Zero-Knowledge Proof Data Retrieval on Distributed Ledgers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) face challenges in maintaining privacy and security, as consensus-based verification mechanisms compromise confidentiality, and the use of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) can hinder auditing processes by concealing transaction details from auditors.

Innovation Solution

Implementing ZKP-enabled DLNs that encrypt transaction data using a public key from the network, allowing auditors to verify the encryption key and access encrypted data through self-executing smart contracts, while maintaining privacy for transacting parties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If zero-knowledge proofs are used to cloak private data in DLNs, then privacy and confidentiality are improved, but auditing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidauditing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces encrypted data as an intermediary form that preserves privacy while enabling auditing. The data is encrypted using public keys, creating a intermediate state where information is hidden from public view but can be accessed by authorized auditors through cryptographic verification, thus resolving the contradiction between privacy protection and auditing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments access rights to data by creating different access layers: public access to encrypted data for privacy, and restricted access with decryption keys for auditors. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of privacy for general participants and auditing capability for authorized entities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If public DLNs are used for transactions, then network efficiency and cost are improved, but privacy and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidprivacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making data encryption and accessibility properties location-specific or role-specific. Different participants have different access qualities to the same data: general participants see only encrypted data while auditors can decrypt and verify, allowing public network efficiency with localized privacy protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11146399B2Methods and systems for retrieving zero-knowledge proof-cloaked data on distributed ledger-based networks

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 EYGS LLP

AI summary

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at facilitating access to and retrieval of data concealed on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN) with the use of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) techniques. The methods and systems allow for the encryption, using an encryption key, of data related to a transaction between participants of the DLN, the encryption of the encryption key using a public key of an auditor of the transaction, and the generation of a ZKP that the encryption key used to encrypt the data corresponds to the encryption key encrypted using the public key such that the encrypted encryption key and/or the encrypted data are available to the auditor after the ZKP is verified by a self-executing code segment of the DLN. The ZKP also includes a proof that the encrypted data includes the transaction data.