Product provenance verification system, product provenance verification program, and product provenance verification method

Abstract

We provide a product provenance certification system that can manage product provenance information without tampering. [Solution] A product provenance verification system comprising: a first generation unit that generates metadata for verifying the provenance information of a product at the manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages of the product; an assignment unit that assigns a digital signature to information indicating the product and the metadata; a storage unit that stores the information indicating the product and the metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network; a second generation unit that generates a zero-knowledge proof for verifying the provenance information of the product; a recording unit that records the zero-knowledge proof on a blockchain network; and a return management unit that manages the return of the product to the manufacturer based on the provenance information of the product, wherein the provenance information can be verified by a third party using the zero-knowledge proof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product history certification system that generates metadata for verifying the history information of a product, assigns a digital signature, stores it in a distributed storage network, and records a zero-knowledge proof in a blockchain network so that a third party can verify the history information of the product.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional products were designed and produced, delivered from a store to a consumer, used for the required purpose, and often discarded after use. Depending on the product, broken ones were repaired and reused, or handed over to a pawnshop or a used goods dealer, and sometimes a price was obtained. At that time, valuable items such as gold and copper were recovered and reused as materials, while other items may be disposed of by incineration or landfill.

[0003] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental and resource conservation, the above disposal methods have been regarded as problematic. Incineration has problems from the perspective of global warming and air pollution, landfill has problems such as the disappearance of the landfill site and groundwater pollution, and considerations such as improvement measures and countermeasures, such as reviewing the landfill method and the types of items that can be discarded, have been added.

[0004] As one of these countermeasures, recycling is considered to use the product for as long as possible. However, at present, it is in a state where it cannot be recycled.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a manufactured product incorporating manufacturing-time information and usage-time information for reusing and reusing parts and products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a product provenance verification system that generates metadata for verifying product provenance information and assigns a digital signature to it, thereby enabling the management of product provenance information without tampering. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A remittance detection system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first generation unit that generates metadata for verifying the product's provenance information at the product's manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages; an assignment unit that assigns a digital signature to the product's information and metadata; a storage unit that stores the product's information and the metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network; a second generation unit that generates a zero-knowledge proof for verifying the product's provenance information; a recording unit that records the zero-knowledge proof on a blockchain network; and a return management unit that manages the return to the product's manufacturer based on the product's provenance information, characterized in that the provenance information can be verified by a third party using the zero-knowledge proof.

[0009] A remittance detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a computer performs the following steps: a first generation step in which a computer generates metadata for verifying the product's provenance information at the product's manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages; an assignment step in which a digital signature is attached to the product information and metadata; a storage step in which the product information and the metadata to which the digital signature is attached are stored via a distributed storage network; a second generation step in which a zero-knowledge proof is generated to prove the product's provenance information; a recording step in which the zero-knowledge proof is recorded on a blockchain network; and a return management step in which the return to the product manufacturer is managed based on the product's provenance information, and the provenance information can be verified by a third party using the zero-knowledge proof.

[0010] A remittance detection program according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a first generation function that generates metadata for verifying the product's provenance information at the product's manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages; an assignment function that assigns a digital signature to the product information and metadata; a storage function that stores the product information and the metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network; a second generation function that generates a zero-knowledge proof to prove the product's provenance information; a recording function that records the zero-knowledge proof on a blockchain network; and a return management function that manages the return to the product manufacturer based on the product's provenance information, and that the provenance information can be verified by a third party using the zero-knowledge proof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This invention provides a product provenance verification system that can prove a product's provenance by generating metadata to verify its provenance and attaching a digital signature. Furthermore, by utilizing zero-knowledge proofs, the provenance information can be verified by third parties, leading to improved product reliability. In addition, the blockchain network allows for the secure and reliable management of the product's provenance information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <Embodiment> <Overview> This invention provides a technology that uses zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) to prove the provenance of a product and efficiently return the proceeds to the manufacturer. Specifically, product provenance information is recorded on a blockchain, and ZKP is used to prove the authenticity of the product provenance information. Furthermore, the manufacturer can verify the authenticity of the product provenance information by referring to the information on the blockchain, enabling an efficient and transparent return process. This is expected to promote a circular economy.

