NFC Initiated Industrial Asset Linking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation environments, identifying and linking to a specific industrial asset among numerous devices with wireless communication capabilities is impractical, time-consuming, and error-prone, especially in confined or hazardous settings, due to the overwhelming number of potential targets and safety/security concerns.
Innovation Solution
Establishing an initiating link using Near Field Communications (NFC) or other proximity methods to quickly and accurately associate a mobile device with a target device, followed by a functional link via a more extensive range communication system like Bluetooth or WiFi, ensuring secure and robust communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wireless scanning methods are used to identify industrial assets, then the system can cover a large area and detect multiple devices, but the time required to locate a specific device increases significantly and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device identification process into two distinct phases: (1) proximity-based initiating link establishment using NFC or similar short-range technology to quickly identify the target device, and (2) functional link establishment using wireless communication for actual data exchange. This segmentation eliminates the need to scan through long lists of devices, reducing both time and errors in device identification.
2Loss of time
If proximity-based initiating link (NFC) is used to establish connection, then device identification time is reduced and accuracy is improved, but the initial communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using NFC or similar proximity technology to pre-establish an initiating link and exchange identification information before the actual functional connection is needed. This preliminary step captures the target device's identifier when in proximity, allowing the mobile device to later connect to the correct industrial asset over longer distances using wireless communication, thus combining the speed of proximity identification with the range of wireless communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device displays a list of all available industrial assets, then complete device information is provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device identification function from the complex list-navigation interface by using proximity-based NFC communication to automatically identify and select the target device. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multi-page lists of industrial assets, the system extracts only the necessary identification step (bringing devices into proximity), eliminating the need for complex list management and reducing interface complexity while maintaining complete device selection capability.
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
This approach reduces errors and time in finding and connecting to the correct device, enhancing installation, debugging, and production optimization while improving security and usability in industrial automation settings.
Implementation Method 1
This initiating link can be established using Near Field Communications (NFC), QR code, an optical indicator, and/or other means.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to facilitate linking a control device to a specific industrial asset in an industrial automation environment are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, an initiating link is established between a mobile device and a target device (e.g., the target device being selected from one or more industrial assets discovered within a close-range initiating range of a proximity communication system of the mobile device). This initiating link can be established using Near Field Communications (NFC), QR code, an optical indicator, and/or other means. The initiating link enables and is used to establish a functional link between the target device and a control device. The functional link can include a larger range, higher performance networking connection. In some implementations a secondary communication device serves as proxy for the target device.