Multi-Signature Blockchain Access Control for Metered Resource Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack secure and efficient methods to control and record the use or access of resources, particularly in the context of IoT devices, using blockchain technology to enforce conditions and prevent unauthorized or excessive use.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-implemented method using multi-signature transactions and smart contracts to manage and enforce conditions on the use of resources, involving a first subset of signatures from the resource owner and a second subset from an independent agent, ensuring secure and incremental use or access is recorded immutably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain technology is used to control resource access, then security and immutability of records are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource access control into discrete blockchain transactions with multiple inputs and outputs. Each transaction represents a specific access event and can be independently validated. The segmentation of control rights into separate blockchain entries allows for granular security management without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer where blockchain transactions must be verified against predefined access rules before execution. This intermediary validation mechanism enhances security by adding an additional verification step without requiring all system components to be fully decentralized, thus managing complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple signatures are required for blockchain transactions, then authorization security is improved, but transaction processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing access rules and signature requirements in the blockchain before resource access events occur. The multi-signature architecture is pre-configured with authorized keys and validation criteria, allowing rapid transaction processing during actual access events without requiring real-time negotiation or complex authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by requiring only the necessary number of signatures for each specific transaction level. Not all transactions require full multi-signature validation - the system can process transactions with reduced signature requirements when appropriate, balancing security with processing speed based on the specific access scenario.
3Reliability
If blockchain transactions are made immutable, then record integrity is improved, but flexibility in modifying access conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the immutable blockchain framework by implementing conditional transactions that can be activated or deactivated based on changing access rules. The blockchain records the historical access conditions immutably, while the system maintains dynamic capability to modify future access rights through new transactions that reference and build upon the established record, achieving both integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by adding a temporal dimension to the immutable records. The blockchain preserves historical access conditions in their original form, while the system operates in a dynamic present where new access rights can be established. This dimensional separation allows the record to remain immutable while the system maintains flexibility for future modifications.
4Reliability
If comprehensive access control rules are enforced, then resource security is improved, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated access control rules for different resource types and access scenarios. Rather than applying a uniform comprehensive security model to all transactions, the system tailors the validation requirements and control mechanisms to the specific characteristics of each resource and access pattern, improving security where needed while maintaining performance for standard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting security validation parameters based on the specific transaction characteristics. The system can modify verification depth, signature requirements, and access rule applicability as parameters based on the resource type, user role, and access context, achieving comprehensive security without consistently degrading performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided comprising generating a blockchain transaction (Tx) indicative of a condition on use of the resource, the blockchain transaction comprising a multi-signature script requiring a plurality of signatures for completion of the blockchain transaction; providing a first subset of the plurality of signatures to the blockchain transaction to generate a partially signed signature script to partially complete the blockchain transaction; and responsive to the condition on the use of the resource being satisfied, providing a second subset of the plurality of signatures to the blockchain transaction to fully complete the blockchain transaction. The condition on the use of the resource may be the use of a discrete amount of the resource and the second subset of the plurality of signatures is provided responsive to the discrete amount of the resource being used.