HMI Parameter Access Control for Safe Power Device Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect or unauthorized setting of operation parameters for electrical devices connected to a power distribution system can compromise the safety and security of both the devices and users, potentially leading to unsafe operation and personal security risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that automatically checks the relevance of operation parameter settings, performs user authentication, evaluates admissibility, and adjusts settings only if authenticated and within safe ranges, using a processor and human-machine interface to ensure secure and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication and security evaluation steps are added to the parameter setting process, then operation safety and security are improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus pre-stores device characteristics and admissible operation parameter ranges in its memory before the user arrives to set parameters. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly evaluate user inputs against pre-defined safety criteria without complex real-time analysis, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control apparatus automatically evaluates the user's parameter settings against stored device characteristics and provides immediate feedback on admissibility. This closed-loop feedback ensures operation safety by preventing unsafe settings while maintaining a relatively simple system structure through automated decision-making.
2Reliability
If automatic evaluation and authentication steps are implemented, then operation safety is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Device characteristics, admissible parameter ranges, and safety criteria are pre-stored in the control apparatus memory before operation. This preliminary action enables the system to perform rapid automatic evaluation of user inputs without time-consuming real-time analysis, thus improving operation safety while minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus autonomously performs authentication and parameter admissibility evaluation without requiring external intervention or complex processing. The system serves itself by automatically comparing user inputs against pre-stored criteria and making acceptance decisions, improving safety while keeping the process efficient and quick.
3Reliability
If access to operation parameter settings is restricted through authentication, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus automatically performs authentication and security evaluation without requiring manual intervention or complex user actions. The system self-manages the security process by autonomously verifying user credentials and parameter admissibility, thereby improving security while maintaining ease of operation through automation rather than manual security procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical or manual security mechanisms (such as locked panels or manual authorization procedures) are replaced with an automated electronic authentication and evaluation system. This substitution improves security through consistent automated verification while enhancing ease of operation by eliminating manual security steps and providing automatic feedback on parameter admissibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) provided to connect at least one device (2) to a power distribution system (3), said apparatus (1) comprising a human machine interface, HMI, (4) having elements to interact with the apparatus (1), wherein the human machine interface elements (11,12) are adapted to display and/or to adjust setting values of operation parameters of the at least one connected device (2), wherein access to one or more human machine interface elements is restricted by at least one access restriction mechanism of said apparatus (1) to enhance the operation security of the at least one device (2) connected via said apparatus (1) to said power distribution system (3) and/or to enhance the operation security of the apparatus (1) and/or of the power distribution system (3).