write operations while maintaining necessary data access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A cloud-based service platform is introduced as an intermediary between the reading tool and the field device. The platform receives diagnostic information from the reading tool, processes it, and provides remedial measures back to the reading tool. This intermediary architecture enables comprehensive data access and device control functions while maintaining security by preventing direct bidirectional communication between the reading tool and field device.
2Reliability
If diagnostic information is transmitted from the field device to the reading tool via unidirectional optical path, then security against unauthorized manipulations is improved, but the ability to directly control or modify field device parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Remedial measures are prepared in advance on the cloud-based service platform based on diagnostic information received from the field device. The platform pre-processes the information and generates appropriate corrective actions, which are then transmitted to the reading tool. This preliminary action enables effective device control and parameter modification capabilities while maintaining the security benefits of unidirectional communication, as the reading tool executes pre-approved remedial measures rather than arbitrarily modifying device parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cloud-based service platform is introduced to process diagnostic information and provide remedial measures, then the comprehensiveness of device handling capabilities is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based service platform is designed as a universal system that handles multiple types of diagnostic information and provides comprehensive remedial measures for various field device issues. By consolidating diverse device handling capabilities into a single multi-functional platform, the system manages complexity through standardization and reuse of processing logic across different device types and scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and accurate transmission of diagnostic information, preventing unauthorized manipulations and enabling effective handling of events such as error alarms or maintenance requests, while allowing for parameter changes when necessary, through a unidirectional path and potential return communication.
Implementation Method 1
Reading out unique identification information stored in the field device, which is assigned to the field device, via a static code using a reading and/or operating tool; optical reading of diagnostic information stored in the field device
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for starting up or servicing a field device (FG) for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical process variable of a medium in an automation process, having the following method steps: - reading unique identification information (ID) which is assigned to the field device (FG) via a static code (SC) by means of a reading and/or operating tool (BT); - optically reading diagnostic information (DI), which is stored in the field device (FG) and which relates to at least one current and/or past event assigned to the field device, via a dynamic code (DC) generated by the field device by means of the reading and/or operating tool (BT); - transmitting the identification and diagnostic information (ID, DI) from the reading and/or operating tool (BT) to a cloud-based service platform (SP), - transmitting device and/or application-specific information (GAI) for remedying the event characterized by the diagnostic information (DI) from the cloud-based service platform (SP) to the reading and/or operating tool (BT), and - eliminating the event or effects of the event using the transmitted device-specific and/or application-specific information (GAI).