Method for building blockchain

Abstract

To provide a computer implemented method for generating a hash value.SOLUTION: The method comprises the steps of: providing a first digital RGB image (112) having first RGB colors of a physical object (114); combining first transaction data (116) and the first digital RGB image (112), thereby generating a second RGB image (118) having second RGB colors; converting (128) color values of the second RGB image (118) from an RGB color space (130) to a secondary color space (132) having at least four primary colors and determining (134) the number of respectively colored pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space (132); and generating (136) a hash value (110) by converting the determined number of respectively colored pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space (132) to hexadecimal numerals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating hash values, a computer-implemented method for generating root hashes, a computer-implemented method for generating nonce values, a computer-implemented method for generating blockchains, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and several applications of blockchains. The methods, apparatus, and systems according to the invention can be used, inter alia, for securely processing transactions in the fields of smart contracts, financial services, healthcare, personal authentication, cryptocurrencies, and supply chains. Other applications are possible. [Background technology]

[0002] In many applications, such as financial services, healthcare, identity verification, cryptocurrency, supply chains, and others, blockchain technology is an effective technology for ensuring secure processing of transactions, such as licensing, collaboration with other companies, and sales techniques.

[0003] A blockchain is a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked together using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and the transaction data. By design, blockchains are resistant to data modification. A blockchain is "an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties in an efficient, verifiable, and durable manner" (see en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Blockchain). To be used as a distributed ledger, a blockchain is typically managed by a peer-to-peer network that collectively adheres to a protocol for inter-node communication and validation of new blocks. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block in the blockchain, linking the two blocks together. The linked blocks form a chain. This iterative process verifies the integrity of previous blocks all the way back to the original founding block. Blockchain technology typically requires a cryptographic hash function to process multiple pieces of information and to map data of any size to a fixed size, so that the data in a given block cannot be retroactively changed.

[0004] U.S. Patent Publication 2004 / 153649 describes a system for generating and authenticating printed objects using authentication information. Techniques are also described for incorporating authentication information into a digital representation of the object and using the authentication information to authenticate the object.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-078820 discloses an image processing device that converts first image data represented by a plurality of element colors into second image data represented by another plurality of element colors. The device comprises: a hash value generation unit that generates a hash value to which the plurality of element colors are allocated, based on the first image data input for each pixel, based on the color characteristics of the color conversion and the allocation ratios of the plurality of element colors determined based on human visual characteristics; a color conversion table that sets a correspondence between the first image data for which the hash value was generated and the second image data corresponding to the hash value generated by the hash value generation unit, and a color conversion unit that performs color conversion on the second image data corresponding to the hash value generated by the hash value generation unit, based on the color conversion table. If the hash value generated by the hash value generation unit is not in the color conversion table, the hash value and the correspondence between the first image data for which the hash value was generated and the second image data are added to the color conversion table.

[0006] Despite the achievements of known blockchain technologies and methods for generating blockchains, there is still a need to improve data security and operational security, especially in view of recent advances in computer technology and the increasing availability of computer computing power and resources, and in particular to ensure the untraceability of the generation of hash values.

[0007] For this purpose, cryptographic hash functions are required, which provide three fundamental security properties to keep data secure: pre-image resistance, second pre-image resistance, and collision resistance. Providing pre-image resistance makes it difficult and time-consuming for an attacker to find the original message given each hash value. This security is provided by the properties of one-way functions, which are key to repelling brute-force attacks from powerful computers. The second security property, called second pre-image resistance, is acceptable when the message is known, but finding another message that carries the same hash value is difficult. The final security property is collision resistance, which makes it extremely difficult to find two inputs that hash to the same hash value. For more information, see brilliant.org / wiki / SecureHashingAlgorithms.

[0008] Additionally, cryptographic hash functions have been proposed that can provide the properties of strong hashing algorithms, namely, determinism, preimage resistance, collision resistance, and avalanche effects. As described in www.thesslstore.com / blog / what-is-a-hash-function-in-cryptography-a-beginners-guide, a hashing algorithm is required to be deterministic, meaning that it always gives you the same size output regardless of the size of your starting input. This means that if you are hashing a single sentence, the resulting output should be the same size as the output you would get if hashing an entire book. Strong hashing algorithms are preimage-resistant, meaning that it is infeasible to reverse the hash value and recover the original input plaintext message. Therefore, the concept of a hash is an irreversible one-way function. A collision occurs when two objects collide. When two unique samples of input data result in the same output, it is known as a collision. This means that the algorithm used to hash the data is broken and therefore less secure. Essentially, the concern here is that someone could generate a malicious file with an artificial hash value that would match a genuine (safe) file and pass it off as authentic because the signatures match. Therefore, a good and reliable hash algorithm is one that is resistant to these collisions. The avalanche effect refers to how any change in the input, no matter how small, will result in a large change in the output. Essentially, small changes snowball into something much larger, hence the term "avalanche effect."

[0009] Further, regarding hash security, see hilbert.math.uni-mannheim.de / ~seiler / Krypto10 / Kryptologie10.pdf, pages 273-292. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, it is desirable to provide methods and apparatuses that address the aforementioned technical challenges. Specifically, a computer-implemented method for generating a hash value, a computer-implemented method for generating a root hash, a computer-implemented method for generating a nonce, a computer-implemented method for generating a blockchain, a blockchain, a cryptocurrency, and some applications of the blockchain are provided, which can improve data security and data manipulation security, particularly for transaction data.

[0011] This problem is addressed by a computer-implemented method for generating a hash value, a computer-implemented method for generating a root hash, a computer-implemented method for generating a nonce, a computer-implemented method for generating a blockchain, a blockchain, a cryptocurrency, and some applications of blockchain, which comprise the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, realized separately or in any arbitrary combination, are recited in the dependent claims.

[0012] As used below, the terms "have," "comprise," or "include," or any optional grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can refer both to a situation in which the entity described in this context has no additional features in addition to the features introduced by these terms, and to a situation in which one or more additional features are present. For example, the expressions "A has B," "A comprises or includes B," and "A includes B" can refer both to a situation in which A has no other elements in addition to B (i.e., A consists solely and exclusively of B), and to a situation in which entity A has one or more additional elements in addition to B, such as element C, elements C and D, or even more additional elements.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one," "one or more," or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element can be present once or more than once are typically used only once when introducing each feature or element. In most cases below, when referring to each feature or element, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, regardless of whether each feature or element can be present once or more than once.

[0014] Furthermore, as used in the following description, the terms "preferably," "more preferably," "particularly," "more particularly," "particularly," "more particularly," or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without limiting their substitution. Features introduced by these terms are therefore optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. The invention can be implemented using alternative features, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Similarly, features introduced by "in embodiments of the invention" or similar phrases are intended to be optional features, without any limitation on alternative embodiments of the invention, without any limitation on the scope of the invention, and without any limitation on the possibility of combining a feature introduced in this way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implementable method for generating a hash value is proposed. The method comprises the following method steps, which may be performed in a specific order, although different orders are possible. It is further possible for two or more of the method steps to be performed simultaneously, in whole or in part. Furthermore, one or more, or even all, of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly, e.g., once or several times. Furthermore, the method may comprise additional method steps not listed.

[0016] The term "computer-implemented" as used herein is a broad term, accorded the ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically, without limitation, refer to processing that is performed in whole or in part using a data processing means, such as a data processing means including at least one processor. Thus, the term "computer" can generally refer to a device or a combination of devices or networks having at least one data processing means, such as at least one processor. In addition, a computer can include one or more additional components, such as at least one of a data storage device, an electronic interface, or a human-machine interface.

[0017] In general, hash values ​​can be generated using a hash function. A hash function can be any function that can be used to map data of any size to a value of a fixed size. The value returned by a hash function is called a hash value. As used herein, the term "hash value" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a numeric value of a fixed length that uniquely represents data.

[0018] The term "data," as used herein, is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to information and / or machine-readable signals or symbols representing information. Data specifically can be or include one or both of digital data and analog data.

[0019] The method is: i) providing a first digital RGB image having a first RGB color of a physical object; ii) combining the first transaction data with the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a second RGB image having a second RGB color; iii) converting the color values ​​of the second RGB image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; iv) generating a hash value by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0020] As used herein, the term "digital image," also referred to as a digital photograph, is a broad term that has its ordinary and customary meaning given to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to a two-dimensional representation of a physical object. The terms image and photograph are used synonymously in the following description. The terms "first," "second," and the like are used as names only. As used herein, the term "digital RGB image" is a broad term that has its ordinary and customary meaning given to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to a color digital image having three color channels: a color channel for red (R), a color channel for green (G), and a color channel for blue (B). The primary colors of a digital RGB image can be red, green, and blue. An RGB digital image can have a color channel for each primary color. A digital color image can include multiple image pixels, where each image pixel is made up of a combination of multiple primary colors. For example, a digital RGB image can be 24-bit or 48-bit. Each pixel in a digital RGB image can be specified by two spatial coordinates and three color values.

[0021] The term "providing" a first digital RGB image as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to generating a first digital RGB image or retrieving a first digital RGB image of a physical object from a database, such as physical objects resembling paintings, buildings, plants, and the like.

[0022] Preferably, the first digital RGB image can be generated by digitally scanning a physical object, which can be any physical object, for example, a mixture, a painting, a building, a plant, and the like.

[0023] Specifically, the step of providing the first digital RGB image can comprise a step of blending and / or mixing pigments, and a step of scanning the blended and / or mixed pigments. The method comprises a step of blending at least two materials according to at least one item of blending information by using an apparatus, thereby generating at least one blend.

[0024] The term "material" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any particular or customized meaning. The term can refer specifically, without limitation, to a chemical element or chemical compound, and particularly to a chemical element or chemical compound that may be mixed with other chemical elements or chemical compounds.

[0025] The material may be specifically suitable for injection. The material may be in one or more of a solid state generally, a granular solid state specifically, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the material may be or include at least one of a powder and a liquid. The material may be a homogeneous, single material. Alternatively, the material may include multiple components homogeneously or heterogeneously mixed. Thus, the material may itself be a mixture or composition. For example, the material may be or include a liquid, where the liquid may include, for example, at least one solvent and at least one chemical compound dissolved, emulsified, or dispersed in the at least one solvent. The solvent may form part of the material, or alternatively, the at least one chemical compound may be considered the material, while the solvent may merely be considered an adjuvant or additive to the material.

[0026] The term "mixing" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a process of mixing and processing at least two materials in a defined manner, thereby producing a mixture. The process of producing and processing a mixture can include additional processes, such as temperature changes or temperature treatments of the at least two materials. The mixing process can be carried out in various ways depending on the nature of the at least two materials. For example, if the at least two materials comprise powders, the mixing process can include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the powders into a common container, and optionally, stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, if the at least two materials comprise liquids, the mixing process can also include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the liquid into a common container, and optionally, stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, as outlined in more detail below, the mixing process can also include printing and processing, for example, inkjet printing the at least two materials onto a common substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing step can include other forms of mixing of the at least two materials, such as mixing the at least two materials on at least one common substrate. For example, the mixing step can include one or more electrostatic precipitating processes, such as electrostatically collecting the at least two materials, for example, on a common substrate, for example, on an electrostatically charged surface. Specifically, the mixing and / or mixing step can include electrostatic precipitating in a printing process. For example, the mixing and / or mixing step can include electrostatic precipitating in a printing process of at least two charged materials on an electrostatically neutralized surface. Thus, the materials can be mixed, thereby at least temporarily changing their charge. Specifically, the mixing and / or mixing step can include electrostatic precipitating in a laser printing process, such as a process typically performed in a laser printer.In particular, at least two materials, e.g., pigments, are initially charged and deposited onto an equally charged image roller, where specific areas are electrostatically neutralized, e.g., by using a laser and / or LED. These deposited materials are then removed and / or removed from the image roller, e.g., by an oppositely charged substrate, e.g., oppositely charged paper.

