Blockchain Approval System Using Cryptographic Token Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing request approval systems face inefficiencies due to human availability constraints, increased overhead, and security vulnerabilities from untrusted approvers, leading to bottlenecks and potential security risks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain network with multiple devices acting as approvers, using cryptographic tokens to facilitate approval processes, where each approval decision is recorded in a block and tokens are removed upon approval, eliminating the need for central authority and authenticating approvers through identity governance systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human-based approval systems are used, then identity verification and trust management are simplified, but efficiency deteriorates due to human availability constraints and bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human approval process with an automated blockchain-based system. Cryptographic tokens and smart contracts automatically verify approvals without requiring human intervention, thereby maintaining trust verification while dramatically improving approval efficiency and eliminating bottlenecks associated with human availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain network enables self-service approval mechanisms where the system automatically manages token distribution, verification, and revocation. The cryptographic token mechanism allows the network to autonomously track approval states and enforce access control policies without requiring manual identity governance interventions.
2Reliability
If hierarchical approval arrangements are implemented, then security control is improved, but overhead and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the approval process into independent cryptographic token operations that can be executed in parallel across multiple network nodes. Instead of sequential hierarchical approvals, the system divides the verification process into discrete blockchain transactions that occur simultaneously, reducing approval delays while maintaining security control through distributed consensus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring cryptographic tokens and approval policies on the blockchain before actual approval requests occur. Smart contracts are deployed in advance with predefined security rules, enabling immediate automated enforcement without requiring time-consuming hierarchical review processes when approvals are needed.
3Device complexity
If untrusted approvers are used in the network, then system complexity is reduced, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cryptographic tokens as intermediaries between approvers and the system. These tokens serve as trusted mediators that verify approver identities and authorization states without requiring the system to directly manage complex trust relationships. The blockchain network acts as an intermediary layer that ensures security while maintaining simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual trust management mechanisms with automated cryptographic verification. Instead of relying on complex human-based trust assessment, the blockchain network uses mathematical cryptography to automatically verify approver credentials, eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with untrusted approvers while keeping system complexity manageable through standardized cryptographic protocols.
4Reliability
If identity governance systems are required for approver authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic token mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it authenticates approvers, tracks approval states, enforces access control policies, and maintains audit records. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate identity governance systems into a single unified blockchain-based mechanism, improving security while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain network provides self-service authentication where cryptographic tokens automatically verify approver identities without requiring external identity governance systems. The network autonomously manages authentication states through smart contracts and token validation logic, eliminating the need for separate complex identity management infrastructure while maintaining strong security controls.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and processor-readable storage media for request approval using blockchain technology are provided herein. An example computer-implemented method includes initiating creation of a blockchain network comprising multiple devices corresponding to required sub-requests configured for a particular request for approval transaction; implementing, at a given one of the devices, a distinct block in the blockchain network, wherein the block comprises cryptographic information pertaining to the particular request for approval transaction, a decision value for one or more of the sub-requests, and a count of the cryptographic tokens remaining in the blockchain network; broadcasting, from the given device to the remaining devices, information pertaining to the block; removing at least one cryptographic tokens from the blockchain network in response to each implemented block that corresponds to approval of a required sub-request; and granting the particular request in response to removal of all of the cryptographic tokens from the blockchain network.