Distributed Ledger Consumable Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tracking consumable materials and data lack sufficient security transparency and visibility, making it difficult to confidently attest to the disposition of critical materials as they traverse a system, particularly in industries where materials like opioids are involved, and there is a risk of theft or negligence.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system utilizing a digital distributed ledger that generates and verifies genesis, delivery, distribution, and consumption transactions, ensuring secure and immutable records of consumable goods' movement through a network of processors, leveraging blockchain technology for enhanced security and transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual processes and traditional databases are used for tracking consumable goods, then the system is easier to operate and implement, but security transparency and visibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking processes and traditional centralized databases with a distributed ledger system (blockchain). This substitution eliminates the need for manual record-keeping and centralized data storage, providing immutable, transparent tracking of consumable goods while automatically maintaining security across the network through cryptographic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger acts as an intermediary between all participants in the supply chain. Instead of direct peer-to-peer communication requiring complex trust relationships, the ledger mediates all transactions and transfers, automatically recording and verifying each interaction with consumable goods, thereby simplifying the system architecture while enhancing transparency.
2Reliability
If distributed ledger technology is implemented for tracking consumable goods, then security and transparency are improved, but the device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed ledger system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks consumable goods, verifies transactions, maintains security through cryptography, and provides an immutable audit trail. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single platform, reducing overall implementation complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs tracking, verification, and recording functions without requiring manual intervention. Smart contracts and automated protocols handle transaction validation and ledger updates, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and ongoing management, thereby easing implementation despite the sophisticated underlying technology.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual processes are used for tracking consumable goods, then the system is simpler to implement, but the ability to detect and measure the disposition of materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking and record-keeping processes with automated distributed ledger technology. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring of consumable goods disposition without manual intervention, dramatically improving detection and measurement capabilities while the standardized blockchain protocols keep implementation manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system for monitoring the status of a consumable good using a distributed ledger is provided. The tracking system includes a receiver subsystem configured to submit to the distributed ledger a genesis transaction encoding details regarding an original consumable good, and a distributor subsystem configured to receive at least a distribution portion of the consumable good from the receiver subsystem and submit to the distributed ledger a first update transaction, based on the genesis transaction, encoding details regarding the receipt of the distribution portion by the distributor subsystem from the receiver subsystem.