Remote Dataspace Connectors for Secure Field Device Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices, such as smart sensors, located in inaccessible locations and owned by one company but used by another, cannot participate in dataspaces due to lack of connectivity and control capabilities, limiting data access and sharing.
Innovation Solution
A method enabling field devices to share data through a remote dataspace connector by negotiating access via dataspace connectors between companies, using access elements like tokens or decryption keys to ensure secure and fine-granular data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field devices are deployed in inaccessible locations to expand data collection capabilities, then data coverage and measurement precision are improved, but accessibility and control over the devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote dataspace connector as an intermediary component that resides at the device location and communicates with the central dataspace. This connector acts as a mediator between the inaccessible field device and the central system, enabling data exchange without requiring direct physical or network access to the field device. The connector establishes a trusted connection to the dataspace, allowing the central system to access field device data through the dataspace infrastructure rather than directly through the field device.
2Reliability
If field devices are owned and controlled by one company but deployed at another company's premises, then device security and ownership control are improved, but data sharing capability between companies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data access architecture into multiple independent components: the field device itself, the remote dataspace connector at the device location, and the central dataspace. This segmentation allows the owning company to maintain control over the field device and its data, while the deploying company can access the data through the dataspace interface. The remote connector and dataspace act as separate layers that enable cross-organizational data sharing without compromising device ownership or security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The dataspace serves as a neutral intermediary platform that facilitates data sharing between companies with different ownership and control requirements. Rather than requiring direct device access or trust relationships between companies, the dataspace mediator enables secure data exchange while preserving each company's control over their respective assets. The remote connector communicates with the dataspace, which then provides controlled access to authorized parties.
3Device complexity
If field devices lack connectivity means and dataspace connector capabilities to reduce device complexity, then device simplicity and cost are improved, but ability to participate in dataspaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote dataspace connector acts as an intermediary that provides dataspace participation capabilities without requiring them to be built into the field device itself. The connector handles all communications with the dataspace, authentication, and data exchange protocols, while the field device remains simple and focused solely on its measurement function. This separates the complexity of dataspace integration from the field device.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote dataspace connector serves multiple functions: it manages communications with the dataspace, handles authentication and authorization, provides data exchange services, and enables the field device to participate in the dataspace ecosystem. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional connector component, the system enables dataspace participation without adding complexity to the field device itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method for connecting a field device (30) to a dataspace in industrial plant. The method comprises negotiating, by a first dataspace connector (11) associated with a first company (10), with a second dataspace connector (21) associated with a second company (20) about access to data obtained by the field device (30), wherein the field device is used by the first company, is provided by the second company and is not under control of the second company; based on a result of the negotiating, obtaining, by the first dataspace connector, an access element from the second dataspace connector for accessing the data of the field device; and providing for the first company accessibility to the data obtained by the field device based on the access element.