Blockchain File Time-Stamping via Embedded Hash Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in verifying the creation time of files stored for long periods, as they can only determine if a file was created before a certain point in time, making it difficult and time-consuming to ensure the integrity and authenticity of large volumes of data over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses blockchain technology to timestamp files by generating a hash value from a previous block, embedding a beacon related to this hash value in the file, and recording it in a new block, allowing for verification of the file's creation time between a first and second point in time, using a processor to manage the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain technology is used to store large volumes of data for long periods, then data integrity and authenticity are ensured, but verification of file creation time becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a beacon containing a hash value from a previous block into the file before recording it in a new block. This preliminary action creates a time reference that allows verification of file creation time without requiring complex retrospective analysis of the blockchain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beacon as an intermediary element that carries timestamp information from the blockchain into the file. This beacon acts as a mediator that links the file to a specific point in the blockchain history, enabling efficient time verification.
2Reliability
If traditional third-party services are used to verify data integrity, then data authenticity is guaranteed, but costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the blockchain system to verify its own data integrity through the embedded beacon mechanism. The hash value from a previous block serves as a self-referential timestamp that can be verified by anyone without requiring external third-party services, thus eliminating verification costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the timestamp information by embedding the beacon containing the hash value into the file. This copied time reference can be independently verified without requiring the original third-party verification service.
3Device complexity
If only a single timestamp is recorded in blockchain blocks, then block structure remains simple, but ability to determine file creation time range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to time verification by embedding a beacon that references a previous block's hash. This creates a time range verification capability (file created after previous block timestamp and before current block timestamp) without significantly complicating the block structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for storing data and ensuring integrity and reliability of the data using blockchain technology. An exemplary method is provided for time-stamping a file to be added to a blockchain network. The method includes generating a data file; identifying a hash value from a first block previously recorded in the blockchain network; embedding a beacon relating to the hash value in the data file; and recording the data file with the embedded beacon as a transaction in a second block in the blockchain network.