Operator Control Validation via Candidate Key Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods to restrict access to machines beyond physical accessibility, requiring additional steps for authorization, such as key-based systems, which can be cumbersome and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A control system that enables or disables operator controls based on a validation mode, using a computing device to initialize a candidate key, update it with input multipliers, and compare it to a stored key for authorization, allowing or denying machine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key-based authorization systems are used to restrict machine access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based authorization systems with an electronic control system that uses a computing device to validate operator identity. The system substitutes physical key insertion and turning mechanisms with electronic validation processes, where the computing device receives operator input, validates credentials, and electronically enables or disables operator controls accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization system enables operators to independently authenticate themselves through the electronic validation process. The computing device autonomously handles the validation of operator credentials and automatically adjusts the enablement state of operator controls based on validation results, eliminating the need for manual intervention by administrators or security personnel.
2Reliability
If traditional key-based access control is implemented, then authorization security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions: it serves as the central processing unit for validation logic, the database for storing validated operator information, the interface for receiving operator input, and the control system for enabling or disabling operator controls. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware components for each authorization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the validation logic, operator information storage, and control enablement functions into a single integrated electronic system centered around the computing device. This merging of previously separate authorization components into one unified system reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of operator controls can, in an operation mode, operate a machine, and, in a validation mode, be disabled to operate the machine and selectable to provide inputs for a candidate key. A computing device can initialize the validation mode, including initializing the candidate key and, according to a number base, and a maximum storage length, of a stored key, an input multiplier; receive a plurality of inputs to the operator controls in the validation mode; determine respective numeric values of the inputs; add the candidate key to a product of the multiplier and the numeric value of a first input to update the candidate key; for each of one or more second inputs to the operator controls after the first input to the operator controls, determine whether the candidate key matches a stored key; and upon determining that the candidate key matches the stored key, output an authorization.