Token-Based Anchoring of Physical Objects in Distributed Ledgers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracing and anti-counterfeit protection of physical objects, particularly in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and logistics, face challenges in ensuring authenticity and integrity due to limitations in existing security features and traceability systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for tokenizing physical objects using cryptographic hash values, allowing anchoring in a distributed ledger environment, which generates and certifies tokens representing object identification data, enabling decentralized marketplaces and secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic hash values and tokenization are used to anchor physical objects in a distributed ledger, then traceability and authenticity verification are enhanced, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tokens as intermediary digital representations that bridge physical objects and the distributed ledger system. These tokens encapsulate cryptographic hash values and object identification data, serving as mediators that enable verification without requiring direct integration with the complex blockchain infrastructure. The token framework acts as an intermediary layer that simplifies the interaction between physical objects and the decentralized ledger environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the authentication process into distinct components: physical objects contain embedded identification data (such as PUFs or security features), separate token generation systems create digital representations, and the distributed ledger stores verification records. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and implemented independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If security features are added to physical objects for anti-counterfeit protection, then product authenticity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds security features within the physical object's structure during the manufacturing process itself. Identification data such as PUFs (Physical Unclonable Functions) are integrated into the object's microstructure during production, rather than being added as separate external components. This nesting approach enables anti-counterfeit protection to be inherent to the object without requiring additional manufacturing steps or assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The security features are designed to be self-identifying and self-verifying. PUFs and other embedded identification mechanisms automatically provide authentication capabilities without requiring external validation hardware or complex verification processes during manufacturing. The objects essentially verify themselves through their intrinsic physical properties, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a distributed ledger system is implemented for tracking physical objects, then supply chain integrity is improved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified digital copies (tokens) of physical objects that can be tracked and verified in the distributed ledger system. Instead of requiring direct interaction with the complex blockchain infrastructure, users work with these token representations that encapsulate the essential verification data. This copying mechanism allows supply chain participants to operate with simplified interfaces while the underlying distributed ledger maintains integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The token framework is designed as a universal interface that works across different distributed ledger platforms and application scenarios. The same token structure and verification mechanisms can be applied throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution to end-use verification. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity by providing a consistent approach across diverse contexts rather than requiring platform-specific implementations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method, system and computer program for tokenization of a physical object. The method comprises generating or receiving object identification data based on an inspection of the physical object, the object identification data comprising at least one cryptographic hash value as a collision-resistant virtual representation of the physical object; and generating a non-certified token being assigned to the physical object and representing the object identification data. The invention further relates to a computer-implemented method, system and computer program of certifying a token including object identification data. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method, system and computer program of tokenization of a process.