Communication and data processing methods for implementing a collaborative network, associated devices and systems

Abstract

Communication and data processing methods for implementing a collaborative network, associated devices and systems. The invention relates to a communication method implemented by a mobile communication device (CRN1) and comprising, for at least one communicating object (OBJ1) positioned in a given geographical area and when the communication device is located in the vicinity of said at least one communicating object, the following steps: - reception (E20), from said at least one communicating object, of information data (DATA_OBJ2) specific to said at least one communicating object, - determination (E40) of interaction data (DATA_CRN1_OBJ2) comprising a date (t_CRN1_OBJ2) and a location (loc_CTN1_OBJ2) of receipt of the information data as well as an identifier (id_OBJ2) of said at least one communicating object, - transmission (E50) of said interaction data to a centralization device (CPU). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Communication and data processing methods for implementing a collaborative network, associated devices and systems Previous technique

[0001] The present application falls within the general field of communication systems. More particularly, it relates to a communication method implemented in a communication network to which communicating objects belong, a method for processing data obtained during the implementation of said communication method, and communication and centralization devices respectively configured to implement said communication and data processing methods. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, though by no means limiting, application in the field of the "Internet of Things" (IoT).

[0002] As is known, communicating objects (still commonly called "connected objects") are hardware and / or software devices connected to a communication network, such as for example the public Internet network in the context of the IoT, and can thereby communicate with other systems to obtain and / or provide information.

[0003] In general, every object capable of performing a function (example: a temperature sensor performs the function of measuring a temperature), and therefore potentially every object in everyday life, is likely to become a communicating object as soon as it is equipped with the hardware and / or software means enabling it to communicate, within a communication network, information data specific to it (i.e. data containing at least information relating to the function performed by the object in question).

[0004] By way of example, this could be a telephone, more particularly a smartphone, a printer, a screen, a sensor, a microphone, a software application, etc. Furthermore, no limitation is attached to the communication interface (wired or wireless) as well as to the communication protocol (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, 5G, Ethernet, etc.) used by these objects.

[0005] Figure 1 schematically represents an example of an embodiment, conforming to the prior art, of an IoT system configured to perform communications between communicating objects and a centralizing device. More particularly, in this example, and for illustrative purposes only, the system comprises three communicating objects OBJ1_0, OBJ2_0, and OBJ3_0. These objects OBJ1_0, OBJ2_0, and OBJ3_0 are Deployed in a given geographical area, such as a factory, a farm, a city district, a private residence, etc., they are also connected to the Internet and configured to communicate, via said Internet (more specifically, from a hardware perspective, via an Internet gateway), with a CPU_0 centralization device integrated into said communication system. This CPU centralization device typically belongs to a cloud computing system.

[0006] Data exchange between the objects OBJ1_0, OBJ2_0, OBJ3_0 and the centralizing device CPU_0 is conventionally bidirectional, i.e., via an uplink UL (communicating object to centralizing device) and a downlink DL (centralizing device to communicating object), as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. In particular, via the uplink UP, the objects OBJ1_0, OBJ2_0, OBJ3_0 transmit information data as mentioned above to the centralizing device CPU_0.

[0007] Currently, the massive deployment of communicating objects, to offer ever more services and / or to carry out analyses based on the information data collected by these communicating objects, poses a number of problems.

[0008] In particular, a communicating object may encounter difficulties communicating with a centralizing device. This may be due, for example, to a restrictive location (e.g., a communicating object that is remote and / or located in a specific place). Another potential problem is network overload due to the very large amount of data transmitted (this amount tends to increase over time given the use of an ever-increasing number of communicating objects).

[0009] Solutions have therefore been proposed to try to overcome these types of problems, including the implementation of a specific type of network called a local collaborative network. In practice, this involves using users with communication devices, such as smartphones, to act as intermediaries between the communicating devices and the centralizing system, and thus contribute to the transmission of information data to the latter.

[0010] However, these solutions are far from satisfactory insofar as they are based on the voluntary participation of users in possession of said communication devices.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to promote and facilitate the implementation of a close collaborative network between communicating objects and a centralization device.

[0013] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a communication method implemented by a mobile communication device and comprising, for at least one communicating object positioned in a given geographical area and when the communication device is located in the vicinity of said at least one communicating object, the following steps: - reception, from said at least one communicating object, of information data specific to said at least one communicating object, - determination of an interaction data point including a date and location of receipt of the information data as well as an identifier of said at least one communicating object, - transmission of said interaction data to a centralization device.

[0014] The communication method according to the invention therefore allows a communication device to determine interaction data representative of the work done to obtain (collect, retrieve) one or more pieces of information from one or more communicating objects.

[0015] More specifically, the specificity of the interaction data determined by the communication device, through the implementation of the communication process, offers the possibility of verifying / attesting / certifying the work performed by the communication device to collect said information data, as detailed below. This results in the possibility of creating proof of the work performed by the communication device.

[0016] By “specificity of interaction data,” we refer here in particular to its content in terms of dates and locations. This content is indeed representative of a “physical” trajectory followed by the communication device in time and space to collect the information data. It is therefore this physical trajectory that forms the building block from which it becomes possible to determine proof of work, work here being a function of the distance traveled and the time spent collecting the information data.

[0017] It is also important to note that, by collecting this data from communicating objects, the communication device contributes to the creation of a local collaborative network to facilitate the flow of data to the centralizing device. This local collaborative network is therefore a "physical" network (communication device, user, communicating objects, centralizing device), and not a virtual one.

[0018] Therefore, the invention advantageously creates an incentive for a user in possession of the communication device to participate in the collection of information data from communicating objects, and thus ultimately contribute to the creation of said collaborative network. Indeed, since the work of this user can be verified and certified, this offers them the possibility of receiving compensation.

[0019] Proof of work offers further advantages. Since its determination is fundamentally linked to the completion of work, it prevents overloading the communication network supporting the reception and transmission of various data due to an excessive amount of transmitted data. Furthermore, because proof of work results from a verification of the work performed, it makes attempts to falsify the data transmitted to the centralizing device extremely costly.

[0020] In particular modes of implementation, the communication method may further include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0021] In particular embodiments, said method being implemented for a plurality of communicating objects positioned in the area.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the transmission step is implemented after each determination of an interaction data point or after the number of interaction data points determined exceeds a given threshold.

[0023] In particular embodiments, said method comprises, for at least one communicating object, a step of moving the communication device within the zone and enabling said communication device to be positioned in the vicinity of said at least one communicating object, said movement step being carried out: - regardless of the position of said at least one communicating object in the area, or - to satisfy a criterion of interest in obtaining the information data of said at least one communicating object.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the method also includes a step of receiving, from said at least one communicating object, a cryptographic token, the interaction data being determined so as to also include said token.

