Authorization Tokens for Secure Peer-to-Peer Data Rights Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decentralized data management systems lack mechanisms for secure, trustless data transfer and data rights exchange, particularly in peer-to-peer distributions, and rely on centralized systems for permission management, lacking scalable hosting without data host access and flexible policy enforcement.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized framework using data authorization tokens (AuthTokens) with multiple layers of encryption and a hybrid blockchain/cloud storage architecture enables secure, trustless data transfer by encrypting data with symmetric and asymmetric algorithms, allowing authorized access and delegation of rights through ERC-721 compliant tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized systems are used for permission management, then data access control is simplified, but system scalability and data host independence are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a decentralized permission management system using smart contracts as intermediaries between data owners and access requesters. The smart contract executes on a blockchain network, eliminating the need for centralized servers while maintaining secure access control. This resolves the contradiction by providing both simplified permission management through automated smart contract execution and system scalability through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service permission management where data owners can grant access rights directly to users through the decentralized platform. The smart contracts automatically handle authentication, authorization, and data retrieval without requiring manual intervention from centralized administrators. This self-service mechanism achieves both ease of operation and scalability simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If data is stored on centralized servers, then data accessibility is improved, but data host access and security control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage and access control into separate components: data is stored on decentralized networks (IPFS, Arweave) while access control is managed through blockchain smart contracts. This segmentation allows data to be accessible without being hosted on centralized servers that could be compromised. The smart contracts provide security control by verifying user identities and authorization before enabling data access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical centralized server infrastructure with a decentralized digital architecture. Instead of relying on physical servers that can be hacked or censored, the patent uses cryptographic protocols, blockchain technology, and distributed storage networks to provide both accessibility and security control. This substitution eliminates the trade-off between accessibility and security control.
3Reliability
If multiple encryption layers are implemented, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric encryption where a public key is copied and distributed alongside the private key. The public key can be freely shared to encrypt data, while only the corresponding private key can decrypt it. This copying mechanism enables secure data transmission without requiring complex key management systems, as the public key serves as a universal encryption key for multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements nested encryption where data is encrypted multiple times with different keys at different layers. The outermost layer uses asymmetric encryption with the recipient's public key, while inner layers use symmetric encryption with session keys. This nested structure provides progressive security: if one encryption layer is compromised, inner layers remain protected. The smart contract manages this complexity by automatically handling the encryption and decryption processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If peer-to-peer data distribution is enabled, then data sovereignty is improved, but trust mechanisms are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through blockchain verification and smart contract validation. When a user requests data access, the smart contract verifies their identity and authorization status in real-time, providing feedback on whether access should be granted. The blockchain provides an immutable feedback trail that records all access requests and authorizations, creating trust through transparent and verifiable feedback loops between data owners and users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of trust from centralized authority to cryptographic verification. Instead of trusting a central server to manage permissions, the system uses mathematical cryptographic parameters (public/private key pairs, digital signatures) to establish trust. The blockchain provides a distributed ledger that records all transactions, creating trust through transparent, immutable parameters that can be verified by any participant in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for secured, peer-to-peer transfer of data rights over a computer network, the method being accomplished by a decentralized computing system including a distributed ledger platform and an off-chain data host platform. A data owner authorizes the minting and distribution of an on-chain authorization token using the distributed ledger. The authorization token includes primary and secondary encryption levels to ensure secure data transfer. The authorization tokens are used to track data access rights, enforce access policies, and control distribution of encryption keys transferred between the data owner, an administrator, a recipient, and/or a delegate.