Item Tracking With Distributed Ledgers for Tamper-Proof Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking items in production and distribution lack secure, decentralized, and tamper-proof methods to record and verify component and transportation information.
Innovation Solution
A distributed cryptographically verifiable ledger system, such as blockchain, is used to create indelible records of component and transportation information, with each node maintaining a copy of the ledger and verifying transactions through cryptographic hashes, ensuring authenticity and preventing tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centralized tracking systems are used, then implementation is simpler, but security and tamper-proof capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking ledger into multiple distributed copies across different nodes in the network. Each node maintains an independent copy of the ledger, eliminating the single point of failure and enabling tamper-proof tracking through distributed verification
Solution Approach 2:
Cryptographic hash functions serve as intermediaries that link blocks together in the ledger. Each block contains a hash of the previous block, creating an immutable chain that provides tamper-evident tracking without requiring direct trust between nodes
2Reliability
If distributed ledger technology is implemented, then security and authenticity are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates identical copies of the tracking ledger across multiple nodes. Each node independently maintains a complete copy, enabling verification through comparison without requiring complex coordination for data synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated cryptographic verification. Nodes use cryptographic algorithms to automatically verify the authenticity and integrity of ledger entries, eliminating the need for complex manual auditing mechanisms
3Reliability
If cryptographic verification is used for each transaction, then authenticity is ensured, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cryptographic hashing of data before it is added to the ledger. By pre-computing hash values and organizing data in a structured format, the system reduces the computational burden during transaction verification
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes perform verification on critical fields such as cryptographic hashes and block links, while trusting other fields that are verified by the network consensus. This selective verification approach maintains security while reducing processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking an item in a distributed environment is provided. At least one node in a network adds a new block to a first cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a first sequence of blocks that is stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the first cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a component identifier and a hash of a previous block in the first sequence of blocks. The at least one node in the network adds a new block to a second cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a second sequence of blocks that is stored in the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the second cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a destination identifier, the first sequence of blocks, and a hash of a previous block in the second sequence of blocks.