[0025] In particular embodiments, said process further includes a step of receiving, from the centralization device, proof-of-work data characterizing a quantity of work performed by the communication device to obtain and transmit at least a part of said at least one piece of information data and of said at least one interaction data.

[0026] As detailed below in the context of implementing a data processing method according to the invention, the amount of work relates more specifically to data belonging to said at least one piece of information data and said at least one interaction data item, which meet a work conformity criterion, referred to as "conforming data." The aim is to be able to eliminate, from said at least one piece of information data and said at least one interaction data item, any potentially erroneous or suspicious data.

[0027] In particular embodiments, said process further comprises the steps of: - transmission of proof-of-work data to a compensation device, - obtaining compensation, for example in the form of cryptocurrency, said compensation being a function of said proof-of-work data.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a data processing method implemented by a centralization device, said method comprising, for at least one mobile communication device, the following steps: - reception, from said at least one mobile communication device, of at least one piece of information data and at least one piece of interaction data obtained and transmitted in accordance with a communication method according to the invention, - identification, among the data received, of data satisfying a work conformity criterion, referred to as "compliant data", - determination of a work proof data characterizing a quantity of work performed by said at least one communication device to obtain and transmit a part P of said compliant data.

[0029] The data processing method according to the invention corresponds to the effective generation of a work proof for at least one communication device. This processing method therefore inherits the advantages already described above with reference to the communication method.

[0030] The effective generation of proof-of-work thus makes it possible to convert the physical trajectory followed by the communication device into data representing the work performed while following this physical trajectory. In a certain way, the data processing method makes it possible to move from a "physical" space (described in terms of time and space) to a digital virtual space containing proof-of-work data determined on the basis of data collected in said physical space.

[0031] In particular embodiments, the data processing method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0032] In particular embodiments, part P comprises all of the compliant data, or alternatively, the process further includes a step of determining the data of part P, referred to as "selective data", part P being strictly included in the set of compliant data, such that: - the time required to obtain said selective data satisfies a first constraint, said time being a function of the dates associated with the selective data, and / or - the geographical area covered to obtain the said selective data satisfies a second constraint, the said geographical area being a function of the locations associated with the selective data.

[0033] In particular modes of implementation, said process being implemented for a plurality of communication devices.

[0034] In particular modes of implementation, when the centralization device has received, from several communication devices, a plurality of interaction data associated with the same communicating object, the working conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying whether the said received interaction data are compatible with each other in time and space according to their respective dates and locations.

[0035] In particular modes of implementation, the conformity criterion also includes a condition consisting of verifying that the cardinality of said plurality of interaction data associated with the same communicating object is greater than a given threshold.

[0036] In particular embodiments, when an interaction data includes a cryptographic token in accordance with the invention, the working conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying that the centralization device is capable of decrypting said cryptographic token.

[0037] In particular embodiments, the amount of work is a function of at least one parameter among: - the duration T required to obtain the data from part P, said duration T being a function of the dates associated with the data from part P, - the geographical area S covered to obtain the data for part P, said geographical area S being a function of the locations associated with the data for part P, - the number N of communicating objects from which the data for part P were obtained.

[0038] In particular embodiments, the quantity of work is expressed in work units and includes a first term QdTl defined by: QdTl = min(E(T / Tu), E(S / Su), E(N / Nu)), expression in which E denotes the floor function, and Tu, Su, Nu correspond respectively to a given duration, a given geographical area, and a given number of communicating objects, the vector [Tu, Su, Nu] representing a unit of work.

[0039] In particular embodiments, the quantity of work includes a second term QdT2, added to the first term QdT1, defined by: QdT2 = max((T mod Tu) / Tu, (S mod Su) / Su, (N mod Nu) / Nu), expression in which mod denotes the modulo function.

[0040] In particular embodiments, said process further includes a step of transmitting the proof-of-work data to at least one communication device or to a reward device, so that the communication device receives a reward, for example in the form of cryptocurrency, said reward being a function of said proof-of-work data.

[0041] In particular modes of implementation of the communication process or the data processing process, the proof-of-work data includes a cryptographic token.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the cryptographic token contained in the proof-of-work data has a limited validity period.

[0043] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a communication method according to the invention or a data processing method according to the invention when said computer program is executed by a computer.

[0044] This program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable information or recording medium on which a computer program according to the invention is recorded.

[0046] The information or recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk drive.

[0047] On the other hand, the information or recording medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio, or by other means. The program according to the invention can, in particular, be downloaded onto an Internet-type network.

[0048] Alternatively, the information or recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a communication device comprising means configured to implement a communication method according to the invention.

[0050] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a centralization device comprising means configured to implement a data processing method according to the invention

[0051] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a communication system comprising at least one communication device according to the invention and a centralization device according to the invention.

[0052] In particular embodiments, said communication system further comprises at least one communicating object.

[0053] Brief description of the drawings

[0054] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an example of an embodiment without being limiting in any way. In the figures:

[0055] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] schematically represents an example of an embodiment, conforming to the state of the art, of an IoT system configured to perform communications between communicating objects and a centralization device;

[0056] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a communication system according to the invention;

[0057] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of a communication device belonging to the communication system of [Fig.2];

[0058] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a diagram representing a particular mode of implementation of a communication method according to the invention, as executed by a communication device conforming to [Fig.3];

[0059] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically represents an example of a path taken by the communication device of [Fig.3] during the implementation of the communication process of [Fig.4];

[0060] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of a centralization device belonging to the communication system of [Fig.2];

[0061] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a diagram representing a particular mode of implementation of the data processing method according to the invention, as executed by the centralization device of [Fig.6];

[0062] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of a conforming data identification step during the execution of the data processing method of [Fig.7];

[0063] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a diagram representing steps implemented by the centralization device of [Fig.6] and by the communication device of [Fig.3], so that work carried out by said communication device within the framework of the communication process of [Fig.4] allows the obtaining of a remuneration.

[0064]

[0065] Description of embodiments

[0066] Fig. 2 schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a SYS communication system according to the invention.

[0067] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the SYS system comprises a plurality of communicating objects. More particularly, in the present embodiment, the SYS system comprises six communicating objects OBJ1, OBJ2, OBJ3, OBJ4, OBJ5, OBJ6 positioned in a given geographical area.

[0068] For the remainder of this description, it is assumed, without limitation, that all communicating objects are of the same nature and correspond to sensors configured to record water consumption. These sensors are of a known design per se, and are, moreover, in this example, fixedly installed in different locations within a neighborhood of a city (examples: pipe(s) of a private residence, pipe(s) of a business, etc.) forming said geographical area. The installation of said sensors is intended, in particular, to monitor the water consumption of the residents of said neighborhood as well as the businesses and employees who work there.

