Drug Vending System Blockchain Access Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a smart storage system that ensures the safety and secure access to drugs, preventing misuse by ensuring records of access are secure from hackers.

Innovation Solution

A drug vending system that includes a drug storage unit with a processor, memory, and a cyber security module, using blockchain technology to log and maintain access records, and featuring a user interface for authentication through biometric and unique identities, ensuring secure access and compliance with regulatory standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional access control systems are used for drug storage, then ease of operation is improved, but security against hacking and tampering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of access recordsVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between the access control system and the database. This blockchain ledger acts as a decentralized mediator that records all access transactions immutably, preventing hackers from modifying access records while maintaining the existing access control functionality. The blockchain serves as a trusted intermediary that guarantees the integrity of access records without requiring complex centralized security infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If blockchain technology is implemented for logging access records, then reliability and tamper-proof security are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper-proof access loggingVSAvoidsystem implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the blockchain ledger layer for immutable logging, the access control layer for authentication, and the drug storage layer for physical security. This segmentation allows each component to be implemented and maintained independently, reducing the overall implementation complexity. The blockchain module can be implemented using existing standardized protocols, while the access control and storage components can use traditional well-understood methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple security layers including biometric authentication are added, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoiduser access process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic security validation where the system adapts the authentication process based on the user's identity and access history. First-time users or users with suspicious patterns undergo more rigorous multi-factor authentication including biometric verification, while established users with clean records experience streamlined access. This dynamic approach maintains high security for unknown threats while providing convenient fast access for trusted users, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11715340B1Smart storage and vending system

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 CORNERSTONE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a system comprising a drug storage comprising a container to hold a drug; a communication module; and a cyber security module. The system is operable to log record of access to the drug and maintain a ledger of the record of access to the drug using a blockchain technology. The access to the drug is secured by the cyber security module.