Secured method of controlling a smoke control system

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke control systems in large facilities are insecure and prone to unauthorized tampering due to physical key-based access, which can lead to unstable operation and safety hazards by allowing improper activation or deactivation of smoke control components.

Innovation Solution

A digital interface-based smoke control system that requires a username and/or password for access, with optional physical key authentication, utilizing a computing device and network to securely manage and monitor smoke control components, ensuring only authorized actions can be performed based on user privileges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical key-based control panel is used to access the smoke control system, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to unauthorized access and improper activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-based access system with an electronic authentication system using usernames and passwords. The physical control panel with keyholes is substituted by a digital interface that requires credential verification, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving security and preventing unauthorized access to smoke control components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer (username/password verification system) between the user and the smoke control system. This intermediary mechanism verifies user credentials before allowing access to control functions, preventing direct unauthorized manipulation of the system while still allowing legitimate users to operate it conveniently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical key access is allowed to the smoke control system, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to unauthorized altering of system settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-based access system with an electronic authentication system using usernames and passwords. The physical control panel with keyholes is substituted by a digital interface that requires credential verification, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving security and preventing unauthorized access to smoke control components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by monitoring and tracking user authentication and control actions. The authentication system verifies credentials and logs access events, creating a feedback mechanism that ensures only authorized users can alter system settings, thereby maintaining system stability while allowing legitimate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If components can be activated or deactivated without proper logic, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to suffocation or uncomfortable breathing hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer (username/password verification system) between the user and the smoke control system. This intermediary mechanism verifies user credentials before allowing access to control functions, preventing direct unauthorized manipulation of the system while still allowing legitimate users to operate it conveniently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by monitoring and tracking user authentication and control actions. The authentication system verifies credentials and logs access events, creating a feedback mechanism that ensures only authorized users can alter system settings, thereby maintaining system stability while allowing legitimate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10830487B2Secured method of controlling a smoke control system

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A secured method of controlling a smoke control system is described herein. One device includes a user interface configured to display a smoke control element that represents a component of a smoke control system of a facility, receive a password, and receive a selection of an action to be performed by the component of the smoke control system, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to cause the action to be performed by the component of the smoke control system in response to verifying the password is valid.