Blockchain Physical Tag Provenance Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an objective way to determine the provenance of physical objects, leading to challenges in authenticating their origin and ownership, particularly in cases of counterfeiting where identical manufacturing processes and materials make differentiation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving unique, non-replicable physical tags associated with objects using blockchain technology to create an immutable record of ownership, allowing for authentication of the original manufacturer and tracking of ownership transitions, with smart contracts facilitating secure transactions and royalty payments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used to verify object provenance, then the process is simple and accessible, but the system lacks reliability and cannot objectively determine authenticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between physical objects and their provenance verification. Physical tags attached to objects serve as intermediaries that link tangible items to cryptographic proofs on the blockchain, enabling reliable authentication without requiring complex centralized verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and manual authentication systems with a cryptographic and decentralized digital system. Instead of relying on physical certificates or human verification, the system uses blockchain cryptography, digital signatures, and smart contracts to automatically verify provenance, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.
2Measurement precision
If no physical tagging system is used, then the system remains simple, but the ability to track and authenticate individual objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provenance tracking system into independent modular components: physical tags attached to individual objects, cryptographic proof generation, blockchain storage, and verification mechanisms. This segmentation allows precise identification of individual objects while managing system complexity through modular architecture where each component performs a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital cryptographic copy or representation of each physical object's provenance information on the blockchain. The physical tag contains or links to cryptographic data that replicates the object's ownership and provenance history in the digital realm, enabling precise tracking without requiring complex physical tracking infrastructure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If centralized authentication systems are used, then the process is straightforward, but the system lacks immutability and is vulnerable to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cryptographic security, decentralized storage, and automated verification into a unified blockchain system. By combining these elements, the system achieves provenance record immutability through cryptographic hashing and distributed consensus, while the smart contract automation reduces the operational complexity that would otherwise arise from managing separate decentralized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores provenance records, provides cryptographic verification, enables automated transactions through smart contracts, and ensures immutability through its decentralized structure. This multi-functionality achieves stability and immutability while managing complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single universal platform.
4Reliability
If manual provenance tracking is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the system cannot provide transparent and secure ownership transfer records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through smart contracts that automatically execute ownership transfers and provenance updates without manual intervention. When an object changes hands, the smart contract automatically records the transfer on the blockchain, verifies ownership, and updates the provenance history, thereby providing secure and reliable ownership transfer records while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through the blockchain ledger that records and confirms ownership transfers in real-time. Each transaction is cryptographically verified and instantly recorded on the distributed ledger, providing transparent and secure proof of ownership transfer. This automated feedback mechanism enhances reliability while simplifying operation compared to manual tracking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Generating records of a tangible object in blockchain may be performed by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed cause a computing device to associate a unique physical tag with a tag identifier. The unique physical tag includes a substrate having a plurality of optically readable indicia disposed at random positions and having a fixed positional relationship within the substrate. The instructions, when executed cause the computing device to associate the tangible object with the unique physical tag including the tag identifier, by generating a record of the tangible object as a block in a blockchain uniquely associated with the tag identifier, where the blockchain is managed by one or more devices on a decentralized network.