Blockchain Document Certification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signature solutions for verifying the authenticity of printed documents are inadequate, as they rely on centralized Certificate Authorities and cannot ensure the authenticity of printed documents when tampering may occur before printing.
Innovation Solution
A distributed ledger-based system, such as a blockchain, is used to generate a certification identifier, hash, and signature for documents, which are then stored on a distributed ledger, allowing for decentralized verification of printed documents' authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital signatures are used for document authenticity verification, then the authenticity of the sender can be verified, but the authenticity of printed documents cannot be ensured when tampering occurs before printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the digital signature and certification identifier before the document is printed. The signature is embedded in the electronic document prior to printing, creating a binding between the electronic content and the printed output. This preliminary signing ensures that any tampering after printing can be detected, as the signature was created based on the original electronic document state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a certification identifier as an intermediary element that links the digital signature to the printed document. This certification identifier is generated by a certifying device and included in the printed output, serving as a mediator that connects the electronic signature verification process with the physical printed document, enabling traceability and verification of the printed document's authenticity.
2Reliability
If centralized Certificate Authorities are used for digital signatures, then document authenticity can be verified, but the system requires centralized management and trust infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core certification function from the centralized Certificate Authority infrastructure and implements it in a distributed manner using blockchain technology. Instead of relying on a centralized CA to issue and manage digital certificates, the system uses the blockchain ledger to store and verify certification identifiers and signatures, eliminating the need for centralized certificate management while maintaining trust through the decentralized consensus mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical centralized Certificate Authority system with a cryptographic blockchain-based verification system. Instead of relying on hierarchical certificate issuance and validation through CAs, the system uses cryptographic signatures and hash functions embedded in the blockchain ledger to verify document authenticity, substituting the centralized mechanical trust infrastructure with a decentralized cryptographic verification mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If software-based digital signature solutions are applied, then document authenticity verification is enabled, but the solution requires additional software infrastructure and management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the digital signature generation and verification functions directly into the printing process. The certifying device that generates the signature and certification identifier is integrated with or closely coupled to the printing system, allowing the authentication data to be embedded in the document during the printing process itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate software applications and infrastructure, as the printing device becomes the certification authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the printing device itself to generate and embed the digital signature and certification identifier without requiring external software intervention. The printing system performs the certification function autonomously, using its own resources and capabilities to create the authenticated document, thereby eliminating the need for additional software infrastructure and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising: receiving, by a certifying device, a document for printing and digital certification, generating a certification identifier for the document, generating a hash of at least a portion of the document, adding a signature and the certification identifier to the document, generating a signed transaction comprising the certification identifier, the hash of the document and settings for reproducing hash of the document, the transaction being signed by the cryptographic key associated to the apparatus, and providing the signed transaction to a distributed ledger.