Logistics management system and method using blockchain
Inventors
LEUNG, Wai Kei Ricky • Chu, Shing Yee • Wong, Chi Keung • LEUNG, Tsz Fung • NG, Samuel Chen Ying
Assignees
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute ASTRI
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Publication Number
US-12198145-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A computer-implemented method for compliance checking related to goods in import supply chain logistics is provided, including: adding received legality data elements into a blockchain ledger corresponding to an importation of the goods; establishing a smart contract of the blockchain ledger; adding received sensing data elements corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger; adding electronic lock (e-Lock) status data corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger; and adding one or more inspection results corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger. Furthermore, determining, by the smart contract, whether the goods are within the compliance according to the received legality data elements, the received sensing data elements, the e-Lock status data and the one or more inspection results, wherein in response to determining that the goods are within the compliance, unsealing the e-Locks by sending a control signal to the e-Locks.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for checking a compliance related to goods in import supply chain logistics using a blockchain ledger and smart contracts. The method adds received legality data elements related to the goods into a blockchain ledger corresponding to an importation of the goods, where the legality data elements are sent from one or more terminals of an importer or one or more import-related institutions.
A smart contract is selected among one or more established smart contracts based on a type of the goods, with each established smart contract associated with a type of goods. The selected smart contract is used while adding one or more received sensing data elements generated by one or more sensors installed at one or more containers containing the goods, and adding electronic lock (e-Lock) status data generated by e-Locks installed at the containers, continuously into the blockchain ledger. Inspection results are added into the blockchain ledger when received from one or more authorized terminals.
In response to triggering an execution condition of an assessment process, the selected smart contract determines whether the goods are within the compliance according to the received legality data elements, the received sensing data elements, the e-Lock status data, and the inspection results. If the goods are within the compliance, the method unseals the e-Locks by sending a control signal to the e-Locks, and if not within the compliance, the method sends notifications without unsealing to the importer and institutions.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims. The inventive features across the independent claims center on blockchain-ledger recording, goods-type-based smart contract selection, continuous ingestion of sensing and e-Lock status data, authorized inspection result recording, smart-contract-based compliance determination upon an assessment trigger, and conditional unsealing or notification outcomes.
Goods-type-based smart contract selection for import compliance
Selecting a smart contract among one or more established smart contracts based on type of the goods, wherein each of the established smart contracts is associated with a type of goods.
Blockchain ledger ingestion of importer legality data
Adding one or more received legality data elements related to the goods into a blockchain ledger corresponding to an importation of the goods, wherein the legality data elements are sent from one or more terminals of an importer or one or more import-related institutions.
Continuous blockchain recording of container sensing data
Adding one or more received sensing data elements corresponding to the selected smart contract into the blockchain ledger continuously, wherein the sensing data elements are generated by one or more sensors installed at one or more of the containers containing the goods.
Continuous blockchain recording of container e-Lock status data
Adding electronic lock (e-Lock) status data corresponding to the selected smart contract into the blockchain ledger continuously, wherein the e-Lock status data is generated by e-Locks installed at the containers containing the goods.
Authorized inspection result recording into the blockchain ledger
Adding one or more inspection results corresponding to the selected smart contract into the blockchain ledger when the inspection results are received from one or more authorized terminals.
Smart-contract-based compliance determination on assessment execution condition
In response to triggering an execution condition of an assessment process, determining, by the selected smart contract, whether the goods are within the compliance according to the received legality data elements, the received sensing data elements, the e-Lock status data, and the inspection results.
Conditional unsealing of e-Locks based on compliance
In response to the goods being within the compliance, unsealing the e-Locks by sending a control signal to the e-Locks.
Notification without unsealing when goods are non-compliant
Else, if the goods are not within the compliance, sending a notification to at least one of the importer and the institutions without unsealing the e-Locks.
Logistics management system architecture with blockchain ledgers and controlled containers
A management server having a first processor configured to manage one or more blockchain ledgers; and one or more containers, each of the containers comprises one or more sensors installed at the container; one or more electronic locks (e-Locks) installed at one or more doors of the container, and configured to seal the doors; and a second processor, configured to control the sensors and the e-Locks.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is the use of a blockchain ledger and goods-type-associated smart contract to ingest legality data, continuously record container sensing data and e-Lock status data, record authorized inspection results, evaluate compliance when an assessment execution condition is triggered, and then either unseal e-Locks via a control signal or send notifications without unsealing.
Stated Advantages
Unsealing e-Locks when goods are within the compliance.
Sending notifications without unsealing when goods are not within the compliance.
Documented Applications
Checking compliance related to goods in import supply chain logistics.
Logistic management using blockchain for compliance checking in an import supply chain.
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