Finite Blockchain Genesis Block Expiry Pruning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain implementations grow linearly over time, leading to storage and processing inefficiencies due to the inability to delete outdated transactions, which can result in petabyte-sized databases and strain decentralization efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating a finite blockchain by introducing reincarnation blocks with defined expiry times, allowing for the deletion of preceding blocks when the genesis expiry time elapses, thereby defining expiry points and optimizing storage and processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If blockchain grows linearly with time to maintain all transactions, then transaction history completeness is improved, but storage requirements and processing overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blockchain into multiple chains (first blockchain and second blockchain) based on transaction expiry times. The first blockchain stores transactions within their validity period, while the second blockchain stores expired transactions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain complete transaction history while managing storage efficiently by separating active and expired transactions into different chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transaction validity by introducing expiry time concepts. Transactions are assigned validity periods, and based on whether they have expired or not, they are stored in different blockchain chains. This parameter change enables the system to differentiate between transactions that need to be retained for validation and those that can be archived, thus optimizing storage requirements while maintaining history completeness.
2Reliability
If all transactions are retained in the blockchain, then data integrity is improved, but decentralization is compromised due to insufficient storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blockchain storage into multiple segments (first blockchain for valid transactions, second blockchain for expired transactions). This segmentation allows nodes to store only the necessary portion (first blockchain) to maintain data integrity for active transactions, while expired transactions are moved to the second blockchain. This reduces the storage burden on individual nodes, enabling better decentralization while preserving data integrity for transactions that matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where expired transactions are effectively discarded from the first blockchain and moved to the second blockchain. Once transactions expire, they no longer need to be retained in the active chain for validation purposes. This discarding of expired data from the primary chain reduces storage requirements, making it feasible for more participants to join the decentralized network without requiring petabyte-scale storage capacity.
3Reliability
If indefinite computing power and disk space are allocated, then blockchain operations are maintained, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by checking transaction expiry times and moving expired transactions from the first blockchain to the second blockchain at regular intervals. This periodic cleanup process ensures that the active blockchain maintains only relevant transactions, reducing the computing power and disk space required for validation operations. The system maintains operational reliability by systematically managing transaction lifecycles while improving resource efficiency through automated expiration handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by removing expired transactions from the active first blockchain and transferring them to the second blockchain. This process recovers storage space and computing resources in the first blockchain, allowing the system to maintain blockchain operations with reduced resource allocation. By discarding expired data from the primary chain, the system improves resource efficiency while maintaining operational continuity for active transactions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for creating a finite blockchain is provided. The blockchain comprises a genesis block that is the first block of the blockchain. The genesis block comprising a genesis expiry time. The method comprises the steps of creating a reincarnation block when a predefined condition is satisfied and appending it to the blockchain; determining whether the genesis expiry time has elapsed based on an expiry period; if the genesis expiry time has elapsed then identifying a first reincarnation block; if the first reincarnation block is identified then deleting all the blocks preceding the first reincarnation block including the genesis block in the block chain.