Distributed Ledger Attestations for Faster Identity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in verifying the identity of parties in online transactions, particularly in person-to-person interactions, as current methods are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A distributed ledger-based identity management system that utilizes attestations, which include licenses, certificates, or authorizations, managed by identity providers and consumers, with a chain of trust maintained on a distributed ledger to ensure authenticity and real-time updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional identity verification methods are used in online transactions, then identity verification can be performed, but the process becomes difficult, time-consuming, and lacks confidence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identity verification and issues attestations before transactions occur. Identity providers verify identities in advance and commit verification results to the distributed ledger, so that during transactions, relying parties can quickly verify identities by checking the ledger without repeating the verification process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger as an intermediary between identity providers and relying parties. The ledger stores and maintains attestation data, enabling transparent and trustworthy verification without requiring direct trust between transaction parties. The ledger acts as a neutral mediator that both sides can independently verify
2Ease of operation
If manual identity verification processes are used, then verification can be performed, but the process becomes difficult and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service identity verification where relying parties can independently verify identities by querying the distributed ledger using public keys or identifiers. The verification process is automated through smart contracts that automatically check attestation validity, eliminating the need for manual verification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated cryptographic verification. Instead of human operators manually checking identities, the system uses public key cryptography and smart contracts to automatically verify identities by checking digital signatures and attestation data on the distributed ledger
3Object-affected harmful factors
If attestation status is not tracked, then the system is simpler, but malicious activities cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring attestation status on the distributed ledger. Smart contracts automatically detect when attestations are revoked or expire and can trigger notifications or actions. This feedback mechanism ensures that relying parties are always working with current, valid identity information without requiring complex manual status tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores identity attestations, tracks their validity status, provides verification capabilities, and enables revocation notifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for distributed ledger-based identity management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-based method for managing attestations may include: (1) receiving, by a computer program executed by an electronic device for an identity consumer and from an identity provider, a notification from an identity provider server that an attestation is available, wherein the attestation may be generated by the identity provider based on authorization from a system operator and may include a chain of trust comprising an identification of the system operator and the identity provider; (2) requesting, by the computer program, the attestation from the identity provider; and (3) downloading, by the computer program, the attestation to an identity consumer electronic wallet for the identity consumer. The identity provider may commit the downloading of the attestation to a distributed ledger, wherein the distributed ledger maintains a current status for the attestation.