IoT Blockchain Data Security via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of IoT devices generates overwhelming data and poses risks due to potential hacking, leading to disruptions in the internet infrastructure and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

IoT devices equipped with processors, sensors, and wireless transceivers, integrated with blockchain technology for secure data transmission and smart contract management, enabling autonomous operation, data analysis, and real-time monitoring while minimizing reliance on centralized cloud storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If IoT devices transmit all generated data to centralized cloud storage, then data analysis capability is improved, but system security and reliability deteriorate due to single points of failure and hacking risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized cloud storage system into multiple distributed nodes forming a blockchain network. Each node stores copies of the data ledger, eliminating the single point of failure. The data is divided into blocks that are chained together cryptographically, with each block containing data from multiple IoT devices. This segmentation maintains data availability for analysis while distributing security risks across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between IoT devices and cloud storage. This intermediary provides decentralized data management through smart contracts that automatically execute data storage and retrieval operations. The blockchain acts as a trusted mediator that enables secure peer-to-peer data transmission without requiring centralized cloud servers, thus maintaining analysis capability while improving security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If IoT devices operate autonomously with minimal human intervention, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases requiring advanced security protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidsecurity protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through smart contracts that automatically execute transactions and data operations without human intervention. IoT devices autonomously generate data, the blockchain network automatically validates and stores it in appropriate blocks, and smart contracts trigger executions based on predefined conditions. This self-service mechanism enables autonomous operation while the standardized blockchain protocol simplifies security management compared to custom complex security systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a universal blockchain protocol that serves multiple functions: data storage, authentication, transaction management, and security validation. This single multi-functional infrastructure replaces multiple separate security protocols and management systems. The blockchain network simultaneously handles identity verification, data integrity checking, and authorized access control, reducing overall system complexity while enabling autonomous operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If decentralized blockchain technology is implemented for data management, then system reliability and security are improved, but data transmission speed and processing efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management securityVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data into discrete blocks that are processed and transmitted independently through the blockchain network. Each block contains a subset of IoT data and can be validated and stored separately. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple blocks simultaneously, improving overall throughput. The segmented approach maintains security through cryptographic chaining while enabling efficient data transmission by avoiding the need to process entire data sets sequentially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial validation where not every transaction requires full network consensus before being accepted. The system uses a threshold mechanism where a predetermined number of nodes must validate a block before it is committed to the chain. This partial action approach maintains security by requiring sufficient consensus while avoiding the delays of requiring complete network agreement, thus improving data transmission speed without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10789590B2Blockchain
Publication Date: 2020.09.29 ARBOR SYSTEMS LLC
  • US10789590B2 patent drawing
  • US10789590B2 patent drawing
  • US10789590B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a transceiver coupled to a processor. Blockchain smart contracts can be used with the device to facilitate secure operation.