Cross-Blockchain Message Ordering via an Overledger Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blockchain technologies face challenges in securely and efficiently maintaining the order of transactions across multiple blockchains, particularly due to differences in protocols and the difficulty in transferring data between them, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A communications layer, referred to as the 'overledger communications layer', decouples application functionality from specific blockchain protocols, enabling seamless interaction and data transfer across various blockchains using a software development kit (SDK) and blockchain programming interface (BPI), allowing for the recording of transaction orders and managing cross-ledger transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications directly comply with specific blockchain protocols, then integration with that blockchain is achieved, but switching between blockchains becomes difficult and system flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overledger message service as an intermediary layer between applications and blockchain protocols. This message service handles protocol-specific operations (broadcasting, querying, listening) while presenting a unified interface to applications. The message service acts as a mediator that translates application-level messages into protocol-specific transactions, thereby enabling blockchain interoperability without requiring applications to directly implement multiple protocol integrations.
2Reliability
If blockchain protocols are used directly, then transaction processing is achieved, but security vulnerabilities and instability arise when switching between protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blockchain interaction system into distinct layers: the overledger message service layer and the underlying blockchain protocol layer. This segmentation allows the message service to provide stable, secure abstractions while the underlying protocols can be switched or updated independently. The message service maintains security by validating and managing transactions across different blockchains without exposing application logic to protocol-specific vulnerabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blockchain protocols are integrated directly, then cross-chain functionality is achieved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overledger message service implements a universal interface that works across multiple blockchain protocols. The same message service methods (broadcastMessage, queryMessage, listenForMessages) can operate on different blockchains with varying protocols. This multi-functionality is achieved by having the message service internally handle protocol-specific details while maintaining a consistent external API, thereby enabling multi-blockchain support without increasing operational complexity for applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a computer implemented method for maintaining a record of an order of messages appearing on one or more blockchains, the method comprising: identifying a plurality of messages, wherein each of the messages in the plurality of transactions is included on any of the one or more blockchains; and storing a record of the plurality of messages in a data store, wherein the record is indicative of the relative order of the plurality of transactions.