[0013] This invention provides a system that uses digital signatures and zero-knowledge proofs to prove the provenance of a product and return it to the manufacturer. This system assigns a digital signature at each stage of the product (manufacturing, use, collection, and reuse) and stores it on a decentralized storage network. Furthermore, by generating zero-knowledge proofs and recording them on the blockchain, the system enables third parties to verify the product's provenance and streamlines the process of returning it to the manufacturer.

[0014] This invention provides a system for managing product provenance information that includes a product management device that generates metadata and assigns digital signatures at each stage of the product development process, a digital signature module that assigns digital signatures to products and metadata, a distributed storage network for storing products and digitally signed metadata, a zero-knowledge proof module that generates zero-knowledge proofs to prove product provenance, a blockchain network that records zero-knowledge proofs and enables third-party verification, and a return management system that manages returns to the manufacturer based on product provenance information. This enables accurate and transparent management of product provenance information, making it possible to provide reliable information to consumers and society as a whole. Furthermore, this invention provides a mechanism that makes counterfeiting and fraudulent tampering difficult, thus providing consumers and society as a whole with a sense of security.

[0015] <First Example> This invention relates to the recycling of home appliances. By verifying the history of a product using zero-knowledge proofs and returning the product to the manufacturer, the product's history is verified in a transparent and tamper-proof manner, thereby improving trust in the manufacturer, protecting consumer privacy, and streamlining the recycling process. Specifically, when a consumer brings a product to a recycling center, metadata is generated using a product management device and a digital signature is applied. Subsequently, the digitally signed metadata is stored on a decentralized storage network, and a zero-knowledge proof module generates proof of the product's history and records it on the blockchain. Finally, the recycling center uses a return management system to provide the product's history information to the manufacturer.

[0016] <Second Example> This invention enhances trust in manufacturers and streamlines the recycling process while protecting consumer privacy, by verifying the provenance of clothing using zero-knowledge proofs and returning the clothing to the manufacturer. Specifically, when a consumer brings clothing to a recycling shop, metadata is generated using a product management device and a digital signature is attached. The digitally signed metadata is then stored on a decentralized storage network, and a zero-knowledge proof module generates proof of the clothing's provenance and records it on the blockchain. Finally, the recycling shop uses a return management system to provide the clothing's provenance information to the manufacturer, who verifies the provenance information and recycles or reuses the clothing.

[0017] <Third Example> This invention enhances trust in manufacturers and streamlines the recycling process while protecting consumer privacy. Specifically, when consumers bring automotive parts to a recycling center, a product management device generates metadata and assigns a digital signature. The digitally signed metadata is then stored on a decentralized storage network, and a zero-knowledge proof module generates proof of the part's history, which is then recorded on the blockchain. Finally, the recycling center uses a return management system to provide the manufacturer with the automotive part's history information, allowing the manufacturer to verify the history and recycle or reuse the part.

[0018] <Fourth Example> The present invention provides a technology that can prove the history of an electronic device in a transparent and tamper - proof manner while protecting the privacy of consumers in the recycling of electronic devices. Specifically, for a recycling center to confirm the history of an electronic device, a product management device generates metadata, assigns a digital signature, and stores it in a distributed storage network. Also, a zero - knowledge proof module generates a proof of the history of the electronic device and records it on a blockchain, so that the history of the electronic device is proven in a transparent and tamper - proof manner. Furthermore, the recycling center uses a reduction management system to provide the history information of the electronic device to the manufacturing company, so that the manufacturing company can confirm the history information and recycle or reuse the electronic device. Thereby, while protecting the privacy of consumers, the recycling process is made more efficient.

[0019] Hereinafter, each component of the product history proof system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0020] The first generation unit according to this embodiment generates metadata for confirming the history information of a product in the manufacturing stage, specification stage, recovery stage, and reuse stage of the product. Specifically, the first generation unit can calculate the physical data sector number from the servo values correctly read in the manufacturing stage, specification stage, recovery stage, and reuse stage of the product, and calculate the logical number after defect processing. The first generation unit combines the physical data sector number and the logical number, creates a correspondence table of the physical data sector number and the logical number, and sets the calculated logical number as an identifier.

