Mobile Key Device for Wireless Data Retrieval from Industrial Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for industrial devices struggle to transmit critical information from individual devices to a higher-level system without requiring network connectivity between devices.
Innovation Solution
A mobile key device with an evaluation unit, RFID reader, and memory, which can be carried by authorized personnel to read and transmit data from external devices wirelessly, ensuring secure and efficient data retrieval and communication via a radio interface, and optionally an optical interface, while preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If devices are networked to forward information to a higher-level system, then information transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile key device acts as an intermediary between external devices and the higher-level system. The key device contains a reader that can read data from external devices without network connectivity, then wirelessly transmits this data to the higher-level system, eliminating the need for complex network infrastructure between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical network connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of requiring physical network cables and infrastructure, the solution uses wireless transmission (such as RFID, NFC, or other wireless protocols) to transfer data from the key device to the higher-level system.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication interfaces are added to devices for data transmission, then information transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile key device serves multiple functions: it acts as a portable data collection device, a wireless communication interface, and a user authentication tool. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent avoids adding wireless communication components to each external device, thereby maintaining simplicity of the external devices while achieving comprehensive data transmission capability.
3Reliability
If access control measures are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then system security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated authentication and access control. When an authorized user presents the mobile key device to the reader, the system automatically verifies credentials and grants access without requiring manual intervention from security personnel. This self-service approach maintains high security while preserving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
User authentication and authorization are performed in advance through the mobile key device. The system pre- validates user credentials and establishes access rights before the actual data transmission or system access occurs, enabling seamless operation for authorized users while maintaining security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and efficient data transmission from multiple devices to a higher-level system, enhancing security and availability by ensuring only authorized personnel can access and reactivate the system, and allowing for real-time monitoring and management of device status without the need for device networking.
Implementation Method 1
The key device has an RFID reader (11) for reading RFID signals from the external devices (9), the external devices (9) providing RFID signals
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method comprising a system and a system comprising a mobile key device (2) for reading data from at least one external device (9) of a system (8), wherein the data comprises at least identification data for the device (9) to be checked, and wherein the mobile key device (2) has an interface (10) by means of which the data can be wirelessly transmitted from the device (9) to the key device (2), wherein at least one limited access area (6) with an access station (7) is arranged, wherein the device (9) is only accessible via the access area (6), such that the access area (6) must be passed by a person (17) with the key device (2) before and after reading the device (9), wherein the data of the key device (2) can be transmitted to a key station (4).