Dynamic Digital Proof for CO2 Verification Without Data Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for binding products with CO2 certificates require manufacturers to disclose product details like serial numbers, potentially leading to inference of proprietary information, and do not allow for dynamic updates of CO2 offsetting information without revealing additional corporate data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates a trustworthy digital proof for a product, including a product identifier and dynamic attributes, with links to external, exchangeable proof data certified by a second certification unit, allowing for updates without disclosing additional proprietary information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If product details like serial numbers are published in CO2 certificates to bind products with certificates, then trustworthy verification of CO2 offsetting is achieved, but proprietary information such as production quantity, production output, and production downtimes may be inferred
Solution Approach 1:
The proof data is segmented into two parts: static proof data containing product identifier and certification information, and dynamic proof data containing CO2 offsetting information. This segmentation allows verification of CO2 offsetting without exposing proprietary production details, as the dynamic part can be updated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic CO2 offsetting information is extracted from the main proof data and stored separately as external proof data. This extraction allows the CO2 certificate to verify offsetting information without containing or exposing sensitive product details like serial numbers that could lead to inference of production quantities.
2Reliability
If CO2 certificates contain product serial numbers and production period information to bind specific product instances, then CO2 offsetting can be verified, but the certificates become static and cannot be updated without issuing new certificates
Solution Approach 1:
The proof data structure is made dynamic by separating static certification information from dynamic CO2 offsetting information. The dynamic proof data can be updated during the product lifecycle without requiring re-issuance of the entire certificate, enabling adaptability while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The static proof data is prepared in advance with product identifier and certification information, while the dynamic proof data is prepared separately for CO2 offsetting. This preliminary separation allows independent updates of CO2 information without affecting the core certification structure.
3Reliability
If new CO2 certificates are issued to update offsetting information, then up-to-date information is provided, but resources are wasted and additional proprietary information may be disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 offsetting information is extracted as separate dynamic proof data that can be updated independently. This allows updating offsetting information without re-issuing the entire certificate, saving resources and avoiding unnecessary disclosure of static certification information.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding and re-issuing entire certificates, only the dynamic CO2 offsetting portion is updated while preserving the static certification data. This reduces resource consumption and maintains the integrity of the original certification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method for providing a trustworthy digital proof attesting at least one dynamic attribute of a product, comprising the steps of: - generating (S1), by a manufacturer unit (11), a first proof data (15, 20) comprising: • a product identifier identifying the product, and • at least one dynamic attribute (23) about the product, comprising a first link (FLK) referring to a second proof data (16, 30), the second proof data (16, 30) being located outside of the first proof data (15, 20), the second proof data (16, 30) being retrievable using the first link (FLK), the second proof data (16, 30) is exchangeable during the life cycle of the product, the second proof data (16, 30) containing an up-to-date information (32) concerning the dynamic attribute (23), a second link (SLK) back to the first proof data (15, 20), and the second proof data (16, 30) being certified with a second certification data element (33) by a second certification unit (13), - amending (S2) the first proof data (15, 20), by a first certification unit (12), with a first certification data element (25) certifying the content of the first proof data (15, 20), and - transferring (S3), the first proof data (15, 20) related to the product from the manufacturer unit (11) to a customer unit (14).