[0021] The granting unit according to this embodiment is configured to grant a digital signature to the information indicating the product and the metadata generated by the first generation unit. As an example, when a certain product is manufactured in Factory A, the granting unit may grant the information of Factory A to the product as a digital signature.

[0022] The storage unit according to this embodiment is configured to store information indicating a product and metadata to be digitally signed via a distributed storage network. It is also a storage medium that stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the product traceability system according to this embodiment. The storage unit may be realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, the storage unit may constitute a ROM (Random Access Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working area for executing a program.

[0023] The second generation unit according to this embodiment can generate a zero-knowledge proof for proving the provenance information of a product. Also, the zero-knowledge proof module according to this embodiment is a module for generating a zero-knowledge proof for proving the provenance of a product. For example, zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) etc. may be used. Since the latest technologies such as zero-knowledge proof technology and blockchain technology are utilized in this system, high reliability and transparency may be ensured.

[0024] The recording unit in this embodiment records zero-knowledge proofs on a blockchain network. The blockchain network in this embodiment is a network for recording zero-knowledge proofs and enabling verification by third parties. For example, Ethereum Hyperledger Fabric, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), or Storj may be used. The product provenance proof system in this embodiment utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain technology and zero-knowledge proof technology, achieving a high level of security. It is possible to verify that the product's provenance information has not been tampered with via technologies such as a distributed storage network or a blockchain network, allowing consumers to use the product with peace of mind. Furthermore, a blockchain is called a "distributed ledger," and a "distributed ledger" may be implemented as a "distributed storage network."

[0025] The refund management unit according to this embodiment is configured to manage refunds to the product manufacturer based on the product's history information. For example, the refund management unit may refund the product to the manufacturer at the product's manufacturing price, or it may refund the product to the manufacturer at the price at which the product is currently considered a used item. Furthermore, the refund management unit may utilize, for example, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system or a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.

[0026] The return management unit according to this embodiment is not limited to this and may include a return rate determination unit, a profit return unit, a return profit calculation unit, and the like. For example, the profit distribution rate determination unit may determine the profit distribution rate for each profit distribution condition included in the profit distribution condition information, based on the profit distribution condition information and the transaction information related to the NFT itself received by the transaction information acquisition unit from the NFT management system. As an example, the profit distribution unit distributes the profits from the transaction to the manufacturer based on the determined profit distribution rate. Here, the profits from the transaction may include both monetary profits and other incidental profits obtained from the transaction. The transaction information acquisition unit identifies the relevant manufacturer from the transaction information it receives and distributes the profits from the transaction to that manufacturer. If there are multiple manufacturers, the profit distribution unit distributes the profits from the transaction to each manufacturer at different rates based on the determined profit distribution rate. Here, the distribution method may be determined considering the quantity held by each manufacturer, etc. For example, the profit return calculation unit uses the profit return rate received from the product provenance certification system to calculate the profit to be returned to the first owner from the profit of the second owner of the product calculated by the function (returned profit). The profit may then be returned to the first owner of the product by granting the returned profit to the first owner.

[0027] The above describes the configurations of the product provenance certification system according to this embodiment.

[0028] Next, we will describe the modules that implement the functions of the product provenance certification system according to this embodiment.

[0029] The digital signature module according to this embodiment is a module for applying a digital signature to a product and its metadata. For example, in the case of home appliances, it may be installed on the production line during manufacturing and built into the product itself during use. In the case of clothing, it may be installed in a recycling shop.

[0030] The storage module according to this embodiment stores information on all modules and their variations in memory as a host computer. It also stores in memory the performance rank (high-performance, medium-performance, low-performance) of each module variation in association with the module information. However, it is not limited to this, and information regarding inconsistent combinations of modules constituting the product may also be stored.

