Distributed Ledger Goods Tracking via Immutable Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In supply chains, authenticating goods is challenging due to the lack of transparent and tamper-proof tracking mechanisms, which can lead to fraudulent activities such as counterfeit products and misrepresentation of sourcing practices, making it difficult for end users to verify the origin and integrity of goods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a distributed ledger to track goods through the creation and transmission of tracking objects that contain location, timestamp, and identification data, allowing users to record and verify the movement of goods across the supply chain, ensuring transparency and immutability of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of goods authentication deteriorates due to lack of transparency and tamper-proof tracking
Solution Approach 1:
A distributed ledger system acts as an intermediary between supply chain participants, providing a neutral, transparent, and tamper-proof tracking mechanism. The ledger records all goods movements and transactions immutably, allowing any participant to verify authenticity without requiring trust in specific intermediaries, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks goods movement, authenticates products, records transactions, and provides verification mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single platform, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of information
If manual tracking methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs due to potential data tampering and lack of transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated digital distributed ledger system. Data is automatically recorded, timestamped, and cryptographically secured on the ledger, eliminating manual data entry and reducing opportunities for tampering. This substitution prioritizes data integrity over operational simplicity, though the automated system becomes easier to operate in the long term.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger provides continuous feedback to all participants about goods status, location, and authentication state. This real-time transparency ensures that any attempted data tampering is immediately detectable, preventing information loss while maintaining operational clarity through automated verification processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If centralized tracking systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to fraudulent activities and counterfeit products
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed ledger serves as a neutral intermediary that eliminates the need for trusting centralized authorities. By distributing trust across multiple nodes through cryptographic verification, the system prevents fraudulent activities without requiring a single point of control, thus reducing harmful factors while managing complexity through decentralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and recording actions at each transaction point before goods change hands. Tracking objects are created and verified in advance, ensuring that counterfeit products and fraudulent activities are prevented before they can cause harm, rather than detecting issues after they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein may refer to tracking one or more goods using a distributed ledger. In one implementation, a method may include receiving first tracking objects, where the first tracking objects record first transfer data corresponding to a good provided by the first user. The method may also include acquiring the good from the first user. The method may further include determining first acquisition data corresponding to the good. The method may additionally include transmitting the first acquisition data to the distributed ledger. The method may also include generating second tracking objects based on the first tracking objects and the first acquisition data. The method may further include transmitting the second tracking objects to a third device of a third user. The method may additionally include transferring the good to the third user at the second node.