Blockchain Off-Chain Storage Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network storage solutions face complexities in verifying storage across multiple nodes due to different proof-of-storage schemes, protocols, and key formats, leading to resource-intensive management and potential file loss if direct interactions are not maintained.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based platform that standardizes proof-of-storage verification through challenge-based systems, where challenges and corresponding keys are stored on the blockchain, allowing verification without direct access to the original file, and using Merkle Trees for cryptographic integrity checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct interactions between file owner and storage nodes are maintained for verification, then storage verification reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource management become exponentially complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between file owners and storage nodes. Instead of direct point-to-point verification interactions, the blockchain serves as a trusted intermediary that stores file metadata, hashes, and verification records. This intermediary layer simplifies the verification process by providing a centralized verification mechanism that all parties can access without requiring direct complex interactions between each file owner and multiple storage nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of file data that are stored on the blockchain. Rather than requiring direct access to original files for verification, the system uses cryptographic hash copies that can be verified against stored values. This copying approach allows verification without needing to handle the actual large file data, reducing resource requirements while maintaining verification reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different storage solutions are used, then adaptability and storage options are improved, but the number of direct file management transactions grows exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blockchain-based verification system that works across multiple different storage solutions and protocols. The blockchain stores standardized file metadata and verification records that can be accessed regardless of which storage node or protocol is being used. This universal approach allows the system to support heterogeneous storage solutions (different protocols, key formats, proof-of-storage schemes) while maintaining a single efficient verification pathway, preventing the exponential growth of management transactions.
3Quantity of substance
If original files are deleted after storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but verification becomes impossible without direct file access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing cryptographic hashes and metadata of files on the blockchain before the original files are deleted from storage nodes. This advance preparation ensures that verification information is already available in the blockchain ledger. When files are deleted from storage nodes to improve storage efficiency, the verification capability is preserved because the blockchain already contains the necessary hash values and verification records that were created in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of file data and stores them on the blockchain. These hash copies serve as verification proxies that remain available even after original files are deleted. The verification process compares stored blockchain hashes with newly computed hashes from stored data, enabling verification without requiring the original files to persist in their initial locations.
4Ease of operation
If standardized proof-of-storage verification is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but cryptographic processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial verification by comparing cryptographic hashes rather than verifying entire files. This partial action approach (verifying only the hash values stored on the blockchain) dramatically reduces computational and energy requirements compared to full file verification, while still providing sufficient verification for most use cases. The system performs just enough cryptographic processing (hash comparison) to ensure verification without excessive energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may provide blockchain-based storage node control for unified proof-of-storage interaction for off-chain data chunk storage. The system may include verification circuitry that may provide a challenge to a storage node to audit the storage status of a data chunk. The verification circuitry may obtain identities for the storage node and data chunk based on blockchain records. The verification circuitry may obtain a challenge answer from the storage node in response. The verification circuitry may analyze the challenge answer in view of a challenge key to confirm whether the storage node has possession of the data chunk. When the storage node has possession of the data chunk chain circuitry may add a verification record to the blockchain.