[0031] The reuse module according to this embodiment receives information from the collection terminal regarding whether or not it is currently collected at the collection center using the product history certification system, and stores information related to reuse, referred to as "reuse identification information," in the storage module. Based on the request information transmitted from the customer terminal, the calculation processing unit determines the optimal product model for the customer and transmits it to the customer terminal via the input / output unit. In addition, it may determine whether the multiple module information included in the request information input from the customer terminal is conflicting module information, and if it is conflicting module information, a warning may be displayed.

[0032] The types of modules according to this embodiment are not limited to those described above. Based on the request information input from the user's terminal, it is determined whether the variation information for each module includes information requesting new functions or high performance. If such information is included, a new module is selected as the module variation. Additionally, it is determined whether the variation information for each module includes information related to reused modules. If such information is included, a reused module is selected as the module variation. This allows the configuration of the product model proposed to the customer to be divided into parts that actively pursue the use of reused items and parts that deliberately actively pursue the use of new items, thereby supplying products that are optimal for the diverse needs of individual collectors or purchasers.

[0033] Using the product history verification system according to this embodiment, users can exchange information with the collector. For example, based on customer needs, the collector determines which parts of the reusable product can be reused and approaches the customer via the user's terminal with the question, "So, this part can be reused, is that alright?" In this way, the present invention can promote the reuse of reusable products by sharing information about the reuse of reusable products with the customer. The user confirms the displayed information about the parts they wish to reuse and responds with "OK" or "NG," etc. The response result is then sent to the collector.

[0034] Furthermore, the product history verification system according to this embodiment may have a technology that connects to a network, receives an erasure program from this network, and completely erases data in a recording / playback device attached to a host device. This technology completely erases data in a storage medium by applying an erasure program to the storage medium connected to the recording / playback device. This technology also includes means for confirming that the data in the storage medium has been completely erased. This means may be implemented by generating information indicating that the data in the storage medium has been completely erased and transmitting this information to a management server on the network.

[0035] The product provenance system according to this embodiment utilizes product data and nesting information indicating the spatial arrangement of one or more parts of a product. The nesting information may include at least partially being derived from one or more of the following: the properties of the material used to form at least a portion of one or more parts of an article; one or more processes applied to the material used to form at least a portion of one or more parts of an article; a desired web speed; or operations performed by a pick-and-place system configured to move one or more parts of an article once separated from the material.

[0036] Furthermore, the product provenance certification system according to this embodiment may provide an environmental impact assessment method that performs a broad evaluation, such as prioritizing management across environmental load areas, and efficiently prioritizes the management of an organization's environmental aspects for each environmental load area. According to the present invention, for environmental loads such as air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, noise and vibration, resource depletion, and industrial waste contamination, an environmental load importance evaluation table that quantitatively ranks the necessity of management among environmental loads and an environmental aspect evaluation table that quantitatively ranks the necessity of management of environmental aspects such as chemical storage facilities, production facilities, raw materials, fuel, energy, and industrial waste for each environmental load can be combined for evaluation. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to grasp the problems faced by each organization, and efficient and appropriate countermeasures can be taken.

[0037] The product provenance verification system according to this embodiment may encrypt and transmit information related to product provenance. For example, the product provenance verification system may receive information from external terminals, including manufacturer terminals and distributor terminals, and connect them via a cipher network that transmits encrypted information between computers managed by manufacturers, distributors, etc. In this system, all information is grouped and encrypted using a common key according to its purpose, so that only the necessary information selected for a specific purpose is shared, thereby preventing fraud and ensuring information sharing. Furthermore, the present invention also utilizes blockchain technology and zero-knowledge proof technology, and high security performance can be expected.

[0038] The user then scans the QR code with a QR code reader installed in the product provenance system, and information such as where the image forming machine was made and the manufacturing process is displayed on the blockchain. Customers may also use the information obtained from the QR code to check information about the manufacturer, information about the manufacturer, and information about each stage of the product's manufacturing process.

