Field Device Function Release Codes for Time-Limited Paid Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating additional functionalities on field devices in industrial processes require direct access, which is often undesirable due to safety and operational secrecy concerns, and do not allow for temporary or time-limited use of paid functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses synchronized time counting devices between field devices and a service unit to enable time-based implementation of desired functionalities without direct access, utilizing a service unit connected via a second communication channel to generate and verify release codes for executing selected functions on field devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct access to field device is required for functionality activation, then functionality can be activated, but access safety risks and operational secrecy risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service unit as an intermediary between the process control system and the field device. This service unit handles all activation code generation and transmission operations remotely, eliminating the need for direct physical access to the field device while maintaining secure functionality activation. The service unit acts as a trusted mediator that can safely interact with the field device through the existing communication infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If activation code is transmitted to field device, then functionality can be activated, but activation procedure becomes complex requiring operating personnel to visit field device
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit automatically generates activation codes and transmits them to the field device through the existing communication channel without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-service by autonomously handling the entire activation process, from code generation to transmission, eliminating the need for operating personnel to physically visit the field device location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functionality is permanently activated on field device, then functionality is available, but time-limited use and cost control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality activation where the service unit can generate new activation codes at any time based on payment confirmation. This allows the system to dynamically enable or disable functionalities as needed, providing flexible time-limited access rather than permanent activation. The system can adapt functionality availability in real-time based on commercial agreements and usage requirements.
4Productivity
If field device is installed in hazardous area or area subject to operational secrecy, then field device can perform its function, but direct access for activation becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit serves as a remote intermediary that can activate functionalities on field devices located in hazardous or restricted areas without requiring physical access. By utilizing the existing communication infrastructure, the service unit can safely transmit activation codes to field devices in locations that would be dangerous or unauthorized for human access, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating accessibility risks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (1) for the payment-based execution of a function (FLi) of a field device (F) is presented and described, wherein the field device (F) has an identifier (SN) and is connected to a process control system (PCS) via a first communication channel (4). The release and execution of a functionality on the field device, for example, activated by payment, without direct access to the field device beyond the first communication channel (4), is achieved by connecting the process control system (PCS) to a service unit (S) via a second communication channel (5). The field device (F) and the service unit (S) each have at least one timer (7, 8), and the timers (7, 8) are synchronized and each provide a time value (CLF) of the field device (F) and a time value (CLS) of the service unit (S).that in a selection step (9) the process control system (PCS) selects the function (FLi(SN)) to be performed on the field device (F) from a selection list of executable functions (FL(SN)) of the field device (F) available to the process control system (PCS) and the process control system (PCS) informs the service unit (S) of the selected function (FLi(SN)), that in a payment step (10) a payment amount specified for the function (FLi(SN)) to be performed is paid by a payment service (PAY) and the payment of the payment amount is confirmed by the payment service (PAY) to the service unit (S) by transmitting a confirmation information (PAID),that in a request step (11) the service unit (S) determines a derived time value (CLS') of the service unit (S) that depends on the current time value (CLS) of the service unit (S) and on the function to be performed (FLi(SN)) and transmits the release code (FC) to the process control system (PCS), that in a forwarding step (12) the process control system (PCS) forwards the release code (FC) to the field device (F), that in a check step (13) the field device (F) determines a derived time value (CLF') of the field device (F) that depends on the current time value (CLF) of the field device (F) and then checks the release code (FC) using the derived time value (CLF') of the field device (F) to see if the release code (FC) was generated by the service unit (S),and that the field device (F) determines the function (FLi(SN)) to be performed from the release code (FC) and that, in an execution step (14), if the release code (FC) received by the field device (F) is verified as having been generated by the service unit (S), the field device (F) executes an executable code (FLi(SN)CD) corresponding to the function (FLi(SN)) to be performed.