Finite Blockchain Loop Locking Genesis and Terminating Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blockchain systems lack tamper-resistant security for finite-length blockchains, as they are designed to extend indefinitely, making it difficult to prevent the addition of new blocks and ensuring data integrity for records of finite length.

Innovation Solution

A blockchain with a finite number of blocks is secured in a loop using a locking blockchain block that cryptographically links the genesis and terminating blocks, preventing further additions by incorporating hash digests from both, and utilizing Merkle trees to secure data across multiple physical mediums.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a blockchain is designed to extend indefinitely to accommodate continuous transactions, then the blockchain can continuously accept new blocks, but it cannot prevent the addition of new blocks and lacks tamper-resistant security for finite-length records

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate continuous transactionsVSAvoidtamper-resistant security for finite-length records

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a terminating block with a null parent hash before the blockchain reaches its intended end. This terminating block is configured in advance to reject any subsequent blocks, thereby preemptively preventing unauthorized extensions and ensuring tamper-resistant security for finite-length records from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by transitioning the blockchain from a static indefinite structure to a dynamic finite structure. The blockchain evolves from accepting continuous blocks to reaching a predetermined termination point where the terminating block's null parent hash configuration dynamically switches the system from an open-ended state to a closed, secure state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a blockchain allows continuous addition of blocks, then it maintains flexibility for ongoing transactions, but it cannot ensure data integrity for records of finite length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for ongoing transactionsVSAvoiddata integrity for finite-length records

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the terminating block with a null parent hash before the blockchain reaches its intended end. This preliminary configuration ensures that once the finite-length record is complete, the blockchain structure itself prevents any further modifications, thereby ensuring data integrity without requiring ongoing intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If cryptocurrency blockchains are constructed to continue indefinitely, then they can accommodate further transactions, but there is always an open end to which new blocks may be attached, preventing termination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to record further transactionsVSAvoidability to terminate the blockchain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the terminating block's structure with a null parent hash configuration before the blockchain reaches its intended conclusion. This preliminary setup makes termination straightforward and operationally simple, as the system is already configured to recognize and enforce the end point without requiring complex termination logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional blockchain approach. Instead of having blocks continuously reference previous blocks indefinitely, the terminating block inverts the reference pattern by having a null parent hash, effectively pointing to nothing rather than to a previous block. This inversion clearly signals the end of the chain and simplifies termination operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20220393876A1Locking blockchain blocks for data security for finite length blockchains

Publication Date: 2022.12.08 WINARSKI TYSON YORK

AI summary

The present specification discloses a blockchain having a finite number of blockchain blocks secured in a loop with a locking blockchain block executed by instructions stored on a non-volatile computer tangible medium. The blockchain has a genesis blockchain block and a terminating blockchain block that ends the blockchain. The blockchain also has a blockchain lock block that includes a hash digest based on a hash digest from the genesis blockchain block and a hash digest from the terminating blockchain block. The blockchain lock block logically locks the genesis blockchain block to the terminating blockchain block forming the blockchain into a loop by cryptographically linking the genesis blockchain block to the terminating blockchain block, thereby preventing the addition of new blockchain blocks in the blockchain that continue a conventional blockchain through hashes based on just the previous blockchain block.