Automation Field Device Servicing via Static and Dynamic Optical Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for starting up or servicing field devices in automation systems lack secure and efficient data transmission, particularly in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the devices during communication, which can lead to unauthorized manipulations and errors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reading of unique identification and diagnostic information from field devices using static and dynamic codes, transmitted unidirectionally to a cloud-based service platform, allowing for secure and device-specific remedial actions without establishing a traditional communication connection, utilizing tools like smartphones or specialized readers with image analysis software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional communication connections (wired or wireless) are established to transmit data from field devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but device integrity and security deteriorate due to potential unauthorized manipulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wired or wireless communication connections with optical code reading (barcode, QR code, or other optically readable codes). The field device displays an optically readable code that can be scanned and read remotely without establishing a physical or electromagnetic communication connection, thus preventing unauthorized manipulations while enabling data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optically readable code as an intermediary between the field device and the reading tool. This code serves as a mediator that carries device identification and diagnostic information without requiring direct communication connections, thereby maintaining security while enabling data exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If remote access to field devices is enabled for servicing, then on-site servicing efficiency is improved, but the risk of unauthorized manipulations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site servicing efficiencyVSAvoidunauthorized manipulations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional remote access protocols that establish communication connections with optical code scanning. Service personnel can remotely read device information by scanning the displayed code without establishing a connection that would allow unauthorized manipulations, thus maintaining both efficiency and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If communication connections are established for data transmission, then information exchange capability is improved, but transmission errors and security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoidtransmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes traditional communication protocols with optical code reading technology. The reading tool captures the optically readable code displayed on the field device and transmits the embedded information to the cloud platform, eliminating connection-related transmission errors and security vulnerabilities while maintaining accurate information exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the integrity of field devices by preventing unauthorized manipulations and providing accurate, device-specific remedial measures, reducing the risk of transmission errors and improving on-site servicing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

optically reading diagnostic information, which is stored in the field device and which relates to at least one current and/or past event assigned to the field device, via a dynamic code generated by the field device by means of the reading and/or operating tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reading:

Data Source

PatentUS11650826B2Method for starting up or servicing an automation field device

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 ENDRESS HAUSER PROCESS SOLUTIONS AG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for starting up or servicing a field device: reading unique identification information assigned to the field device via a static code by means of a reading and/or operating tool; optically reading diagnostic information stored in the field device and which relates to at least one current and/or past event assigned to the field device, via a dynamic code generated by the field device by means of the reading and/or operating tool; transmitting the identification and diagnostic information from the reading and/or operating tool to a cloud-based service platform, transmitting device and/or application-specific information for remedying the event characterized by the diagnostic information from the cloud-based service platform to the reading and/or operating tool, and eliminating the event or effects of the event using the transmitted device-specific and/or application-specific information.