Tamper-Proof Tag for Chain of Custody Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate tracking of ownership and custodianship of valuable and rare objects is crucial to prevent the creation of black or gray markets, but existing methods fail to ensure the integrity and authenticity of transfer records, leading to potential value loss.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof tag with memory and communication interface is used to store custody information, featuring write-protected custody claim entries and release records, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody through authentication and signature validation, allowing only authorized users to add claims and protect against tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking methods are used to monitor ownership transfers, then basic custody information can be recorded, but the integrity and authenticity of transfer records cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of custody information stored in secure memory within the tag, rather than relying on physical documents that can be altered or forged. The memory contains read-only copies of custody claim entries and release records that cannot be modified, ensuring authenticity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual tracking systems with electronic digital storage and authentication mechanisms. The tag uses electronic memory to store custody information and cryptographic signatures to verify authenticity, eliminating the vulnerability of manual record-keeping while ensuring both integrity and reliability
2Ease of operation
If custody information is stored in accessible memory, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized modifications can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access qualities to different parts of the memory system. The custody claim entries and release records are stored in read-only memory sections that are accessible for verification but cannot be modified. The system provides local quality differentiation where reading operations are permitted but writing operations are restricted to authorized entities only
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by writing custody information to read-only memory at the time of transfer, before any potential unauthorized modification can occur. The memory is pre-configured with write-protection mechanisms that prevent tampering from the outset, ensuring reliability while maintaining operational ease through controlled access
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entities can modify custody records, then flexibility in tracking is improved, but the authenticity of the chain of custody deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where each entity in the custody chain independently verifies the authenticity of transfers by reading and validating the digital signatures in the memory. The system serves itself by automatically verifying chain integrity without requiring centralized authorization, maintaining both flexibility for multiple entities and authenticity through decentralized verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where each custody transfer generates a verifiable record that can be checked by subsequent entities. The system provides feedback in the form of digital signatures and timestamps that confirm the authenticity of each transfer step, allowing multiple entities to participate while maintaining chain integrity through verifiable feedback loops
Data Source
AI summary
A tag used for storing information related to chain of custody of an object is described. The tag is at least one of attacked to a physically associated with the object and the tag includes memory that has custody claim entries written thereto. When custody of the object is transferred from one entity to another entity or when an entity relinquishes custody of the object, a release record is also written to the tag. The custody claim entries and release records written to the tag can be used to verify the chain of custody of the object.