Automation Usage Data Verification via Distributed Ledger Checksums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a reliable and tamper-proof method for verifying the usage data of automation systems, particularly in leasing and usage-based rent scenarios, where credibility and trustworthiness are essential for financial and regulatory compliance, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for secure and scalable data verification.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an edge device, a checksum module, and a checking instance, utilizing a distributed ledger network to generate and verify tamper-protected usage data through cryptographic hash functions, ensuring secure storage and verification outside the network, allowing for trustworthy evidence of machine operation and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If usage data is stored and verified using traditional centralized methods, then data access and verification are simple, but the data can be manipulated and lacks tamper-proof credibility
Solution Approach 1:
A distributed ledger network acts as an intermediary between the automation system and verification entities. The ledger receives checksums of usage data, stores them immutably, and provides a trusted reference for verification without requiring direct trust between parties. This mediator enables tamper-proof verification while keeping the overall system architecture manageable through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/trust-based verification systems with cryptographic methods. Instead of relying on physical security or trusted human verification, the system uses cryptographic hash functions and distributed ledger technology to provide automated, mathematically guaranteed data integrity. This substitution enables reliability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If on-site inspection is performed to verify machine condition, then credible proof can be obtained, but inspection costs increase and machines may be devalued during inspection periods
Solution Approach 1:
Usage data is continuously collected and checksums are continuously or periodically written to the distributed ledger in advance of any verification need. This preliminary action ensures that credible proof of machine condition is already available and immutable before any inspection or verification event occurs, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site inspections and allowing immediate verification when needed.
3Reliability
If trusted employees or third parties are deployed for on-site inspection, then verification can be performed, but costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service verification where any authorized party can independently verify usage data by retrieving checksums from the distributed ledger and comparing them against provided usage data. This eliminates the need for expensive deployed inspectors, as the verification capability is embedded in the system itself and accessible to multiple parties simultaneously at minimal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger creates immutable copies of usage data checksums that can be accessed and verified by multiple parties simultaneously. Instead of requiring a single trusted inspector to physically examine the machine, the system distributes verified data copies across the network, allowing unlimited verification attempts at minimal marginal cost while maintaining the same level of credibility.
4Ease of operation
If usage data is stored locally only, then data access is fast, but data cannot be independently verified by third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments usage data verification into two parts: raw usage data stored locally for fast access and processing, and cryptographic checksums stored on the distributed ledger for verification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fast local data access while simultaneously enabling independent third-party verification through the immutable ledger storage, resolving the contradiction between speed and verifiability.
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
Enables credible and trustworthy storage and verification of automation system usage data, reducing costs and risks in leasing and regulatory compliance, while allowing for scalable and secure data management across different economic interests and industries.
Implementation Method 1
to form a checksum of the at least a portion of the tamper-protected usage data, preferably by means of a cryptographic hash function
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a first module (21), a second module (30) and a third module (6, 7, 8). The first module (21) is configured to collect automation plant-related data, which automation plant-related data comprise at least operating data, to create manipulation-proof usage data based on the operating data, and to transmit the manipulation-proof usage data to the second module (30). The second module (30) is configured to determine at least a part of the manipulation-proof usage data, to form a checksum from the at least one part of the manipulation-proof usage data, to transfer the checksum to at least one node (51) of a distributed ledger network (5), and to store the manipulation-proof usage data in an area (40) outside the distributed ledger network (5). The third module (6, 7, 8) participates in the distributed ledger network (5) and is configured to obtain the manipulation-proof usage data from the area (40) and to check the correctness of the manipulation-proof usage data by means of the checksum.