Field Device Display Unit With QR Identification Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The identification of field devices in process and factory automation can be impaired if the type plate is damaged or becomes illegible, making it difficult to monitor and control processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control and display unit with an internal register for storing the field device's identification, which can be read using a camera and displayed as a QR code or barcode, including an authentication feature, to ensure secure and readable identification, even when the type plate is damaged or faded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If identification is stored only on a type plate, then the device has simple structure, but the identification becomes illegible when the type plate is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the identification data by storing it in an internal register (memory) in addition to the physical type plate. This digital copy ensures that identification information remains accessible even when the type plate becomes damaged or illegible, thereby improving identification reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If identification is displayed in plain text, then it is easily readable, but it lacks security and can be tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display qualities to different parts of the identification information. The device displays both human-readable plain text (for ease of reading) and machine-readable coded formats like QR codes or barcodes (for security and tamper detection). This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve readability and security by using appropriate formats for different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coded representation (QR code, barcode, or other machine-readable format) as an intermediary between the stored identification data and its display. This intermediary format serves as a security mechanism because it can be verified for authenticity and tampering, while still allowing the actual identification data to be displayed in readable form when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller and display for identifying a field device is provided, including: an internal register configured to store an identification of the field device; and a representation device configured to provide a coded representation of the identification, the coded representation of the identification including an identifier. A method of representing an identification of a field device is also provided.