[0069] It is important to note, however, that considering such water consumption sensors is only one variant implementation of the invention. Thus, and generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of said communicating object, provided that the latter is an object capable of performing a function, the implementation of this function enabling it to obtain / acquire / collect information data specific to it, i.e., data that characterizes the function of said communicating object (in the present embodiment, the function in question corresponds to a water consumption reading, and the information data in question corresponds to water consumption readings). In other words, within the scope of the present invention, the concept of a communicating object covers any everyday object, sensor, actuator, etc., whether fixed or mobile.

[0070] Furthermore, although it is considered here that the communicating objects are all of the same nature (sensor) and perform the same function (water consumption reading), the invention also extends to the case where at least two communicating objects are of distinct natures and / or perform distinct functions. distinct. This generalization also implies that the invention is in no way limited by considering a district of a city as the geographical area for the installation of communicating objects, any other area being able to be considered (factory, farm, etc.).

[0071] The present embodiment is also described considering the presence of six communicating objects. It should be noted, however, that the number of communicating objects does not constitute a limitation of the invention, and nothing precludes considering a number of communicating objects less than or greater than six. Furthermore, the invention can also be implemented considering a single communicating object, as those skilled in the art would be able to adapt the following description to such a configuration.

[0072] Similar to what has been described with reference to [Fig. 1], the communicating objects OBJi (where i is an integer index between 1 and 6) are connected to a communication network. This communication network is, for example, a 5G cellular network. However, this assumption is not limiting, and the invention applies to other communication networks, such as the public Internet, a cellular network other than 5G, a Wi-Fi network, a local or proprietary network, etc. Furthermore, there are no limitations on how the OBJi objects are connected to this communication network: they can be connected via a wired or wireless connection, a mobile or fixed access network, etc.

[0073] This 5G cellular network connection allows OBJi objects to be connected to a CPU centralization device belonging to the SYS system. This CPU centralization device also forms part of a NET cloud computing system (the "Cloud") which can therefore be accessed via the public Internet. There are no limitations regarding the nature of this CPU centralization device (e.g., a server), provided that it is at least equipped with hardware and software enabling it to implement steps in a data processing procedure, as described in more detail later.

[0074] The 5G communication network allows each communicating object (OBJi) to exchange data, both upstream and downstream, with the central processing unit (CPU). To this end, each OBJi (or the central processing unit, the CPU) includes communication means configured to enable such data exchanges on the 5G communication network, relying in particular on a suitable communication interface (e.g., a network card). These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not detailed further here.

[0075] In addition to the OBJi communicating objects and the CPU centralization device, the SYS communication system also includes a plurality of devices mobile communication. More specifically, in the present embodiment and as illustrated by [Fig.2], the SYS system comprises four communication devices CNR1, CRN2, CRN3, CRN4.

[0076] Following considerations similar to those mentioned above, there is no limitation on the number of communication devices that may belong to the SYS system. This number may therefore be greater or less than four. It is also possible to consider a single communication device.

[0077] Each communication device CRNj (j being an integer index between 1 and 4) is a mobile communication device. "Mobile" refers to the fact that a communication device can be moved in space, and in particular within the geographical area where the communicating objects OBJi are located, so as to be positioned in their respective neighborhoods. In other words, considering a communication device CRNj as mobile does not imply that it is necessarily always in motion, but allows us to consider, according to more specific examples of embodiments of the invention, that it can remain static in space.

[0078] For the purposes of this description, the CRNj communication devices are considered, without limitation, to be mobile terminals held by their respective users, more specifically, in this embodiment, smartphones. These users are, for example, residents of the geographical area, employees of a company located in the geographical area, or any other person with a smartphone who travels within said geographical area.

[0079] Considering a smartphone as a CRNj communication device is only one implementation variant of the invention, and nothing precludes considering other variants, such as a tablet, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, etc. In particular, the invention is not limited by the fact that a CRNj communication device is owned by a user, and therefore its movement is linked to that of said user. Thus, nothing precludes considering that a CRNj communication device is autonomous in its movements. Ultimately, and generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of a CRNj communication device.

[0080] Within the framework of the present invention, the presence of said CRNj communication devices is intended to enable the establishment of a close-proximity collaborative network between the OBJi communicating objects and the CPU centralization device, so as to take advantage of the mobility of the latter and thus facilitate the transmission to said CPU centralization device of water consumption readings taken by said OBJi communicating objects. In this sense, said communication devices CRNj can be seen as nodes of such a collaborative network, and are therefore subsequently referred to as "CRNj collaborative nodes".

[0081] Thus, each collaborative node CRNj is configured to carry out processing aimed at collecting one or more water consumption readings from one or more communicating objects OBJi, as well as transmitting, to the CPU centralization device, data including the collected reading(s), by implementing a communication process according to the invention.

[0082] Fig. 3 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of a CRNj collaborative node of the SYS system of Fig. 2.

[0083] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], a CRNj collaborative node has the hardware architecture of a computer. Thus, a CRNj collaborative node includes, in particular, a processor 1j, RAM 2j, ROM 3j and non-volatile memory 4j. It also has communication means 5j.

[0084] The read-only memory 3j of the collaborative node CRNj constitutes a storage medium according to the invention, readable by the processor 1_j, on which a computer program PROGj according to the invention is stored, comprising instructions for executing steps of the communication process. The PROGj program defines functional modules of the collaborative node CRNj, which rely on or control the hardware elements 1_j to 5j of the collaborative node CRNj mentioned above. These functional modules are illustrated in [Fig. 3] by way of no limitation, and are described in more detail below with reference to particular implementations of the communication process.

[0085] The 5j communication means allow a collaborative CRNj node to exchange (send / receive) data with one or more communicating objects. More specifically, such a data exchange between a collaborative node CRNj and a communicating object OBJi can be implemented when these two entities are close to each other, or, put another way, when the collaborative node CRNj is located in a neighborhood of said communicating object OBJi.

[0086] To this end, the communication means 5j rely on a short-range communication interface configured to allow said data exchange. No limitations are attached to the nature of this interface, which may be wired or wireless, so as to allow data exchange according to any known short-range communication protocol. For example, the protocol used may be the BLE protocol (acronym for the English expression "Bluetooth Low Energy"). As another example, the data exchange may be implemented by ambient backscattering.

[0087] It therefore follows from these provisions that the means of communication equipping each communicating object OBJi, in addition to being adapted for communication 5G mobile devices with CPU centralization devices are also suitable for short-range communication with a CRNj collaborative node.

