Transport Refrigeration UI Access Control With Programmable Soft Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport refrigeration unit control devices are difficult to navigate and lack secure access control, allowing unauthorized users to access sensitive information and menu options, which is undesirable for drivers and owners who want to restrict data access for security or relevance reasons.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface with a processor that stores a menu structure with multiple security levels, displaying a subset of menu options based on user authorization, allowing only authorized users to access higher-level menu options and data by inputting a specific authorization code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire menu system is made available to all users, then ease of operation is improved for authorized users who need full access, but security is worsened as unauthorized users can access sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The menu system is divided into multiple levels with different security clearances. Level 1 menus are accessible to all users including drivers, while Level 2 menus requiring authorization codes contain sensitive information. This segmentation allows authorized users to access complete functionality while preventing unauthorized users from viewing sensitive data.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple security levels are implemented, then security is improved by restricting access, but device complexity increases due to authorization code requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Authorization codes are pre-programmed into the control device before deployment. When a user needs access to Level 2 menus, they simply enter the pre-configured code rather than undergoing complex authentication. This preliminary setup reduces operational complexity while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If all menu options are displayed to drivers, then ease of operation is improved for comprehensive control, but loss of information increases due to irrelevant data clutter
Solution Approach 1:
Different user roles receive customized menu displays tailored to their specific needs. Drivers see only Level 1 menus with operational controls and relevant status information, while authorized users see Level 2 menus with diagnostic and configuration options. This local customization eliminates irrelevant information from each user's view.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device having a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of a transport refrigeration unit is disclosed. The graphical user interface may include a menu structure having multiple levels of menu options, executable functions and data items that may be navigated and viewed by a user. Access to the various menus may be user-specific and controlled so that a subset of the information in the menu structure is available to normal users, and larger subsets of the information are available to advanced users having higher levels of authorization to the menus and information contained in the graphical user interface device. The graphical user interface may also include programmable soft keys that may take users directly to frequently viewed menu options, functions and data items without the necessity of navigating through the levels of the menu structure.