[0027] The mixing process can leave the materials unchanged or can change the properties of the materials, in whole or in part. Thus, by way of example, various materials can simply be mixed without any chemical change. Additionally or alternatively, various materials can be mixed, thereby changing their chemical properties. A change in chemical properties occurs specifically when the materials include a solvent, which can evaporate in whole or in part during or after mixing. Again, additionally or alternatively, the materials can react in whole or in part with each other, thereby generating at least one reaction product.

[0028] The term "mixture" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, without being limited to a specific or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to a mixture of at least two materials, without limitation. The mixture can specifically be present in at least one container and / or on at least one substrate. The mixture can generally be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the mixture can be or contain at least one of a powder and a liquid. The mixture can be in the same state as the materials or in different states. For example, at least one of the materials can be in a liquid state, while the mixture can also be in a solid state, such as after a drying process. Thus, for example, at least two materials can be mixed in a liquid state in a mixing process, followed by a drying step to evaporate at least one solvent and / or thereby change the chemical properties of the mixed materials. As an example, a mixing process can refer to printing two materials in a liquid state onto at least one substrate, followed by a drying or solidifying process, where the resulting mixture can be in a dry or solid state. Another example can refer to a phase change process, such as hardening or solidifying the materials after mixing.

[0029] As used herein, the term "item of mixing information" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any particular or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to at least one item of information describing a defined mixing process, without limitation. The at least one item of mixing information can refer to the mixing process itself, such as how to mix at least two materials, for example, to process parameters of the mixing process. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one item of mixing information can refer to materials to be mixed, such as amounts to be mixed during the mixing process, for example, mass or volume of materials.

[0030] The term "mixing equipment" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any particular or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to equipment configured to perform the mixing process described above. Specifically, as outlined in more detail below, the mixing equipment can include at least one supply or reservoir for each of the materials. The mixing equipment can also include at least one mixing element, such as a nozzle, agitator, printer, mixer, or the like.

[0031] Consequently, the term "mixture" as used herein is also a broad term, given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any particular or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to a mixture of at least two materials without limitation. The mixture can specifically be present on a substrate or in a container. The mixture can specifically include finite amounts of materials.

[0032] Providing a first digital RGB image can include detecting at least one material property of the mixture by using at least one detector. As used herein, the term "material property" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to any property of a material, such as a mixture, without limitation. The property can specifically refer to one or more physical, chemical, or biological properties. Specifically, the material property can include at least one of a mechanical property or an optical property of the material. Specifically, the material property can refer to a measurable characteristic of the respective material. More specifically, the at least one material property can be or include at least one color of the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one material property can be or include at least one property selected from the group consisting of a specific density of the mixture, a volume of the mixture, a weight of the mixture, an optical property of the mixture, a spectral composition of the mixture, a color spectrum of the mixture, a color intensity of the mixture, and a viscosity of the mixture. Alternatively or additionally, other material properties can be used.

[0033] Detecting at least one material property of the mixture can specifically include generating at least one item of measurement information related to the material property. Thus, the at least one item of measurement information generally refers to the result of measuring the at least one material property, e.g., at least one number of measurements, which, for example, represent or are characteristic of at least one material property of the mixture. Thus, by way of example, the at least one item of measurement information can include at least one of the following items of measurement information: a specific density measurement of the mixture, a volume measurement of the mixture, a weight measurement of the mixture, an optical property measurement of the mixture, a color measurement of the mixture, a spectral composition measurement of the mixture, specifically a color spectrum measurement of the mixture, a color intensity measurement of the mixture, or a viscosity measurement of the mixture. These measurements can, by way of example, each be singular or plural, e.g., be or include a distribution, spectrum, or the like. Specifically, the at least one item of measurement information can be or include at least one numerical value, e.g., a digital value.

[0034] The term "detecting" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, without being limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a process that generates information about a characteristic or measurable variable, where qualitative and / or quantitative information is sought. The term can specifically refer to a process that measures at least one measurable variable of a physical object. Consequently, the term "detector" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, without being limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to any device configured to perform a detecting process, such as a device having at least one sensor for measuring at least one measurable variable of an object. By way of example, the sensor can include one or more of a weight sensor, particularly a scale, a volume sensor, a density sensor, a color sensor, or a particle size distribution sensor. Alternatively or additionally, other sensors can be used.

[0035] At least one item of blending information may specifically include n blending variables, where n is a positive integer. As used herein, the term "blend variable" is a broad term, accorded its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to variables, without limitation, that quantitatively or qualitatively describe at least one aspect or parameter of a blend. For example, blending variables may refer to at least two materials for blending processes, such as detecting quantities or material flows related to a blend or the like. Furthermore, m material properties of a blend may be detected, where m is a positive integer. Specifically, the number of detected material properties, m, may be equal to or greater than the number, n, of blending variables. In other words, preferably m≧n. In other words, the information generated by the detection may be at least as large as the information used to generate the blend, and the term "information" may refer to the number, n, and / or the number, m, of degrees of freedom, and / or the logarithm of the degrees of freedom, e.g., logn or logm, respectively.

[0036] The at least two mixed materials may be different materials, and the materials may differ in at least one property selected from the group consisting of chemical properties, in particular chemical composition, optical properties, in particular optical appearance, such as one or more of color, transparency, brightness, mechanical properties, in particular one of granularity, particle size, density, viscosity, or flow properties, electrostatic chargeability, compressibility, crystallinity, and particle shape, although other properties may be used in addition or instead.

[0037] The at least two materials may specifically comprise bulk materials and / or loose materials. The at least two materials may each independently be selected from the group consisting of a solid material, a gaseous material, and a liquid material. More specifically, the at least two materials may independently be selected from the group consisting of and / or comprise at least two materials selected from the group consisting of powders, specifically selected from the group consisting of inorganic powders, particularly inorganic powders made from minerals, organic powders, particularly organic powders made from polymers, and pigments, and liquids, specifically pure liquids, suspensions, emulsions, or solutions, more specifically selected from the group consisting of one or more liquid colors and inks.

[0038] Any suitable pigment can be used in the context of the present invention. It is also possible to use a mixture of one or more pigments in the context of the present invention.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the amount of pigment used can vary. Preferably, the amount of pigment used is 10 -15 g / cm 2 to 1 g / cm 2 more preferably in the range of 10 -9 g / cm 2 From 10 -3 g / cm 2 The range is.

[0040] The particle size of the pigments used is preferably in the range of 10 nanometers to 1 mm, in particular in the range of 100 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

[0041] Preferably, suitable pigments are selected from inorganic materials, preferably metal oxides, with the metal oxides preferably selected from natural sources. Suitable pigments can be, for example, pigments selected from iron oxides. Iron oxide pigments are relatively low-cost materials that resist color change due to exposure to sunlight, have good chemical resistance, and are stable under normal atmospheric conditions. Iron oxides have been found to be particularly suitable because the material can be easily recycled and reused. Iron oxide pigments can, for example, be recovered and used as feedstock for steel production, thereby avoiding the disposal of used pigments as waste.

[0042] Suitable iron oxides are also available as natural pigments. Suitable red pigments can be derived from hematite, yellow and brown pigments such as ochre, sienna, and umber, and can also be derived from limonite, with magnetite providing black iron oxide pigments. Additionally, synthetic pigments, particularly metal oxides such as iron oxide, are produced under controlled conditions, resulting in excellent particle size, distribution, and shape uniformity, and can be used in accordance with the present invention to improve color quality and chemical purity.

[0043] For example, pigments obtained from natural sources, such as pigments derived from natural organic materials, such as organic materials derived from plants, animals, and minerals, are suitable for the method of the present invention. Also suitable are pigments selected from synthetic organic materials, such as azo pigments. Suitable mineral pigments include ochre, sienna, azurite, cobalt, or ultramarine. Spinel can also be used. Ochre is a red or yellow pigment typically obtained from iron ore or iron-containing clay. Sienna is a form of limonite clay derived from ferric oxide to produce a rich red pigment. Azurite can be found in the upper, oxidized portions of copper ore deposits. Ultramarine can be obtained from lapis lazuli or artificially produced. Spinel is available in yellow, orange, turquoise, and blue varieties. Additional examples include carmine lake, natural red 4 (cochineal), natural yellow 3 lake (from plants), madder lake, natural red 9 (madder root), indigo lake, natural blue 2 (great blue), chlorophyll green lake (plants), vegetable or bone charcoal, titanium white, iron oxide, talc, chalk, kaolin and other earth pigments. According to another embodiment of the invention, it is required that preferably at least 20%, more preferably 30%, and most preferably 40% of the pigments used are of natural origin, i.e., extracted from natural products by simple separation or purification steps, excluding products of the petrochemical industry.

[0044] In the context of the present invention, the term pigment also includes pigments that are visible under ultraviolet light. Sustainable and environmentally friendly materials can be used, such as pigments from Clariant available under the Ecotrain label, such as materials selected from the group consisting of Novoperm Yellow HR 72, Hostaperm Blue B2G 03, Hostaperm Green GNX 01, Hanza Sparkling Yellow 2GX 72-S, Hostaperm Yellow H3G EDW VP 5131, Novoperm Orange HL 71, and Hostaperm Blue B2G-EDS VP 3491.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, effect pigments such as water-absorbing pigments, metallic effect pigments, and pearlescent pigments can also be used. Metallic or metallic effect pigments usually consist of small platelets or flakes of aluminum, copper, copper-zinc alloys, zinc, and other metals. Suitable pearlescent pigments are, for example, mica-based pigments, but silica flakes or alumina flakes are also suitable. Suitable pigments are natural mica pigments covered with flakes of metal oxides, such as TiO or iron oxide. Furthermore, in the context of the invention, silica flake (SiO)-based pigments or alumina (AlO)-based pigments are used. Suitable substrate-free pearlescent pigments are, for example, natural pearlescent pigments, basic lead carbonate, bismuth oxychloride, mica-containing iron oxide, and TiO flakes.

[0046] The present invention takes advantage of the high entropy of various solid particle mass materials when they are mixed. Therefore, a mass containing 1 trillion particles, with an average particle size of 1 μm and a volume of 1 mm is 3 For a dense particle system where , it would require one trillion equations to be solved to describe the positions of these particles. Therefore, as outlined above and in more detail below, the present invention provides techniques for reliably increasing the data security and data manipulation security of blockchain technology. Blockchain technology is one of the most innovative technologies being developed and has potential applications in the fields of education, commerce, and industry. Since the creation of Bitcoin, blockchain has emerged as a means for storing digital information without the intervention of any third party. It is used in a variety of applications other than simply being a distributed ledger. Over time, blockchain has impacted different sectors of the economy and gained popularity due to its immutability. However, there are several problems that blockchain technology faces.

[0047] One such problem is energy waste. Blockchains are known to consume excessive amounts of energy due to the algorithms involved in their creation. Johannes Sedlmeir et al., "Energy Consumption of Blockchain Technology: Beyond Myths," BusInf SystEng 62(6):599-608 (2020), https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s12599-020-00656-x, and EshaniGosh and BaisakhiDaS, "Study on the Issue of Blockchain Energy Consumption," Proceedings of the International Conference on Ethical Initiatives 2019, January 2020, DOI:10.1007 / 978-981-15-0361-0_5 (pp. 63-75), describe the enormous energy consumption required by blockchain technology. This invention proposes an effective method for analyzing the physical consequences resulting from optical principles when color pigments are applied to mix, especially solid particle agglomerates. Therefore, applying the high entropy of solid particle agglomerates offers enormous benefits in reducing energy consumption for blockchain technology in general. Energy consumption can increase, especially when using pigments such as "natural pigments," which do not require energy input for chemical synthesis. The use of natural pigments in printers can reduce electrical energy consumption by 99% compared to publicly available data for Bitcoin blockchain technology. See the publication cited above. Thus, the present invention effectively contributes to reducing costs and CO2 emissions, since most of the electrical energy is not derived from renewable resources.

