Blockchain Structured Data Management via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Blockchain systems lack the ability to store and query data records in a structured manner due to the absence of a data definition language and well-defined indexing structure, limiting their application in business environments that require efficient data processing and analytics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system and method for structured data management on a blockchain, which includes selecting database function elements, receiving user inputs, appending transactions with preconfigured permissions to invoke smart contract methods, and receiving response parameters to manage and query data records in a structured format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored on blockchain in raw transaction format, then security and decentralization are improved, but data querying and retrieval efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into two parts: structured data stored on-chain in the blockchain for security and immutability, and unstructured/raw data stored off-chain in external storage systems. This segmentation allows efficient querying of structured data while maintaining the security benefits of blockchain, resolving the contradiction between security and querying efficiency.
2Loss of information
If all data records are fetched from blockchain for structured querying, then data retrieval completeness is improved, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-structuring data during the transaction writing phase. Data is organized into structured formats (tables, columns, rows) and stored on-chain before any querying occurs. This eliminates the need to fetch and structure data at query time, reducing processing time while maintaining retrieval completeness.
3Productivity
If external database is used for structured data querying, then data processing efficiency is improved, but intermediary dependency increases and blockchain advantages are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blockchain system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional blockchain functions (secure transaction storage) and database functions (structured data querying) within the same system. The blockchain itself is enhanced with data definition language capabilities and structured storage, eliminating the need for separate external databases while maintaining efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If data is stored in structured format on blockchain, then data querying capability is improved, but storage flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the blockchain schema to be modified through data definition language operations. Tables can be created, altered, and dropped; columns can be added or modified. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different data structures and requirements while maintaining structured storage benefits for querying efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method for enabling creating and managing structured tables on a blockchain thereby facilitating retrieval of data records with standard database operational commands and in a structured manner. Creating structured tables as per a defined schema provides for data storage in a manner which enables easy integration with existing business applications. Further, the system and method provides for storing unstructured data records in a structured manner in the blockchain.