{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853819","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853819","title":"Blockchain-supported, node ID-augmented digital record signature method","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-17T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":13,"abstract":"At least one node in a distributed hash tree verification infrastructure is augmented with an identifier of an entity in a registration path. A data signature, which includes parameters for recomputation of a verifying value, and which is associated with a digital input record, will therefore also include data that identifies at least one entity in the hash tree path used for its initial registration in the infrastructure. An uppermost value of the hash tree verification infrastructure is entered as, or as part of, a transaction in a blockchain."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method patent introduces a novel approach to digital record authentication, leveraging blockchain technology and node identifiers to enhance security and traceability. The core innovation lies in augmenting nodes within a distributed hash tree verification infrastructure with identifiers that pinpoint entities along a registration path. This ensures that each data signature, which includes parameters for recomputing a verifying value and is associated with a digital input record, also incorporates data that identifies at least one entity in the hash tree path used for initial registration. The uppermost value of the hash tree infrastructure is then recorded as a transaction within a blockchain, providing an immutable record of the signature's origin and validity.\n\nThis technology solves the problem of vulnerable and easily compromised digital signatures. Existing methods often lack the transparency and auditability required for sensitive transactions, making them susceptible to fraudulent activities. By integrating blockchain's immutable ledger with node-specific identifiers, this patent creates a more secure and verifiable signature process.\n\nThe key technical approach involves augmenting nodes within a distributed hash tree with identifiers, linking signatures to specific nodes, and recording the hash tree's top value on a blockchain. This makes it significantly more difficult for malicious actors to forge or tamper with digital records. The blockchain's inherent immutability ensures that the signature's history is preserved, providing a reliable audit trail.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its enhanced security, improved traceability, and broad applicability across various sectors. In finance, it can be used to secure transactions, prevent fraud, and ensure regulatory compliance. In healthcare, it can protect sensitive patient data and maintain the integrity of medical records. In supply chain management, it can track goods and verify their authenticity, reducing counterfeiting and improving transparency. The market opportunity is substantial, given the increasing demand for secure digital signature solutions.\n\nThis innovation has the potential to transform how digital records are authenticated and verified, offering a more secure, transparent, and auditable solution for the digital age. As the demand for secure digital solutions continues to grow, this technology is poised to become a critical component of digital infrastructure.","layman_explanation":"The Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method patent addresses the critical need for enhanced security and verification in digital signatures. In today's digital age, where transactions and data are increasingly managed electronically, the vulnerability of traditional digital signatures poses a significant risk. These signatures can be forged or tampered with, leading to fraud and disputes. Existing solutions often lack the transparency and auditability required to ensure trust and accountability.\n\nThis technology works by combining two powerful concepts: blockchain and node identifiers. Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent manner. Think of it as a digital record book that cannot be altered. Node identifiers are unique codes assigned to each participant in the system, like a digital fingerprint. By linking a digital signature to a specific node identifier and recording the transaction on the blockchain, the system creates a tamper-proof and verifiable record of the signature's origin and validity.\n\nThe significance of this innovation lies in its ability to provide a higher level of security and trust in digital transactions. It offers several key advantages over traditional digital signatures, including enhanced security, improved traceability, and reduced risk of fraud. This matters because it can transform how businesses operate and interact with their customers. For example, it can be used to secure financial transactions, protect sensitive patient data, and track goods in a supply chain. The potential market impact is substantial, as it addresses a critical need for secure digital solutions across various industries. The competitive advantages of this technology include its integration of blockchain and node identifiers, which provides a higher level of security and traceability compared to existing solutions. This can lead to increased customer trust, reduced fraud losses, and improved regulatory compliance.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to enable new business models and applications, such as secure electronic voting, digital identity management, and decentralized finance. The adoption timeline will depend on factors such as regulatory approval, industry standards, and technological advancements. From an investment perspective, this technology represents a promising opportunity for venture capital firms, private equity firms, and corporate venture arms. The potential ROI is attractive, given the increasing demand for secure digital solutions and the competitive advantages of this technology.","technical_analysis":"The Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method patent presents a technically sophisticated approach to enhancing digital signature security and traceability. The core architecture revolves around a distributed hash tree verification infrastructure, where each node is augmented with a unique identifier that corresponds to an entity within the registration path. This augmentation is crucial as it allows for the incorporation of entity-specific data into the digital signature itself.\n\nThe implementation involves several key steps. First, a digital input record is processed to generate a data signature. This signature includes parameters necessary for recomputing a verifying value. Critically, the signature also includes data that identifies at least one entity in the hash tree path used for the record's initial registration. This linkage ensures that the signature is intrinsically tied to the originating entity, enhancing its verifiability.\n\nNext, the uppermost value of the hash tree verification infrastructure is entered as a transaction in a blockchain. This step leverages the inherent immutability of the blockchain to provide a tamper-proof record of the signature's origin and validity. The blockchain acts as a secure ledger, ensuring that the signature's history is preserved and can be audited at any time.\n\nThe algorithm specifics involve cryptographic hash functions for generating the hash tree and digital signature algorithms for creating the signature itself. The choice of hash function and signature algorithm is critical for ensuring the security and performance of the system. Integration patterns involve connecting the hash tree infrastructure with a blockchain network. This requires careful consideration of network protocols and data serialization formats. Performance characteristics depend on the efficiency of the hash function, signature algorithm, and blockchain network. Scalability is a key concern, especially in high-volume transaction environments. Code-level implications involve implementing the hash tree, signature generation, and blockchain integration logic in a secure and efficient manner. This requires expertise in cryptography, blockchain technology, and software engineering.\n\nThe system's technical advantages include enhanced security due to the blockchain's immutability and the node identifier augmentation, improved traceability, and increased resistance to forgery and tampering. The system's technical challenges include scalability, performance optimization, and regulatory compliance. Future research directions include exploring new hash functions and signature algorithms, optimizing the blockchain integration process, and developing new applications for this technology.","business_analysis":"The Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method patent holds significant commercial potential due to its ability to enhance the security and traceability of digital signatures. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for secure digital solutions across various industries. The competitive advantages of this technology include its integration of blockchain and node identifiers, which provides a higher level of security and traceability compared to traditional digital signature methods.\n\nThe revenue potential of this technology is significant. It can be monetized through licensing fees, subscription services, and consulting services. The business models for this technology include a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, where users pay a monthly fee to access the signature service, and a licensing model, where companies pay a one-time fee to use the technology in their own products.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is strong. It addresses a critical need for secure digital signatures in an increasingly digital world. The technology can be positioned as a premium solution for companies that require the highest level of security and traceability. ROI projections for this technology are attractive. Companies that implement this technology can expect to see a significant return on investment through reduced fraud losses, improved regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer trust.\n\nThe business impact of this technology is far-reaching. It can transform how digital records are authenticated and verified, offering a more secure, transparent, and auditable solution for the digital age. The technology can also enable new business models and applications, such as secure electronic voting, digital identity management, and supply chain tracking.\n\nPotential investors in this technology include venture capital firms, private equity firms, and corporate venture arms. The technology is particularly attractive to investors who are focused on cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital transformation. The key business risks associated with this technology include regulatory uncertainty, competition from other digital signature solutions, and the need for ongoing innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats. Mitigating these risks requires a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, a focus on continuous improvement, and a strong intellectual property strategy.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Secure Digital Signatures: Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method","description":"Explore the Blockchain-supported, Node Id-augmented Digital Record Signature Method patent for enhanced security and traceability in digital signatures. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853819","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853819","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Blockchain-supported, node ID-augmented digital record signature method\" (US-9853819). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853819","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853819","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853819","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T18:34:42.073Z"}