[0048] The step of mixing the at least two materials can be performed according to at least one item of mixing information. The at least one item of mixing information can specifically include at least one of the following: amounts of the at least two materials to be mixed; weights of the at least two materials to be mixed; volumes of the at least two materials to be mixed; volumetric mixing ratios of the at least two materials to be mixed; weight mixing ratios of the at least two materials to be mixed; mixing instructions for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of the two materials to be mixed; and printing instructions for mixing the at least two materials to be mixed. The mixing instructions can be, for example, tilting information for mixing the at least two materials to be mixed, for example, using differently tilted raster images, such as raster images generated by a printer's raster image processor (RIP). Note that other types of mixing information can also be used in addition to or instead of this.

[0049] The at least two materials can be fed to the mixing device continuously or discontinuously. Thus, by way of example, the mixing device can include at least two reservoirs for the at least two materials to be mixed. However, in addition or instead, other means of feeding materials to the at least one mixing device are also possible. Thus, by way of example, in addition to or instead of using at least one reservoir for at least one of the various materials, continuous feeding is also possible.

[0050] The mixing device may further include at least one receiving element for receiving the mixture. As used herein, the term "receiving element" may generally refer to any element configured to receive the mixture. The receiving element may specifically have at least one receiving surface and / or at least one receiving material for receiving the mixture. Thus, for example, the at least one receiving element may specifically include at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiver for receiving the mixture and a substrate for receiving the mixture. The at least one receiving element may include a stationary receiving element and / or a movable receiving element, such as a rotatable receiving element. For example, the receiving element may include at least one substrate, such as a substrate having at least one surface, which may be or include a flat substrate surface and / or a curved substrate surface. For example, the receiving element may include at least one drum, such as a rotating drum, having a receiving surface for receiving the mixture. The mixture may be deposited directly or indirectly onto the rotating drum by using the mixing device. For example, a drum may be used, and the mixture may be temporarily fixed thereon, for example, electrostatically. These electrostatic drums are generally known in the art of printing, for example laser printing.

[0051] When the receiving element includes at least one drum, the drum can be specifically a rotating drum. The method herein further comprises at least one cleaning step, in which, after detecting at least one material characteristic, the mixture can be specifically removed from the receiving surface of the drum. For example, powder and / or pigment can be dispensed onto the rotating drum and, for example, temporarily fixed to the surface of the rotating drum by electrostatic force. During the time the mixture is fixed to the surface of the rotating drum, at least one material characteristic of the mixture on the surface can be detected, for example, by optical reading. For example, and as outlined in more detail below, the color is detected and then, for example, transformed into binary information, such as a string of binary numbers. The drum is then cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position. The drum can then be cleaned by rotating it to the cleaning position, for example, by rotating the drum 90°.

[0052] A similar procedure can be performed either directly on the surface of a drum and / or on a moving substrate, such as a paper substrate, by using inkjet printing, optionally without electrostatic fixation. After detecting at least one characteristic, the drum can be cleaned for reuse. Thus, by way of example, the mixing device can include at least one inkjet printer. The material can be or can include a step of inkjet printing the liquid material onto at least one receiving element, such as at least one rotating drum and / or at least one substrate. Subsequently, detection of at least one material characteristic, such as at least one optical characteristic, can be performed, for example, by optical reading. For example, again, color can be detected, which can then be transformed, for example, into binary information, such as a string of binary digits. Subsequently, the drum is cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position. Subsequently, for example, the drum is cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to the step of cleaning at least one receiving element, a new receiving element or a new part of a receiving element is used for an additional step, such as for additional printing and repeating the mixing and detecting steps.

[0053] The mixing device may specifically include at least one mixing element for generating a mixture. As used herein, the term "mixing element" is a broad term, accorded its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to any element, device, or combination of elements configured to mix at least two materials, e.g., by mixing the at least two materials before, during, or after deposition onto at least one receiving element. For example, the at least one mixing element may be or include at least one element selected from the following group: a dispenser for continuously or discontinuously dispensing at least one of two materials; and a printer for printing at least two materials onto at least one receiving element, specifically onto at least one substrate, specifically selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer and a laser printer. Additionally or alternatively, other types of mixing elements may be used. Thus, for example, the mixing element may be or include at least one of a stirring element, a dispenser, a nozzle, and an extrusion-type extruder.

[0054] The blending device can be or include at least one printer. The printer is configured to receive at least one item of blending information and blend the blend. As used herein, the term "printer" is a broad term, given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and not limited to a specific or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to a device configured to apply, e.g., print, at least one material onto at least one printing surface or substrate in a specific patterned manner in accordance with at least one printer control information. Thus, typically, a printer generates text and / or images on at least one printing surface, and in generating, can be configured to follow at least one printer control information, e.g., one or more series of characters, bitmapped images, vector images, computer programs, etc., provided in at least one printer control language. In particular, the printer, and specifically at least one function of the printer, can be controllable via one or more printer control languages, such as a page description language (PDL), printer command language (PCL), PostScript, XML paper specification, and the like.

[0055] In particular, the printer may comprise one or more of the following elements: a drum, such as an imaging drum; a laser lens system, such as a lens system comprising at least one mirror, such as a rotatable mirror; a cleaning element, such as a roller, scraper or similar means, for cleaning, e.g. for cleaning the drum; a cassette, such as a paper cassette, for storing, e.g. one or more substrates; at least one transport element, such as a roller and / or conveyor, for feeding, transporting and / or discharging substrates, in particular paper, to, within and / or from the printer; and a printer control unit configured to control the printer.

[0056] The printer can be specifically configured to mix at least two materials on at least one substrate according to at least one item of mixing information. In particular, the printer can be configured to mix at least two materials according to an item of mixing information, thereby, for example, generating a mixture on the substrate and receiving the mixture. The substrate can be specifically at least one carrier medium, such as a carrier medium selected from the following group: a glass carrier, such as a glass plate or glass sheet; a plastic carrier, such as a plastic plate or plastic sheet; a paper carrier, such as a paper sheet; and a canvas. Other substrates are also possible. For example, the substrate can be part of the printer itself or embedded within the printer. In particular, the substrate formed by the printer can be a reusable carrier medium, such as a medium with a cleanable surface, such as a drum, e.g., a rotating drum.

[0057] The printer can be further configured to mix at least two materials to generate at least one pattern, specifically at least one interference pattern. The at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can be, in particular, different materials, specifically the materials can differ with respect to at least one property. For example, the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can differ with respect to at least one property selected from the following group: chemical properties, in particular chemical composition; optical properties, in particular optical appearance, such as one or more of color, transparency, and brightness; mechanical properties, in particular granularity, particle size, density, viscosity, or flow properties; electrostatic chargeability; compressibility; crystallinity; and particle shape.

[0058] The method may include transforming the detected material properties into RGB values ​​to generate a first digital RGB image. The transforming step may be performed using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties. The transforming step of the at least one material property into RGB values ​​may be performed in a computer-implementable manner. Thus, the transforming step of the at least one material property into RGB values ​​is performed by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties. As used herein, the term "data processing device" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to a computer or computer system having at least one processor and, optionally, at least one data storage device. Here, the processor may include, by way of example, at least one integrated circuit configured to execute computer-readable instructions. The processor may additionally or alternatively be and / or include at least one application-specific integrated circuit and / or at least one field-programmable gate array. Configuring the data processing device to apply at least one transformation algorithm can be performed, for example, by providing a plurality of computer-readable instructions to the data processing device, for example via at least one data storage device and / or via at least one interface.

[0059] The term "processor," as used herein, is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, without being limited to any particular or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to any logic circuitry configured to perform the basic operations of an electronic device or system, and / or generally to a device configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, a processor may be configured to process the basic instructions that drive a device or system, such as a computer. For example, a processor may include at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating-point unit (FPU), such as a math processor or numeric processor, a plurality of registers, specifically registers configured to provide operands to the ALU and store the results of the operations, and storage devices, such as L1 and L2 cache memories.

[0060] The term "algorithm" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to multiple processing steps to be performed sequentially and / or in parallel, without limitation. An algorithm can specifically include one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable. Consequently, the term "transformation algorithm" specifically refers to an algorithm that performs a transformation process to transform material properties into RGB values, and the transformation process can be performed using one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable. The transformation of material properties into RGB can be performed in a single step or in multiple steps.

[0061] The step of transforming the material characteristics into RGB values ​​can include subjecting at least one material characteristic to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test. The at least one test can include directly or indirectly comparing the at least one material characteristic with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, or the like, for example, by using at least one item of measurement information. Other mathematical tests are generally feasible and can also be applied. RGB values ​​can be generated according to the results of the at least one test. The step of transforming the material characteristics into RGB values ​​can specifically include comparing the at least one material characteristic, optionally using at least one item of measurement information representing the material characteristic, with at least one threshold value. According to the result of this comparison, at least one number for each primary color is assigned to the material characteristic.

[0062] Preferably, the first digital RGB image can be generated by scanning, particularly by digitally scanning the mixture or at least a region of interest of the mixture. Digital scanning can be performed using at least one scanning device. The term "scanning device" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a device configured to detect at least one property of at least one object and / or element, e.g., a mixture. In particular, the scanning device can be configured to inspect and / or detect at least one material property of the mixture. For example, the scanning device can have at least one scanning element configured to optically record and / or capture spatially resolved one-dimensional optical information, two-dimensional optical information, or even three-dimensional optical information on the mixture. Thus, for example, for optical detection, the scanning device can include, for example, at least one sensor, e.g., an optical sensor, particularly an image sensor, e.g., at least one photosensitive capacitor, at least one charge-coupled device (CCD). The scanning device can include, for example, at least one CCD chip and / or at least one CMOS chip. Specifically, the scanning device can be configured to detect optical signals of the mixture, e.g., optical signals of mixed and / or combined powder components, e.g., by using an optical system. In particular, the scanning system can be configured to convert, e.g., decompose, the optical signals of the mixture into primary colors, such as red, green, and blue, e.g., by using a prism. The scanning device can be specifically configured to convert the optical signals, e.g., optical signals converted into primary colors, into at least one digital image by using at least one sensor, e.g., a sensor including multiple photosensitive capacitors. Furthermore, the scanning device can include at least one illuminating element, e.g., an element configured to illuminate the mixture, wherein the scanning device can be configured to detect at least one property of the mixture using reflection from the mixture.In this specification, the scanning device can also refer to a scanner. The scanning device can specifically be and / or include a device selected from the group consisting of a CCD scanner, a CIS scanner, a camera, and a film. In particular, the scanning device can include at least one optical detection system, which specifically includes an optical detector and an image sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), e.g., a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, and a silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM), e.g., a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal. The scanning device can specifically include at least one processor, where the processor can be configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device.

[0063] The scanning step can be carried out using light with a scanning wavelength in the range of, for example, 10 nm to 1 mm, preferably in the range of 300 nm to 800 nm. The illuminance per square meter of the light used is preferably 0.001 lm / m 2 from 10,000,000lm / m 2 in the range of 10 lm / m 2 from 1,000,000 lm / m 2 The range is.

[0064] Step i) may comprise generating a digital image element by resizing the first digital RGB image to a predetermined size. The size of the digital image element may be larger than the size of the first transaction data. As used herein, the term "digital image element" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically, without limitation, refer to a segmentation or cutout of the first digital RGB image. As used herein, the term "resizing" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically, without limitation, refer to fitting and / or selecting and / or reducing and / or cutting the complete first digital RGB image into a digital image element containing the region of interest.

[0065] Transactions may include financial transactions, such as payments, licenses, orders, invoices, etc., and / or logistics transactions, such as deliveries, storage records, movement records, etc., and / or plan transactions and / or tax returns and / or contracts and / or personal health information and the like.

[0066] The term "transaction data," as used herein, is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to data describing at least one transaction. Transaction data can include information regarding one or more of the following: time of transaction, value of transaction, text of transaction, digital photograph of transaction, text of transaction, digital image of transaction, and the like. Transaction data can be provided in binary format.

