Liquid Volume Tracking with Distributed Ledger and NFC Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking and preventing fraud in the distribution of liquid products, such as high-value spirits and solvents, are easily circumvented and lack reliability, particularly in scenarios where containers are refilled with cheaper substitutes or tampered with, lacking consumer education and requiring expensive and potentially malfunctioning RFID-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a wirelessly readable communication unit on each volume unit, combined with a distributed ledger, to track and record movements and access to liquid volumes, ensuring tamper-proof registration and preventing forgery by generating and enriching identifications at each block in a network, using RFID/NFC tags and near-field communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID-based tamper-proof seal systems are used to track liquid volume units, then the ability to automatically identify and track containers is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified digital copy approach by implementing a unique identification code on each container that can be read by mobile devices, rather than using complex RFID hardware. This digital identification system replicates the tracking functionality of RFID systems but with significantly reduced complexity and cost, allowing consumers to verify product authenticity through simple mobile device scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, disposable identification mechanisms (such as printed codes or simple electronic tags) on containers instead of expensive, reusable RFID systems. These identification elements are designed to be read once or a few times during the product lifecycle and then discarded, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and complex system maintenance.
2Reliability
If holographic logos or seals are used to indicate product genuineness, then consumer verification capability is improved, but the burden on refillers and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical verification systems (holographic seals, tamper-proof labels that require manual inspection) with a digital identification system that can be verified through mobile device scanning. This substitution eliminates the need for consumers to manually examine complex physical security features and simplifies the refilling process by using electronic rather than mechanical verification methods.
3Ease of operation
If QR codes are used for product verification, then consumer accessibility to verification information is improved, but the system remains vulnerable to circumvention and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized verification server as an intermediary between the identification code on the container and the consumer's mobile device. This server mediates the verification process by validating the uniqueness and authenticity of identification codes, preventing counterfeit creation, and providing real-time verification status to consumers, thereby enhancing the reliability of the otherwise simple QR code system.
4Reliability
If protection lines on different substrates are used to detect container state, then the ability to sense package integrity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the integrity detection function from complex multi-substrate protection line systems and implements it through a simplified approach using a single substrate with embedded identification elements. By taking out the detection functionality and implementing it through digital identification rather than physical continuity sensing, the system achieves comparable reliability with significantly reduced manufacturing precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure, efficient tracking of liquid volumes, preventing refilling fraud and maintaining a balance in distribution networks, providing real-time visibility and accountability of genuine product movement.
Implementation Method 1
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) based on electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects
Implementation Method 2
uses near field (NF) and radio frequency (RF) communication to detect an open container
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, a system, a container and a computer program product concerned with tracking a finite amount of liquid volume which is individualized into volume units. Each volume unit (Vu) comprises a define subset of volume from the finite amount of liquid volume (V). The liquid volume (V) is moved as volume units (Vu) and/or volume unit batch along a series of blocks in a network. The method comprises the steps of generating an identification representative of the specific liquid volume upon generation of that volume, storing that identification on a wirelessly readable communication unit applied on a single volume unit and/or single volume unit batch of the liquid volume, reading that identification by means of at least one first data acquisition unit upon movement of the single volume unit into a specific block in the network and enriching the identification with a specific block identification to form a first block identification and storing that first block identification on a distributed ledger. That last step can be repeated for each movement of the single unit from a parent block into a child block and thereby storing a numbering of subsequent block identification on the distributed ledger for each block the movement into is performed. Finally, an access to the volume unit in any one of the blocks in a network is recorded by means of the wirelessly readable communication unit and reflected in a subsequent reading of the identification.