Blockchain IoT Sensor Data Exchange Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Business process management systems face challenges in securing and trusting data exchange among distributed parties due to lack of proper identification, authentication, and data provenance, leading to difficulties in enforcing security and process integrity, especially in complex supply chain management scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors and blockchain technology to create a decentralized system for identity management, trust establishment, and secure data sharing, where IoT devices are managed by blockchain smart contracts, enabling automated decision-making and secure data transmission through immutable digital ledgers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distributed parties exchange data in business process management systems, then data sharing and collaboration are improved, but security and trust issues worsen due to lack of proper identification and authentication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and trust

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between distributed parties. The blockchain ledger serves as a neutral mediator that records all data exchanges, transactions, and process activities immutably. Smart contracts act as automated intermediaries that enforce business rules and conditions without requiring trust between parties. This resolves the contradiction by enabling data sharing while maintaining security through cryptographic verification and decentralized consensus mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the security model by changing key parameters: transitioning from centralized authentication to decentralized identity management, from trusted intermediaries to cryptographic proof, and from mutable ledgers to immutable blockchain records. These parameter changes enable secure data exchange among unknown parties by replacing traditional trust-based mechanisms with mathematically proven security protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional business process management systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but automation capability worsens due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem usabilityVSAvoidprocess automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation through smart contracts that automatically execute business processes based on predefined conditions. The system monitors IoT sensor data, validates transactions, and triggers process steps autonomously without human intervention. Parties can independently interact with the system through standardized interfaces, and the blockchain automatically enforces agreements and updates records. This enables high-level automation while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces and automated workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual process monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens due to manual verification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess monitoring accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic systems. IoT sensors continuously capture process data (temperature, location, status) and transmit it to the blockchain network. Smart contracts automatically validate sensor readings against predefined thresholds and trigger appropriate actions. This substitution eliminates manual verification time while maintaining or improving measurement precision through continuous automated monitoring and cryptographic validation of sensor data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11386375B2Systems and/or methods for securing and automating process management systems using distributed sensors and distributed ledger of digital transactions

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An electronic resource tracking and storage computer system communicates with computing systems operated by different participants. Computing systems store copies of a blockchain and have associated computing devices with sensors. A programmed rule set includes conditions to be met when cooperating to complete, in connection with a resource tracked via the blockchain, a modeled process including modeled tasks. A transceiver receives, from the computing devices, signed electronic data messages including identifiers and values from their respective sensors. Blockchain transactions including identifiers and value(s) in the respective messages are generated. Generated blockchain transactions are published for inclusion in blockchain's copies. Value(s) in the respective electronic data messages are validated against the set of programmed rules. Based on the validations' results, events are emitted to an event bus monitored by a management system. These events selectively trigger the management system to automatically implement modeled tasks in dependence on the validations' results.