Hierarchical NFT Access Control via Nested Smart Contracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods for controlling access to resources using a hierarchical structure of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) that can dynamically manage permissions and transactions in a decentralized and secure manner, particularly in blockchain-based environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a chain-based system using parent NFTs and nested child NFTs, where parent NFTs define main policies and child NFTs define sub-policies for resource access, stored in a distributed storage system, allowing for dynamic management of permissions and transactions through smart contracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hierarchical structure of parent NFTs and nested child NFTs is implemented to control resource access, then access control flexibility and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical access control system where parent NFTs contain nested child NFTs, each representing different levels of access permissions. The parent NFT structure encapsulates multiple child NFTs, allowing layered permission management where each level can grant or restrict access to specific resources. This nesting approach enables complex access control policies to be represented through a structured hierarchy of tokens.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control system is segmented into multiple independent NFT components (parent NFTs and child NFTs), each with distinct permission sets. Rather than using a single monolithic access control mechanism, the system divides permissions into discrete, manageable units that can be independently created, transferred, and revoked. Each NFT represents a specific permission grant, allowing fine-grained control over resource access.
2Extent of automation
If smart contracts are used to define main policies and sub-policies for resource access, then automation and dynamic permission management are improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Access control policies are pre-defined and encoded within the smart contracts of parent and child NFTs during token creation. The main policy and sub-policies are established in advance, specifying permission rules, resource access conditions, and transfer restrictions. This preliminary configuration allows the system to automatically enforce access control decisions without requiring complex real-time computations, reducing computational overhead during access verification.
3Reliability
If a distributed storage system is used to store the chain of NFTs, then decentralization and security are improved, but storage overhead and access time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential access control data within the NFT structures on the blockchain, while allowing detailed resource information and large datasets to be stored off-chain. The NFTs contain compact representations of permission grants and access policies, enabling quick verification of access rights without requiring retrieval of entire resource datasets from distributed storage. This extraction approach minimizes storage overhead and accelerates access decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling access to resources. The methods comprise a data structure (e.g., a blockchain, etc.) using a parent NFT or child NFTs to control access to resources and recording data in a block indicating performance of a transaction or activity in relation to the resources. At least one block comprises the parent NFT with the child NFTs nested therein. The parent NFT may comprise a first smart contract defining a main policy for accessing or using the resources. The child NFT may comprise a second smart contract defining a sub-policy for accessing or using the resources.