Blockchain for the digital transformation of metrology
Kruno Miličević
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and IT Osijek, Croatia
https://www.ferit.unios.hr/2021/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kruno-milicevic-60760521/
Abstract
The traceability of the measurement result as one of the foundations of trust in the measurement results, and thus metrology in general, is also exposed to the opportunities and challenges of information and communication technology, i.e. digital transformation.
Namely, according to [1], some future trends are already apparent:
- the move to an increasingly paperless world, including reduced use of paper money;
- continued introduction of digitization in all areas;
- redefinition of the SI is likely to lead to increased availability of intrinsic standards;
- the “internet of things” will lead to increased size and complexity in measuring systems, with a proliferation of sensors; and
- artificial intelligence will become an increasingly important feature in the software of measuring instruments.
and is clear that in the future how calibration and verification is performed will have to adapt to meet these developments.
According to [1], the digital transformation of scientific, industrial and legal metrology activities requires a holistic approach that includes all relevant aspects and activities: (re)calibration, (re)testing, (re)certification, (re)verification/inspection, market surveillance, accreditation, standardization.
Thereby, the so-called FAIR+T approach is recommended for the data. It should be: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable, Traceable. Some issues must be resolved technically, and blockchain technology seems to have needed properties.
Blockchain could ensure traceability of measurement results from the measured quantity and sensors up to the definition of the measurement unit, through all levels of the metrology pyramid, providing insight into the digital calibration documents as vertical links between adjacent pyramid levels [2]. In addition, it is technically feasible to ensure horizontal traceability as well, i.e. provide insight into a chronological succession of reliable measurement results.
Acknowledgements
This lecture is fully supported by Croatian Science Foundation under the project: "Power system disturbance simulator and non-sinusoidal voltages and currents calibrator IP-2019-04-7292".
The author gratefully acknowledges also the contribution of the Trublo consortium, for additionally improving the lecture content through the Metroracle project activities.
References used in abstract
[1] OIML, “Webinar: Digital Transformation in Legal Metrology”, 2021, https://www.oiml.org/en/news-meetings/oiml-seminars/digital-transformation/docs/oiml-digital-transformation-webinar-presentations-2021-05-05.pdf
[2] Miličević, K.; Omrčen, L.; Kohler, M.; Lukić, I. Trust Model Concept for IoT Blockchain Applications as Part of the Digital Transformation of Metrology. Sensors 2022, 22, 4708. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22134708