[0067] As used herein, the term "combining" data, such as first transaction data and a digital RGB image, is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to adding and / or mapping data to pixel information of the digital RGB image. Specifically, combining the data and the digital RGB image can include adding binary code of the data to binary code of the digital RGB image.

[0068] The hashing step can be performed by mapping the transaction data or other information with the digital photograph, resulting in a new digital photograph in RGB colors. Combining the first transaction data with the first digital RGB image can comprise adding a binary code of the transaction to the binary code of the RGB colors of the first digital RGB image. In particular, step ii) can comprise determining the binary code of the first digital RGB image and adding the binary code of the first transaction data to the binary code of the first digital RGB image. The combining step can comprise mapping the transaction data with the digital image elements. The vectors for the color locations do not change.

[0069] The combining step is performed as follows: The color values ​​of each pixel of the first digital RGB image can be converted to a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the first digital RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0070] The binary codes of the first digital RGB image and the first transaction data can be added. The added binary codes can be converted to hexadecimal numbers, and the hexadecimal numbers can be converted to color values. For example, the conversion of the hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least a predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, which can be, for example: www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support of Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The second RGB image can be generated by using the determined color values ​​for the corresponding image pixels. The second RGB image can be a second digital RGB image. The second RGB image can be different from the first digital RGB image. In particular, the pixels of the first digital RGB image and the pixels of the second RGB image have different color values.

[0071] The new image, i.e., the second RGB image, can then be digitally converted from RGB colors to a secondary color space. As used herein, the term "secondary color space" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to any color space having a suitable number of primary colors, i.e., at least four primary colors.

[0072] Preferably, the secondary color space is a CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white means the absence of color on a white substrate. A conversion from the RGB color space to the secondary color space can be performed for each pixel of the second RGB image. The conversion from RGB color space to a quadratic color space can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 5,283,671, for converting RGB color space to CMYK color space, or in "Schule der Farben -Grundzuge der Farbentheorie fur Computeranwender und andere", Kuppers, Herald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9, pages 125-134, or at www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. The conversion from RGB color space can be performed using at least one software, in particular printer software for converting RGB colors.

[0073] The converted image can be further transformed into a pattern. The pattern can be a grid. The pattern can include at least one matrix with rows and columns representing the presence or absence of a primary color for each pixel. Additional transformations, particularly rastering, can be performed by the printer software. The colored dots can then be counted. The step of determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space can particularly comprise a step of counting the colored dots of the image converted into a matrix and rasterized.

[0074] The determined number of pixels of each primary color can be converted to a hexadecimal number. Specifically, the color dot number is converted to a hexadecimal number. The conversion of the determined number to a hexadecimal number and then to a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0075] The step of generating a hash value may include converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predetermined formula. Specifically, the determined number of pixels for each primary color can be converted into a value of a fixed size without a decimal number. The predetermined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information can be converted into a hexadecimal number and then into a value of a fixed size via a logarithmic formula, which is necessary for hashing any transaction. The predetermined mathematical formula for converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size is "a + b * x+c * (x / 16)+d * 1000 *ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, to generate a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all cases where: if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Thus, the result obtained from the calculation using the predetermined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a hash value of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, e.g., three or ten digits, "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0076] Because the method deals with two-dimensional information, i.e., a digital image representation, and one-dimensional values, hexadecimal numbers, it meets the requirements of cryptographic hash functions. Specifically, the number of different RGB colors in a standard RGB image is greater than 16 million per pixel, meaning that 10 million images could have over 100 trillion variations of color information. Due to the large amount of color information, it is necessary to very low the risk of hash collisions. Specifically, since the hash value is generated using a first digital RGB image of a locally generated mixture of mixed pigments, thus consisting of billions of particles, tracing the generation of the hash is not possible. Furthermore, due to the large number of possible colors for each pixel and image, the hash value is very secure. The number of possible colors may depend on the image size and resolution of the scanner. Therefore, the number of possible colors may increase in the future, taking into account improvements in camera resolution.

[0077] The method can include printing transaction data on a substrate. The method can include printing a second RGB image on the substrate and printing a hexadecimal representation of the hash value on the same substrate. This allows the transaction to be physically transported to another location, where the printout can be read by a scanning device and transformed back into the second digital RGB image. The method can include verifying the printed transaction data by verifying the second digital RGB image. Comparing the number of color dots (cmyk-"w") in the printed second digital RGB with the hash value reveals that the image has changed, making it possible to observe that the transaction has been manipulated. The verifying step can include determining that the transaction has been manipulated. The method can include scanning the printed second digital RGB image and determining the number of colored pixels in the secondary color space on the substrate by converting the determined number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space to hexadecimal and comparing the hexadecimal representation with the hexadecimal representation of the hash value printed on the substrate.

[0078] As outlined above, the method for generating a hash value disclosed herein can be computer-implemented, in whole or in part, by at least one computer or computer network. Step i) can also be computer-implemented or computer-assisted in part. Consequently, the invention also discloses a computer program and a computer program product having program code means for, when the computer program product or computer program is executed on a computer or computer network, performing or supporting, in whole or in part, the method for generating a hash value according to the present invention, in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, the program code means is stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" can specifically refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can specifically be or include a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0079] In an additional aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for generating a root hash is disclosed.

[0080] The method can include generating a hash tree, also referred to as a Merkle tree. Generally, a hash tree has leaves that are hashes, as outlined at en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Merkle_tree. A hash tree can have multiple hashes. As used herein, the term "root hash" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to the top of the hash tree, also referred to as the master hash, without limitation.

[0081] The method may comprise determining a first hash value using a method for generating hash values ​​according to the invention as described above or in more detail below. For possible definitions, options or embodiments, reference is made to the above description.

[0082] The method for generating a root hash comprises the following method steps, which may be performed in a specific order, although different orders are also possible. It is further possible for two or more method steps to be performed simultaneously, in whole or in part. Furthermore, one or more, or even all, of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, e.g., once or several times. Furthermore, the method may comprise additional method steps not listed.

[0083] The process of generating the root hash is as follows: a) combining second transaction data with the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a third RGB image having a third RGB color; b) converting the color values ​​of the third RGB image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; c) generating additional hashes by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into hexadecimal numbers; d) generating a root hash by assembling the first hash value and the additional hash value.

[0084] Combining the second transaction data with the first digital RGB image is performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to combining the first transaction data with the first digital RGB image. Because the second transaction data differs from the first transaction data, the third RGB image has different RGB color values ​​than the second RGB image. Combining the first digital RGB image can include determining and / or obtaining an additional digital image from the first digital image, such as by extracting and / or resizing, and the like. The additional digital image can be combined with the second transaction data.

[0085] Converting the color values ​​of the third RGB image to a secondary color space can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to converting the second RGB image to a secondary color space, and generating the additional hash value can be performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to generating the first hash value.

[0086] In principle, therefore, in steps a) to c), the hash value generation routine of the method for generating hash values ​​according to the present invention as described above and in more detail below is repeated for the second transaction data. Because the second transaction data is different from the first transaction data, the third RGB image will have different RGB color values ​​than the second RGB image, and so the resulting additional hash value will be different from the first hash value.

[0087] Step d) can include generating a root hash by aggregating the first hash value and the additional hash value. Techniques for aggregating the first hash value and the additional hash value into a root hash are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first hash value and the additional hash value can be summed.

[0088] The method may be repeated. Specifically, the method may comprise generating additional hash values ​​for additional transaction data, and generating a root hash by aggregation of the multiple hash values.

[0089] The methods for generating a root hash disclosed herein can be computer-implemented, in whole or in part, by at least one computer or computer network. Consequently, the invention also discloses computer programs and computer program products having program code means for, when the computer program product or computer program is run on a computer or computer network, performing or supporting, in whole or in part, the methods for generating a root hash according to the present invention, in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the program code means can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can in particular be or include a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0090] An additional aspect of the present invention discloses a computer-implementable method for generating a nonce. As used herein, the term "nonce" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to any single-use (one-dimensional) number without limitation.

[0091] The method for generating a nonce specifically comprises the following steps, performed in a given order, although different orders are possible. It is further possible for two or more method steps to be performed simultaneously, in whole or in part. Furthermore, one or more, or even all, of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly, e.g., once or several times. Furthermore, the method may comprise additional method steps not listed.

[0092] The method is: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; generating a nonce by determining the binary code of the digital RGB image.

[0093] Regarding the process of generating a digital RGBR image, reference is made to the description of the process of generating a first RGB image.

[0094] Determining the binary code of the digital RGB image may comprise converting the color values ​​of each pixel of the digital RGB image into a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​into a hexadecimal number may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the digital RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The nonce can be a code of an RGB color rather than a code of an image vector.

[0095] The methods for generating a nonce disclosed herein can be computer-implemented, in whole or in part, by at least one computer or computer network. Consequently, the invention also discloses computer programs and computer program products having program code means for, when the computer program product or computer program is run on a computer or computer network, performing or supporting, in whole or in part, the methods for generating a nonce according to the present invention, in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the program code means can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can in particular be or include a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0096] In an additional aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for generating a blockchain is disclosed.

[0097] The method includes generating a plurality of successively linked blocks of a blockchain. The method includes generating a first digital RGB image having a first RGB color by scanning a physical object, thereby generating an originating block. The method includes generating a next block by determining a binary code of the first digital RGB image and adding the binary code of the first digital image to the information to be mapped, thereby generating a second RGB image having a second RGB color. This process is repeated for each additional block until the blockchain is closed.

[0098] The term "block" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, without being limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to a component or element of a blockchain without limitation. A blockchain can be defined as a series of blocks capable of holding a given record, and multiple blocks are linked together using cryptographic rules. For further details, see Eshani et al., "A Study on the Energy Consumption Issue of Blockchains," Chapter 2, DOI:10.1007 / 978-981-15-0361-0_5, or en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Blockchain. Each block can contain transaction data. Multiple blocks can be linked by including the hash value of the previous block. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block. Each block can further include a timestamp.

[0099] The term "foundation block" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to the first block or block 0 of a blockchain without limitation. For the step of generating the first digital RGB image, reference is made to the description of the step of generating the first RGB image, which is described in detail above and further below.

[0100] As outlined above, the method can be repeated. For example, the method can generate a third block by determining a binary code for the second digital RGB image and adding the binary code for the second digital image to additional information to be mapped, thereby generating a third RGB image having a third digital RGB color. The block chain can include multiple blocks, such as 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or more.

[0101] Determining the binary code of the first digital RGB image can comprise converting the color values ​​of each pixel of the first digital RGB image to a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the first digital RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0102] The term "information to be mapped" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to any type of information or data to be stored in a block, without limitation. For example, the information to be mapped can include one or more of transaction data, a root hash, a nonce, a previous hash value, and a timestamp. The method can include, for each generated block, determining a root hash by using a method for generating a root hash according to the present invention and adding the root hash to the block. The method can include, for each generated block, determining a nonce by using a method for generating a nonce according to the present invention and adding the nonce to the block. The method can include adding a timestamp of each transaction to each generated block. The method can include adding a hash value of a previous block to each generated block. The hash value can be determined by using a method for generating hash values ​​according to the present invention. The information to be mapped can exist in binary format, particularly as a binary code.

[0103] The added binary code of the first digital RGB image and the information to be mapped can be converted to a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted to a color value. The conversion of the binary code to a hexadecimal number can be performed, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . For example, the conversion of hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The second RGB image can be a second digital RGB image. The second RGB image can be different from the first digital RGB image. In particular, the color values ​​of the pixels of the first digital RGB image and the second RGB image can be different.

[0104] For each additional set of transactions, a next adjacent block can be generated by determining the binary code of the digital image of the previous block and adding second information to be mapped to the binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block, thereby generating a next digital RGB image with additional RGB colors. A set of transactions can include one or more transactions. The added binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block and the additional information to be mapped can be converted to a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted to a color value. The color value can be used for the corresponding pixel of the next digital RGB image, i.e., for the next block.

