NFT Print Authentication via Blockchain Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack a secure way to verify ownership of digital content associated with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) when printing physical copies, as there is no distinction between copies printed from an NFT file and those from non-associated digital files, and existing digital rights management countermeasures are undesirable in the NFT art field.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates a secure printed copy of NFT-associated content by verifying the owner's identity through a distributed digital ledger, including the option to print a unique authentication code with the content, and verifies the authenticity of printed copies by matching the code and content with the blockchain records.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If digital rights management countermeasures are implemented to prevent copying, then content security is improved, but the ability of NFT purchasers to print and display the work is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent securityVSAvoidprinting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the printing process into two distinct paths: authenticated printing for NFT owners that includes authentication codes, and unauthenticated printing for others that does not. This segmentation allows the system to provide different printing capabilities based on ownership status, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by adding authentication codes selectively to specific printed copies based on the printer's authorization status. Only authenticated printers (NFT owners) receive copies with verification codes, while other printers produce copies without such codes. This localized differentiation maintains security for owners while preserving printing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If authentication codes are printed with digital content, then ownership verification is improved, but the complexity of the printing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveownership verification accuracyVSAvoidprinting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication code that bridges the gap between digital ownership and physical verification. The code acts as a mediator that can be independently verified without requiring complex system access, simplifying the overall verification process while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the authentication code as a verifiable copy of the ownership proof that can be independently validated. Instead of requiring access to the original NFT or complex verification systems, the code serves as a standalone verification mechanism that reduces system complexity while maintaining verification precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If a unique authentication code is generated and stored on the blockchain, then copy authentication is improved, but the time and computational resources required for printing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopy authenticationVSAvoidprinting processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by generating and storing the authentication code on the blockchain before the actual printing process. This advance preparation allows the printing system to simply retrieve and include the pre-generated code, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required during the printing operation itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4231183B1Method and system for authentic NFT printing
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 XEROX CORP
  • EP4231183B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231183B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231183B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for generating a secure copy of content associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) are disclosed. The system will receive a print request to print digital content that is associated with an NFT, access a blockchain to identify a current owner of the NFT, and generate a print job that with instructions to print the NFT content. If and only if the current owner of the NFT is the requesting entity, the system will print a unique authentication code with the digital content. The system will cause a print engine to print the digital content on a substrate or as a 3D object. In some embodiments, the system may be included in a print device that includes the print engine. Other aspects include a system that verifies whether a printed copy of content is an authorized copy, using the unique authentication code and the NFT described above.