Power Component Control Mode Switching via Wireless Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for electric power system components require physical interaction to change control modes, posing safety risks and inconvenience when engineers need to switch to remote control mode from a distance.

Innovation Solution

A control device and mobile device system that allows for remote control mode switching via wireless communication, incorporating authentication and biometric methods to ensure safety and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical interaction mechanism (key or code entry) is used to change control mode, then control device security is improved, but engineer safety and operational convenience deteriorate due to exposure to fault conditions and inability to switch modes remotely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol device securityVSAvoidengineer safety and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key insertion system with an electronic authentication system. The mobile device captures authentication data (visual code or acoustic signal) wirelessly transmitted by the control device, eliminating the need for physical key insertion or code entry. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic authentication while removing the safety hazards and inconvenience of physical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the engineer and the control device. The mobile device captures authentication data from the control device and transmits it to the control device for verification. This intermediary enables remote authentication and control mode changes without requiring the engineer to physically interact with the control device, thereby improving safety while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical key insertion is required to change control mode, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the ability to return to remote control mode deteriorates when engineer is not present on site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidremote control mode switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key system with wireless electronic authentication. The control device transmits authentication data (visual code or acoustic signal) that can be captured by a mobile device from a distance. This allows the engineer to authenticate and switch control modes remotely without being physically present at the control device, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining unauthorized access prevention through cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a wireless communication dimension to the authentication process. Instead of requiring physical presence at the control device, the authentication data can be transmitted and captured through wireless channels (visual or acoustic). This dimensional change enables remote authentication and control mode switching while maintaining security through the same cryptographic mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If engineer must be physically present at control device to change control mode, then authentication security is improved, but operational efficiency and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical authentication methods (key insertion or code entry) with wireless electronic authentication. The control device transmits authentication data that can be captured by a mobile device from a distance, eliminating the need for the engineer to physically travel to and interact with the control device. This maintains authentication security through cryptographic verification while dramatically improving operational efficiency by enabling remote and faster control mode changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4605798B1Control device for at least one electric power system component, mobile device, and method of controlling operation of a control device

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

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AI summary

A control device (20) for at least one electric power system component (11) comprises at least one control circuit (30), configured to be coupled to a communication interface (21) and the at least one electric power system component (11). The at least one control circuit (30) is further configured to receive data from the communication interface (21), set the control device (20) to a local control mode based on the received data if a user of a mobile device is at a first location (16) local to the control device (20), and set the control device (20) to a remote control mode in response to a request of the user of the mobile device from a second location remote to the control device (20). A mobile device configured to interact with the control device (20) is also provided.