Distributed ledgers in process control systems
US11960473B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.