Cross-System Object Tracking via Distributed Ledger Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for physical objects are limited by reliance on centralized databases, which restrict access to product history and are vulnerable to counterfeiting, as buyers lack visibility into the product's history and access is often limited to manufacturers or intermediaries.
Innovation Solution
A cross-system object tracking platform utilizing a digital object representation with an append-only log structure that includes linked segments for each entity in the supply chain, featuring a globally unique ID, timestamps, and digital authentication certificates, allowing for decentralized tracking and verification of a product's integrity without a centralized database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized tracking database is used, then product tracking information can be stored and accessed, but access is limited to manufacturer and intermediate distributors, and the system is vulnerable to counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized database is segmented into distributed ledger entries across multiple nodes. Each node maintains a copy of the blockchain with transaction records, eliminating single-point-of-access limitations while maintaining data integrity through cryptographic linking of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking database is replicated across multiple distributed nodes rather than maintained as a single centralized copy. Each participant in the supply chain holds a synchronized copy of the ledger, enabling universal access while preventing counterfeiting through cryptographic verification.
2Productivity
If a centralized tracking database is implemented, then product history can be tracked, but the system has a central point of failure and cannot scale to high volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized database into segmented blockchain blocks distributed across multiple nodes. Each block contains a segment of transaction history and is linked cryptographically to previous blocks, enabling parallel processing and high-volume tracking without creating a single point of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical centralized database system is replaced with a cryptographic distributed ledger system. Cryptographic hashing and digital signatures substitute for centralized authentication mechanisms, enabling scalable tracking while improving system stability through decentralized verification.
3Reliability
If security features are attached to the object, then counterfeiting resistance is improved, but the features are difficult to duplicate and require user registration and access to SCM systems
Solution Approach 1:
Physical security features are replaced with digital cryptographic signatures and hashes that can be easily replicated and verified. The blockchain records cryptographic proofs of ownership and transfer, eliminating the need for complex physical security features while maintaining counterfeiting resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical security features and manual registration systems are replaced with automated cryptographic verification. Digital signatures and blockchain consensus mechanisms automatically verify authenticity without requiring user registration or access to centralized SCM systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrity of a physical object is verified by receiving, data encapsulating a request to verify the integrity of the physical object. Subsequently, a data structure is accessed that includes a plurality of linked segments each characterizing an entity within a supply chain for the physical object. Each segment includes a respective predecessor field and a respective hash value. All of the segments can be iterated through in reverse chronological order to confirm, for each segment, whether a value for the predecessor field is equal to a hash value in a hash field in an immediately previously segment, the hash value being a hash of all values of the particular segment. Data characterizing the iteration can then be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.