Distributed Ledger Timestamp Token Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data proof systems using time stamp tokens face challenges in extending the validity beyond the expiration date and improving tamper resistance, as they do not effectively prove the integrity and existence of data after the token's expiration.
Innovation Solution
A data management apparatus and method utilizing a distributed ledger technology, where a first distributed ledger stores data records and a second distributed ledger stores time stamp tokens, allowing for the proof of validity even after expiration by chaining records and requiring tampering of all subsequent records to invalidate the token, enhancing tamper resistance by separating the record and token management across different ledgers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a time stamp token is issued with an expiration date, then the system provides time-limited validity proof, but the token cannot prove validity beyond the expiration date
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores the time stamp token in a distributed ledger before the expiration date occurs. The distributed ledger maintains chronological records that preserve the token's existence and integrity even after expiration, allowing retroactive proof of validity without requiring the token to remain actively valid beyond its expiration date.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-time-point validity model to a chronological dimension by storing tokens in a distributed ledger that maintains historical records. This adds a temporal dimension where past tokens remain verifiable through the immutable ledger chain, extending proof capability beyond the original expiration date.
2Device complexity
If a time stamp token is stored in a single location, then the storage is simple, but the tamper resistance is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two distinct components: a conventional storage location for the time stamp token itself, and a distributed ledger for maintaining chronological records of the token. This segmentation allows the token to be stored simply while the distributed ledger provides distributed tamper resistance through its immutable chain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger acts as an intermediary that witnesses and records the existence of the time stamp token. Rather than storing the token directly in the distributed ledger, the system uses the ledger to maintain independent chronological evidence that verifies the token's authenticity and timing, providing enhanced tamper resistance without complicating the primary storage.
3Reliability
If processing is performed for each individual time stamp token to extend expiration, then the tamper resistance is maintained, but the processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tamper resistance function into the distributed ledger's inherent immutable structure rather than applying separate processing to each token. The distributed ledger's chronological recording mechanism provides collective security for all stored tokens simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual processing while maintaining tamper resistance through the ledger's distributed consensus structure.
Data Source
AI summary
As a record RA1 is stored in a first distributed ledger, a controller of a client server obtains a time stamp token T0 for a record hash value RH1 thereof and has a record RB0 including the time stamp token T0 stored in a second distributed ledger. Then, as a record RA2 is stored in the first distributed ledger, the controller obtains a time stamp token T1 for a record hash value RH2 of the record RA2. Then, the controller has a record RB2 including the time stamp token T1 and a record hash value of the record RB0 stored in the second distributed ledger.