Industrial Device Configuration Transfer via Secure Short-Range Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for updating configurations of industrial devices are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and pose safety risks due to the need for physical connection and manual data conversion.
Innovation Solution
A software application that establishes secure sessions between industrial devices and endpoint devices using short-range communication protocols like NFC or Bluetooth, allowing for the extraction and updating of configuration information without physical connection, and automatically routing communications for secure and efficient data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical connection and manual configuration methods are used, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and resource intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration templates that store pre-defined configuration data for industrial devices. Instead of manually configuring each device from scratch, the system copies and applies these templates to multiple devices, ensuring consistency and accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required. The template mechanism allows rapid deployment of standardized configurations across hundreds or thousands of devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring template data before actual device deployment. Configuration parameters, communication settings, and operational parameters are prepared in advance and stored in the template. When devices need configuration, the pre-prepared templates are simply applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If workers physically access industrial devices for configuration, then direct device control is achieved, but safety risks increase in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration server and template-based system as intermediaries between workers and industrial devices. Instead of workers directly connecting to devices in hazardous environments, the configuration server handles all communication and configuration operations remotely. Workers can initiate configuration tasks from safe locations, and the automated system performs the actual device interactions, eliminating the need for physical presence in dangerous areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual device configuration is performed manually, then customization to specific needs is possible, but resource intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates configuration templates that serve multiple purposes and can be applied to various devices of the same type. A single template can be reused across numerous devices, providing universal configuration capability. The system maintains adaptability by allowing templates to be customized for different device models and applications, while the reuse mechanism dramatically improves productivity compared to individual manual configuration of each device.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing a secure session between an industrial device and an end-point device are provided herein. In an example, the method includes establishing, by a client device, a first channel, such as a short-range communication protocol, with an industrial device and extracting, by a software application executing on the client device, configuration information for the industrial device via the first channel. The method also includes establishing, by the client device using the software application, a second channel with an end-point device, generating, by the software application, modified configuration information based on the configuration information extracted from the industrial device, and transmitting, by the client device, the modified configuration information to the end-point device via the second channel.