Industrial Equipment Identification Using Decentralized Network IDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial equipment in controller-peripheral networks lacks unique identification, relying on non-unique network addresses and serial numbers, which complicates reliable data recording and verification, especially in transactions involving significant mass transfers like hydrocarbon custody transfers.
Innovation Solution
Implement a unique identification system for industrial equipment using a processor and memory configured to store a unique identification obtained from a decentralized network, such as a blockchain, ensuring secure and trustworthy data association without reliance on trust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network address and manufacturer's serial number are used for identification, then the industrial equipment can be addressed in the controller-peripheral network, but the identification is not unique and cannot reliably associate information with the specific equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification elements (network address, manufacturer's serial number, and decentralized network identification) into a unified identification system. The processor is configured to utilize these combined elements to uniquely and reliably identify the industrial equipment, resolving the contradiction by merging existing identification mechanisms rather than replacing them entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a decentralized network (such as a blockchain network) as an intermediary that provides cryptographic identification mechanisms. This intermediary layer enables reliable equipment identification through public-private key pairs and digital signatures, allowing stakeholders to verify equipment identity without relying solely on traditional identification methods.
2Reliability
If traditional identification methods are used, then the equipment can operate in the network, but data association cannot be made immutable and trustworthy without reliance on trust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces trust-based mechanical verification systems with cryptographic verification mechanisms from decentralized networks. Instead of relying on organizational trust relationships, the system uses mathematical cryptography (public-private key pairs, digital signatures, hash functions) to provide automated, objective verification of data association and equipment identity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary cryptographic setup where public-private key pairs are generated and registered with the decentralized network before the equipment operates. This preliminary action establishes the equipment's digital identity in advance, enabling automatic verification of data associations without requiring trust-based validation during operations.
3Reliability
If a unique identification system from decentralized network is implemented, then reliable and immutable data association is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processor multi-functional by configuring it to handle both traditional controller-peripheral network operations and decentralized network cryptographic operations. The same processor that manages industrial control functions also manages cryptographic key storage, digital signature generation, and verification, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A uniquely identified industrial equipment (1300) of a controller-peripheral network (200) is provided. The uniquely identified industrial equipment (1300) includes electronics (1320) comprising a processor (1321) configured to communicate with a controller-peripheral network (200) and a memory (1322) communicatively coupled to the processor (1321). The memory (1322) is defined by the controller-peripheral network (200) and configured to store a unique identification obtained from a decentralized network (410) external to the controller-peripheral network (200).