[0039] The product provenance certification system according to this embodiment may include the following functions. First, while minimizing the decrease in the utilization rate of reused items, if the reuse module selected by the collector is not available, the difference between the product and the performance originally required by the collector is minimized, ensuring a range of choices for individual collectors among the products actually available to them, and supplying the product that best suits the increasingly diverse needs of individual collectors. Next, a reuse module is selected based on variation information. If a reuse module is found to exist, that module is selected. If a reuse module is not found, a module with a variation similar to the reuse module is selected from the modules of the same type stored in the first storage means. This minimizes the decrease in the utilization rate of reused items within the product, while also minimizing the difference between the product and the performance originally desired by the collector, even if the reuse module selected by the collector is not available. Finally, variation information and recall status information are generated from the data obtained in the manufacturing process, and variation information and recall status information are generated based on the requests derived from this information.

[0040] The aforementioned product history verification system is useful because there is a significant difference in the performance of equipment between recalled products that have been on the market for several years and then returned, and new products at the time of recall.

[0041] This invention not only analyzes the history of products, but also actively utilizes activities in the office automation equipment industry such as refurbishing (reusing) products that have been collected after being used in the market and selling them as refurbished machines, reusing units or parts and incorporating them into new products for sale, or even recycling them back into resources.

[0042] The product provenance certification system according to this embodiment may be connected to the manufacturer's terminal via a network. For example, each manufacturer's system is configured such that a design department terminal managed by the design department, a manufacturing department terminal managed by the manufacturing department, an accounting department terminal managed by the accounting department, a sales department terminal managed by the sales department, and an environmental management department terminal managed by the environmental management department are connected via the manufacturer's intranet. The design department terminal inputs product specification information, the manufacturing department terminal manufactures the product, the accounting department terminal determines the sales price of the product, and the sales department terminal accepts orders from customers and determines the delivery date. As a result, the product provenance certification system may exchange information with each manufacturer's terminal and affix a digital signature.

[0043] The manufacturing line according to this embodiment may be the same line as the manufacturing line for products using only new parts. By separating the manufacturing line for products using reused main frames, units, and single parts from the manufacturing line for products using only new parts, the reused main frames, units, and single parts can be used in the same condition as new by performing necessary processing and repairs on them in the manufacturing line for products using reused main frames, units, and single parts. Furthermore, in the manufacturing line for products using only new parts, high-precision products can be produced by using new parts and performing high-precision processing and repairs.

[0044] The product provenance certification system according to this embodiment may include the following methods. 1. A product delivery method that minimizes the decrease in the utilization rate of reused products, minimizes the difference between the performance originally desired by the customer and the reused module selected by the customer when the selected reused module is unavailable, ensures a range of choices for individual customers among the products actually available to the customer, and provides products that are optimally suited to the increasingly diverse needs of individual customers. 2. A product delivery method that minimizes the reduction in the utilization rate of reused parts within a product, while also minimizing the difference between the product and the performance originally desired by the customer, even if the reused module selected by the customer is not available, and ensuring a range of choices for individual customers among the products actually available to the customer. This is achieved by selecting a reused module based on variation information, selecting the reused module if it is determined that one exists, and selecting a module with a variation similar to the reused module from the same type of modules stored in the first storage means if it is determined that one does not exist. 3. A product provision method comprising a conversion unit that converts variation information from an existing group of components of the same type as the variation information and whose recovery status is not yet reached to an existing group of components of the same type as the variation information and whose recovery status is already reached, and a generation unit that generates product data composed of the variation information, the existing group of components and the newly produced group of components output from the conversion unit and the existing group of components and the newly produced group of components.

[0045] The storage unit according to this embodiment includes an information device equipped with a user ID memory, a data center address memory, a data memory, a built-in reader / writer, a communication line, an IC card data memory, and a communication adapter, as well as a payment information transmission subsystem equipped with an IC card. The information device stores the user ID in the user ID memory, stores the data center address in the data center address memory, temporarily records payment information in the data memory, and assembles a payment message. The built-in reader / writer is active and communicates with the communication line (air). The IC card is equipped with a built-in reader / writer (passive) and communicates with the communication line (air). A communication adapter may also be provided.

[0046] Furthermore, the information processing terminal installed at the collection center has the function of recognizing whether any of the modules stored in the host computer's total Md product information storage area that are designated as reusable modules have been collected (for convenience, referred to as collected modules) and are available for supply, and transmitting the result to the host computer. In addition, the information processing terminal installed at the collection center may also have the function of generating information indicating that a reusable module is available for supply when a reusable module has been collected, and transmitting that information to the host computer.

