Blockchain Power Metering Data Integrity and Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power metering systems face security vulnerabilities and lack transparency due to centralized structures, and blockchain-based systems struggle with storage capacity and protecting sensitive data.

Innovation Solution

Storing power metering data and digitally signed hash values in both a power metering server and a blockchain node, using hash algorithms and public-key cryptography to ensure data integrity and authenticity, while managing storage through a distributed ledger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power metering data is stored in a centralized power metering server, then data management is simplified, but security vulnerabilities and lack of transparency occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management complexityVSAvoiddata security and transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides data storage into two segments: the power metering server stores complete power metering data while the blockchain stores only hashed and signed data. This segmentation allows the centralized server to maintain simple data management while the blockchain provides security and transparency through distributed verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blockchain as an intermediary between the centralized power metering server and data users. The blockchain verifies data authenticity through hashing and digital signatures, providing transparency and security without requiring complete data transparency across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If power metering data is directly stored on a blockchain, then data transparency is improved, but storage capacity issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transparencyVSAvoidblockchain storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the bulk power metering data from the blockchain and stores it in the power metering server. Only the essential verification information (hashed and signed data) is stored on the blockchain. This extraction resolves the storage capacity issue while maintaining blockchain transparency for verification purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the power metering data structure where the blockchain stores a cryptographic representation (hash) of the data rather than the actual data. This copying approach allows transparency through verification while avoiding the storage capacity constraints of storing complete data on the blockchain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If power metering data is stored on a blockchain, then data integrity is improved, but sensitive information protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidsensitive information exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts sensitive power metering data from the blockchain storage and maintains it in the power metering server. The blockchain only stores cryptographic hashes and digital signatures, which provide integrity verification without exposing sensitive information. This extraction protects sensitive data while maintaining blockchain integrity features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the data representation parameter on the blockchain from raw power metering data to cryptographic hashes and digital signatures. This parameter transformation maintains data integrity through verification while protecting sensitive information from direct exposure on the blockchain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11852664B2Power metering apparatus, power metering server, and power metering method based on blockchain
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • US11852664B2 patent drawing
  • US11852664B2 patent drawing
  • US11852664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power metering apparatus, a power metering server, and a power metering method based on a blockchain are disclosed. Particularly, in order to simultaneously assure integrity and transparency of power metering data based on a blockchain, power metering data generated by measuring an amount of power generated by an energy source and a unique key are stored in a database linked to a power metering server, and a digitally signed hash value of the power metering data is stored in a blockchain node. Accordingly, disclosed are blockchain-based power metering system and method for preventing forgery and tampering of power metering data, solving a problem associated with a blockchain storage capacity that may occur when storing the power metering data, and protecting sensitive information on the power metering data.