Machine Tool Data Encryption to Block Control Information Derivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting control information and production data in machine tool operations are vulnerable to unauthorized access and copying, as they rely on encryption methods that may be derived from production data, lacking robust protection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine tool system that generates production data during product manufacturing, applies protection information to specify which data to protect and how, using cryptographic methods to encrypt sensitive data, and provides secure access controls to prevent unauthorized access and copying, including the option to store protected data in a blockchain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption methods are used to protect control information, then the control information cannot be copied, but the control information could still be derived from production data generated during the manufacturing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of control informationVSAvoidderivation of control information from production data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The protection mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: control information is protected separately from production data, each with its own encryption and protection procedures. This segmentation ensures that even if one protection layer is compromised, the other remains secure, preventing derivation of control information from production data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protection information structure acts as an intermediary that manages the relationship between control information and production data. This intermediary defines protection procedures that prevent direct derivation of control information from production data, while still allowing legitimate manufacturing operations to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If production data is protected using cryptographic encryption, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the complexity of data management and access control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of production dataVSAvoiddata protection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection information structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies which production data requires protection, defines the encryption methods to be used, manages access control rules, and coordinates with control information protection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple protection mechanisms into a single unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If all production data is encrypted and protected, then intellectual property is safeguarded, but the ease of operation and data accessibility during manufacturing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of intellectual propertyVSAvoiddata accessibility during manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Protection is applied locally and selectively to specific production data elements rather than uniformly to all data. The protection information structure identifies which specific production data requires protection based on its sensitivity and relationship to control information, allowing unrestricted access to non-sensitive data while protecting only the critical portions needed for intellectual property safeguarding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3698221B1Method for protecting the production data for producing a product
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3698221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3698221B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3698221B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a product by means of a machine tool (1, 10), wherein the control information and/or production data (8) of a machine tool (1), such as a milling machine, injection molding machine, welding robot, laser cutter or 3D printer, is protected or cryptographically encrypted such that unauthorized copying or modifying is prevented, comprising the steps: producing (S1, S1') the product by means of the machine tool (1, 10) taking into consideration control information (7) which controls the production of the product; generating (S2, S2') production data (8) by means of the machine tool (1, 10) during production of the product, wherein the production data (8) describes the production of the product; providing (S3, S3') protection information (9) to the machine tool (1, 10), which indicates which of the production data (8) is to be protected, and defines a protection method for said production data (8) which is to be protected; and protecting (S4, S4') that production data (8) which, according to the protection information (9), is to be protected, by means of the protection method defined by the protection information (9). According to the invention, the production data can be protected, preventing it from being read by unauthorized devices or users and control information being derived therefrom.