DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter described herein, in general relates to acircuit breaker or switchgears, and more particularly, to achieving safety by limiting the access to circuit breaker assemblies to only authorize person(s).

BACKGROUND

Circuit breaker is basically an instrument which is used to clear electrical faults when and if they occur. It has a current sensor to sense the current flowing through the circuit breaker. The sensor senses the value of the current flowing and conveys it to the micro controller. Based on this value and set threshold value the controller decides if the flowing current is fault current or not. If it is a fault current it needs to be cleared to prevent damage to the system. This indication of fault current depends on measured current and set threshold.

Proper setting of threshold is very important as it plays a critical role in determining if the current is fault current or not. If the threshold settings are kept on a very lower side, system will loses its continuity as it will trip again and again disrupting the entire synchronized production system and causing losses due to delayed production and wastage of raw materials. On the other hand if the threshold settings are kept on higher side it may lead to burning of wire and system due to fault condition. It may not only lead to material losses but also lead to human losses. Thus it is imperative that these threshold settings are set by technical person.

Thus a limited access is very critical for smooth and safe functioning of electrical system. The present CB system use dip switches to set threshold, which can be easily altered by anyone. Some advanced meters with display and keypad use password protection system to limit the access. However a more robust and trending technology is biometric access. Also the safety of the authorized personal is very important and so the system takes care of it by entering into low zone protection mode when the person tries to access the assembly or tries to change the settings.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a biometric authentication for access to assemblies inside a switchboard.This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the subject matter.

In one implementation, the present invention relates a biometric authentication technique to provide access to the assemblies inside a switchboard and to change the trip settings of the circuit breakers inside along with low zone protection.

In one implementation, the present invention discloses a technique for achieving safety by limiting access to circuit breaker assemblies to only authorize persons.

In one implementation, the present invention provides a unique login as the credentials scanned for are finger prints, face, eye retina, etc which are unique to a person.

Accordingly, in one implementation, a circuit breaker (100) is disclosed. The circuit breaker (100) comprises of a microcontroller (102) configured to:scan at least one user's biometric credentials (106’) upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings; and provide access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored.

In one implementation, a method, comprising:
scanning at least one users’ biometric credentials (106) upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings; and
providing, by a microcontroller (102) of a circuit breaker (100) an access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored, is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1illustrates a circuit breaker for providing access to assemblies inside a switchboard, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 2illustrates a method performed by said circuit breaker for providing access to assemblies inside a switchboard, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 3illustrates aflow chart for overall process in the proposed authentication techniqueis shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 4illustrates a flow chart for the authentication technique in case of an unauthorized user is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

In one implementation, the present invention relates to a biometric authentication for access to assemblies inside a switchboard.

In one implementation, the present invention may be implemented for achieving safety by limiting the access to circuit breaker assemblies to only authorize personal.

Each human has some unique trait like fingerprints, retina color, face, etc. Biometrics uses these traits to identify if the person has access to the system or not. The system has templates saved of the people who have access to the system or panel. It scans for these traits and tries to match it with the stored template. It accepts the access or the change only when it finds a valid match.

The current range of CBs have microcontroller in their trip unit or display system. These controllers are capable of scanning and checking the accessibility of the person. They try scanning their unique traits and try matching it to their stored templates. If there is a template match only then the change in thresholds or the access to switch board panel is accepted. Thus biometrics helps in achieving safety and continuity by allowing only the authorized personal to set the threshold settings.

Referring now to figure 1, illustrates a circuit breaker for providing access to assemblies inside a switchboard, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, a circuit breaker (100) is disclosed.

The circuit breaker (100) comprises of a microcontroller (102) configured to:scan at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings; and provide access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored.

In one implementation, the microprocessor is configured to control the current flowandvoltagelevels in the circuit inside the circuit breaker and the circuits are configured to control operation of substation equipment (not shown), wherein the substation equipment is equipment connected to said circuit breaker.

In one implementation, the circuit breaker is configured to detect at least one action request from said at least one user; andautomatically change said circuit breaker (100) to a low zone protection setting (low threshold setting) mode upon receipt of said at least one action request.

In one implementation, the circuit breaker comprises a memory (104) coupled with said microcontroller (102), wherein said memory (104) is configured to pre-store at least one biometric credentials (106) related to at least one user of said circuit breaker (100). In one implementation, said memory may be embodied as firmware and/or computer software. The memory stores computer-executable instructions that when processed by the microcontroller (102), cause the microcontroller (102) to perform one or more method steps described herein.

In one implementation, the circuit breaker comprises a biometric scanner configured to scan said at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’).

In one implementation, at least one biometric credentials (106) may be pre-stored in a template.

In one implementation, upon matching said at least one user is authorized to access said threshold settings and change said threshold settings, there by maintaining a digital signature of said at least one user.

In one implementation, the circuit breaker comprises a mechanism for generating an unauthorized access alarm if said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored are not matching.

In one implementation, the circuit breaker comprises a display panel to display at least one message related to an operation of said circuit breaker (100).

In one implementation, if said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored are not matching, said display panel displays an invalid user message stating a pre-defined number of trials left to get access to said threshold settings.

Referring now to figure 2, a method performed by said circuit breaker for providing access to assemblies inside a switchboard, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The method may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method may be considered to be implemented in the above described circuit breaker.

