Field Measuring Device Public-Key Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field measuring devices in process technology face challenges in secure communication, as existing communication interfaces lack robust authentication mechanisms, allowing potential unauthorized access to information technology content, which is critical for industrial processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses asymmetric key pairs, where public keys are stored in the field measuring device and private keys in the external communication means, enabling public-key authentication to establish secure access to information technology content, with scopes of rights defining access levels and ensuring secure communication through encryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication interface is added to enable external access to information technology content, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but security and protection against unauthorized access deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication mechanisms before granting access to information technology content. Public and private key pairs are pre-configured in the field measuring device, and authentication is performed before any access is allowed, preventing unauthorized access while enabling legitimate communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an authentication intermediary layer between the communication interface and the information technology content. This intermediary verifies credentials and controls access, allowing the system to maintain security while providing adaptability through the communication interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If access control mechanisms are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or procedural access control systems with cryptographic authentication using public-private key pairs. This substitution provides strong security through mathematical principles rather than complex physical or procedural mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10862676B2Method for secure communication with a field measuring device of process measuring technology and a corresponding field measuring device of process measuring technology

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 KROHNE MESSTECHNICK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A method is described for secure communication with a field measuring device of process measuring technology. A plurality of scopes of rights, and a plurality of public keys of a corresponding plurality of asymmetrical key pairs, are stored in the field measuring device. Each public key is assigned a scope of rights, and at least one private key of the corresponding plurality of asymmetric key pairs is stored in an external communicator. Upon establishing contact of the external communicator with the field measuring device, the external communicator identifies itself by a public-key authentication with the stored private key to the field measuring device. The field measuring device authenticates the external communicator using a suitable public key stored in the field measuring device. The field measuring device then opens an operating session in which the external communicator is granted access to the information technology content of the field measuring device.