Patent · US Active

Workflow management via distributed ledgers and smart contracts

US11018853B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 13, 2020
Grant dateMay 25, 2021
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 13, 2040

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L2209/12
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods as described herein may include creating and monitoring workflows in a blockchain network. A workflow may be implemented by using a smart contract or the steps in the workflow may be recorded in a distributed ledger in a blockchain network. Completion of a workflow step may be verified by identifying a blockchain transaction executed by the workflow step performer assigned to the workflow step. The blockchain transaction is associated with encryption keys of the workflow step performer assigned to the workflow step. The completion of the execution of a workflow may be verified by determining whether the status of the last workflow step is complete, and identifying a blockchain transaction associated with encryption keys of the workflow step performer assigned to the last workflow step.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.