Virtual Identification Data for Unattachable Supply Chain Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
In supply chain management, items without a physical form or that cannot be attached with real identification media, such as two-dimensional codes, pose challenges in identification and association with transaction records, making it difficult to handle unattachable items.
Innovation Solution
An information processing method that acquires medium information from unattachable items and issues virtual identification data to replace real identification media, enabling identification and association of these items within the supply chain using blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real identification media (such as two-dimensional codes) are used to identify items in the supply chain, then items with physical form can be reliably identified and associated with transaction records, but items without physical form or that cannot be attached with real identification media cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual identification data as a digital copy or representation of the real identification medium. This virtual copy contains the same identifying information and can be used to identify unattachable items in the supply chain, maintaining identification reliability while extending applicability to items that cannot physically carry real identification media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual identification data as an intermediary between the unattachable item and the transaction record association system. This intermediary carries the identifying information needed to link unattachable items with their transaction records, solving the problem of how to identify and track items that cannot physically hold real identification media.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual identification data is issued to replace real identification media for unattachable items, then unattachable items can be identified and associated with information, but the system must handle both real and virtual identification media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the information processing system to handle both real identification media and virtual identification data through unified processing logic. The system can automatically determine whether an item requires real or virtual identification and process both types consistently, reducing the apparent complexity despite the dual-mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (specifically, the attachment capability parameter) to determine whether to issue real or virtual identification data. By monitoring whether an item can be attached with real identification media, the system dynamically adjusts its behavior, issuing appropriate identification types without requiring complex manual configuration.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional codes are attached to items for identification, then transaction records can be associated with physical items, but items without physical form cannot be tracked in the supply chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of identification data that can be associated with non-physical items. These virtual identification data serve as digital representations that enable complete traceability information for all supply chain items, regardless of whether they have physical form or can carry physical identification media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (physical two-dimensional codes on physical items) with a digital/virtual identification system. This substitution enables traceability for non-physical items by using electronic data association instead of physical attachment, maintaining information completeness while expanding applicability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing method for processing related information related to a supply chain (SC) formed of a plurality of traders includes: by at least one processor (51), acquiring, when a supply item (IPr) supplied by the trader is an unattachable item (IXS) to which a real identification medium (PCd) for identifying the supply item (IPr) is not able to be attached, medium information of the real identification medium (S13); and issuing, based on the medium information, virtual identification data (CCd) for identifying the unattachable item (S15, S16) in place of the real identification medium (PCd).