Work Machine Operator Authentication During Management Device Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines face challenges in authenticating operators when the management device storing authentication information is not activated, leading to potential unauthorized operation.

Innovation Solution

A work machine activation system that includes a management device and an authentication device, where the authentication device stores past authentication information and can authenticate operators even if the management device is not activated, using Bluetooth low energy communication and a backup authentication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the management device is used to store authentication information, then authentication security is improved, but authentication cannot be performed when the management device is not activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication device performs preliminary action by storing authentication information in advance in its storage unit. This allows the authentication device to independently authenticate operators without requiring the management device to be activated, thus resolving the contradiction between security and availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the management device. It can perform authentication using stored information when the management device is unavailable, and still communicate with the management device when it is available, thus bridging the gap between security requirements and operational availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If components activate at different times, then system startup flexibility is improved, but authentication cannot be performed when the management device activates slower than the authentication device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem startup flexibilityVSAvoidauthentication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication device performs preliminary authentication using stored authentication information before the management device is activated. This preliminary action ensures that authentication functionality is available from the start of the startup process, regardless of the activation sequence of different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its authentication method based on the activation state of the management device. When the management device is not activated, the authentication device uses stored information; when the management device is activated, it can use updated information from the management device, thus maintaining authentication reliability throughout the startup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12528443B2Work machine activation system and method of activating work machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A work machine activation system includes a management device and an authentication device. The management device stores authentication information usable to authenticate a plurality of operators who are able to operate a work machine. The authentication device authenticates an operator operating the work machine. The authentication device includes a storage unit that stores the authentication information of an operator authenticated in the past, and an authentication unit that authenticates the operator based on the authentication information stored in the storage unit when the management device has not been activated.