Apparatus and method for operating same
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an machine part comprising one of a screwdriver or a riveter configured to operate in an automation system;
a reader configured to read data from an access authorization device of a user and to transmit the data to the authentication and access part, the reader further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the access authorization device only when the access authorization device is located within a predetermined radius of action for the user of the machine part; and
an authentication and access part configured to;
perform an initial authentication of a user of the apparatus based on the data read from the access authorization device using the reader;
permit the user to access at least some functions of the machine part only in response to success of the initial authentication upon movement of the access authorization device to within the predetermined radius of action for use of the machine part to enable a configuration of the machine part that corresponds to the user associated with the access authorization device;
block the user from accessing to the functions of the machine part in response to failure of the initial authentication; and
repeatedly read the data from the access authorization device after the initial authentication to reconfirm the authentication and permit the user to continue access to the at least some functions of the machine only in response to reconfirmation of the authentication, wherein movement of the access authorization device beyond the predetermined radius of action prevents reconfirmation of the authentication.
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Abstract
An apparatus and a method for using an apparatus are provided, which apparatus can be used in particular in an industrial automation process. The apparatus comprises a machine part for performing a process to be performed by an automation system or for processing a workpiece, and an authentication and access part for authenticating a user of the apparatus and for permitting the user access to at least some of the functions of the machine part if the user has been authenticated, and for blocking the user access to the functions of the machine part if the user has not been authenticated.
15 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an machine part comprising one of a screwdriver or a riveter configured to operate in an automation system;
a reader configured to read data from an access authorization device of a user and to transmit the data to the authentication and access part, the reader further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the access authorization device only when the access authorization device is located within a predetermined radius of action for the user of the machine part; and
an authentication and access part configured to;
perform an initial authentication of a user of the apparatus based on the data read from the access authorization device using the reader;
permit the user to access at least some functions of the machine part only in response to success of the initial authentication upon movement of the access authorization device to within the predetermined radius of action for use of the machine part to enable a configuration of the machine part that corresponds to the user associated with the access authorization device;
block the user from accessing to the functions of the machine part in response to failure of the initial authentication; and
repeatedly read the data from the access authorization device after the initial authentication to reconfirm the authentication and permit the user to continue access to the at least some functions of the machine only in response to reconfirmation of the authentication, wherein movement of the access authorization device beyond the predetermined radius of action prevents reconfirmation of the authentication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- an machine part comprising one of a screwdriver or a riveter configured to operate in an automation system;
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6. A method for using or operating an apparatus comprising:
- reading, with a reader in the apparatus, data from an access authorization device of a user using a wireless transceiver in the reader configured to communicate with the access authorization device only when the access authorization device is located within a predetermined radius of action for the user of a machine part;
transmitting, with the reader, the data from the access authorization device to an authentication and access part in the apparatus;
performing, with the authentication and access part, an initial authentication of the user of the apparatus based on the data read from the access authorization device using the reader;
permitting the user to access at least some functions of the machine part only in response to success of the initial authentication upon movement of the access authorization device within the predetermined radius of action for use of the machine part to enable a configuration of the machine part that corresponds to the user associated with the access authorization device, wherein the at least some functions comprise operation of one of a screwdriver or a riveter in an automation system;
blocking the user from accessing to the functions of the machine part in response to failure of the initial authentication; and
repeatedly reading the data from the access authorization device with the reader after the initial authentication to reconfirm the authentication and permitting the user to continue access to the at least some functions of the machine only in response to reconfirmation of the authentication, wherein movement of the access authorization device beyond the predetermined radius of action prevents reconfirmation of the authentication. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
- reading, with a reader in the apparatus, data from an access authorization device of a user using a wireless transceiver in the reader configured to communicate with the access authorization device only when the access authorization device is located within a predetermined radius of action for the user of a machine part;
Specification