[0088] It is also understood that the notions of "neighborhood" and "short range" depend on the interface and the communication protocol considered for data exchanges between communicating objects OBJi and collaborative nodes CRNj. For example, in the case of using BLE technology, the neighborhood of a communicating object OBJi refers to an area centered on said object OBJi and extending over a distance on the order of a hundred meters.

[0089] The 5G communication means also allow a CRNj collaborative node to exchange (transmit / receive) data with the CPU centralization device. In the present embodiment, the exchanges between a CRNj collaborative node and the CPU centralization device are carried out using the 5G cellular network. However, this is only one example of implementation, and nothing precludes the possibility of considering other communication interfaces / protocols.

[0090] It should be noted that the SYS system as illustrated in [Fig. 2] represents a static configuration of all the entities forming this SYS system. By "static," we refer to the fact that [Fig. 2] is a representation at a given moment of the possible communication links between the communicating objects OBJi and the collaborative nodes CRNj, due to the mobility of the latter within the geographical area. Therefore, at said given moment, and as represented by [Fig. 2]: - the CRN1 node is located in a neighborhood of (and therefore able to communicate with) the communicating objects OBJI and OBJ2; - the CRN2 node is located in a neighborhood of (and therefore able to communicate with) the communicating objects OBJ2 and OBJ3; - the CRN3 node is located in a neighborhood of (and therefore able to communicate with) the communicating objects OBJ4 and OBJ5; - the CRN4 node is located in a neighborhood of (and therefore able to communicate with) the communicating objects OBJ5 and OBJ6.

[0091] The configuration in [Fig. 2] is therefore designed to evolve over time due to the mobility of the CRNj collaborative nodes. It should be noted that this configuration could also evolve if, for example, a collaborative node remains fixed and a communicating object moves in the vicinity of said collaborative node; however, it is recalled that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the communicating objects are fixed and that only the collaborative nodes have the ability to move within the geographical area.

[0092] Within the framework of the present invention, a movement of a CRNj collaborative node within the geographic area can be carried out in different ways. For example, such a movement is performed independently of the respective positions of the objects com Communicating OBJi objects within the geographic area. Put another way, in this example, the respective positions of the communicating OBJi objects do not influence the movement of a collaborative CRNj node, as the latter is not incentivized to deviate from its initial path to move into the vicinity of a specific communicating object. For example, a user with a collaborative CRNj node can move within the area to travel from their home to their workplace and does not alter their usual route, so their presence in the vicinity of a communicating object is purely coincidental.

[0093] According to an alternative example, a CRNj collaborative node moves within the geographical area to satisfy an interest criterion of obtaining the water consumption reading acquired by one or more given OBJi communicating objects. Put another way, the interest criterion in question is a criterion designed to create an incentive for a CRNj collaborative node to move within the area specifically to the vicinity of the OBJi communicating objects in question and thus obtain / collect their respective water consumption readings.

[0094] No limitations are associated with the nature of such a criterion of interest. By way of illustration, one or more communicating objects OBJi may be located in hard-to-reach places within the area (outlying location, elevated location, poor public transport access, etc.), so that reaching their vicinity requires a particular effort. Therefore, if it is envisaged to compensate (for example, financially) a collaborative node CRNj for its participation in a collaborative network for collecting water consumption readings, as described in more detail later, the criterion of interest may, for example, consist of giving greater value to the effort (the work) made by this CRNj node to reach the vicinity of a communicating object OBJi that is difficult to access.

[0095] Knowledge of a criterion of interest associated with a communicating object OBJi, by a collaborative node CRNj, can, for example, originate from a specific request transmitted by the centralizing CPU device to one or more different collaborative nodes present in the geographical area. Alternatively, a collaborative node CRNj can, for example, obtain knowledge of a criterion of interest by querying a dedicated database.

[0096] The [Fig.4] is a diagram representing a particular mode of implementation of the communication method according to the invention, as executed by a collaborative node CRNj of the [Fig.3].

[0097] For the description of the implementation of [Fig. 4], it is considered more specifically, and in no way limitingly, that the collaborative node concerned is the CRN1 node, which is a smartphone in the possession of a user. This smartphone is equipped with a software application dedicated to recording the water consumption of objects OBJi communicants, the user who installed this software application to participate in a collaborative network to help carry out these surveys.

[0098] It is also assumed that this user intends to leave their home to cycle to their workplace. This user's usual home-to-work route is such that the collaborative node CRN1 is intended to be located, during this route, in the vicinity of the communicating objects OBJ2, OBJ4, and OBJ5.

[0099] It is also assumed that: - The communicating object OBJ3 is associated with a criterion of interest to obtain the water consumption reading it measures. This is due, in this case, to the fact that this object OBJ3 is positioned in a location situated at an elevation (i.e., at the end of a sloping access road). - The user of the collaborative node CRN1 decides to make their home-work journey by deviating from their usual route, so as to make the water consumption reading measured by the communicating object OBJ3.

[0100] As illustrated by [Fig.4], the communication process includes a movement step E10. This step E10 corresponds to the initial movement of the collaborative node CRN1 due to the user leaving their home, so that the latter is located, at a time later than their departure, in the vicinity of the communicating object OBJ2 (the sign “MOV” is used in [Fig.4] to refer to step E10).

[0101] Therefore, the communication process includes a step E20 of receiving, from the object OBJ2, the water consumption reading DATA_OBJ2 measured by said object OBJ2. This step E20 is implemented by a receiving module MOD_CRN1_RX equipping the collaborative node CRN1 and integrated into the communication means 5_1.

[0102] The receipt of the DATA_OBJ2 record can, for example, follow the sending of a record retrieval request issued by the CRN1 node. Such a request can, for example, be issued periodically, following a given time step.

[0103] According to another example, the receipt of the DATA_OBJ2 statement can follow the issuance of said statement by the OBJ2 object without any request being transmitted by the CRN1 node. Such an issuance by the OBJ2 object can, for example, be implemented periodically, following a given time step.

[0104] In general, there are no limitations attached to the way in which a reading is obtained by a communicating object.

[0105] In this implementation, the communication method further includes a step E30 of receiving, from the object OBJ2, a cryptographic token vt_CRNl_OBJ2. This step E30 is also implemented by the receiving module MOD_CRN1_RX.

[0106] Said cryptographic token vt_CRNl_OBJ2 is configured so that the object com communicant 0BJ2 and the CPU centralization device are the only entities in the SYS system capable of decrypting said token vt_CRNl_0BJ2 (i.e., the OBJ2 object and the CPU device are the only ones to share knowledge of the underlying cryptographic method used).

