Bidirectionally Linked Blockchain Structure

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention introduces a blockchain structure where blocks are linked bidirectionally, meaning each new block is connected to a set number of both preceding and subsequent blocks. This dual-linking enhances data integrity and tamper resistance by making it much harder to alter, remove, or manipulate blocks without detection. The method includes efficient mechanisms for verifying block authenticity, distributed storage of verification data, and optional cryptographic protections to secure links and verification processes within the chain.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Permanent, tamper-resistant storage of digital documents such as certificates, IDs, or contracts.
• Authenticity verification for digital or digitized physical documents (e.g., academic diplomas, passports).
• Secure recording and auditing of financial or cryptocurrency transactions.
• Logging and tracking sensor or device data in IoT (Internet of Things) applications to prevent falsification.
• Audit trails for supply chains or manufacturing processes to ensure product integrity.
• Access control logs where entry records must be preserved and verifiable.
• Health data management, where patient records must be immutable and provable.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Stronger tamper-proofing than traditional (unidirectional) blockchains, as both directions of the chain must be updated to hide changes.
• Sensitive to block additions or removals—even partial chain truncations are detectable, enhancing security.
• Flexible verification: only a portion of the chain can be checked for fast integrity assessments, or comprehensive checks can guarantee complete data validity.
• Distributed verification data (prüfwerte) makes manipulations more complex and detectable.
• Can employ cryptographic encryption for even higher protection, requiring several private keys to alter verification data across blocks.
• Enables offline verification of document authenticity by storing compact cryptographic representations (e.g., hashes).
• Adjustable levels of verification and security based on use-case and risk tolerance.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the tamper-proof storing of data (210) in a bidirectionally linked blockchain structure (100). The method comprises: • creating an additional block B, (110) to extend the blockchain structure (100), which additional block comprises the data to be stored (210) as user data (150), • creating a bidirectional link (109) between the additional block B, (110) and a predefined number of preceding blocks, wherein the creating of the bidirectional link (109) comprises implementing a backward association from the additional block (110) to the predefined number of preceding blocks and implementing a forward association from the predefined number of preceding blocks to the additional block (110).