Blockchain Data Access History Management via Distributed Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file sharing systems are vulnerable to security breaches due to centralization, making them costly to secure and unsuitable for vast data storage, while blockchain-based systems face challenges in modifying data and storing large amounts of data across multiple nodes.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method for managing data using a blockchain that transparently records and searches data access history by category, including generating block information with access history and transmitting it across a network of external apparatuses, updating access history, and generating new encryption keys for secure data storage and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data is stored in a central server, then data accessibility is improved, but security is weakened and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized data storage into distributed storage across multiple nodes in a blockchain network. Each node holds a copy of the data, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining accessibility through the distributed network structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces smart contracts as intermediaries that automatically manage data access permissions and transactions. These self-executing contracts enforce security rules without requiring centralized control, enabling secure access in a decentralized environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a high-performance security apparatus is deployed to protect centralized data, then security is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service security through cryptographic algorithms and smart contracts that automatically verify and protect data without requiring external security apparatus. The system secures itself through inherent cryptographic properties rather than additional hardware or software layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses computationally inexpensive cryptographic operations and hash functions that provide strong security without requiring high-performance security hardware. These lightweight cryptographic primitives replace expensive security apparatus while maintaining security effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If data is distributed across multiple blockchain nodes, then security is improved, but data storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddata storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential data elements and their cryptographic hashes to the blockchain, while storing the actual data off-chain. This separation allows the blockchain to maintain security through distribution while avoiding the inefficiency of duplicating large data sets across all nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where cryptographic hashes and metadata are stored on the blockchain, while the actual data is stored in external storage systems. The blockchain references point to the external storage, creating a hierarchical structure that combines the security of distributed storage with the efficiency of centralized data management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If data integrity is enforced through blockchain consensus, then security is improved, but data modifiability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddata modifiability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data structures where data can be updated by creating new blocks that reference previous blocks through hash pointers. This allows data to evolve over time while maintaining the integrity chain, enabling modification without compromising the immutable nature of blockchain consensus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses cryptographic hashing as a preliminary action before data storage, creating a digital fingerprint that remains immutable. This allows the original data to be modified while the hash reference maintains the integrity record, enabling both modifiability and integrity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3850521B1Electronic apparatus managing data based on block chain and method for managing data
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3850521B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3850521B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3850521B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic apparatus for managing data based on a block chain and a method therefor are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a communication interface, a memory, and a processor to receive a request for accessing data from an authenticated user, generate first block information regarding the request by including information on the request and at least one second block information related to the request from among a plurality of second block information stored in the memory, transmit the generated first block information to at least one of a plurality of external apparatuses constituting a block chain, and update the plurality of second block information stored in the memory based on the generated first block information. The plurality of second block information includes information on a block regarding a latest access history by category among a plurality of blocks included in block chain data shared by the plurality of external apparatuses.