[0107] No limitations are attached to the nature of said cryptographic token, and any cryptographic method known to a person skilled in the art for generating / decrypting such a token may be used. By way of example, the generation of the cryptographic token may be carried out by the OBJ2 object using a hashing function and a key shared only with the CPU centralization device.

[0108] The use of such a cryptographic token vt_CRNl_OBJ2, relayed by the collaborative node CRN1, enriches the dataset intended to be collected by the node CRN1, provided that this enrichment is carried out transparently with respect to said node CRN1. Furthermore, this token provides an unforgeable proof of the work performed by the collaborative node CRN1 to obtain and transmit to the CPU centralization device the data specific to the object OBJ2, which is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to establish proof of the work in question, as described in more detail later.

[0109] Once the DATA_OBJ2 record of the OBJ2 object and the vt_CRNl_OBJ2 token have been received, the communication process includes a step E40 for determining an interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2. This step E40 is implemented by a determination module MOD_CRN1_DET equipping the CRN1 collaborative node.

[0110] In this implementation, said interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 comprises: - a date t_CRNl_OBJ2 and a location loc_CRNl_OBJ2 of receipt of the DATA_OBJ2 record. Obtaining said date t_CRNl_OBJ2 and said location loc_CRNl_OBJ2 is done using means known in themselves of dating (example: time reference provided by the cellular network) and means known in themselves of location (example: GPS, triangulation via the cellular network, positioning by Wi-Fi, etc); - an identifier id_OBJ2 of the communicating object OBJ2. Said identifier id_OBJ2 is for example transmitted to the CRN1 node at the same time as the DATA_OBJ2 record (example: message encapsulating the identifier and the record); - the cryptographic token vt_CRNl_OBJ2.

[0111] Subsequently, the communication process includes a step E50 for transmitting the DATA_OBJ2 record and the DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 interaction data to the centralization device. This step E50 is implemented by a transmission module M0D_CRN1_TX equipping the CRN1 collaborative node and integrated into the communication means 5_1.

[0112] The user of node CRN1 then continues moving, so that steps E10, E20, E30, E40, and E50 are iterated for each of the communicating objects OBJ3, OBJ4, and OBJ5. In this particular implementation of the communication process, the data associated with communicating objects OBJ4 and OBJ5 are acquired at the same time and location. This is because these objects OBJ4 and OBJ5 are relatively close to each other with respect to the path followed by node CRN1.

[0113] Thus, following the implementation of the communication process by node CRN1, only objects OBJ1 and OBJ6 were not in communication with it. The various interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, DATA_CRN1_OBJ3, DATA_CRN1_OBJ4, and DATA_CRN1_OBJ5 define the trajectory used by node CRN1 during the communication process. This trajectory is characterized in both space and time, due to the times t_CRN1_OBJ2, t_CRN1_OBJ3, t_CRN1_OBJ4, and t_CRN1_OBJ5 and the locations loc_CRN1_OBJ2, loc_CRN1_OBJ3, loc_CRN1_OBJ4, and loc_CRN1_OBJ5 contained in the interaction data.

[0114] Such a trajectory is schematically represented, without limitation, by [Fig. 5]. In this [Fig. 5], the geographic area is schematically represented as a Z_GEO plane. As can be seen, the path TRAJ_CRN1_NEW followed by the CRN1 node (solid line), to connect its starting point P_INI to its ending point P_FIN, differs from the path TRAJ_CRN1_OLD traditionally followed by the latter (dashed lines). This is due to the additional effort required by the user of the CRN1 node to reach the vicinity of the communicating object OBJ_3.

[0115] The communication method has been described considering a step E30 of receiving a cryptographic token. It is important to note, however, that such a step E30 is optional. In particular, nothing precludes considering implementations in which no communicating object OBJi transmits a cryptographic token, or in which only some of said communicating objects OBJi transmit their respective cryptographic tokens.

[0116] The communication method has also been described considering that the transmission step E50 is implemented after each determination of an interaction data point. These provisions are not, however, limiting to the invention, and nothing precludes considering other embodiments in which the transmission step E50 is implemented after the number of determined interaction data points exceeds a given threshold.

[0117] It follows from the above that the CRNj nodes can, by virtue of their mobility, send data (water consumption readings and interaction data) back to the CPU centralization device. This data retrieval can be done on the fly, or alternatively, in a deferred manner (in which case the data intended to be transmitted by a CRNj node is stored locally, for example in non-volatile memory 4_j).

[0118] The CPU centralization device, for its part, is configured to perform processing aimed at verifying that the data it receives from one or more CRNj collaborative nodes corresponds to work actually performed, by implementing a data processing method according to the invention.

[0119] Fig. 6 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of the CPU centralization device of the SYS system of Fig. 2.

[0120] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the CPU centralization device has the hardware architecture of a computer. Thus, the CPU centralization device includes, in particular, a processor 1_CPU, random access memory 2_CPU, read-only memory 3_CPU, and non-volatile memory 4_CPU. It also has communication means 5_CPU.

[0121] The read-only memory 3_CPU of the CPU centralization device constitutes a storage medium according to the invention, readable by the processor 1_CPU, on which is stored a computer program PROG_CPU according to the invention, comprising instructions for executing steps of the data processing method. The PROG_CPU program defines functional modules of the CPU centralization device, which rely on or control the hardware elements 1_CPU to 5_CPU of the CPU centralization device mentioned above. These functional modules are illustrated in [Fig. 6] by way of no limitation, and are described in more detail below with reference to particular implementations of the data processing method.

[0122] The 5_CPU communication means enable the CPU centralization device to exchange (transmit / receive) data with one or more communicating objects OBJi, as well as with one or more collaborative nodes CRNj. The communication interfaces and communication protocols enabling these exchanges are as described above.

[0123] The [Fig.7] is a diagram representing a particular mode of implementation of the data processing method according to the invention, as executed by the centralization device of the [Fig.6].

[0124] For the description of the implementation mode of [Fig.7], it is considered more particularly, and in no way limitingly, that the CPU centralization device has already received, prior to the implementation of this implementation mode, data (water consumption readings and interaction data) associated with the communication object OBJ2 from the collaborative node CRN3.

[0125] It is further assumed that the present implementation method is initiated following the transmission, by the collaborative node CRN1, of the consumption record DATA_OBJ2 and the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 (see the description with reference to Figures 4 and 5). These assumptions are made solely for the purpose of simplifying the description of said implementation method.

[0126] In the implementation mode of [Fig.7], the data processing method initially comprises a step F10 of receiving, from the collaborative node CRN1, the consumption reading DATA_OBJ2 and the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2. This step F10 is implemented by a MOD_CPU_RX receiving module equipping the CPU centralization device and integrated into the 5_CPU communication means.

