Blockchain Data Tracking via Bidirectional Association Pointers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain data management systems are inadequate for tracking and tracing data, particularly in scenarios where the latest or historical status of data needs to be monitored, as they rely on point-to-point data queries which do not support comprehensive data tracking or tracing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain data management method and apparatus that utilizes association information, including backward and forward association pointers, to establish and update associations between data blocks, allowing for the tracking and tracing of data by determining and updating addresses within the blockchain, ensuring data integrity and security through hash tree updates and timestamp recalculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If point-to-point data query method is used based on block hash or transaction hash, then data query can be performed, but data tracking and tracing capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data query function into two distinct modes: point-to-point query (for specific transactions) and tracking/tracing query (for historical evolution). This is achieved by introducing separate pointer fields (forward association pointer and backward association pointer) that enable independent tracking operations without interfering with standard query mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces association pointers as intermediary elements that connect original data with changed data. These pointers act as mediators that enable tracking and tracing functionality without modifying the core data structure or existing query mechanisms, allowing both query modes to coexist.
2Loss of information
If association information is added to enable data tracking, then data tracking capability is improved, but blockchain structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the association information into separate pointer fields (forward association pointer and backward association pointer) rather than using a complex nested structure. This segmentation allows the tracking functionality to be added as distinct, manageable components that can be processed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making association pointers optional and context-specific. Not all data structures require full tracking capability, and the pointers are only activated when tracking is needed, allowing the system to maintain simplicity for standard operations while providing enhanced tracking where required.
3Duration of action of moving object
If data is changed and stored in new blocks, then data updates are enabled, but loss of association between original and changed data occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through bidirectional pointers that continuously maintain the relationship between original and changed data. When data is updated, the forward association pointer in the original data points to the new data, and the backward association pointer in the new data points back to the original, creating a feedback loop that preserves the association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the association pointers at the moment of data creation or modification. Rather than attempting to retroactively link changed data, the system proactively creates the tracking relationships when changes occur, ensuring continuous associability throughout the data lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a blockchain data management method and apparatus. The method includes: obtaining, based on a storage location of first data in a blockchain, association information of the first data in the blockchain, to obtain a storage location of second data in the blockchain and obtain the second data. The second data is data obtained by changing the first data, or may be data that is changed to obtain the first data. In this way, the first data can be tracked and traced based on the association information of the first data, to improve blockchain management efficiency.