Blockchain QR Packaging Codes for Supply Chain Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counterfeiting prevention techniques are not secure, not immutable, prone to tampering, lack transparency, and are costly, failing to verify product codes at every stage of the supply chain and provide effective tracing and tamper-free solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using packaging codes and blockchain technology to generate encrypted product codes through a product code generation engine, employing cryptographic hashes and QR codes, ensuring verification and authentication at each supply chain stage, with tamper-proof encryption and decryption processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing counterfeiting prevention techniques are used, then some level of product identification is achieved, but security and immutability are insufficient and tampering is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between product codes and verification systems. The blockchain ledger serves as a trusted mediator that stores product journey data immutably, preventing tampering while maintaining system integrity. This resolves the security-complexity contradiction by providing cryptographic security through the blockchain intermediary without requiring complex verification infrastructure at each supply chain node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical security measures (such as physical seals, manual verification processes, and centralized authentication servers) with cryptographic hash functions and blockchain-based digital verification. This substitution provides enhanced security and immutability while reducing the complexity of physical security infrastructure and manual verification procedures.
2Loss of information
If product codes are verified at each stage of the supply chain, then transparency and traceability are improved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service verification where any stakeholder in the supply chain can independently verify product authenticity by scanning the product code and checking the blockchain ledger. The system automatically provides transparency and traceability information without requiring manual verification or complex operational procedures. This resolves the transparency-operational ease contradiction by enabling automated, user-friendly verification that improves information access while maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If existing authentication methods are used, then some level of verification is achieved, but they are prone to tampering and hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional authentication mechanisms (physical security measures, centralized servers, manual verification) with cryptographic hash functions and blockchain-based verification. This substitution provides superior tamper resistance through cryptographic security while reducing the complexity of physical security infrastructure and centralized authentication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as a trusted intermediary that mediates between product codes and verification systems. The blockchain ledger provides an immutable record of product journey data, preventing tampering while maintaining system integrity. This intermediary approach enhances tamper resistance without requiring complex verification infrastructure at each node.
4Adaptability or versatility
If serialization codes with multiple formats are used, then product identification capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal product code system based on cryptographic hashes that can be verified across all supply chain stages and platforms. The blockchain-based verification system provides multi-functionality, supporting various product types and supply chain configurations through a single standardized approach. This resolves the versatility-complexity contradiction by providing a universal code format that works across different contexts without requiring multiple specialized code formats.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides secure, transparent, and cost-effective counterfeiting prevention by verifying product codes at every stage, ensuring product authenticity and traceability, and preventing tampering, suitable for multiple industries and supply chain levels.
Implementation Method 1
generate a hash of a first product code by encrypting scanned product data associated with a product received from an input/output unit. The first product code is a cryptographic hash conversion of the product data.
Implementation Method 2
generate a second product code by encrypting the first product code for combining with one or more distinct Quick Response (QR) part values.
Implementation Method 3
employing cryptographic hashes and QR codes, ensuring verification and authentication at each supply chain stage
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for prevention of counterfeiting of products using combination of packaging codes and blockchain technology is provided. Hash of a first product code is generated by encrypting scanned product data associated with a product received. Second product code is generated by encrypting first product code for combining with distinct first product code Quick Response (QR) part values. Hash of a third product code is generated by combining hash of first product code and hash of second product code. Hash of third product code is divided into a hash of a first sub-code and a hash of a second sub-code. Lastly, a comparison of a scanned third product code placed on the product is performed with requested user ID, generated hash of first product code, second product code and hash of third product code to ascertain a match therebetween for preventing counterfeiting of the product.