Loading patent…
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorsW. Daniel Hillis, Bran Ferren
Estimating the term…
The invention comprises a combined public and private hashing scheme for authenticating the content of a distributed database. The public portion of the scheme is as performed in the prior art. When a portion of content is submitted to the database, a hash is computed using a publicly distributed hashing algorithm and a publicly distributed key, if a key is needed. The computation of the hash may be performed either by a registry computer system or the computer system of the individual submitting the content. Once the hash is computed, it is associated with the submitted content. Subsequent users of the submitted content can then authenticate the content locally, by computing a hash using the publicly available algorithm, and comparing the hash obtained to the hash associated with the content. In those instances where an extra measure of authentication is desired, or if unsuccessful verification of the public hash has called the authenticity of the content into question, the authenticity of the content can be determined via a private hash. The private hash is a second hash computed for the content upon submission to the database. The specific algorithm used to compute the private hash, and any keys used by this algorithm, are known only to the registry computer system. The authenticity of the content in question is determined by resubmitting the questioned content to the registry, where a hash is computed using the private hashing algorithm, and compared with the original private hash.
An apparatus for authenticating content of a distributed database, comprising:
A combined public and private hashing apparatus for authenticating content of a knowledge base, comprising:
A method for authenticating content of a distributed database, comprising the steps of:
A combined public and private hashing method for authenticating content of a knowledge base, comprising the steps of:
A method for providing feedback in connection with various pieces of content, comprising the steps of:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
A distributed database, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.
Backward citations are indexed for grants only.
Protecting data: protecting data integrity, e.g. using checksums, certificates or signatures
Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for…:…
Computing and data processing
Term end not estimated
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to knowledge. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for authenticating the content of a distributed database.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 comprises a series of block-schematic diagrams in which FIG. 1a outlines the problem of how to find accurate, relevant, and appropriate information; FIG. 1b outlines the problem of how to sort and identify useful information; and FIG. 1c describes the problem of how to identify what information needs to be learned and what is the best presentation format for that information;
FIG. 2 is block schematic diagram which shows the organization of information in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram which shows a system configuration according to the invention;
The invention herein is described in the context of a knowledge web, which is the subject of PCT patent application Ser. No. PCT/US02/11434, filed Apr. 10, 2002. While the invention herein is directed to solving various problems with regard to using, managing, and accessing information, three specific problems are identified in FIG. 1.
In FIG. 1a, a user 10 needs information to make a decision, for example with regard to a medical condition. The user accesses the universe of available information 11 which, in this case, could be the World Wide Web or other sources of information. A process 12 is required in this regard that would allow the user to find accurate, relevant, and appropriate information. In FIG. 1b, the universe of available information 11 exists and a process is required for searching the information to identify patterns of information that are useful, for example a government agency trying to identify a pattern of information that might predict a security threat.
In FIG. 1c, a user 10 needs to acquire particular pieces of knowledge to fill gaps in the user's personal knowledge. When accessing the universe of available information 11, a process is required that allows the user to identify what needs to be learned and what information is extraneous and therefore need not be considered. The process 14 must also present the information in a format that most closely matches the user's preferred learning style and/or intellectual interests.