SQL Query Mechanism for Blockchain Data Using Metadata Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blockchain and distributed ledger technologies face challenges such as fixed, immutable, and static data storage, inefficient data retrieval due to lack of metadata, and poor access control, making them unsuitable for applications requiring data deletion or restricted access.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an SQL query and filter mechanism within a cloud-based computing environment for blockchain stored data, utilizing a declarative and metadata-driven approach to enhance data management and access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored in a fixed, immutable manner in blockchain, then security and immutability are improved, but data retrieval efficiency and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata retrieval efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data storage by separating immutable blockchain storage from mutable metadata storage. The blockchain stores only critical immutable data, while a parallel database system stores mutable data and metadata, allowing efficient retrieval without compromising blockchain immutability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (parallel database system with metadata service) between the blockchain and the data retrieval application. This intermediary handles complex queries and data reconstruction, improving retrieval efficiency while the blockchain maintains its security and immutability guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If data is stored without metadata in blockchain, then storage simplicity is improved, but data context and retrieval capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoiddata context
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to data storage by introducing metadata that describes data context, relationships, and retrieval criteria. This metadata layer provides additional information without complicating the core blockchain storage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The metadata service acts as an intermediary that manages and provides contextual information about stored data. It maintains metadata separately from the blockchain, allowing rich data context without burdening the blockchain structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If all data is accessible to all nodes in the network, then transparency is improved, but access control and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transparencyVSAvoidaccess control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different access control policies to different portions of data. Sensitive data can be encrypted or restricted to specific nodes, while non-sensitive data remains transparently accessible to all nodes, allowing both transparency and access control to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the accessibility parameter of data based on its sensitivity and the node's authorization level. The system dynamically adjusts data visibility and access rights, allowing transparent access for public data while maintaining security for sensitive data through encryption and access control lists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11803537B2Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing an SQL query and filter mechanism for blockchain stored data using distributed ledger technology (DLT)
Publication Date: 2023.10.31 SALESFORCE INC
  • US11803537B2 patent drawing
  • US11803537B2 patent drawing
  • US11803537B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing an SQL query and filter mechanism for blockchain stored data using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in conjunction with a cloud based computing environment include operating a blockchain interface to the blockchain on behalf of a plurality of tenants of the host organization, in which each one of the plurality of tenants operate as a participating node with access to the blockchain. The system receives input for adding a plurality of authorized network participants to a declared application, updates a blockchain asset on the blockchain containing metadata for the declared application, deploys an executable install package to each of the plurality of authorized network participants for the declared application, retrieves the metadata for the declared application from the blockchain, and displays GUIs specific to the declared application which are auto generated by the executable install package based on the retrieved metadata.