[0105] The method may further comprise the step of encrypting the generated blocks. As used herein, the term "encrypt" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art, without being limited to any special or customized meaning. The term specifically refers, without limitation, to the process of modifying one or more of a message, information, or data by using at least one encryption means, also referred to as an encryption key means, so that only authorized parties can access it and unauthorized parties cannot. The modified data generated by the encryption process is also referred to as "encrypted data." Specifically, encryption may include the process of modifying one or more of a message, information, or data in such a way that only individuals possessing a specific authentication means, also referred to as an encryption key, can transform the modified message, information, or data into its original or readable format, thereby recovering the original message, information, or data. The encryption or decryption process, i.e., the process of modifying a message, information, or data, may involve an encryption algorithm by combining the message, information, or data with at least one encryption key. By way of example, in binary form, each bit of a message, information, or data can be combined with a corresponding bit of an encryption key to generate an encrypted bit. Other encryption algorithms are commonly known and can be used in the context of the present invention.

[0106] The term "cryptographic key," as used herein, is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning by those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer, without limitation, to encryption or decryption means used in encryption or decryption processes, respectively. The term can specifically refer to items of information, such as encryption and / or decryption processes, that determine the functional output of a cryptographic algorithm. Cryptographic keys can also specify variations of other cryptographic algorithms, such as digital signature schemes and message authentication codes.

[0107] The same key can be used for encryption and decryption. Therefore, the term "encryption key" is typically used to refer to both the key used for encryption and the key used for decryption. In addition to symmetric encryption and decryption processes, asymmetric processes are generally possible, i.e., processes in which the key used for encryption and decryption is not the same. In the terminology of the present invention, the term "encryption key" is used for both the key used for encryption and the key used for decryption. The present invention can refer to symmetric encryption processes. However, asymmetric encryption processes are also possible.

[0108] The encryption key is generated by transforming material properties of the mixture detected by the scanning device into an encryption key, and the generation can be performed using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties.

[0109] The step of transforming at least one material property into at least one encryption key can be performed in a computer-implementable manner. The transformation of the material property into the encryption key can be performed in a single step or multiple steps. The step of transforming the material property into the encryption key can be performed by providing at least one electronic signal, e.g., digital information, representing the at least one material property to at least one data processing device, e.g., for further processing. Thus, by way of example, the detector can be in direct or indirect communication with the data processing device or can be part of the data processing device. Thus, the at least one material property can be provided directly or indirectly to the data processing device for further processing, and for applying at least one transformation algorithm directly or after pre-processing. The result of the transformation process can be an encryption key, where the encryption key can be provided, e.g., in electronic form. By way of example, the encryption key can be or include electronic information in digital or analog format. The encryption key can be provided, e.g., to one or more of a data storage device, an interface, a third party, or the like.

[0110] It is generally understood that the encryption key may be generated in a single step or multiple steps. Thus, the encryption key may be generated iteratively, e.g., by repeating the steps of blending and detecting, and optionally transforming, where, e.g., each blending and detecting step generates a portion of the encryption key and / or additional blending information for additional blending steps. This allows for the iterative generation of complex and large encryption keys, even if the number of material properties of a single blend is limited.

[0111] The step of transforming the material property into an encryption key may specifically comprise a step of subjecting at least one material property to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test. By way of example and as outlined in more detail below, the at least one test may be or include a comparison step, where the comparison step directly or indirectly compares the at least one material property with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, or the like, for example, by using at least one item of measurement information. Other mathematical tests are generally feasible and applicable. The encryption key, or at least a portion thereof, may be generated according to the result of the at least one test. The step of transforming the material property into an encryption key may specifically comprise a comparison step, where the at least one material property is compared with at least one threshold value using at least one item of measurement information representing the material property as a selection. According to the result of this comparison, at least one number is assigned to the material property. The number may specifically be a binary number. The number may directly form the encryption key or may form part of the encryption key. Thus, by way of example, the encryption key may comprise a plurality of such values, where at least one of the bit values ​​is assigned according to a comparison of the material property with at least one threshold. By way of example, the spectrum or distribution of at least one material property of the mixture may be measured, such as a color distribution. For example, certain bit values ​​may be selected according to the statistical occurrence of a particular color of the mixture, or the statistical occurrence of another particular feature or characteristic. Accordingly, other bit values ​​may be selected according to other particular characteristics of the mixture's properties, for example. A complete encryption key, or at least a portion thereof, may thereby be generated.

[0112] The encryption can be performed using at least one data encryption system. As used herein, the term "data encryption system" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can refer specifically, without limitation, to a device, combination of devices, or component or combination of components configured to encrypt data. A data encryption system can be embodied in whole or in part as or included in a computer or computer system. A data encryption system can: At least one encryption key generating device according to the present invention, such as in one or more embodiments disclosed above or in detail below, for an encryption key generating device; and at least one encryption device configured to encrypt the data using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0113] The method may further comprise at least one decryption step in which the encrypted blocks are decrypted. The term "decrypt" as used herein is a broad term, given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to the reverse of the encryption process described above. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to the process of re-modifying encrypted data by using at least one decryption means, also referred to as an encryption key, resulting in the encrypted data being transformed into a readable format, i.e., into one or more of the original message, information, or data in a readable format. The process of modifying encrypted data may specifically include, for example, a decryption algorithm that combines the encrypted data with at least one encryption key. For example, in binary format, each bit of encrypted data may be combined with a corresponding bit of an encryption key, thereby generating a decrypted bit. Other decryption algorithms are commonly known and may be used in the context of the present invention. Decryption can be performed by using at least one decryption device configured to decrypt the encrypted data by using an encryption key. As used herein, the term "decryption device" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, to any device specifically configured to perform the process of decrypting data. As outlined above, the decryption device can include at least one processor specifically configured to perform the decryption. The decryption device can be embodied, in whole or in part, in software running on at least one computer.

[0114] The method may comprise a printing step in which at least one block, i.e. one digital RGB image, is printed.

[0115] The method for generating a blockchain disclosed herein can be implemented in whole or in part by at least one computer or computer network. The step of generating a digital RGB image can also be implemented in part by a computer or computer network. Consequently, the invention also discloses a computer program and a computer program product having program code means for, when the computer program product or computer program is executed on a computer or computer network, performing or supporting, in whole or in part, the method for generating a blockchain according to the present invention in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, the program code means can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can specifically be or include a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0116] In a further aspect of the present invention, a blockchain based on a digital image is disclosed. The blockchain comprises a plurality of linked blocks. The blockchain is generated by using the method for generating a blockchain according to the present invention as described above and in more detail below. Accordingly, for definitions and reference numbers, reference is made to the description of the method for generating a blockchain.

[0117] For physically transferring transaction data from one node to another, an RGB image of the transaction generated by mapping the transaction data can be printed on a substrate, and a hash value of the transaction data can also be printed on the same substrate. If the printed transaction data has not been manipulated, verification can be performed by scanning the printed image of the transaction, determining the number of pixels on the substrate that are colored in each of the secondary color spaces, converting the determined number of pixels, each colored in each of the primary colors of the secondary color space, to a hexadecimal number, and comparing this hexadecimal number with the hexadecimal number printed on the substrate. Verification that the transaction data has not been manipulated is successful if the hexadecimal number of the scanned authentication image is the same as the hexadecimal number of the hash value of the transaction data.

[0118] In a further aspect of the present invention, a cryptocurrency is disclosed. The cryptocurrency serves as a medium of exchange, and can be configured such that individual coin ownership records are stored in a blockchain, particularly a blockchain according to the present invention. The blockchain allows for controlled conversion and ownership of cryptocurrency units. The cryptocurrency units can be of any size.

[0119] Cryptocurrency transactions can be carried out in the following ways:

[0120] A method for converting cryptocurrency, wherein each transaction of cryptocurrency units comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; combining the first transaction data with the digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image; combining the identification information with the intermediate RGB image, thereby generating an authentication image having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; generating a one-time verification number by converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the quadratic color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0121] With regard to the process of generating the digital RGB, reference is made to the description of the process of generating the first RGB image, which is explained in detail above and in more detail below.

[0122] Converting the cryptocurrency may comprise generating at least one cryptocurrency unit, and the generating may comprise converting the cryptocurrency in consideration of the first transaction data.

[0123] Combining the first transaction data with the digital RGB image may comprise determining a binary code of the digital RGB image. Determining the binary code of the digital RGB image may comprise converting a color value of each pixel of the digital RGB image to a hexadecimal number. For example, converting the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The determined hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the digital RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The added binary code of the digital RGB image and the first transaction data can be converted into a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted into a color value. For example, the conversion of hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. An intermediate RGB image can be generated by using the color values ​​determined for the corresponding image pixels.The term "intermediate RGB image" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to digital images, particularly digital RGB images containing transaction data, without limitation.

[0124] The term "identification information" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically, without limitation, refer to any information that provides a unique identification of a value owner. The term "authentication image" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term can specifically, without limitation, refer to a digital image, particularly a digital RGB image that includes identification information.

[0125] Combining the identification information with the intermediate RGB image can include determining a binary code for the intermediate RGB image. Determining the binary code for the intermediate RGB image can include converting a color value for each pixel of the intermediate RGB image to a hexadecimal number. For example, converting the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The determined hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the intermediate RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The added binary code of the intermediate RGB image and the identifying information can be converted into a hexadecimal number, which can be converted into a color value. For example, the conversion of hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. An authentication image can be generated by using the determined color values ​​for the corresponding image pixels.

[0126] 124 The authentication image can be digitally converted from RGB color to a secondary color space. Preferably, the secondary color space is a CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white means the absence of color on a white substrate. The conversion from RGB color space to the secondary color space can be performed for each pixel of the authentication RGB image. The conversion from RGB color space to a quadratic color space can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 5,283,671 for converting RGB color space to CMYK color space, or in "Schule der Farben -Grundzuge der Farbentheorie fur Computeranwender und andere", Kuppers, Herald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9, pages 125-134, or at www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. The conversion from RGB color space can be performed using at least one software, in particular printer software for converting RGB colors.

[0127] The transformed image can be further transformed into a pattern. The pattern can be a grid. The pattern can include at least one matrix with rows and columns representing the presence or absence of a primary color for each pixel. Additional transformations, particularly rastering, can be performed by the printer software. The colored dots can then be counted. The step of determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space can comprise counting the colored dots of the transformed and rasterized image, particularly the matrix.

[0128] The determined number of pixels of each primary color can be converted into a hexadecimal number. Specifically, the color dot number is converted into a hexadecimal number. The conversion of the determined number into a hexadecimal number and then into a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5.

[0129] The step of generating a one-time verification number may include converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predetermined formula. Specifically, the determined number of pixels of each primary color can be converted into a fixed-size value without a decimal number. The predetermined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information can be converted into a hexadecimal number and then into a fixed-size value via a logarithmic formula, which is necessary for hashing any transaction. The predetermined mathematical formula for converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size is "a + b * x+c * (x / 16)+d * 1000 *ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, to generate a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all cases where: if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Thus, the result obtained from the calculation using the predetermined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a hash value of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, e.g., three or ten digits, "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0130] The term "one-time verification number" as used herein is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer, without limitation, to a number that can be used to verify a cryptocurrency unit, particularly to prevent counterfeiting. Generating a cryptocurrency unit may include printing the cryptocurrency unit. The printed cryptocurrency unit may include a printout of an authentication image and the verification number. The one-time verification number can be extracted by scanning and decrypting the authentication image. The extracted one-time verification number can be compared with the verification number on the printout. If they match, the cryptocurrency unit is verified. Thus, counterfeiting is impossible thanks to the link between the image and the one-time verification number stored in the blockchain.

[0131] A transaction of a cryptocurrency unit may comprise printing the cryptocurrency unit. The step of printing the cryptocurrency unit may comprise printing an authentication image onto a substrate and printing a one-time verification number hexadecimal number onto the same substrate. The hexadecimal number may be transcribed into a barcode or QR code for ease of scanning. The printing step allows for the physical exchange of transaction data from one node to another, like a banknote.