[0127] Once the consumption reading DATA_OBJ2 and the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 are received, the data processing method includes a step F20 for identifying, among the received data, data that meet a working conformity criterion, referred to as "compliant data". This step F20 is implemented by an identification module MOD_CPU_ID equipping the CPU centralization device (the abbreviation "DATA CONF" is used in [Fig. 7] to refer to step F20).

[0128] In the present implementation, the work conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying whether the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, DATA_CRN3_OBJ2 which it has received and which are associated with the same communicating object OBJ2 are compatible with each other in time and space according to their respective dates and locations.

[0129] In this embodiment, "compatible with each other in time" (respectively "compatible with each other in space") refers to the fact that the dates t_CRN1_OBJ2 and t_CRN3_OBJ2 (respectively the locations loc_CRN1_OBJ2 and loc_CRN3_OBJ2) are substantially equal. Specifically, this means that the difference between the dates t_CRN1_OBJ2 and t_CRN3_OBJ2 (respectively between the locations loc_CRN1_OBJ2 and loc_CRN3_OBJ2) does not exceed a given threshold.

[0130] By way of illustration only, this threshold may be 5 seconds with regard to dates and 10 meters with regard to locations.

[0131] It should be noted that, in the present implementation, two thresholds are considered, namely one threshold for each parameter (date, location). However, it is of course possible to consider only a single threshold for a hybrid parameter resulting from a multiplication between date and location (i.e., in the example considered here, the difference between t_CRNl_OBJ2 x loc_CRNl_OBJ2 and t_CRN3_OBJ2 x loc_CRN3_OBJ2 is determined, and this difference is compared with the threshold in question).

[0132] Such time and space thresholds thus make it possible to define a tolerance for interactions reported to the CPU centralization device by different collaborative nodes for the same communicating object. It is understandable that if two interaction data points reported by two distinct nodes for the same communicating object have, on the one hand, roughly the same dates and, on the other hand, very different locations, it is reasonable to consider that these data are problematic and cannot be considered compliant. Such situations can arise, for example, in the event of bugs, or in the event of attempted fraud (e.g., impersonation of a collaborative node).

[0133] According to another implementation example, illustrated by [Fig. 8] by way of no limitation, to verify that the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, DATA_CRN3_OBJ2 are compatible with each other in time and space, a tolerance is taken into account for each parameter (date, location), for example, related to the measurement of said parameter. This tolerance thus makes it possible to define, for each date t_CRN1_OBJ2, t_CRN3_OBJ2 (respectively for each location loc_CRN1_OBJ2, loc_CRN3_OBJ2), an interval, called the "temporal interval of occurrence I_CRN1_OBJ2, I_CRN3_OBJ2" (respectively a circle, called the "geographical circle of occurrence C_CRN1_OBJ2, C_CRN3_OBJ2").Therefore, if the said intervals I_CRN1_OBJ2,1_CRN3_OBJ2 (respectively the said circles C_CRN1_OBJ2, C_CRN3_OBJ2) have a non-empty intersection, it is possible to conclude that the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, DATA_CRN3_OBJ2 are compatible with each other, and thus form conforming data (as is the case in the example illustrated by [Fig.8] due to the hatched parts).

[0134] It is important to note that the implementation of step F20 is not limited by the detailed examples above, as other variations may still be considered. Thus, as an alternative or in combination with the preceding examples, nothing precludes (for the purpose of identifying compliant data) comparing the difference between two water consumption readings associated with the same communicating object and taken on dates close to each other against a threshold. Proceeding in this way makes it possible to verify that two water consumption readings are consistent when they are taken on dates close to each other.

[0135] Furthermore, when the CPU centralization device has received a plurality of interaction data associated with the same communicating object, it can also be envisaged that the conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying that the cardinality of said plurality of interaction data is greater than a given threshold. Proceeding in this way makes it possible to create a counter of the number of times an object The communicating OBJi communicates its reading to collaborative CRNj nodes. The verification of the conformity of a data is then conditioned on the fact that the counter exceeds said threshold, which makes it possible for example to disqualify singular situations in which very little data associated with a communicating object is sent back to the CPU centralization device, even though said communicating object is placed in a place where it is expected that a large number of nodes will move there.

[0136] In general, the implementation examples described above with reference to step F20 make it possible to identify compliant data by cross-referencing different data submitted by different collaborative nodes for the same communicating object. Proceeding in this way advantageously leverages the presence of several collaborative nodes within the geographical area. Put another way, the collaborative network resulting from the presence of these nodes in the geographical area provides an effective tool for verifying the compliance of data submitted by these nodes.

[0137] It is important to note that the preceding examples were essentially described on the basis of the assumptions mentioned above for the execution of the data processing method, namely that the various steps rely on data returned by only the CRN1 and CRN3 nodes in relation to the communicating object OBJ2. However, the data processing method is of course not limited by such assumptions, and ultimately applies independently of the number of collaborative nodes and the amount of data returned.

[0138] In particular, step F20 may consist of cross-referencing data collected by collaborative nodes that cover a given size time window, in the manner of a buffer.

[0139] Regardless of the number of data points sent by one or more collaborative nodes to the CPU centralization device, the conformity criterion can also be verified without needing to cross-reference several collaborative node trajectories. For example, step F20 can be implemented so that, when an interaction data point contains a cryptographic token (for example, the vt_CRNl_OBJ2 token), the working conformity criterion includes a condition verifying that the CPU centralization device is capable of decrypting said cryptographic token. In other words, in this example, the presence of the cryptographic token provides a guarantee regarding the conformity of data sent by a collaborative node. Such an implementation is therefore advantageous because it removes the constraint of having access to data provided by different collaborative nodes to identify conforming data.

[0140] According to another alternative example, a collaborative node can be considered to be a trusted collaborative node. In other words, in this case, any data returned by this trusted collaborative node is automatically identified as compliant. The CPU centralization system can, for example, have access to a list of collaborative nodes considered to be trusted.

[0141] Depending on other implementation aspects, the identification of compliant data according to step F20 can, for example, be performed each time new data is received from a collaborative node (this approach is the one implemented in the description of [Fig. 7]). In this way, the centralization device can monitor the compliance of the data sent to it in real time.

[0142] Conversely, and according to another example, step F20 can be executed in a delayed manner, for example periodically according to a determined time step.

[0143] In conclusion, in view of the above, it is understood that there is no limitation attached to the way in which it is possible to identify compliant data using a compliance criterion.

[0144] Returning to [Fig. 7], it is considered, for illustrative purposes, that the data DATA_OBJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 transmitted by the CRN1 collaborative node to the CPU centralization device were identified as compliant following the execution of step F20. Therefore, the data processing method includes a step F30 for determining a proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1, characterizing the amount of work performed by said CRN1 collaborative node to obtain and transmit the consumption reading DATA_OBJ2 and the interaction data DATA_CRN1_OBJ2. This step F30 is implemented by a MOD_CPU_DET determination module equipping the centralization device.

