Decentralized Blockchain File Signature Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining the validity of digital signatures require a central authority and are problematic when the original publisher is no longer available, leading to dependence on the publisher or central authority for signature renewal, and lack mechanisms for long-term verification and flexibility in signing order, especially for specific file types like PDF documents.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized method using a blockchain to maintain file validity by allowing users to search for publisher-related signatures, confirm their validity, determine and encrypt an identification string, and register a renewed signature, where the publisher and validating instance can differ, ensuring unique file identification and avoiding central authority reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central authority is used to maintain file signature validity, then the verification process can be centralized and controlled, but the system becomes dependent on the availability of the publisher or central authority and lacks decentralization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signature maintenance function by introducing multiple validators who independently verify and renew signatures. Instead of relying on a single central authority, the system divides the validation responsibility across multiple distributed nodes, allowing any validator to maintain file validity even when the original publisher is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces validators as intermediary entities between the publisher and the verification process. These validators act as mediators who can independently confirm and renew signatures without direct involvement from the original publisher, thereby maintaining system operation when the publisher is unavailable.
2Reliability
If the original publisher must be available for signature renewal, then signature authenticity can be directly verified, but the system becomes problematic when the publisher is no longer available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having validators pre-authorized to renew signatures without requiring the original publisher's direct involvement. The system prepares multiple trusted validators in advance who can independently perform signature renewal, ensuring continuity even when the publisher becomes unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing validators to autonomously perform signature verification and renewal without needing to contact or coordinate with the original publisher. Each validator independently maintains signature validity through their own verification processes.
3Ease of operation
If a centralized system is used for file validation, then the process can be simplified and controlled, but it lacks flexibility in signing order and requires central authority dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing flexible signing orders among multiple validators. Instead of requiring a fixed sequential process, the system enables validators to sign and validate files in various orders, with the blockchain automatically recording and verifying each signature regardless of the sequence in which validators participate.
4Measurement precision
If personal information is registered in the blockchain for file validation, then verification can be more direct and personalized, but it reduces security and compliance with regulations like GDPR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts personal information from the blockchain registration process. Instead of storing personal data directly on the blockchain, the system uses cryptographic hashes and public keys that do not contain personally identifiable information, thereby maintaining verification accuracy while eliminating personal information exposure risks.
Data Source
AI summary
This application claims the benefit of Belgian Application No. BE2016/5964 filed 22 Dec. 2016, Belgian Application No. BE2016/5965 filed 22 Dec. 2016, Belgian Application No. BE2016/5966 filed 22 Dec. 2016, PCT/IB2017/056624 filed 25 Oct. 2017 and PCT/EP2017/082803 filed Dec. 14, 2017, International Publication No. WO 2018/114587 A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.