[0132] To physically transfer the cryptocurrency value from one node to another, the owner of the cryptocurrency value can print an authentication image on a substrate, and a one-time verification number is also printed on the same substrate. If the printed cryptocurrency value is not to be manipulated, verification can be performed by scanning the printed authentication image, determining the number of colored pixels in the secondary color space on the substrate, converting the determined number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space to a hexadecimal number, and comparing this hexadecimal number with the hexadecimal number printed on the substrate. For example, at the node, the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space (cmyk-"w") of the authentication image can be determined by a scanning device, converted to a hexadecimal number, and compared with the one-time verification number (which is the transaction hash value). If both hexadecimal numbers are identical, the authentication image is deemed not to be manipulated, and the transaction can be processed, e.g., paid in a predetermined amount of euro currency. If the hexadecimal digits of the scanned authentication image are the same as the hexadecimal digits of the one-time verification number, then verification of the cryptocurrency value and identification of the owner of the cryptocurrency value has been successful.

[0133] In an additional aspect of the present invention, a cryptocurrency is disclosed, wherein each cryptocurrency unit comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; combining the first transaction data with the digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image; combining the identification information with the intermediate RGB image, thereby generating an authentication image having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; generating a one-time verification number by converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the quadratic color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0134] For definitions and embodiments, reference is made to a method for converting cryptocurrency.

[0135] Generating the cryptocurrency unit may comprise printing the cryptocurrency unit, and printing the cryptocurrency unit may comprise printing an authentication image onto a substrate and printing a hexadecimal version of the one-time verification number onto the same substrate.

[0136] A further aspect of the present invention discloses the use of a blockchain according to the present invention for the purposes of using cryptocurrencies, such as cryptocurrencies according to the present invention, in transactions.

[0137] It is envisioned to summarize the following embodiments without excluding additional possible embodiments.

[0138] Embodiment 1: A computer-implemented method for generating a hash value, comprising: i) providing a first digital RGB image having a first RGB color of a physical object; ii) combining the first transaction data with the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a second RGB image having a second RGB color; iii) converting the color values ​​of the second RGB image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; iv) generating a hash value by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0139] Embodiment 2: The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the step of providing a first digital RGB image comprises mixing and / or blending pigments and scanning the mixed and / or blended pigments.

[0140] Embodiment 3: The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the secondary color space is the CMYK color space, and the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white.

[0141] Embodiment 4: A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein step i) comprises generating a digital image element by resizing the first digital RGB image to a predetermined size, the size of the digital image element being larger than the size of the first transaction data.

[0142] Embodiment 5: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein step ii) comprises determining a binary code of the first digital RGB image and adding the binary code of the first transaction data to the binary code of the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a second digital RGB image having a second RGB color.

[0143] Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein step ii) comprises mapping the first transaction data to a first digital RGB image.

[0144] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the step of generating the hash value comprises converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predetermined formula.

[0145] Embodiment 8: A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, comprising printing transaction data onto a substrate by printing a second RGB image onto the substrate and printing a hexadecimal version of the hash value onto the same substrate, and verifying the printed transaction data by verifying the second digital RGB image.

[0146] Embodiment 9: A computer-implemented method for generating a root hash, comprising determining a first hash value by using a method for generating a hash value according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein generating the root hash comprises: a) combining second transaction data with the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a third RGB image having a third RGB color; b) converting the color values ​​of the third RGB image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; c) generating an additional hash value by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into hexadecimal; d) generating a root hash by assembling the first hash value and the additional hash value.

[0147] Embodiment 10: The method according to embodiment 9, wherein the method comprises generating additional hash values ​​for the additional transaction data and generating a root hash by assembling the hash values.

[0148] Embodiment 11: A computer-implemented method for generating a nonce, comprising: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; generating a nonce by determining a binary code of the digital RGB image.

[0149] Embodiment 12: A computer-implemented method for generating a blockchain, comprising generating a plurality of successively linked blocks of the blockchain, generating an original block by scanning a physical object to generate a first digital RGB image having a first RGB color; generating a next block by determining a binary code of the first digital RGB image and adding the binary code of the first digital image to information to be mapped, thereby generating a second RGB image having a second RGB color; and repeating this process for each additional block until the blockchain is closed.

[0150] Embodiment 13: A method according to embodiment 12, in which for each additional set of transactions, a next adjacent block is generated by determining the binary code of the digital image of the previous block and adding additional information to be mapped to the binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block, thereby generating a next adjacent digital RGB image having additional RGB colors.

[0151] Embodiment 14: A method according to any one of two embodiments 9 to 11, comprising the steps of: for each generated block, determining a root hash by using a method according to embodiment 9 or 10 relating to a method for generating a root hash, and adding the root hash to the block; for each generated block, determining a nonce by using a method according to embodiment 11 relating to a method for generating a nonce, and adding the nonce to the block; and further comprising the step of adding a timestamp of a respective set of transactions to each of each generated block.

[0152] Embodiment 15: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, comprising adding a hash value of the previous block to each generated block.

[0153] Embodiment 16: A blockchain based on a digital image, comprising a plurality of linked blocks, generated by using a method for generating a blockchain according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15 relating to a method for generating a blockchain.

[0154] Embodiment 17: A method for converting cryptocurrency, wherein each transaction of cryptocurrency units comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; combining the first transaction data with the digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image; combining the identification information with the intermediate RGB image, thereby generating an authentication image having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; generating a one-time verification number by converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0155] Embodiment 18: A method according to embodiment 17, wherein trading cryptocurrency units comprises printing the cryptocurrency units, and wherein printing the cryptocurrency units comprises printing an authentication image on a substrate and printing a hexadecimal version of a one-time verification number on the same substrate.

[0156] Embodiment 19: A cryptocurrency, wherein each cryptocurrency unit comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object; combining the first transaction data with the digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image; combining the identification information with the intermediate RGB image, thereby generating an authentication image having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image from the RGB color space to a quadratic color space having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space; A cryptocurrency generated by performing a step of generating a one-time verification number by converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in a secondary color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0157] Embodiment 20: A cryptocurrency according to embodiment 19, wherein the step of generating the cryptocurrency unit comprises a step of printing the cryptocurrency unit, and the step of printing the cryptocurrency unit comprises a step of printing an authentication image on a substrate and a hexadecimal number of a one-time verification number on the same substrate.

[0158] Embodiment 21: Use of a blockchain according to embodiment 16 for the purpose of trading cryptocurrencies, such as cryptocurrencies according to embodiment 19, in transactions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0159] Additional optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in detail in the subsequent description of the embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, each optional feature may be realized separately as well as in any feasible combination. The scope of the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the figures, whereby identical reference symbols in these figures refer to identical or functionally equivalent elements. [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating a hash value. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating a hash value. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating a root hash. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating a nonce and a blockchain. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a blockchain. [Figure 5]1 illustrates an embodiment of a cryptocurrency unit. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating cryptocurrency units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0160] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a computer-implemented method for generating a hash value 110. In general, the hash value 110 can be generated using a hash function. A hash function can be any function that can be used to map data of any size to a value of a fixed size. The value returned by a hash function is called a hash value. The hash value 110 is a fixed-length number that uniquely represents the data.

[0161] As shown in Figure 1A, the method includes: i) providing a first digital RGB image 112 having a first RGB color of a physical object 114; ii) combining the first transaction data 116 with the first digital RGB image 112, thereby generating a second RGB image 118 having a second RGB color.

[0162] A digital image can be a two-dimensional representation of a physical object 114. A digital RGB image can be a color digital image with three color channels: one for red (R), one for green (G), and one for blue (B). The primary colors of a digital RGB image can be red, green, and blue. An RGB digital image has a color channel for each primary color. A digital color image includes multiple image pixels, and each image pixel can be made up of a combination of the primary colors. For example, a digital RGB image can be 24-bit or 48-bit. Each pixel of a digital RGB image can be specified by two spatial coordinates and three color values.

[0163] Providing the first digital RGB image 112 may comprise generating the first digital image 112 or retrieving the first digital RGB image 112 of the physical object 114 from a database, such as paintings, buildings, plants, and similar physical objects 114.

[0164] Preferably, the first digital RGB image 112 may be generated by digitally scanning 120 a physical object 114. The physical object 114 may be any physical object. For example, the physical object 114 may be a compound, a painting, a building, a plant, and the like.

[0165] Specifically, providing the first digital RGB image 112 may comprise blending pigments and scanning the blended pigments 120. The method may comprise blending at least two materials according to at least one item of blending information by using an apparatus 124, thereby generating at least one blend.

[0166] The material can be a chemical element or chemical compound, specifically a chemical element or chemical compound that can be mixed with other chemical elements or chemical compounds. The material can be specifically suitable for injection. The material can be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the material can be or include at least one of a powder and a liquid. The material can be a homogeneous single material. Alternatively, the material can include multiple components, homogeneously or non-homogeneously mixed. Thus, the material can be a mixture or a composite alone. For example, the material can be or include a liquid, where the liquid includes, for example, at least one solvent and at least one chemical compound dissolved, emulsified, or dispersed in the at least one solvent. The solvent can form part of the material, or alternatively, the at least one chemical compound can be considered a material, while the solvent can simply be considered an auxiliary or additive to the material.

[0167] The mixing step can include mixing and processing (122) at least two materials in a defined manner, thereby producing a mixture. The mixing (122) step can be performed in a variety of ways depending on the nature of the at least two materials. For example, if the at least two materials include powders, the mixing (122) step can include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the powders into a common container, optionally including stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, if the at least two materials include liquids, the mixing (122) step can include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the liquid into a common container, optionally including stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing (122) step can include a printing process, such as inkjet printing, for example, of the at least two materials on a common substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing step can include other types of mixing (122) of the at least two materials, such as mixing (122) the at least two materials on at least one common substrate. For example, the mixing step can include one or more electrostatic precipitating steps, such as electrostatically precipitating at least two materials, e.g., onto a common substrate, e.g., onto a charged surface. Specifically, the mixing and / or blending (122) step can include electrostatic precipitating in a printing process. For example, the mixing and / or blending (122) step can include electrostatic precipitating in a printing process where at least two electrostatically charged materials are printed onto an electrostatically neutralized surface. Thus, the various materials can be blended to at least temporarily change their charge. Specifically, the mixing and / or blending step can include electrostatic precipitating in a laser printing process, e.g., a process typically performed in a laser printer. In particular, at least two materials, e.g., pigments, can be initially electrostatically charged and deposited onto an equally charged image roller, where specific areas are electrostatically neutralized, e.g., using a laser and / or LED.These deposited materials are then illustratively removed and / or removed from the image roller by an oppositely charged substrate, such as oppositely charged paper.

[0168] The mixing process can leave the materials unchanged or can change the properties of the materials, in whole or in part. Thus, by way of example, the various materials can simply be mixed (122) without any chemical change. Additionally or alternatively, the various materials can be mixed (122) to change their chemical properties. A change in properties occurs, particularly when the materials contain a solvent that can evaporate in whole or in part during or after mixing. Again, additionally or alternatively, the various materials can react in whole or in part with one another to generate at least one reaction product.

[0169] The mixture can be a mixture of at least two materials. Specifically, the mixture can be present in at least one container and / or on at least one substrate. The mixture can generally be in a solid state, specifically in a granular solid state, a liquid state, or one or more of a gaseous state. Specifically, the mixture can be or contain at least one of a powder and a liquid. The mixture can be in the same state as the materials or in different states. For example, at least one of the materials can be in a liquid state, and the mixture can be in a solid state, such as after a drying process. Thus, for example, at least two materials can be mixed in a liquid state in a mixing process, followed by drying, thereby evaporating at least one solvent and / or thereby changing the chemical properties of the mixed materials. For example, the mixing process can refer to printing two materials in a liquid state onto at least one substrate, followed by a drying or solidifying process, where the mixture can be in a dry or solid state as a result. Another example can refer to a phase change in which the materials are mixed and then cured or solidified.

