Design and implementation of secured elevator monitoring and control system

Abstract

The aim of the Excellent Interface for Non-haptic Use (XINU) project, initiated at the Institute of Computer Technology, is to improve human interaction with building automation systems (e.g.<br />elevators). An elevator model, based on multi network platform, has been designed to meet present and future demands in supporting physically challenged people in using the basic functions of ordinary elevators.<br />The current interface of the elevator is directly linked to its hardware. This technique lacks flexibility and facing different security and monitoring challenges. Instead, the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) specifications are implemented to increase security and provide a reliable interface. The proposed model is based on a server/client approach to create an intelligent remote monitoring and control system.<br />The security and safety mechanisms offered by OPC UA are adapted to fit into the elevator context. In addition to the basic security in the elevator itself, this new approach will im-plement two additional levels of security on both OPC server and client sides. An intelligent web service module is designed and linked to a dedicated database and OPC server to help operators and/or authorized users to perform control and monitoring efficiently. A database acts as repository for user accounts, system history, roles, events, security alerts and different scenarios.<br />The overall system model is introduced to enhance plausibility checks, increase safety, security, disaster recovery, reliability and service continuity in the elevator.