Blockchain Code Distribution Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-connected devices face challenges in verifying the trustworthiness of received code due to vulnerabilities in network communications, such as spoofing and unauthorized access, especially when multiple intermediate distribution components are involved, making it difficult to ensure the reliability and appropriateness of the code.
Innovation Solution
A method using a blockchain data structure to securely distribute code, where a base station generates a new transaction with a hash value for the code and a list of target devices, and broadcasts the current blockchain state, allowing target devices to verify the code's origin and suitability without relying on intermediate nodes, and optionally using a shared blockchain for consensus validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security mechanisms (intrusion detection services, antimalware services, firewalls, antivirus services) are implemented in network-connected devices, then security protection is improved, but device resource consumption increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between code distribution and verification. Instead of embedding complex security mechanisms in each device, the blockchain serves as a trusted intermediary that stores and verifies code integrity, allowing devices to rely on external verification rather than internal security resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical security mechanisms (firewalls, antivirus services) with a cryptographic verification system based on blockchain. The verification process uses hash functions and blockchain state comparison instead of resource-intensive intrusion detection and antimalware services, reducing device resource consumption while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If code is distributed through multiple intermediate distribution components, then code distribution flexibility is improved, but verification of code authenticity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the blockchain continuously records and verifies the state of code distribution. Each distribution event is logged in the blockchain, and devices can verify authenticity by checking the blockchain state, creating a feedback loop that maintains verification reliability even as distribution flexibility increases through multiple intermediaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain acts as a trusted intermediary that bridges code distributors and devices. Even when multiple intermediate distribution components are involved, the blockchain provides a single source of truth for code authenticity, allowing flexible distribution while maintaining verification reliability through cryptographic proof stored in the blockchain.
3Ease of manufacture
If devices are furnished with limited processing resources to reduce manufacturing and operating costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ability to implement traditional security mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain serves as an external security intermediary that compensates for limited device resources. Security verification is performed using lightweight cryptographic operations (hash comparison) rather than resource-intensive traditional security mechanisms, allowing low-cost devices to achieve adequate security through the blockchain intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces resource-intensive traditional security mechanisms with lightweight cryptographic verification based on blockchain. Instead of running antivirus services or intrusion detection on resource-constrained devices, the system uses hash function comparison against blockchain-stored reference values, dramatically reducing device resource requirements while maintaining security capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method for receiving code distributed by a base station at a target device via a network, the distribution being made to one or more destination devices including the target device via one or more distribution servers arranged between the base station and the one or more devices on the network, wherein the base station maintains a first blockchain data structure storing one or more blocks and having a state determined by a most recently committed block in the first blockchain, the method comprising: receiving the code, a defined list of devices connected to the network, and the hash value for the code and the defined list of devices via the one or more distribution servers; receiving a broadcast communication including a current state of the first blockchain for receipt by target device, the current state including a transaction having a hash value for the code and the list of network connected devices, and the current state having associated a hash value based on the contents of the transaction and a hash value evaluated for a block corresponding to a preceding state of the first blockchain; verifying, based on access to a second blockchain, the validity of the hash value evaluated for the preceding state of the first blockchain, the second blockchain storing blocks of one or more transactions containing hash values for one or more previous states of the first blockchain, and the second blockchain being validated by blockchain miners at one or more of the destination devices so as to confirm the validity of blocks in the second blockchain; and in response to the verification and a determination that the target device is included in the list of network connected devices, executing the code at the target device.