[0170] The item of mixing information can be at least one item of information describing a given mixing process. The at least one item of mixing information can refer to the mixing process itself, such as how to mix the at least two materials, e.g., process parameters of the mixing process 122. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one item of mixing information can refer to materials to be mixed, such as amounts to be mixed during the mixing process, e.g., mass or volume of materials.

[0171] The mixing device 124 can be configured to perform the mixing processes described above. Specifically, as outlined in more detail below, the mixing device 124 can include at least one material or reservoir for each material. The mixing device 124 can also include at least one mixing element, such as at least one of a nozzle, a stirring device, a printer, a mixer, or the like.

[0172] The mixture can be a mixture of at least two materials. The mixture can specifically be present on a substrate or in a container. The mixture can specifically include a finite amount of a material.

[0173] Providing the first digital RGB image 112 may include detecting at least one material property of the mixture by using at least one detector (not shown). The material property may be any property of a material, such as a mixture. The property may specifically refer to one or more physical, chemical, or biological properties. Specifically, the material property may include at least one of a mechanical property or an optical property of a material. The material property may specifically refer to a measurable property of the respective material. More specifically, the at least one material property may be or include at least one color of the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one material property may be or include at least one property selected from the group consisting of a specific density of the mixture, a volume of the mixture, a weight of the mixture, an optical property of the mixture, a spectral composition of the mixture, specifically a color spectrum of the mixture, a color intensity of the mixture, and a viscosity of the mixture. Alternatively or additionally, other material properties may be used.

[0174] Detecting at least one material property of the mixture specifically comprises generating at least one item of measurement information relating to the material property. Thus, the at least one item of measurement information can generally refer to the result of a measurement of the at least one material property, such as at least one numerical measurement representative of or characteristic of the at least one material property of the mixture. Thus, by way of example, the at least one item of measurement information can include, by way of example, at least one of the following items of information: a specific density measurement of the mixture; a volume measurement of the mixture; a weight measurement of the mixture; an optical property measurement of the mixture; a color measurement of the mixture; a spectral composition measurement of the mixture, specifically a color spectrum measurement of the mixture; a color intensity measurement of the mixture; a viscosity measurement of the mixture; etc. These measurements can, by way of example, each be or include one or more values, such as a distribution, a spectrum, or the like. Specifically, the at least one item of measurement information can be or include at least one numerical value, such as a digital value.

[0175] The detecting step can include generating information about a characteristic or measurable variable, where qualitative and / or quantitative information can be retrieved. The detecting step can specifically include measuring at least one measurable variable of the physical object 114. The detector can be configured to perform the detecting process. The detector can have at least one sensor to measure at least one measurable variable of the object 114. By way of example, the sensor can include one or more of a weight sensor, specifically a scale, a volume sensor, a density sensor, a color sensor, and a particle size distribution sensor. Alternatively or additionally, other sensors can be used.

[0176] The at least one item of blending information can specifically include n blending variables, where n is a positive integer. The blending variables can be variables that describe at least one aspect or parameter of the blend, either quantitatively or qualitatively. By way of example, the blending variables can refer to at least two materials for detecting the blending process, such as the amount or material flow of the blend, or the like. Furthermore, m material properties of the blend can be detected, where m is a positive integer.

[0177] Specifically, the number m of detected material properties can be the same as or greater than the number n of variables to be mixed. In other words, preferably m≧n. In other words, specifically, the information generated by the detection is at least as large as the information used to generate the mixture, where the information can be the number n and the number m, respectively, and / or the number of degrees of freedom and / or generally the logarithm of the degrees of freedom, such as logn or logm, respectively.

[0178] Specifically, the at least two mixed materials can differ with respect to at least one property selected from the group consisting of chemical properties, specifically chemical composition; optical properties, specifically optical appearance, such as one or more of color, transparency, and brightness; mechanical properties, specifically granularity, particle size, density, viscosity or flow properties; electrostatic chargeability; compressibility; crystallinity; and particle shape, although other properties may be used in addition or instead.

[0179] The at least two materials may specifically comprise bulk materials and / or loose materials. The at least two materials may each independently be selected from the group consisting of a solid material, a gaseous material, and a liquid material. More specifically, the at least two materials may independently be selected from the group consisting of and / or comprise at least two materials selected from the group consisting of powders, specifically selected from the group consisting of inorganic powders, particularly inorganic powders made from minerals, organic powders, particularly organic powders made from polymers, and pigments, and liquids, specifically pure liquids, suspensions, emulsions, or solutions, more specifically selected from the group consisting of one or more liquid colors and inks.

[0180] The step of mixing the at least two materials can be performed according to at least one item of mixing information. The at least one item of mixing information can specifically include at least one of the amounts of the at least two materials to be mixed, the weights of the at least two materials to be mixed, the volumes of the at least two materials to be mixed, the volumetric mix ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, the weight mix ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, mixing instructions for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of the two materials to be mixed, and printing instructions for mixing the at least two materials to be mixed, where the mixing instructions are, for example, tilt information for mixing the at least two materials to be mixed, for example, using differently tilted raster images, such as raster images generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of a printer. Note that other types of mixing information can also be used in addition to or instead of this.

[0181] The at least two materials can be fed continuously or discontinuously into the mixing device 124. Thus, by way of example, the mixing device can include at least two reservoirs for the at least two materials to be mixed. However, in addition or instead, other means of feeding materials to the at least one mixing device 124 are possible. Thus, by way of example, in addition to or instead of using at least one reservoir for at least one of the various materials, continuous feeding is also possible.

[0182] The mixing device 124 may further include at least one receiving element for receiving the mixture, but this is not shown here. The receiving element may be any element configured to receive the mixture. The receiving element may have at least one receiving surface and / or at least one receiving material, specifically for receiving the mixture. Thus, for example, the at least one receiving element may include at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiver for receiving the mixture and a substrate for receiving the mixture. The at least one receiving element may include a stationary receiving element and / or a movable receiving element, such as a rotatable receiving element. For example, the receiving element may include at least one substrate, such as a substrate having at least one surface, which may be or include a flat substrate surface and / or a curved substrate surface. For example, the receiving element may include at least one drum, such as a rotating drum, having a receiving surface for receiving the mixture. The mixture may be deposited directly or indirectly onto the rotating drum using the mixing device. For example, a drum can be used on which the mixture is temporarily fixed, for example electrostatically. These electrostatic drums are commonly known in the art of printing, such as laser printing.

[0183] If the receiving element includes at least one drum, the drum can be specifically a rotating drum. The method further comprises at least one cleaning step, in which the mixture can be removed from the receiving surface of the drum after detecting at least one material characteristic. For example, powder and / or pigment can be dispensed onto the rotating drum and, for example, can be temporarily attached to the surface of the rotating drum by electrostatic forces. During the time the mixture is attached to the surface of the rotating drum, at least one material characteristic of the mixture on the surface can be detected, for example, by optical reading. For example, and as outlined in more detail below, the color is detected and then transformed into binary information, for example, a string of binary numbers. The drum is then cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position.

[0184] A similar procedure can be performed either directly on the surface of a drum and / or on a moving substrate, such as a paper substrate, by using inkjet printing, optionally without electrostatic attachment. The drum can be cleaned for reuse after detecting at least one characteristic. Thus, by way of example, the mixing device can include at least one inkjet printer. The material can be or include a liquid material, such as a material for inkjet printing, and inkjet printing is performed on at least one receiving element, such as on at least one rotating drum and / or on at least one substrate. Subsequently, detection of at least one material characteristic, such as at least one optical characteristic, can be performed, for example, by optical reading. For example, again, color can be detected, which can then be transformed, for example, into binary information, such as a string of binary numbers. The drum is then cleaned, for example by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to cleaning at least one receiving element, a new receiving element or a new portion of a receiving element is used for an additional process, such as for an additional printing process, and repeating the mixing and detecting processes.

[0185] The mixing device 124 may specifically include at least one mixing element for generating the mixture, but this is not shown here. The mixing element may include any element, device, or combination of elements configured to mix at least two materials, and mixing may specifically occur by mixing (122) the at least two materials, for example, before, during, or after deposition onto at least one receiving element. By way of example, the at least one mixing element may be or include at least one element selected from the following group: a dispenser for continuously or discontinuously dispensing two materials; and a printer for printing at least two materials onto at least one receiving element, specifically onto at least one substrate, specifically selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer and a laser printer. Additionally or alternatively, other types of mixing elements may be used. Thus, by way of example, the mixing element may be or include at least one of a stirring element, a dispenser, a nozzle, and an extruder.

[0186] The blending device 124 can be or include at least one printer, not shown here. The printer is configured to receive at least one item of blending information and blend the mixture. The printer is configured to apply, e.g., print, at least one material onto at least one printing surface or substrate in a specific patterned manner according to at least one printer control information. Thus, typically, the printer generates text and / or images on the at least one printing surface, and in generating the text and / or images according to at least one printer control information provided in, e.g., at least one printer control language, e.g., one or more series of characters, bitmapped images, vector images, computer programs, etc. In particular, the printer, and in particular at least one function of the printer, can be controllable via one or more at least one printer control languages, e.g., Page Description Language (PDL), Printer Command Language (PCL), PostScript, XML Paper Specification, and the like.

[0187] In particular, the printer may comprise one or more of the following elements: a drum, such as an imaging drum; a laser lens system, such as a lens system comprising at least one mirror, such as a rotatable mirror; a cleaning element, such as a roller, scraper or similar means, for cleaning, e.g. for cleaning the drum; a cassette, such as a paper cassette, for storing, e.g. one or more substrates; at least one transport element, such as a roller and / or conveyor, for feeding, transporting and / or discharging substrates, in particular paper, to, within and / or from the printer; and a printer control unit configured to control the printer.

[0188] The printer can be specifically configured to mix at least two materials on at least one substrate according to at least one item of mixing information. In particular, the printer can be configured to mix at least two materials according to an item of mixing information, thereby, for example, generating a mixture on the substrate and receiving the mixture. The substrate can be specifically at least one carrier medium, such as a carrier medium selected from the following group: a glass carrier, such as a glass plate or glass sheet; a plastic carrier, such as a plastic plate or plastic sheet; a paper carrier, such as a paper sheet; and a canvas. Other substrates are also possible. For example, the substrate can be part of the printer itself or embedded within the printer. In particular, the substrate formed by the printer can be a reusable carrier medium, such as a medium with a cleanable surface, such as a drum, e.g., a rotating drum.

[0189] The printer can be further configured to mix at least two materials to generate at least one pattern, specifically at least one interference pattern. The at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can be particularly different materials, specifically the materials can differ with respect to at least one property. For example, the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can differ with respect to at least one property selected from the following group: chemical properties, specifically chemical composition; optical properties, specifically optical appearance, such as one or more of color, transparency, and brightness; mechanical properties, specifically granularity, particle size, density, viscosity, or flow properties; electrostatic chargeability; compressibility; crystallinity; and particle shape.

[0190] The method may comprise transforming the detected material properties into RGB values ​​to generate the first digital RGB image 112. The transforming may be performed using a data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties. The transforming of the at least one material property into RGB values ​​may be performed in a computer-implementable manner. Thus, the transforming of the at least one material property into RGB values ​​is performed by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties. The algorithm may include multiple processing steps to be performed sequentially and / or in parallel. The algorithm may specifically include one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable. The transformation algorithm may specifically be an algorithm that performs a transformation process to transform the material properties into RGB values, where the transformation process is performed using one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable. The transformation of the material properties into RGB values ​​may be performed in a single step or multiple steps.

[0191] The step of transforming the material characteristics into RGB values ​​can include subjecting at least one material characteristic to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test. The at least one test can be or include directly or indirectly comparing the at least one material characteristic with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, or the like, for example, by using at least one item of measurement information. Other mathematical tests are generally feasible and can also be applied. RGB values ​​can be generated according to the results of the at least one test. The step of transforming the material characteristics into RGB values ​​can include comparing the at least one material characteristic, specifically, with at least one threshold value, optionally using at least one item of measurement information representing the material characteristic. According to the result of this comparison, at least one number for each primary color is assigned to the material characteristic.