[0145] In its general principle, step F30 aims to certify, through the determination of the PDT_CRN1 data, that the CRN1 collaborative node has indeed performed valid work. In other words, it generates proof of this valid work, which proof can then be used for further processing, for example, in the context of financial compensation for the user of the CRN1 node, as detailed later.

[0146] In any event, to validate (certify) the work performed by the CRN1 node, it is necessary to be able to quantify this work, or, in other words, to associate a measurement metric with it. To this end, in the present implementation, the quantity of work is a function of three parameters, namely: - the duration T to obtain the data DATA_OBJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, said duration T being a function of the date t_CRN1_OBJ2. In practice, in the example considered here to illustrate the data processing procedure, said date t_CRN1_OBJ2 allows us to evaluate the time taken by the user of the CRN1 node to retrieve said data, from the moment they begin their commute. However, it is understood that if several conforming data respectively associated with Several communicating objects are considered, so the said duration T corresponds, for example, to the total time required to collect this compliant data. For example, with reference to [Fig.5], the duration T could, for example, correspond to the time required to collect the data from objects OBJ2, OBJ3, OBJ4, and OBJ6; - the geographical area S covered to obtain the data DATA_0BJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2, said geographical area S being a function of the location loc_CRN1_OBJ2; - the number N of communicating objects from which the data DATA_0BJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 were obtained. In practice, N is equal to 1 in the example considered here to illustrate the data processing procedure.

[0147] More specifically, the quantity of work is expressed in units of work, a unit of work being expressed as a vector [Tu, Su, Nu], where Tu, Su, Nu correspond respectively to a given duration and a given geographical area. Furthermore, in this example, the quantity of work is equal to the sum of a first term QdT1 and a second term QdT2. The first term QdT1 is defined by: QdTl = min(E(T / Tu), E(S / Su), E(N / Nu)), The expression in which E denotes the floor function, and min the minimum function. The second term QdT2, meanwhile, is defined by: QdT2 = max((T mod Tu) / Tu, (S mod Su) / Su, (N mod Nu) / Nu), expression in which mod denotes the modulo function and max the maximum function.

[0148] Thus, in the present implementation, the work unit is defined generically based on criteria specific to the operation of the collaborative network. More specifically, the work unit is defined as the number Nu of communicating objects "seen" within a time window Tu and an area Su. For illustrative purposes only, the vector [Tu, Su, Nu] can be equal to [7 days, 2 km², 10]. Furthermore, this way of defining the quantity of work (= QdT1 + QdT2) allows for the inclusion of a decimal part, which enables precise calculations.

[0149] However, considering a quantity of work equal to the sum of QdT1 and QdT2 is only one implementation variant of the invention, and nothing precludes considering other variants. For example, it is possible to consider only the first term QdT1 (i.e., the quantity of work is an integer, without a decimal part).

[0150] Furthermore, if the parameters T, S, and N have previously been considered separately to define a metric of the quantity of work, there is nothing to preclude considering one or more hybrid parameters resulting from a combination of said parameters T, S, and N. For example, the parameters T and S can be combined by multiplication. In this way, a unit-of-work vector [Tu x Su, Nu] is defined.

[0151] It has also been considered until now that the quantity of work is expressed as a function of the three parameters T, S, and N (whether combined or not). However, nothing, of course, precludes considering a less restrictive definition of the quantity of work, such as a quantity of work that is a function of only one or only two of the said three parameters.

[0152] Alternatively, the amount of work performed by a collaborative node CRNj to obtain and transmit data to the centralizing CPU device can be defined independently of the dates and locations contained in said data. For example, the amount of work can be considered a fixed value for each communicating object OBJi from which the collaborative node CRNj obtains data. Put another way, in this case, the amount of work depends solely on the number of communicating objects from which data is obtained, without taking into account the time required (respectively, the area to be covered) to perform this acquisition.

[0153] In conclusion, and generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the way in which a quantity of work is defined within the framework of the present invention.

[0154] The proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1, thus determined following the execution of step F30, therefore carries information characterizing the amount of work performed by the CRN 1 node to obtain and transmit the DATA_OB J2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 data (this information corresponds, for example, to a numerical value indicative of said amount of work, for example equal to QdT1 + QdT2). Consequently, and as mentioned previously, one of the advantages of determining said PDT_CRN 1 data is the ability to use it as a recognized certificate of work actually performed by the CRN1 node.

[0155] Such a use is illustrated by way of no limitation in [Fig.9]. More in particular, [Fig.9] is a diagram representing steps implemented by the CPU centralization device and by the CRN1 collaborative node, after the proof-of-work data PDT_CRN 1 has been determined (step F30 of the data processing procedure).

[0156] More specifically, in this use case example, the user in possession of the CRN 1 collaborative node wishes to obtain financial compensation for the work he has provided to obtain and transmit the DATA_OBJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 data to the CPU centralization device.

[0157] Also, and as illustrated by [Fig.9], the data processing method executed by the CPU centralization device includes a step F40 of transmitting the proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1 to the collaborative node CRN1. Said step F40 is implemented by a MOD_CPU_TX transmission module equipping the CPU centralization device and integrated into the 5_CPU communication means.

[0158] This F40 transmission step is implemented for example upon receipt of a request sent by the CRN 1 collaborative node to obtain proof-of-work data.

[0159] According to another example, the transmission of proof-of-work data to a collaborative node is implemented iteratively, for example each time proof-of-work data has been determined, or for example periodically according to a determined time step.

[0160] Therefore, the communication process executed by the CRN 1 node includes a step E60 of receiving the proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1, then a step E70 of transmitting this data PDT_CRN1 to a payment device D_PAY.

[0161] More specifically, it is considered here in a non-limiting manner that the D_PAY reward device is configured to provide a reward in the form of cryptocurrency (example: Bitcoin) to the CRN1 node, said reward being a function of said proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1.

[0162] Of course, considering remuneration in the form of cryptocurrency is only one variant of the implementation of the invention, and any other form of remuneration, even non-financial (for example in the form of a service), can be considered.

[0163] As illustrated by [Fig.9], the communication process executed by the CRN1 node then includes a step E80 of obtaining said reward provided by the reward system D_PAY (the sign “OBT RETRIB” is used in [Fig.9] to refer to said step E60).

