Distributed Ledger Authenticity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for determining the authenticity of products, such as NFC chips and artificial intelligence, are not cost-effective, can be easily circumvented, and do not protect consumer privacy, making it challenging to verify the authenticity of items, especially in complex distribution channels.
Innovation Solution
A distributed computing infrastructure that verifies the authenticity of items on demand using a private network of computers, storing information in databases accessible via communication networks, allowing users to check the authenticity of products before purchase through mobile applications, and generating digital certificates for verified items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC chips are used to verify product authenticity, then verification capability is improved, but cost increases and the system can be easily circumvented by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification logic from physical hardware (NFC chips) and moves it to a distributed digital ledger system. Instead of relying on embedded chips that can be counterfeited, the system uses blockchain technology to store and verify product authenticity data externally, eliminating the need for costly and vulnerable hardware components while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary layer between manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. This distributed ledger acts as a trusted mediator that records and verifies product authenticity without requiring direct trust between parties or expensive verification hardware, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while improving reliability
2Reliability
If AI and machine learning platforms are used to detect counterfeit products, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and consumer privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection capability from complex AI/machine learning systems and replaces it with a simpler blockchain-based verification mechanism. The distributed ledger provides inherent counterfeit detection through its immutable record-keeping and consensus mechanisms, eliminating the need for expensive and complex AI infrastructure while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lightweight, accessible technologies such as mobile devices and web browsers to interact with the blockchain system, replacing expensive AI hardware and software. These common, inexpensive tools are sufficient to query and verify product authenticity on the distributed ledger, significantly reducing system complexity and cost
3Productivity
If centralized verification systems are used, then verification efficiency is improved, but security and trust are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized verification authority into multiple distributed nodes across the blockchain network. Instead of relying on a single central system that creates security vulnerabilities and trust issues, the verification function is distributed across numerous independent participants, maintaining efficiency through parallel processing while enhancing security and trust through decentralization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the verification capabilities of multiple independent entities (manufacturers, retailers, consumers) into a unified blockchain system. This combination allows all participants to contribute to and benefit from the verification process simultaneously, maintaining high efficiency through coordinated action while building robust security and trust through the collective strength of the distributed network
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for verifying the authenticity an item using a computer network comprising a plurality of databases associated with various entities in a chain of ownership of the item. The databases store records of transactions involving transfers of ownership of the item, along with other authenticity relevant information. In some embodiments, an item is deemed to be authentic upon determining, based on information stored in the databases, at least the following: that an item identifier, received from a device associated with an entity requesting authenticity verification, exists in a database associated with a manufacturer of the item; that an entity offering the item for sale is associated with the manufacturer; and that a database associated with the entity offering the item for sale (1) contains an entry corresponding to the item identifier and (2) the entry indicates the item is available for sale by that entity.