Blockchain State Remediation via Trusted Entity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain technology lacks a mechanism to rectify errant or defective network states recorded in blocks without compromising the distributed, decentralized nature of the network.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computing system configured as a node in a blockchain network, which receives a request message for placing an entry on the blockchain. The message includes a request specification, an indicator of authorization by a trusted entity, and cryptographic verification codes. The system applies public encryption keys to decrypt the action-payloads, verifies their consistency, and submits the entry for block processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain maintains backward immutability to ensure security and integrity, then existing blocks cannot be changed, but this prevents rectification of errant or defective network states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the state modification capability by introducing separate constructs (replacement states, contingent actions, arbitration mechanisms) that operate alongside the immutable blockchain ledger. This allows the blockchain structure itself to remain unchanged while enabling state remediation through authorized overlays and conditional logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining contingent actions and arbitration rules within smart contracts before disputes arise. These pre-programmed mechanisms automatically execute when specific conditions are met, enabling state remediation without requiring manual intervention or blockchain reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blockchain operates as a decentralized network with consensus rules, then each node independently validates state changes, but this creates complexity in coordinating authorized state modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary arbitration mechanism that mediates between the immutable blockchain ledger and the need for state modifications. The arbitration smart contract serves as a neutral intermediary that verifies authorization, validates replacement states, and coordinates changes across the decentralized network, simplifying the complexity of direct node-to-node coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where nodes verify replacement states against the original blockchain ledger and contingent action conditions. This continuous verification feedback ensures that state modifications maintain consistency with the immutable ledger while enabling necessary corrections, reducing coordination complexity through automated validation.
3Reliability
If blockchain uses cryptographic signatures for state changes, then only the owner of a state can initiate changes, but this prevents trusted entities from authorizing corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the original cryptographic ownership verification with new trusted entity authorization mechanisms. The smart contract combines the owner's digital signature with additional authorization from trusted entities (such as arbitration signatures or multi-signature requirements), creating a hybrid authorization model that maintains security while enabling correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite authorization structure where multiple cryptographic elements (owner signature, trusted entity signature, contingent action conditions) are combined into a single authorization framework. This composite approach allows trusted entities to authorize corrections without compromising the original cryptographic security model, as all elements must validate together.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods for a node of a blockchain are disclosed. The node may receive a request message for placing an entry on the blockchain, the message including; a request specification including an action and identity of a party subject to the action, an indicator that the entry was authorized by a trusted entity, and a plurality of cryptographic verification codes generated by a plurality of trust verifiers, each cryptographic verification code including an encoded action-payload from the trusted entity and cryptographically signed by one of the trust verifiers. The node may apply a public encryption key of each trust verifier to its cryptographic verification code to decrypt an encoded action-payload, and then verify that at least a threshold, number of the decrypted corresponding encoded action-payloads are identical. The node may then submit the entity for processing to be added to the blockchain responsive to at least the verification.