Chain of Custody Verification With Correlated Transit Logs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of securely tracking the chain of custody of goods during transportation is problematic, with potential breaks occurring at various stages, leading to issues such as evidence exclusion, counterfeit goods entering the market, and questioning the product's source.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a network element that receives and correlates log data from computing devices associated with portable containers and transit elements to verify the chain of custody, using sensors, communication subsystems, and cryptographic key management for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chain of custody tracking methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the reliability of chain of custody verification deteriorates due to potential breaks at various stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chain of custody tracking into discrete segments by assigning unique identifiers and cryptographic keys to each transit element (containers, vehicles, handlers). Each element maintains its own log data independently, allowing verification of each segment without compromising the entire system. This segmentation enables reliable tracking while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network element as an intermediary that receives, stores, and correlates log data from multiple transit elements. This intermediary facilitates the verification process by comparing log data against expected chain of custody sequences, thereby improving reliability without requiring direct complex interactions between all transit elements.
2Measurement precision
If manual chain of custody documentation is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the precision of tracking deteriorates due to human error and documentation breaks
Solution Approach 1:
Transit elements automatically generate and maintain their own log data without requiring manual documentation. Each element self-records interactions, transfers, and status changes, eliminating human error in documentation while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes. The system serves itself by correlating data without requiring intensive manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with electronic automated logging systems. Transducers and computing devices automatically record chain of custody events, substituting human-operated mechanical documentation with electronic systems that provide higher precision tracking while reducing operational complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If cryptographic key management is implemented for secure locking, then the security of goods transport is improved, but the device complexity increases due to key distribution and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic system divides key management into segments by assigning unique key pairs to each transit element. Private keys remain localized to individual elements while public keys are distributed to the network element for verification. This segmentation secures the transport process while managing complexity through distributed key custody rather than centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element implements a universal key verification process that handles cryptographic validation for all transit elements through a single interface. This multi-functional approach maintains high security reliability while reducing overall system complexity by providing a centralized verification mechanism that works with all segmented key pairs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method at a network element for verification of chain of custody of goods within a portable container, the method including receiving, from a computing device associated with the portable container, first log data; receiving, from at least one transit element that interacted with the computing device associated with the portable container during transport of the goods, second log data; and correlating the first log data and the second log data to verify the chain of custody of the goods.