[0164] It should be noted that the implementation example in [Fig. 9] was described assuming that the CRN1 node transmits the PDT_CRN1 proof-of-work data to the D_PAY reward device. It can therefore be advantageous for the D_PAY reward device to view CRN1 as a trusted entity, so that the PDT_CRN1 data is accepted by the latter. One way to create such a trust link could, for example, be for the PDT_CRN1 proof-of-work data, in addition to information about the amount of work performed, to also include a cryptographic token (the token being inserted into the PDT_CRN1 data, for example, during step F30) that only the CPU centralization device and the D_PAY reward device are able to decrypt. Such a cryptographic token could, for example, have a limited validity period (i.e.The token is associated with an expiry date beyond which the proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1 is no longer considered valid.

[0165] However, nothing precludes considering, following other implementation examples, that the CPU centralization device communicates this PDT_CRN1 data. directly to the D_PAY reward mechanism. This can be the case, in particular, when the CPU centralization device is seen as a trusted entity by the D_PAY reward mechanism. Here again, such a trust link can be implemented, for example, by means of a cryptographic token whose validity period can potentially be limited.

[0166] It is important to note that the data processing procedure has been essentially described up to this point by considering, for the sake of simplicity, only the transmission of the data DATA_OBJ2 and DATA_CRN1_OBJ2 from the single collaborative node CRN1 to the central processing unit CPU. Consequently, and since this data had been determined to be compliant, the determination of the proof-of-work data PDT_CRN1 was carried out on the basis of this single, compliant data.

[0167] That being said, and as already mentioned previously, nothing precludes the possibility of transmitting a plurality of data associated with different communicating objects OBJj, this data potentially originating from one or more collaborative nodes CRNj (the processing of this data being carried out, on the CPU centralization device side, in real time or in a deferred manner). Therefore, the invention also covers more general implementation methods than those described above, in which, when the identification step F20 makes it possible to identify a plurality of compliant data associated with several communicating objects, the determination (step F30) of a proof-of-work data point is performed on a portion P of said data identified as compliant.

[0168] The notion of a "part" of a set, within the framework of the present invention, is not restrictive from a set theory point of view. For example, part P may include all the data identified as compliant during step F20.

[0169] According to another example, Part P can be strictly included in the set of data identified as compliant in step F20. Therefore, in this example, to define Part P, the processing method further includes a step for determining the data of Part P, referred to as "selective data." There are no limitations on how this step for determining the selective data is implemented. By way of illustration, the selective data is determined such that: - the time required to obtain the said selective data satisfies a first constraint, said time being a function of the dates associated with the selective data. Such a first constraint corresponds, for example, to a limit imposed by a given first threshold on the time required to obtain the said selective data; and / or - the geographical area covered to obtain the said selective data satisfies A second constraint, the said geographical area being a function of the locations associated with the selective data. Such a second constraint corresponds, for example, to a constraint of limiting, by a second given threshold, the area to be covered to obtain said selective data.

[0170] Furthermore, the invention has also been described so far considering that the communicating objects OBJi are integrated into the communication system SYS. However, these provisions are not limiting to the invention, and nothing excludes the consideration of embodiments in which the SYS communication system integrates only the CPU centralization device and the CRNj collaborative nodes.

Claims

Demands

1. A communication method implemented by a mobile communication device (CRN1) and comprising, for at least one communicating object (OBJ1) positioned in a given geographical area and when the communication device is located in the vicinity of said at least one communicating object, the following steps: - reception (E20), from said at least one communicating object, of information data (DATA_OBJ2) specific to said at least one communicating object, - determination (E40) of interaction data (DATA_CRN1_OBJ2) comprising a date (t_CRN1_OBJ2) and a location (loc_CTN1_OBJ2) of receipt of the information data as well as an identifier (id_OBJ2) of said at least one communicating object, - transmission (E50) of said interaction data to a centralization device (CPU), - reception (E60), from the centralization device,of a proof-of-work data item (PDT_CRN1) characterizing the amount of work performed by the communication device to obtain and transmit, among said at least one information data item and said at least one interaction data item, a part P of data satisfying a work conformity criterion, referred to as "compliant data", the amount of work being a function of the geographical area S traversed to obtain and transmit the data of part P, and said geographical area S being a function of the locations associated with the data of part P.,

2. Method according to claim 1, said method being implemented for a plurality of communicating objects (OBJ1, OBJ2, OBJ3, OBJ4, OBJ5, OBJ6) positioned in the area.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, said method comprising, for at least one communicating object, a displacement step (E10) of the communication device within the zone and enabling said communication device to be positioned in the vicinity of said at least one communicating object, said displacement step being carried out: - independently of the position of said at least one communicating object in the zone, or - to satisfy a criterion of interest in obtaining the information data said at least one communicating object.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said method also comprising, for at least one communicating object, a step (E30) of receiving, from said at least one communicating object, a cryptographic token (vt_CRNl_OBJ2), the interaction data being determined so as to also include said token.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said method further comprising steps of: - transmitting (E70) the proof-of-work data to a reward device (D_PAY), - obtaining (E80) a reward, for example in the form of cryptocurrency, said reward being a function of said proof-of-work data.

6. A data processing method implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), said method comprising, for at least one mobile communication device (CRN1), the steps of: - receiving (F10), from said at least one mobile communication device, at least one information data item (DATA_OBJ2) and at least one interaction data item (DATA_CRN1_OBJ2) obtained and transmitted in accordance with a communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - identifying (F20), among the received data, data satisfying a work conformity criterion, referred to as "conforming data", - determining (F30) a work proof data item (PDT_CRN1) characterizing a quantity of work performed by said at least one communication device to obtain and transmit a part P of said conforming data,the amount of work being a function of the geographical area S covered to obtain the data for part P, said geographical area S being a function of the locations associated with the data for part P.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein, when the centralizing device has received, from several communication devices, a plurality of interaction data associated with the same communicating object, the working conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying whether said received interaction data are compatible with each other in time and space according to their respective dates and locations.

8. A method according to any one of 6 to 7, wherein, when an interaction data includes a cryptographic token (vt_CRNl_OBJ2) according to claim 4, the working conformity criterion includes a condition consisting of verifying that the centralization device is capable of decrypting said cryptographic token.

9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, said method further comprising a step of transmitting the proof-of-work data to at least one communication device or to a reward device (D_PAY), so that the communication device receives a reward, for example in the form of cryptocurrency, said reward being a function of said proof-of-work data.

10. Computer program (PROGj, PROG_CPU) comprising instructions for carrying out steps of: - a communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or - a data processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, when said program is executed by a computer.

11. Communication device (CRN1) comprising means configured to implement a communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. Centralization device (CPU) comprising means configured to implement a data processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

13. Communication system (SYS) comprising at least one communication device according to claim 11 and a centralization device according to claim 12.

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