Distributed Ledger Transactions for Secure Process Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Process control systems in industrial plants face significant cybersecurity risks due to interconnections with external networks, which can lead to equipment damage, product loss, and even human safety threats, necessitating secure and reliable data recording and transaction management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed ledger system, such as a blockchain, within process control systems to record transactions, verify product quality, and execute smart contracts, providing a secure, immutable, and trustless record of processes and events, while enabling machines to transact autonomously without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If process control systems are interconnected with external networks to enable data exchange and automation, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but cybersecurity risks and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger system as an intermediary layer between process control devices and external networks. This mediator records all transactions and data exchanges in an immutable manner, providing verification and security without preventing automation. The ledger acts as a trusted intermediary that enables secure communication while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the process control architecture by separating critical control functions from external network interactions. Field devices and controllers operate autonomously with enhanced capabilities, while the distributed ledger provides security verification. This segmentation allows automation to continue at the control level while security is handled at the ledger verification level.
2Device complexity
If centralized databases are used to store process data, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and security against cyber threats deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of data storage, verification, and security into a distributed ledger system that is integrated across multiple nodes in the process control network. Rather than using a single centralized database, the system combines storage capacity and security verification across distributed devices, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger serves as an intermediary data management layer that simplifies access for individual devices while providing enhanced security through its distributed nature. Each device interacts with the ledger using standardized protocols, reducing local complexity while the ledger's immutable structure ensures data integrity.
3Measurement precision
If manual verification of product quality is performed, then measurement precision is ensured, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service quality verification through smart contracts that automatically execute verification logic based on pre-defined criteria. The distributed ledger and embedded smart contracts perform measurement and verification functions autonomously without requiring manual intervention, maintaining precision through programmed validation rules while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual verification processes with automated computational verification using smart contracts on the distributed ledger. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated digital verification maintains measurement precision through consistent application of verification rules while eliminating time-consuming manual processes.
4Reliability
If human intervention is required for transaction management, then reliability and security are maintained, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service transaction management through smart contracts that automatically execute transactions based on pre-defined conditions and verification criteria. The distributed ledger provides the infrastructure for autonomous operation, allowing machines to transact with each other without human intervention while maintaining security through cryptographic verification and immutable recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger acts as an intermediary that enables autonomous transactions between devices without requiring human mediation. The ledger verifies transaction validity, records exchanges, and provides security through its distributed consensus mechanism, allowing full automation while maintaining reliability that would otherwise require human oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a trusted, secure, and immutable record of transactions within a process plant, techniques are described for utilizing a distributed ledger in process control systems. The distributed ledger may be maintained by nodes which receive transactions broadcasted from field devices, controllers, operator workstations, or other devices operating within the process plant. The transactions may include process plant data, such as process parameter data, product parameter data, configuration data, user interaction data, maintenance data, commissioning data, plant network data, and product tracking data. The distributed ledgers may also be utilized to execute smart contracts to allow machines such as field devices to transact by themselves without human intervention. In this manner, recorded process parameter values and product parameter values may be retrieved to verify the quality of products. Moreover, regulatory data may be recorded in response to triggering events so that regulatory agencies can review the data.