Anonymous Product Information Exchange With Blockchain Accountability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a circular economy, there is a need for an information exchange platform that preserves anonymity while ensuring accountability for product information, as actors involved in a product's life cycle may be reluctant to share data due to security concerns and loss of control over information.
Innovation Solution
A distributed information exchange platform using blockchain structures and decentralized networks allows participants to anonymously exchange product information by navigating a network of manifests, identifying pre-existing answers or creators likely to provide answers, and verifying information through secure communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is shared directly between actors in the product lifecycle, then information availability improves, but security risk and loss of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates information exchange between product lifecycle actors. Instead of direct sharing, information is published to the blockchain where it can be verified and accessed by authorized parties without exposing sensitive data or creating direct security vulnerabilities between actors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments information into different types and access levels, with different actors having different permissions to view or verify information. This segmentation allows comprehensive information availability while controlling security exposure through role-based access control.
2Ease of operation
If information is provided to a single entity, then information accessibility improves, but control over information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information control across multiple actors through the blockchain network, where each actor maintains control over their own data while others can verify it. This distributed control model maintains both accessibility and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system provides universal access to information for all authorized actors while simultaneously enabling each actor to maintain control over their specific data. The system serves multiple functions: information storage, verification, access control, and audit tracking.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anonymity is implemented in information exchange, then security protection improves, but accountability verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where each actor receives a copy of the information along with cryptographic proof of its origin and integrity. This allows verification of information authenticity and actor accountability without requiring disclosure of sensitive identity information.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain acts as an intermediary that preserves actor anonymity while enabling accountability through cryptographic signatures and immutable transaction records. The system verifies information provenance without exposing personal identifying information.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are database structures, systems, and methods for an anonymous, information exchange platform. The information exchange platform described herein may comprise blockchain structures, decentralized networks, peer-to-peer technology, cryptographic techniques, and/or a combination thereof. Past and present actors associated with a topic of information (e.g., a product) may flexibly exchange information on the information exchange platform by implementing question and answer protocols.