Paperless recorder for tamper-proof recording of product process information

A recorder system for recording and retrieving information related to a product process, the recorder comprising:

• an electronic central processing unit CPU;
• and
• main memory and replaceable flash memory accessible to the CPU for electronically storing information related to the process;
• analog input and output circuits for communicating between the CPU and various process sensors information representing measured values of parameters of the process;
• digital input and output circuits for communicating between the CPU and various process sensors information representing measured values of process parameters and the logical state of process conditions;
• a keyboard and function keys for use by the user to communicate information to the CPU;
• a graphic display communicating with the CPU for displaying information to and requesting information from the user;
• communication interface circuits accessible to the CPU and main memory;
• a casing enclosing the CPU, main memory, flash memory, analog input and output circuits, and digital input and output circuits, the casing sealed by a seal against undetected entry to the casing after the seal is applied;
• a flash memory card drive;
• a sealable cover covering the flash memory card drive, said cover preventing unauthorized removal of a flash memory card;
• and
• a digital computer communicating through the serial communication interface circuits to the CPU and main memory, the computer having software accessible thereto adapted to search and retrieve process information from the main memory, and to present process information to the user, the main memory being accessible to the computer for purposes of retrieving process information from the main memory and communicating said retrieved process information to the computer, the main memory being inaccessible to receive process information from the computer.

A method for recording data and other information related to a product process with the aid of an electronic recorder adapted to receive input from the process and to produce output to the process, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving data and other information from a process;
• recording the data and other information on a paperless electronic data storage medium;
• and
• recording an electronic signature on the paperless data storage medium in association with at least a portion of the data and other information.