RFID Transponder Wireless Operation Area Enforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In safety-relevant environments, existing technologies restrict machine operation to stationary points or wired devices, lacking the ability to define and enforce safe, wireless operation areas effectively, which hinders flexible and secure operation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing RFID transponders to define and enforce safe, wireless operation areas for mobile devices, where an effective range list is configured and checked to ensure proper operation, incorporating safety measures like unique transponder identification and distance verification, and requiring users to authenticate within specific, named effective ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless operation is enabled without defined effective ranges, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the operational space into distinct effective ranges (WB1, WB2, etc.), each associated with specific machines and safety parameters. This segmentation allows wireless operation flexibility within defined boundaries while maintaining safety through clear spatial delimitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different effective ranges have different safety characteristics and machine associations. The system applies local quality by assigning specific safety rules, machine identifiers, and transponder configurations to each spatial zone, allowing tailored safety control for different operational areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If RFID transponders are installed without verification, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to configuration errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of transponder installation and configuration through automated reading and checking processes. Before operation begins, the control device reads transponder data and verifies configuration accuracy, preventing erroneous operations from incorrect installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously reads transponder identification numbers and verifies them against stored effective range lists. This feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy and alerts operators to any mismatches or errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If effective ranges are not clearly defined, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of operational boundaries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidboundary definition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

RFID transponders serve as intermediaries that physically mark and define effective range boundaries. These transponders act as mediators between the abstract concept of operational zones and the physical space, providing precise boundary definition through their spatial placement and readable identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual display of effective range identification numbers and machine names to clearly demarcate operational boundaries. The HMI presents colored or distinct visual indicators for different effective ranges, making boundary precision visible and easy to understand for operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Enables secure and flexible operation of machines in safety-relevant environments by technically defining and enforcing safe wireless operation areas, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring correct configuration and installation of RFID transponders, thus enhancing safety and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The effective areas are limited by one or more RFID transponders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2020625B1Method for linking an operator device in a security-related environment
Publication Date: 2012.06.06 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2020625B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2020625B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2020625B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for using a mobile operating device (4) with which a machine can be operated within an assigned operating area (EA). For this purpose, an operating area list (EA list) is designed, which is checked based on transponder data from RFID transponders (5).