Blockchain Tracking Code Lifecycle Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking code systems are inefficient and insecure, as they treat tracking codes and physical articles separately and lack secure generation, verification, and lifecycle management across different industries and entities.
Innovation Solution
A centralized computer-implemented management platform using blockchain technology for secure tracking code generation, imprinting, and lifecycle management, including custody tracking, field service orders, and asset transfer, with cryptographic keys for peer systems to manage and verify tracking codes and articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking code systems are used, then implementation is simple, but security and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain network as an intermediary layer between tracking code generation and verification. This distributed ledger technology mediates the trust relationship between different entities, allowing secure tracking code management without requiring direct trust between parties. The blockchain acts as a neutral third party that records and verifies all tracking code operations immutably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional centralized mechanical trust systems with a cryptographic-based distributed system. Instead of relying on centralized authorities or physical security measures, the system uses cryptographic algorithms, digital signatures, and consensus mechanisms to ensure tracking code security and integrity across the network.
2Productivity
If tracking codes and articles are managed separately, then existing systems can be maintained, but efficiency and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tracking code management with article lifecycle management into a unified system. The blockchain records link tracking codes directly to their corresponding articles throughout their entire lifecycle, from generation to disposal. This integration allows simultaneous management of both tracking codes and articles, improving efficiency while maintaining security through the immutable ledger.
3Manufacturing precision
If verification of tracking code imprinting is performed, then accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs verification actions immediately after tracking code imprinting, recording the verification result on the blockchain before the article moves to the next stage. This preliminary verification ensures accuracy is confirmed early, and the immutable record prevents future disputes without requiring repeated verification processes later in the workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a blockchain distributed ledger to manage tracking code and physical article lifecycle. A first peer generates a cryptographic key for each of a plurality of peers, each key enabling a peer to access the distributed ledger. The first peer also generates a plurality of tracking codes and inserts first block(s) onto the distributed ledger that initiate a lifecycle for each code and make each code visible to the peers. A second peer imprints each code onto a corresponding physical article, inserts second block(s) onto the distributed ledger recording this imprinting, and inserts third block(s) onto the distributed ledger indicating that custody of the tracking codes has been transferred to a third peer. The third peer inserts fourth block(s) onto the distributed ledger indicating that receipt of custody of the tracking codes and their corresponding physical articles from the second peer has been confirmed by the third peer.