Mobile Runtime Extension for Automation Device Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation technologies require hardware modifications to expand the range of software functions, which is costly and inefficient, especially for temporary functional enhancements, and pose security risks due to increased access points for attackers.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile device hosts software components that can be wirelessly called upon by automation devices within proximity, expanding their functional capabilities without altering the hardware or firmware, and ensuring enhanced cybersecurity by limiting access to sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware modifications are made to expand software functionality of automation devices, then the range of executable software components is increased, but the effort and expense increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates software functionality from hardware by hosting software components externally on a mobile device while the automation device maintains its core hardware architecture. This segmentation allows software to be independently updated and expanded without hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication connection acts as an intermediary between the automation device and mobile device, enabling the automation device to access software components hosted externally. This intermediary mechanism allows functionality expansion without direct hardware changes, reducing effort and expense while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components are replaced to increase functionality, then computing power and storage capacity are enhanced, but cybersecurity is compromised due to increased access points
Solution Approach 1:
Software components are extracted from the automation device's internal hardware and hosted externally on a mobile device. This extraction removes potential security vulnerabilities from the automation device's hardware architecture while maintaining enhanced functionality through external access, thus improving cybersecurity without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software components that can be copied and executed in a runtime environment on the mobile device rather than being permanently installed in the automation device's hardware. This copying approach allows functionality enhancement while maintaining security, as the automation device accesses software through controlled communication interfaces rather than having direct hardware access points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software components are permanently installed in automation devices, then functionality is expanded, but access control and security management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static software installation to dynamic software access, where software components are hosted on a mobile device and accessed by the automation device through a communication connection. This dynamic approach allows flexible control over which software components are available and to which devices, simplifying access control and security management while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for operating a technical device, in particular an automation technology device such as a controller, sensor or actuator using a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or PDA, with information about a wireless communication link between the technical device and the mobile device can be exchanged. In order to expand the range of functions of the technical device at least temporarily, it is provided that at least one software component that can be called by the technical device for executing one or more functions is hosted in a runtime environment of the mobile device and that the at least one software component is hosted via the wireless communication link by a function call of the technical device and executed and used in the runtime environment of the mobile device.