Blockchain Metadata Delivery Using Encrypted Smart Contracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metadata transfer methods face issues of incompleteness, bandwidth consumption, and security risks, particularly in the context of media content distribution, leading to unreliable and insecure updates.
Innovation Solution
A data transfer application utilizing a distributed blockchain ledger (DBL) and smart contracts to securely and timely deliver metadata by encrypting content and setting execution conditions, ensuring data integrity and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If periodic updates are used to transfer metadata, then data can be transmitted between databases, but the metadata may be incomplete or out-of-date between updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing metadata on the blockchain before it is actually needed. The metadata is encrypted and placed on the blockchain in advance, allowing the receiving system to access it when required without waiting for periodic updates. This ensures metadata is always available and complete when needed, eliminating the incompleteness issue while maintaining efficient transfer.
2Quantity of substance
If large periodic updates are used to transfer metadata, then comprehensive data can be transmitted, but bandwidth consumption increases and error possibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metadata transfer process by dividing metadata into individual records that are stored as discrete blocks on the blockchain. Each block can be accessed independently, allowing systems to retrieve only the specific metadata needed rather than transferring entire large datasets periodically. This reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining access to comprehensive metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain acts as an intermediary between metadata producers and consumers. Instead of direct large-scale periodic transfers between databases, the blockchain distributes and stores metadata in a decentralized manner, enabling efficient access without high bandwidth consumption. The smart contract system further mediates access control and timing.
3Productivity
If scheduled periodic updates are used to transfer metadata, then data can be transmitted at regular intervals, but there is no guarantee that critical data will be delivered on time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by storing metadata on the blockchain before it is needed, with the ability to access it immediately when required. The system can retrieve metadata at any time rather than waiting for scheduled updates, ensuring on-time delivery guarantees for critical data while maintaining regular update productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If bulk periodic updates are used to transfer metadata, then large amounts of data can be transmitted, but security is compromised as data breaches affect large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into individual blockchain blocks that are distributed across the network. Each block contains specific metadata and can be accessed independently. This segmentation means that if a breach occurs, only specific blocks are affected rather than large amounts of data, reducing the impact of security failures while maintaining comprehensive data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain serves as a secure intermediary that stores data in a decentralized, immutable manner. The distributed nature of the blockchain means no single point of failure exists, and data is encrypted and distributed across multiple nodes. This reduces security risks compared to centralized bulk storage, as breaches cannot compromise all data at once.
5Ease of operation
If metadata is stored unencrypted on the blockchain, then access is simple and fast, but data security and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by encrypting metadata before storage on the blockchain, while maintaining the ability to decrypt and access the data when authorized. The encryption is applied locally to each metadata block, allowing secure storage without sacrificing access simplicity - authorized users can still read and process the data efficiently when needed, while unauthorized access is prevented.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for securely distributing metadata using a block chain. The system generates a block for a distributed blockchain ledger such that the block includes an encrypted metadata item of a media asset. The system, at a first time, transmits the block for storage in the distributed blockchain ledger such that a copy of the distributed blockchain ledger is stored by the first computing device and a second computing device. The system generates a smart contract that includes a decryption key for the encrypted metadata item and an identifier of the second computing device. The system transmits the smart contract for storage in the distributed blockchain ledger. The smart contract is configured to be automatically executed at the execution time that is later than the first time, to provide the second computing device with the decryption key for the encrypted metadata item.