Dual-Layer SIS Interface for Secure Remote Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety instrumented systems (SIS) lack efficient and secure remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities, necessitating direct interaction with the SIS for information access, which can compromise safety and security.
Innovation Solution
A dual interface layer comprising an interface processing engine and a diagnostic status aggregator provides secure, remote access to SIS information through a mobile device using voice-based commands and machine-readable codes, ensuring no direct interaction with the SIS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct interaction with SIS is implemented for remote monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but system safety and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dual interface layer is introduced between the user device and the SIS. The first interface layer receives user requests and the second interface layer retrieves information from the SIS, preventing direct interaction while enabling remote monitoring. This intermediary structure maintains system safety by isolating the SIS from direct external access.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is divided into multiple layers: a first interface layer that handles user requests and a second interface layer that interacts with the SIS. This segmentation allows the system to provide remote monitoring capabilities while maintaining security boundaries, as each layer performs specific functions without direct exposure to the SIS.
2Productivity
If direct interaction with SIS is implemented for information access, then productivity is improved, but system security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual interface layer structure acts as an intermediary that enables efficient information retrieval while preventing security risks. The first interface layer processes user requests and the second interface layer securely accesses the SIS, eliminating the need for direct interaction and thus preventing security breaches while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing direct access to the SIS, the system creates a copy or representation of the interface functionality through the dual interface layer. This allows users to access and interact with SIS information remotely through the copied interface structure without compromising the actual SIS security.
3Ease of operation
If remote access components directly interact with SIS, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two distinct layers, each with specific responsibilities. The first interface layer handles user interaction and request processing, while the second interface layer handles SIS communication. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable modules, making the overall system easier to operate despite the added structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual interface layer structure serves multiple functions: it enables remote access, maintains security, and provides a standardized interface for various user devices. By making the interface structure universal and multi-functional, the system reduces operational complexity across different use cases while maintaining the necessary security and access capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Dual layer interface with a safety instrumented system (SIS) in an industrial plant. A diagnostic status aggregator having an established connection with the SIS collects and stores health and diagnostic status data from the SIS. An interface processing engine communicatively coupled to the diagnostic status aggregator and to a user device receives a new request for information relating to the SIS from the user device. A memory stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed, configure the interface processing engine for parsing the new request to identify one or more specific keywords therein associated with the requested information relating to the SIS, generating a query based on the identified keywords, retrieving, from the diagnostic status aggregator, the status data collected from the SIS responsive to the query, and providing, the status data retrieved from the diagnostic status aggregator to the user device.