At block 202 and 204, at least one action request from said at least one user is detected and said circuit breaker (100)automatically changes to a low zone protection setting (low threshold setting) mode upon receipt of said at least one action request. In one implementation, when a person have to access to the system he has to stand near the switchboard panel and be exposed to the threats of arc flash. This threat of arc flash can be reduced if the threshold settings are reduced. So as the person tries to access the circuit breaker (pushes any button or input and the like action request) the interrupt will be generated. In case of the circuit breaker this interrupt will cause the breaker to change to Low zone protection settings (lower thresholds). In case of a switchboard panel where the access will be on the door or the display panel on the door, pressing of any input (button or touch screen of display) an interrupt will be generated. This interrupt can be communicated to the breakers in the switchboard panel by a communication module. Thus the breakers will change their threshold settings and enter a low zone protection setting on receiving the interrupt.

At block 206, at least one users’ biometric credentials (106) is scanned upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings.

At block 208, an access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored is provided.

In one implementation, the main purpose of the proposed invention is to limit the access to the breakers to change the threshold settings using Biometrics. The low zone protection is an additive feature which is used for safety of the person.

Figures3 and figure 4 illustrate a flow chart for overall process in the proposed authentication technique, and the authentication technique in case of an unauthorized user, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

In one implementation, the display panel has a display message. If there is a need to change any settings or access the assemblies inside, the person will have to navigate to those settings on the display module. Once the person tries to navigate the system will automatically go to Low Zone Protection setting (i.e. Low threshold setting) for the safety of the person. To change the threshold settings navigate to change of threshold setting. Once there the system will ask for your credentials (unique traits). After scanning the credentials it will try to match them with stored templates. If there is an exact match it will accept the change of setting and also keep digital signature of the person (name of the person, time, date, etc). If there is no match with the stored templates then it display invalid user and asks to try again stating the number of trials left. If the number of trials is surpasses the maximum possible trials then an alarm will be generated. The new threshold settings will come into existence only after a particular time has elapsed when there has been no navigation of display (i.e. no changes are done and the person has enough time to move away from panel to safe region).

Similarly this setup can be used for access to the assemblies inside the switchboard panel. Only after verifying the proper credentials of the person, the panel door can be opened and the person may have access to the assemblies inside. Also it will note a digital signature of the person.

For registering a new person the admin will have to access the system and then scan the credentials of the new person and save the copy as a template.

In one implementation, the proposed invention is about limiting the access to change of threshold settings of the circuit breakers inside the switchboard panel by providing access only if the person is registered or authorized. This is achieved by checking his Biometric credentials (finger print, eye, face etc) for a match with already stored templates (credentials of authorized personal).

Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features:

One features of the invention is that, the propose invention usesa unique login as the credentials scanned for are finger prints, face, eye retina, etc which are unique to a person.

Another feature of the invention is that, the proposed invention provides a low zone protection mode (low thresholds) is provided for better safety of the person when he has to change threshold settings or has to access the assemblies inside the switchboard panel.

Another feature of the invention is that, the proposed invention provides a facility for recording the login information and is stored and can be accessed to whenever need by the concerned authority.

Yet another feature of the invention is that, the system access is granted only to authorize personal.

Yet another feature of the invention is that, the system generates an alarm and alerts concerned authority if an invalid user attempts to change the settings or tries to access the assemblies.

Still another feature of the invention is that, the proposed invention provides the change in settings are not implemented instantly, it waits for some time for the person to move to out of danger region thus securing the safety of the personal.

Although a biometric authentication for access to assemblies inside a switchboard hasbeen described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of a biometric authentication for access to assemblies inside a switchboard.
,CLAIMS:1. A circuit breaker (100) comprising:
a microcontroller (102) configured to:
scan at least one user's biometric credentials (106’) upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings; and
provide access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one user's biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored.

2. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claim 1configured to
detect at least one action request from said at least one user; and
automatically change said circuit breaker (100) to a low zone protection setting (low threshold setting) mode upon receipt of said at least one action request.

3. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2comprising a memory (104) coupled with said microcontroller (102), wherein said memory (104) is configured to pre-store at least one biometric credentials (106) related to at least one user of said circuit breaker (100).

4. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, comprising a biometric scanner configured to scan said at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’).

5. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one biometric credentials (106) are pre-stored in a template.

6. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein upon matching said at least one user is authorized to access said threshold settings and change said threshold settings, thereby maintaining a digital signature of said at least one user.

7. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 6 comprising a mechanism for generating an unauthorized access alarm if said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored are not matching.

8. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 7comprising a display panel to display at least one message related to an operation of said circuit breaker (100).

9. The circuit breaker (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein if said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106)pre-stored are not matching, said display panel displays an "invalid user" message stating a pre-defined number of trials left to get access to said threshold settings.

10. A method for ensuring access to one or more assemblies inside a switchboard for use in a circuit breaker, said method comprising:
scanning at least one users’ biometric credentials (106) upon receiving at least one instruction from said at least one user related to threshold settings; and
providing, by a microcontroller (102) of a circuit breaker (100), an access to said threshold settings upon matching said scanned at least one users’ biometric credentials (106’) with at least one biometric credentials (106) pre-stored.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising
detecting at least one action request from said at least one user; and
automatically changing said circuit breaker (100) to a low zone protection setting (low threshold setting) mode upon receipt of said at least one action request.

12. The method as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein said at least one user's biometric credentials (106’) are scanned using a biometric scanner connected to a circuit breaker (100).