Autonomous Assets on Blockchains

Abstract

The invention relates to a smart contract system with a polymorphic contract architecture for realizing autonomous digital assets. A start contract defines basic registration mechanisms and interfaces for modular extension through a stacked contract mechanism. Modules can be dynamically added or removed without modifying the start contract, with activation validated by a multi-party governance model. The autonomous assets have integrated verification mechanisms for self-verification of their integrity, access control mechanisms for differentiated handling of user rights, and an independent pricing logic for adapting to market conditions. Validation is performed using a hybrid approach through blockchain-internal verification mechanisms and external data sources (oracles).Through a Unified Memory Model and unique return identifiers, the system enables the implementation of scalable rule sets and weak artificial intelligence for independent management and optimization of assets.

Description

Technical field: The invention relates to the field of blockchain technology and in particular to the development of autonomous digital assets that are controlled by polymorphic contracts and have the ability for independent verification, access control and dynamic pricing. State of the art: Smart contracts on established blockchains differ primarily between simple tokens representing an economic asset (asset token) and more complex systems for managing and trading these tokens. The logic of asset tokens is often represented by minimal contract logic. The functionality of existing smart contracts is generally limited to transferring token units between owners. Greater functional diversity is limited by the current storage capacity, and the updating of a single "upgradable" smart contract is also very limited. A key problem with existing solutions is the lack of dynamic adaptability of smart contracts. These are often static and require complete redevelopment or migration whenever new functionalities are to be implemented. Furthermore, mechanisms for efficiently linking smart contracts with external market data and making autonomous decisions based on this information are lacking. Existing solutions typically offer only limited security mechanisms, particularly regarding manipulation within the blockchain. Additionally, flexible verification methods for continuously checking the authenticity and integrity of assets are missing. Summary of the invention: The invention describes a system that enables a polymorphic structure of smart contracts to facilitate autonomous assets. This is achieved by defining a start contract containing an initial implementation and serving as a registration point for subsequent functional modules. These modules extend the capabilities of the start contract and allow for dynamic function assignment across an unlimited number of contract modules. This enables the integration of more complex rule sets and, ultimately, the implementation of weak artificial intelligence (AI) that allows for the independent management and optimization of the assets. Unlike existing smart contracts, which are often static and offer limited extensibility, this invention enables dynamic and modular adaptation through a tiered contract mechanism. Existing solutions typically require complete redevelopment or migration to new contracts for extensions, whereas this approach allows for continuous evolution of the contract logic without interrupting existing implementations. The polymorphic architecture enables decentralized management of functions, which can be validated by operators via a governance model. The autonomous assets have integrated verification mechanisms for continuously monitoring their own integrity and environment, thus making manipulation difficult. Verification is performed both internally through smart contracts and externally through specialized data sources (oracles) that provide relevant information. This hybrid approach enables comprehensive validation, which hinders manipulation and ensures enhanced security. They are equipped with access control mechanisms that allow for differentiated handling of user rights. Furthermore, they possess an independent pricing logic that allows them to adapt to market conditions and make economically optimized decisions. The present invention creates a system that utilizes a polymorphic structure of smart contracts to realize a new generation of autonomous assets.For this purpose, a start contract is defined, containing an initial implementation and serving as a registration point for subsequent functional modules. These modules extend the capabilities of the start contract and allow for dynamic function assignment. This enables the implementation of weak artificial intelligence (AI), which allows for independent management and optimization of the assets. Furthermore, the autonomous assets possess their own verification mechanisms to monitor themselves and their environment. Verification is performed both internally through smart contracts and externally through specialized data sources (oracles) that provide relevant information. This hybrid approach enables comprehensive validation, making manipulation more difficult and ensuring enhanced security. They are equipped with access control mechanisms that allow for granular handling of user rights. In addition, they have their own pricing logic, enabling them to adapt to market conditions and make economically optimized decisions. Detailed description of the invention: 1. Initial Contract: • Contains basic definition and registration mechanisms for the asset. • Defines interfaces for modular extension through additional functional modules. • Manages the activation and deactivation of modules via a function mapping mechanism. 2. Module Stack: • The module stack is managed by a multi-party mechanism. • The contract operator uploads a new module, which must be confirmed by one or more operators to establish its functionality. • A set of dynamically activatable and deactivatable modules that provide specific functions for the asset. • Examples of modules: • Verification module: Self-verification of the asset's status and its transactions. • Access control module: Definition of permissions for interactions with the asset. • Pricing module: Algorithmic adjustment of the asset's value based on external market conditions.• Automation module: Implementation of a weak AI to control asset decisions. 3. Function allocation mechanism: • The stacked contract method implements a quasi-infinite stack where each contract receives a unique return identifier that identifies and calls another contract in the stack. • Each contract checks if it has an implementation for the called function. If not, the call is passed to the next contract in the stack. • The overhead of calling a function in each stack increases linearly, so the functions at the end of the stack are the most expensive and latent in terms of call performance. • The implementation requires a unified memory model that shares the same memory image for all modules. • Each module must return a return code that is unique within the stack. • Connects the start contract to the registered modules.• Supports dynamic changes to asset functionality without direct contract modification. 4. AI Modules: • Verification and Security: Each asset has self-verification and validation mechanisms. Tamper protection is ensured through cryptographic signatures and audit logs within the blockchain. Additionally, decentralized validation mechanisms are used to ensure that no unauthorized changes can be made. • Dynamic Pricing: Autonomous determination of value and fees based on supply, demand, and predefined parameters. This method differs from existing systems in that it not only uses external oracles for price determination but also dynamically weights internal asset parameters to enable more precise and flexible pricing. Integration of external data sources (oracles) for price determination is possible. Advantages of the invention: • Increased flexibility: The polymorphic architecture allows assets to be dynamically expanded and adapted. • Autonomy: Assets manage themselves independently and do not require constant external intervention. • Improved security: Integrated verification mechanisms make manipulation more difficult. • More efficient pricing: Autonomous adaptation to market conditions optimizes business processes. • Modularity: Allows targeted expansion and adaptation of asset functionality without complete reimplementation. In conclusion, this method enables a high number of rule sets per contract for blockchain implementations, thus laying the foundation for the introduction of weak AI for autonomous assets. The invention enables a new class of autonomous assets on the blockchain, evolving from rigid token transfers to flexible, intelligent units. The combination of a polymorphic contract structure, weak AI, and self-regulating mechanisms represents a technological advancement. The term 'autonomous contract' refers to the fact that the contracting parties are able to make independent decisions based on defined rules and market data, without direct external intervention. This is achieved through modular extensibility, adaptive rules, and internal validation mechanisms that automate asset management, which is particularly relevant for the financial sector, digital identities, and the trading of digital goods.

Claims

Modular contract architecture: A smart contract system that uses a stacked contract mechanism where modules can be dynamically added or removed without changing the initial contract. Multi-party validation: A governance model that requires confirmation by one or more operators before new modules are added to the contract stack. Autonomous Assets: A blockchain-based architecture that enables digital assets to manage themselves, independently determine value, and adapt to market conditions. Self-verification and access control: Integrated mechanisms that ensure each asset independently verifies its integrity and restricts access to authorized parties. Hybrid validation through external and internal data sources: A combination of blockchain-internal verification mechanisms and external oracles to confirm transactions and asset values. Efficient resource management: A method that enables flexible task allocation through the stacked contract model, thereby optimizing processing time. Scalable rule sets: A system that can manage a large number of rules per contract, thus enabling the introduction of weak AI for autonomous assets.