[0047] The collection centers according to this embodiment are located in numerous regions and collect disused image forming machines, disassemble them module by module, and store and manage them. The collected image forming machine modules are equipped with a product provenance verification system that generates metadata to verify the product's provenance, adds a digital signature, and stores it on a distributed storage network. Furthermore, by generating zero-knowledge proofs and recording them on a blockchain network, a product provenance verification system that can be verified by third parties is realized.

[0048] The customer terminal, the collection terminal, and the factory terminal are connected to a host computer via an internet communication line, which is a public communication network, and are configured to send and receive information. The customer terminal acquires metadata generated during the product manufacturing stage and assigns a digital signature to it. It then stores the product information and metadata via a distributed storage network. The collection terminal acquires metadata during the product collection stage and assigns a digital signature to it. It also generates zero-knowledge proofs and records them on the blockchain network, enabling proof of provenance information.

[0049] In this embodiment, the recovery side creates work instruction information, such as work content and processing procedures, corresponding to the recovery equipment, main frame, units, and parts, and presents it to the worker from the work presentation unit, thereby enabling efficient reuse of reusable products. Furthermore, metadata for verifying the history information of reusable products is generated, digitally signed, and stored in a distributed storage network, making the product history information verifiable by third parties. In addition, zero-knowledge proofs are generated and recorded in a blockchain network, allowing the product history information to be managed without tampering.

[0050] Next, the blockchain network according to this embodiment will be described. This is a method for controlling the display on a device in conjunction with content ownership on a blockchain, comprising: a blockchain network that manages content ownership by blockchain; a device connected to the blockchain network; content displayed on the device; information indicating the ownership of the content; control information for the content displayed on the device; and a control unit that controls the content displayed on the device based on the control information, wherein the control unit controls the display of the content displayed on the device based on the ownership information obtained from the blockchain network. The control unit determines, based on the ownership information obtained from the blockchain network, whether the media file such as an image or video to be controlled and displayed on the device was provided by the legitimate owner, and can display it as is if it is legitimate, or hide it if it is fraudulent.

[0051] The present invention provides a system and / or method which may include inserting and / or adding one or more sensors to a fabric operation for purposes such as inline inspection of materials before, during, and / or after the operation. The system and / or method may include sensors used to measure the properties of the material.

[0052] Furthermore, the fact that the recycling information recorded on the information recording medium built into this product is integrated with product-specific identification information such as the product number, and that this information can be used as evidence data for distribution and disposal (for example, as background data for industrial waste management reports), not only simplifies the practical work of recycling operations and increases reliability, but also provides the advantage of adding reliability to aggregation work and cost billing at each stage of distribution, repair, and disposal, and this is a novel idea in this case.

[0053] Furthermore, the product history certification system may also be configured such that, although used machines are delivered to a recycling plant, once their operation in the hall ends, the transport company or the person in charge of installing new machines transmits the product information using a portable terminal, and if there are no reusable units as determined by the shipping equipment management device, the machine is sent directly to the disposal process (factory).

[0054] The method for calculating the return rate according to this embodiment is not limited. For example, if a smart contract that calculates the profit return rate by obtaining a return rate calculation coefficient from an external database is recorded on the blockchain, the return management unit may change the return rate calculation coefficient in the external database based on the profit return rate included in the profit return rate recording request.

[0055] The present invention relates to a recycled parts management system. The recycled parts management system of this embodiment is installed in multiple regional branch offices or sales offices (not shown) and mainly consists of a maintenance department that performs failure prevention and recovery work, a remanufacturing plant that collects and refurbishes equipment parts that have been replaced by these maintenance departments as part of failure prevention or recovery work, a central parts warehouse that manages inventory of at least the remanufactured parts from the remanufacturing plant and new equipment parts, and a parts management department that instructs the central parts warehouse to issue parts requested by the maintenance department. The present invention makes it possible to provide a recycled parts management system.

