Blockchain Ledger Verification Using Time Service Certificates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized blockchain ledger systems, verifying data integrity is challenging due to the risk of false accounts being created by service parties and database providers to evade auditing, particularly in scenarios where a pseudo chain can be generated to hide modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method using time service certificates to verify blockchain ledger segments by determining start and end block heights, obtaining hash values, constructing a Merkle tree, and ensuring consistency between the root hashes, thereby ensuring the integrity and correctness of the ledger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full verification of the ledger is performed from the genesis block to the target data block, then data integrity is ensured, but verification time and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ledger verification process into segments by introducing Merkle trees that represent specific ranges of data blocks. Instead of verifying every block from genesis, the system segments the ledger into manageable portions, each with its own Merkle root hash that can be independently verified against the time service certificate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing Merkle root hashes for different ledger segments along with their corresponding time service certificates. This allows verification to start from pre-prepared checkpoints rather than requiring complete re-verification from the genesis block, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining integrity.
2Ease of operation
If verification is performed in a centralized scenario, then audit control is simplified, but the risk of false accounts and pseudo chain generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time service certificates as an intermediary mechanism between the centralized database service provider and the verification system. These certificates, issued by trusted time services, serve as independent mediators that attest to the authenticity and timing of ledger segments, preventing false account creation while maintaining centralized operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using time service certificates to preemptively prevent false accounts and pseudo chain generation. The certificates are obtained in advance for legitimate ledger segments, creating a protective layer that automatically invalidates any attempted tampering or fake chain creation before it can compromise the system.
3Measurement precision
If time service certificates are used as verification anchors, then time validity and correctness of ledger segments are ensured, but the complexity of the verification system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the time service certificate mechanism universal by designing it to work with any ledger segment regardless of size or content. The same certificate structure and verification process applies to all segments, creating a standardized multi-functional system that handles different verification scenarios uniformly, thereby managing complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods, non-transitory, computer-readable media, and computer-implemented systems for ledger verification are provided. If a user needs to audit or verify a block-chain type ledger, a time service certificate can be used as an anchor to verify a segment of a ledger corresponding to the anchor. Because a timestamp of the segment of the ledger uses the time service certificate as trustworthiness attestation, verification based on the time service certificate can ensure time validity and correctness of the segment of the ledger.