Field Device Parameter Authorization via Comparative Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in process automation lack effective mechanisms to ensure that only authorized manufacturers and suppliers can utilize specific technologies, such as MEMOSENS, preventing unauthorized use of sensor elements and measuring transducers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where each control/memory unit stores a parameter set with defined levels, allowing only the minimum common functionality to be shared between components, with a comparative control/storage unit ensuring that only licensed features are enabled by determining the lowest common level between connected units, thus restricting unauthorized access to advanced functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a field device allows multiple manufacturers to use the same technology platform, then device compatibility and ease of operation improve, but unauthorized use and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authorization by storing authentication data (MAC address, authorization key, authorization level) in the control/memory unit before the device is put into service. This preliminary configuration enables the device to automatically verify manufacturer credentials during operation, allowing multiple authorized manufacturers to use the platform while maintaining security through pre-established authentication mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced functionalities are made available to all components, then device versatility improves, but unauthorized access to sensitive functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different authorization levels (level 1, level 2, etc.) to different manufacturers' components. Each control/memory unit stores specific authorization data that determines which functionalities are accessible. This creates localized access control where each manufacturer's device has tailored permissions - basic functionalities are available to all, while advanced functions are restricted to authorized manufacturers only, thus protecting sensitive capabilities while maintaining system versatility.
3Reliability
If the system requires software updates or component exchanges to add new functionalities, then security control improves, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible addition of new authorized manufacturers without system reconfiguration. When a new manufacturer joins, their authorization data (MAC address, authorization key, level) is simply added to the system's authorization database. The existing control/memory units automatically recognize and integrate these new authorized components through their communication interfaces, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to new participants without requiring software updates or structural changes, thus maintaining security while reducing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
AI summary
The invention relates to a field device (1) for process automation, comprising at least two components (2, 3, 6) which can be coupled to one another, wherein each of the components (2, 3, 6) is provided with a control/storage unit (8, 9, 10) which respectively stores a set of parameters (Pn where n = 1, 2, 3,..) containing defined parameters (A, B, C,...), and wherein, in the event of the at least two components (2, 3, 6) being coupled to one another, at least one of the control/storage units (8; 9; 10) reads the sets of parameters (P1, P2, P3) stored in the individual control/storage units (8, 9, 10) of the components (2, 3, 6) and compares them with one another, and wherein, in the event of a discrepancy in the sets of parameters (P1, P2, P3), the control/storage unit (8; 9; 10) which is carrying out the comparison provides the control/storage units (8, 9, 10) of the components (2, 3, 6) which are coupled to one another with the cut-set (S) of the parameters (A, B, C,..) in the sets of parameters (P1, P2, P3).