[0056] The present invention may construct a recycling network that connects waste generation sites, recycling sites, and users in order to promote the recycling of organic waste. For example, the product provenance certification system according to this embodiment conducts public relations activities to encourage food factories and other waste generation sites to participate in the recycling network, and awards participants points according to the amount of waste circulating within the recycling network. Furthermore, the amount of waste circulating within the recycling network may be recorded using blockchain technology, and it may be proven that products purchased by participants using points were manufactured from recycled organic waste.

[0057] The present invention may include a recycled parts management system. In this case, the recycled parts management system may be installed in multiple regional branches or sales offices (not shown) and mainly consist of a maintenance department that performs failure prevention and recovery work, a recycling plant that collects and refurbishes parts of equipment that have been replaced by these maintenance departments through failure prevention or recovery work, a central parts warehouse that manages inventory of at least the refurbished parts refurbished in the recycling plant and new parts for equipment, and a parts management department that instructs the central parts warehouse to issue parts requested by the maintenance department.

[0058] The above describes three embodiments of the product provenance verification system according to this embodiment. The same or equivalent components, processes, and signals shown in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explanation are omitted in each embodiment.

[0059] <Supplementary explanation> Although a product provenance verification system according to the above embodiment has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are described below.

[0060] (1) The product provenance verification system according to this embodiment may assign a number to the product that can identify the manufacturer, such as a corporate number. When such a number is assigned, the product is characterized by automatically registering information regarding the transfer of ownership to a blockchain network. Alternatively, a product provenance verification system and method may be provided that allows a third party to verify the provenance information of a product by generating metadata for verifying the provenance information of the product, assigning a digital signature to it, and storing it in a distributed storage network.

[0061] (2) The product provenance verification system according to this embodiment can enhance the reliability of transactions by executing the rules using a number that identifies the manufacturer, such as a corporate number. For example, information on products that have a corporate number attached may be uploaded to the blockchain. As a result, it is characterized by high security as it cannot be tampered with by third parties, and the security of transactions can be ensured.

[0062] (3) In the product provenance certification system according to this embodiment, the restriction management and automatic control of the corporate number or other manufacturer identification number may be realized by allowing restrictions to be set when the corporate number or other manufacturer identification number is assigned. The restriction may be, for example, that it can be used within a specific period of time, or that it can be used in a specific location. Furthermore, the restriction may be, for example, that it can be used for a specific purpose. In other words, if the restriction is exceeded, the system will automatically reject the actions of a third party.

Claims

1. A first generation unit generates metadata for verifying the history information of the product during the product manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages. An assignment unit that assigns a digital signature to the information indicating the product and the metadata, A storage unit that stores information indicating the product and metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network, A second generation unit that generates a zero-knowledge proof to prove the provenance information of the product, A recording unit that records the aforementioned zero-knowledge proof on a blockchain network, The system includes a return management unit that manages the return of the product to the manufacturer based on the product's provenance information, The aforementioned proof allows a third party to verify the provenance information. Product provenance verification system.

2. Computers A first generation step that generates metadata for verifying the product's history information during the product's manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages, A signing step of assigning a digital signature to the information indicating the product and the metadata, A storage step involves storing information indicating the product and metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network. A second generation step of generating a zero-knowledge proof to prove the provenance information of the product, A recording step for recording the aforementioned zero-knowledge proof on a blockchain network, A return management step is performed to manage the return of the product to the manufacturer based on the product's provenance information. The aforementioned proof allows a third party to verify the provenance information. Methods for proving product provenance.

3. On the computer, A first generation function that generates metadata for verifying the history information of the product during the product manufacturing, specification, collection, and reuse stages, A function for assigning a digital signature to the information indicating the product and the metadata, A storage function that stores information indicating the product and metadata to which the digital signature is attached via a distributed storage network, A second generation function that generates a zero-knowledge proof to prove the provenance information of the said product, A recording function for recording the aforementioned zero-knowledge proof on the blockchain network, A return management function is implemented to manage the return of the product to the manufacturer based on the product's provenance information. The aforementioned proof allows a third party to verify the provenance information. Methods for proving product provenance.