Distributed Ledger Data Lineage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed data architectures, maintaining data lineage across multiple platforms is challenging due to independent data access and transformation, making it difficult to identify and track the flow and transformation of data.
Innovation Solution
A data lineage platform uses a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain, to identify, generate, and store lineage records, ensuring secure and transparent data lineage information management by utilizing a software development kit (SDK) to integrate with the distributed ledger, allowing authorized nodes to access and validate updates to datasets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed data architectures are used to enable independent data access and transformation across multiple platforms, then data accessibility and platform independence are improved, but data lineage tracking becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lineage record as an intermediary entity that mediates between distributed data operations and tracking requirements. Each lineage record captures transformation details, source information, and destination information, serving as a standardized interface that simplifies tracking across heterogeneous platforms while maintaining data accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where lineage records are continuously updated and validated across the distributed network. Nodes verify lineage information and provide feedback to maintain accuracy, enabling automated tracking of data flow without increasing operational complexity for individual platforms.
2Loss of information
If multiple versions of datasets are maintained to track transformations, then data lineage information is preserved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining multiple full dataset versions, the patent creates lightweight lineage records that copy only essential metadata about transformations. Each lineage record contains hashed representations and reference information rather than complete data copies, preserving lineage information while significantly reducing storage and computational resources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the representation of lineage data from storing complete dataset versions to storing condensed parameter information. Lineage records capture essential transformation parameters, source identifiers, and destination identifiers, changing the data structure from voluminous to compact while maintaining traceability.
3Reliability
If centralized third parties are used to manage data transactions, then transaction security is improved, but system complexity and trust requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the distributed ledger system to self-verify transaction integrity through cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms. Each node independently validates lineage records without requiring centralized arbitration, with the system automatically detecting and preventing tampering through hash chain verification, thereby achieving security without centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges security verification, lineage tracking, and data validation functions into a unified distributed ledger mechanism. By combining these previously separate functions into a single blockchain-based infrastructure, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining or enhancing security through the inherent properties of blockchain technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may log update information associated with an operation, wherein the update information identifies one or more changes made to the dataset during the operation and a source of the operation. The device may identify, based on identification information associated with the dataset, a lineage record identifier associated with the dataset. The device may generate a lineage record associated with the operation, wherein the lineage record includes the lineage record identifier and the update information. The device may send a request for validation to an authorized node to validate the lineage record, wherein the authorized node is authorized to access the dataset. The device may store, based on the lineage record being validated by the authorized node, the lineage record in a distributed ledger, wherein the distributed ledger is accessible to a plurality of nodes to enable the plurality of nodes to access the update information.