Field Device Ticket Pairing for Zero-Touch Cloud Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial systems lack a simple method to connect to cloud-based service platforms without internet access, as existing solutions require user input for connection parameters and are not suitable for devices without pre-known central location addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ticket pair system, where a first ticket on the field device and a second ticket created during customer ordering are verified to establish a communication connection between an operating device and a cloud-based service platform, allowing data transmission without user input, and enabling subsequent devices to connect using stored connection information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of connection parameters is required for establishing communication between operator device and central system, then authentication and connection establishment can be performed securely, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Connection parameters and authentication credentials are pre-configured in the field device during manufacturing or initial setup. The operator device retrieves these parameters automatically through the field device, eliminating the need for manual entry during actual connection establishment, thus reducing setup time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The field device autonomously provides connection parameters to the operator device without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-configuration by automatically transmitting stored connection information from the field device to the operator device, reducing both setup time and potential for human error
2Adaptability or versatility
If field devices are equipped with independent internet connection capabilities, then they can connect directly to cloud-based service platforms, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The field device maintains its primary function for local communication (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) while also serving as a gateway to cloud services by storing and transmitting connection parameters. This multi-functionality allows simple field devices to access cloud platforms without requiring complex built-in internet connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The operator device acts as an intermediary between the field device and the cloud-based service platform. It retrieves connection parameters from the field device, establishes the cloud connection, and facilitates data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for direct internet connectivity in the field device
3Productivity
If customer-specific central office addresses are stored in field devices during production, then direct connection to the correct cloud platform is enabled, but configuration changes become undesirable and complex when customer requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
Connection parameters are stored dynamically in the field device rather than being hard-coded. The device can retrieve and transmit different connection parameters as needed, allowing flexible reconfiguration when customer requirements change without requiring physical device changes or complex reprogramming
Solution Approach 2:
The field device stores connection parameters that can be modified based on customer-specific requirements. When a customer changes their central office address or cloud platform, the connection parameters in the field device can be updated accordingly, providing adaptability while maintaining efficient automatic connection establishment
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for connecting an automation engineering field device (FG) to a first cloud-based service platform (SP1), comprising: - reading a first ticket (TI1) from the field device (FG) by means of the first operating device (BG1), wherein the first ticket (TI1) comprises, as content, at least one piece of information uniquely identifying the field device (FG); - transmitting the first ticket (TI1) to a second cloud-based service platform (SP2) from the first operating device (BG1); - associating the first ticket (TI1) and a second ticket (TI2), which is produced by the manufacturer and stored on the second service platform (SP2), with one another on the basis of the respective content and verifying the first ticket (TI1) and the second ticket (TI2); - in the event of successful verification, transmitting the connection information (VI) for the first cloud-based service platform (SP1) from the second cloud-based service platform (SP2) to the first operating device (BG1); and - setting up a communication connection between the first operating device (BG1) and the first cloud-based service platform (SP1) on the basis of the connection information (VI) transmitted by the second service platform (SP2), and a field device (FG) designed for use in the method according to the invention.