Cryptographic Timestamp Generation via Hash Chain Consensus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating cryptographic time stamps for digital documents rely on a single trusted time server, which can lead to trust issues and vulnerabilities if the server malfunctions or provides incorrect time specifications, and do not effectively protect against subsequent manipulations.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple time servers to generate a cryptographic time stamp by iteratively transmitting hash values and receiving digital signatures and time specifications, forming a hash chain that reduces reliance on individual servers and enhances security through majority consensus and collision resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single trusted time server is used to generate cryptographic time stamps, then the process is simple and fast, but trust issues and vulnerabilities arise if the server malfunctions or provides incorrect time specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single time server system into multiple independent time servers (at least three). Each server operates independently and provides time specifications that are collectively verified. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure and trust dependency, as the system now relies on the consensus of multiple servers rather than a single trusted authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hash chain as an intermediary mechanism that connects multiple time specifications together cryptographically. The hash chain serves as a mediator that allows verification of time specifications without requiring direct trust in any individual server. Each time specification is linked to the previous one through cryptographic hashing, creating an immutable chain that proves temporal ordering and authenticity.
2Reliability
If multiple time servers are used to generate cryptographic time stamps, then reliability and security are improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the verification parameter from trusting individual server identities to verifying cryptographic hash relationships. Instead of complex identity verification processes for multiple servers, the system uses a simplified parameter-based approach where each time specification is verified through its cryptographic hash link to the previous specification in the chain. This reduces the operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple time servers are used to generate cryptographic time stamps, then protection against manipulations is enhanced, but the time required for generating time stamps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryptographic hashing of time specifications to create the hash chain before final verification is needed. By pre-computing and linking the hash values of multiple time specifications in advance, the system prepares the verification structure ahead of time. This preliminary action reduces the real-time verification burden, allowing faster time stamp generation while maintaining the security benefits of multiple servers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a cryptographic timestamp for a digital document using multiple time servers is provided. In the method, a nonce value is produced and a current hash value is formed from the nonce value and the digital document. Then, a time server is repeatedly selected, the current hash value is transmitted to the selected time server, a response comprising a digital signature of the current hash value and a time indication is received by the selected time server, and an additional hash value is determined from the received response and used as the current hash value. The cryptographic timestamp for the digital document is formed from the nonce value and the multiple received responses. The method produces a tamperproof timestamp on a majority basis and is suitable for dating and protocolling in the field of automation and IoT.