Wearable RFID Authorization for Power Plant Control Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power plant control systems lack effective means to ensure only authorized personnel can operate the facility, leading to potential unauthorized access and safety concerns, especially during operations involving multiple personnel.
Innovation Solution
A power plant operation history device utilizing a wearable device with RFID tags and a camera to detect and verify user authority, allowing operation only when the user is seated and authorized, and recording operation actions for enhanced security and accountability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional login methods (ID and password) are used for power plant control systems, then security is maintained through authentication, but unauthorized access can occur when operators are away or during multi-personnel operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID wearable device as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the operator and the control system. The RFID tag in the wearable device communicates with the control system to verify operator identity and authority, creating a more secure intermediary layer than traditional password-based authentication. This mediator ensures that only authorized personnel can operate the control facility, preventing unauthorized access even when operators are temporarily away.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/password-based authentication system with an RFID-based wireless identification system. Instead of manually entering passwords or using physical access cards, the system uses RFID technology to automatically identify and authenticate operators through wearable devices. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability of traditional login methods where unauthorized persons could accidentally or secretly operate the facility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If RFID wearable devices are used for authentication, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system complexity increases with additional detection and verification components
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID wearable device serves multiple functions: it stores operator identification information, communicates authentication data to the control system, and can potentially track operator location and status. By consolidating these functions into a single wearable device rather than requiring separate systems for identification, authentication, and monitoring, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced security.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID wearable device operates autonomously to provide authentication information to the control system without requiring manual intervention. The device automatically transmits identification data when in proximity to the control facility, and the system automatically verifies authority and grants or denies access. This self-service mechanism reduces the operational complexity compared to manual authentication processes.
3Reliability
If operator authority is verified through RFID tags, then security is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's authentication credentials are pre-loaded into the RFID wearable device before operation. When the operator approaches the control facility, the authentication process is automatically initiated without requiring the operator to manually present identification or enter credentials. The system performs preliminary verification of the RFID tag and operator authority in advance, allowing for seamless access once authentication is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual authentication processes (such as entering passwords or presenting physical ID cards) with automatic RFID-based wireless verification. The wearable device continuously or periodically transmits authentication data to the control system, which automatically verifies the operator's authority. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated manual authentication steps while maintaining secure verification of operator identity and permissions.
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
Ensures that only authorized personnel can operate the power plant control facility, preventing unauthorized access and providing clear records of operator actions, thereby enhancing safety and security during operations.
Implementation Method 1
a communication unit configured to detect RFID of a wearable device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power plant operation history device. The power plant operation history device includes: a communication unit configured to detect RFID of a wearable device and communicate with a signal conversion device; and a control unit configured to determine a power plant control authority of a user based on user identification information obtained through the communication unit, transmit an operation permission signal allowing operation of an input device of a power plant control facility control device to the signal conversion device when it is determined that the user's power plant control authority exists, and normally process a user input from the input device through the signal conversion device.