Distributed Ledger Timestamp Token Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data management systems using distributed ledger technology face increased costs and system load when obtaining time stamp tokens for each data update, which complicates the proof of data existence and tamper resistance.
Innovation Solution
A data management apparatus and method that utilizes a distributed ledger system with a controller to generate a terminal value from multiple ledgers, obtain a time stamp token, and store it in at least one ledger, enhancing tamper resistance by also managing the token in an external server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a time stamp token is obtained for each asset record when data is updated, then proof of time of existence for each data update is achieved, but cost for obtaining the time stamp token increases and load on the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple asset records into a single Merkle tree structure, where multiple data updates are grouped together and represented by a single root hash. This allows obtaining one time stamp token for the entire group of records instead of individual tokens for each record, thereby reducing the frequency of time stamp token acquisition while maintaining proof of existence for all underlying data
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-computes the Merkle tree structure and root hash values for groups of asset records before obtaining time stamp tokens. By organizing data into predetermined groups and calculating their collective hash representation in advance, the system reduces the frequency of external time stamp authority interactions and minimizes system load
2Reliability
If a time stamp token is obtained for each asset record, then proof of time of existence is provided, but cost for obtaining the time stamp token increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple asset records are merged into a single Merkle tree structure, allowing a single time stamp token to represent the existence proof for multiple data updates. This consolidation reduces the number of times a time stamp token must be obtained from an external authority, thereby reducing the associated costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of obtaining time stamp tokens for every single asset record update, the system obtains tokens for groups or batches of records. This partial action approach maintains sufficient proof of existence for all underlying data while significantly reducing the frequency and cost of time stamp token acquisition
3Device complexity
If time stamp tokens are managed only in the data management apparatus, then simplicity is maintained, but tamper resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external server as an intermediary for storing and managing time stamp tokens alongside the data management apparatus. This distributed storage architecture creates an additional layer of security where tokens are protected by multiple independent systems, making tampering more difficult while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
When a second operation to simultaneously update component data (D12) to component data (D13) and update component data (D21) to component data (D22) is performed, a controller (21) of a client server (2) creates a record (RA3) including a hash value of the component data (D13) in a first proof chain (a distributed ledger 51) and creates a record (RB2) including a hash value of the component data (D22) in a second proof chain (a distributed ledger 52). The controller (21) generates a terminal hash value including a record hash value of the record (RA3) and a record hash value of the record (RB2) and obtains a time stamp token for the terminal hash value.