Textile Machine Access Control via Separate Authentication Network

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control systems for textile machines are cumbersome and time-consuming, relying on manual entry of user names and passwords, which can lead to unauthorized access and inefficient management of access rights.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a separate authentication network with a sensor unit and interface to authenticate users using biometric features, integrating with an existing authentication infrastructure to simplify and secure access control, allowing for efficient communication between different network technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual entry of user name and password is used for access control, then user identification can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser identification processVSAvoidtime for manual entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual entry process with biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning) that automatically identifies users without requiring manual input, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of traditional access control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service authentication where users simply present their biometric characteristics for automatic verification, eliminating the need for manual password entry and reducing the time required for access control operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual management of access rights is performed on each individual machine, then access control can be implemented, but the administration becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess rights managementVSAvoidadministration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a centralized authentication server that serves multiple textile machines through a common interface, allowing uniform management of access rights across all machines. This universal approach simplifies administration by eliminating the need to configure each machine individually while maintaining reliable access control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication server acts as an intermediary between users and textile machines, centralizing the management of access rights. This intermediary layer simplifies administration by providing a single point of control for managing user permissions across multiple machines, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable access control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate authentication network is introduced, then existing authentication infrastructure can be utilized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration with existing infrastructureVSAvoidnetwork architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication server provides a universal interface that works across different network technologies and textile machines. This multi-functional approach allows integration with existing authentication infrastructure while maintaining a unified access control mechanism, adapting to various network environments without requiring separate solutions for each machine

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4471627A1System for controlling access
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4471627A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471627A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4471627A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for access control, comprising a textile machine (10) and a control system (20) for monitoring and controlling the textile machine (10), wherein the textile machine (10) and the control system (20) are arranged in a first communication network (50) for the transmission of control commands, in particular control signals, for controlling the textile machine (10).To ensure better and simpler administration and control of access rights with the support of an existing authentication infrastructure, the system (1) is provided to have an authentication system (30), wherein the authentication system (30) is arranged in a second communication network (60), and wherein the authentication system (30) is configured to authenticate at least one user (5) in order to grant access for the control of the textile machine (10) in the first communication network (50), preferably granting access for setting and/or configuring production parameters for the textile machine (10) by the at least one user (5).