[0192] Preferably, the first digital RGB image 112 can be generated by a scanning step 120, in particular by digitally scanning the mixture or at least a region of interest of the mixture. Digital scanning can be performed using at least one scanning device. The scanning device can be configured to detect at least one property of at least one object and / or element, e.g., the mixture. In particular, the scanning device can be configured to inspect and / or detect at least one material property of the mixture. For example, the scanning device can have at least one scanning element configured to optically record and / or capture spatially resolved one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or even three-dimensional optical information on the mixture. Thus, for example, for optical detection, the scanning device can include, for example, at least one sensor, e.g., an optical sensor, in particular an image sensor, e.g., at least one photosensitive capacitor, at least one charge-coupled device (CCD). The scanning device can, for example, include at least one CCD chip and / or at least one CMOS chip. Specifically, the scanning device can be configured to detect optical signals of the mixture, e.g., mixed and / or combined powder components, by using an optical system. In particular, the scanning system can be configured to convert, e.g., separate, the optical signals of the mixture into primary colors, e.g., red, green, and blue, by using a prism. The scanning device can be specifically configured to convert the optical signals, e.g., optical signals converted into primary colors, into at least one digital image by using at least one sensor, e.g., a sensor including multiple photosensitive capacitors. Furthermore, the scanning device can include at least one illuminating element, e.g., an element configured to illuminate the mixture, wherein the scanning device can be configured to detect at least one characteristic of the mixture using reflection from the mixture. In this specification, the scanning device can also be referred to as a scanner.The scanning device can be and / or include a device selected from the group consisting of a CCD scanner, a CIS scanner, a camera, and a film. In particular, the scanning device can include at least one optical detection system, which specifically includes one or more of an optical detector and an image sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), e.g., a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, and a silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM), e.g., a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal. The scanning device can specifically include at least one processor, where the processor can be configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device.

[0193] Step i) may comprise generating a digital image element 126 by resizing the first digital RGB image 112 to a predetermined size. The size of the digital image element 126 may be larger than the size of the first transaction data 116. The digital image element 126 may be a section or cut-out of the first digital RGB image. The resizing may include fitting and / or selecting and / or reducing and / or cutting the complete first digital RGB image 112 into a digital image element 126 that includes the region of interest.

[0194] The transactions may include financial transactions, e.g., payment licenses, orders, invoices, etc., and / or logistics transactions, e.g., deliveries, storage records, movement records, etc., and / or plan transactions and / or tax returns and / or contracts and / or personal health information, and the like. Transaction data 116 may be data describing at least one transaction. Transaction data 116 may include information regarding one or more of the time of the transaction, the value of the transaction, the text of the transaction, a digital image of the transaction, and the like. Transaction data may be provided in binary format.

[0195] Combining the first transaction data 116 and the first digital RGB image 112 may comprise adding and / or mapping data to the image of the first digital RGB image 112. Specifically, combining the first transaction data 116 and the first digital RGB image 112 may comprise adding a binary code of the first transaction data 116 to the binary code of the first digital RGB image 112. In particular, step ii) may comprise determining the binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 and adding the binary code of the first transaction data 116 to the binary code of the first digital RGB image 112. The combining may comprise mapping the transaction data with the digital image elements. Vectors for color locations do not change.

[0196] The combining step is performed as follows: The color values ​​of each pixel of the first digital RGB image 112 can be converted to a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance by Use of Color Look-Up Tables Adobe Developer Support," Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0197] The binary codes of the first digital RGB image 112 and the first transaction data 116 can be added. FIG. 1A shows exemplary binary codes of the first digital RGB image 112 and the first transaction data 116, as well as the result of the binary code addition process. The added binary code can be converted to a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted to a color value. For example, the conversion of the hexadecimal number to a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least a predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image-Interface: Graphical Support of Visual Information," by Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The second RGB image 118 can be generated by using the determined color values ​​for the corresponding image pixels. The second RGB image 118 can be a second digital RGB image. The second RGB image 118 can be different from the first digital RGB image 112. In particular, the color values ​​of the pixels of the first digital RGB image 112 and the pixels of the second RGB image 118 are different.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 1B, the process for generating the hash value 110 is as follows: iii) converting (128) the color values ​​of the second RGB image 118 from the RGB color space 130 to a quadratic color space 132 having at least four primary colors, and determining (134) the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space 132; iv) generating 136 the hash value 110 by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space 132, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0199] The second RGB image 118 is digitally converted (128) from RGB colors to a secondary color space 132. The secondary color space 132 can refer to any color space having a suitable number of primary colors, i.e., at least four. Preferably, the secondary color space 132 is the CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white represents the absence of color on a white substrate. The conversion (128) from the RGB color space 130 to the secondary color space 132 can be performed for each pixel of the second RGB image 118. The conversion (128) from the RGB color space 130 to the secondary color space 132 can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 5,283,671 for converting the RGB color space to the CMYK color space, or in "Schule der Farben -Grundzuge der Farbentheorie fur Computeranwender und andere", Kuppers, Herald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9, pages 125-134, or at www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. The conversion (128) from the RGB color space 130 can be performed using at least one software, in particular printer software for converting RGB colors.

[0200] The transformed image can be further transformed into a pattern 138. The pattern 138 can be a grid. The pattern 138 can include at least one matrix with rows and columns representing the presence or absence of each primary color for each pixel. Additional transformations, particularly rastering, can be performed by the printer software. The colored dots can then be counted. Determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space (134) can include counting the colored dots of the transformed and rasterized image, particularly the matrix. FIG. 1B shows an example of counted dots. In this example, 921,876 black dots, 1,167,419 white dots, 1,734,795 cyan dots, 756,234 magenta dots, and 9,247,598 yellow dots were counted. The determined number of pixels for each primary color can be converted to a hexadecimal number (136). Specifically, the colored dot numbers are converted to hexadecimal numbers. The conversion (136) of the determined number to a hexadecimal number and then to a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0201] The process of generating the hash value 110 may include converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space 132, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size through a predetermined formula. Specifically, the determined number of pixels of each primary color can be converted into a fixed size value without decimal numbers. The predetermined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information can be converted into a hexadecimal number and then into a fixed size through a logarithmic formula, which is necessary for hashing any transaction. The predetermined mathematical formula for converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size is "a + b * x+c *(x / 16)+d * 1000 * ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, to generate a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all of the following cases: If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, then "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, then "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, then "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Thus, the result obtained from the calculation using the predetermined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a hash value of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, for example, three or ten digits, then "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0202] Because the method converts two-dimensional information, i.e., a digital image representation, into one-dimensional values, hexadecimal numbers, this method meets the requirements of cryptographic hash functions. The large amount of color information makes the risk of hash collisions extremely low. Specifically, since the hash value is generated using a first digital RGB image of a locally generated mixture of mixed pigments, i.e., billions of particles, tracing the generation of the hash is not possible. Furthermore, the large number of possible colors for each pixel and image makes the hash value very secure. The number of possible colors may depend on the image size and resolution of the scanner. Therefore, the number of possible colors may increase in the future, taking into account the improved resolution of cameras.

[0203] 2 illustrates an embodiment of a computer-implemented method for generating a root hash. The method can include generating a hash tree, also referred to as a Merkle tree. Generally, as outlined in en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Merkle_tree, a hash tree has leaves that are hashes. A hash tree can have multiple hashes. A root hash, also referred to as a master hash, can be the top of the hash tree.

[0204] The method comprises determining a first hash value 110 using the method for generating hash values ​​according to the present invention described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B.

[0205] The process of generating the root hash is as follows: a) combining second transaction data 139 with the first digital RGB image, thereby generating a third RGB image 140 having a third RGB color; b) converting (128) the color values ​​of the third RGB image 140 from the RGB color space 130 to a quadratic color space 132 and determining (134) the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space 132; c) generating (136) an additional hash value 142 by converting the determined number of pixels colored for each primary color of the secondary color space 132 into hexadecimal; d) generating 144 a root hash by combining the first hash value 110 and the additional hash value 142.

[0206] Combining the second transaction data 139 with the first digital RGB image 112 is performed in a manner similar to that described above for combining the first transaction data 116 with the first digital RGB image 112. Because the second transaction data 139 is different from the first transaction data 116, the third RGB image 140 has different RGB color values ​​than the second RGB image 118.

[0207] Converting 128 the color values ​​of the third RGB image 140 to the secondary color space 132 can be performed in a manner similar to that described above for converting the second RGB image to the secondary color space. Generating 142 additional hash values ​​can be performed in a manner similar to that described above for generating the first hash value 110. As shown in Figure 2, the counted color dots differ from the counted color dots in Figure 1B. For the second transaction data 139 in Figure 2, 546,876 black dots, 267,419 white dots, 5,734,795 cyan dots, 256,234 magenta dots, and 1,247,598 yellow dots are counted.

[0208] 1A and 1B, is repeated for second transaction data 139. Because second transaction data 139 is different from first transaction data 116, third RGB image 140 has different RGB color values ​​than second RGB image 118, and so the resulting additional hash value 142 is different from the first hash value.

[0209] Step d) may comprise generating 144 a root hash by aggregating the first hash value 110 and the additional hash value 142. Techniques for aggregating the first hash value 110 and the additional hash value 142 into a root hash are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first hash value 110 and the additional hash value 142 may be summed.

[0210] The method may be repeated. Specifically, the method may comprise generating additional hash values ​​for additional transaction data and generating a root hash by aggregation of the hash values.

[0211] 3 shows an embodiment of a method for generating a nonce and for generating a blockchain 146. A nonce can be any number that can be used only once (one-dimensional). The method: generating a digital RGB image 148 having RGB colors by scanning a physical object 114; generating a nonce by determining the binary code of the digital RGB image 148.

[0212] Regarding the process of generating the digital RGBR image 148, reference is made to the description of the process of generating the first RGB image 112 described in FIG. 1A.

[0213] Determining the binary code of the digital RGB image may comprise converting the color values ​​of each pixel of the digital RGB image 148 into hexadecimal numbers. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​into hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5 or at www.farben-umrechnen.de. The hexadecimal number can be further converted to a binary code for the digital RGB image 148, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The nonce can be a code for an RGB color rather than a code for an image vector. Figure 3 shows the nonce 10110100001101 as an example.

[0214] 3 further illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating a blockchain 146. The method can include generating a plurality of sequentially linked blocks 150 of the blockchain 146. The blocks 150 can be components or elements of the blockchain 146. The blockchain 146 can include a growing list of records called blocks 150, details of which can be found in "An Overview of Blockchain Technology: Architecture, Consensus, and Future Trends," Zibin Zheng et al., 2017 IEEE 6th International Conference on Big Data; or "Blockchain: Grundlagen, Anwendungsszenarien und Nutzungspotenziale," Hans-Georg Fill, Andreas Meier, Springer Vieweg, 2020, ISBN 978-3-658-28005-5, pp. 3-19; or en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Blockchain. Each block 150 can include transaction data. Blocks can be linked together by including a hash value of the previous block. Each block can include a cryptographic hash function of the previous block. Each block can further include a timestamp.

[0215] The method includes generating an originating block 152 by scanning a physical object 114 to generate a first digital RGB image 112 having a first RGB color and corresponding to the digital RGB image 148 in this embodiment. The originating block can be the first block or block 0 of the blockchain 146.

[0216] The method next comprises generating block 154, which determines the binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 and adds the binary code of the first digital image 112 to the information to be mapped, thereby generating a second RGB image 118 having a second RGB color. This process is repeated for each additional block until the block chain 146 is closed.

[0217] As outlined above, the method can be repeated. For example, the method can include generating a third block, block 156, by determining a binary code for the second digital RGB image and adding the binary code for the second digital image to additional information to be mapped, thereby generating a third RGB image having a third digital RGB color. Block chain 146 can include multiple blocks, such as 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or more.

[0218] Determining the binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 may comprise converting the color values ​​of each pixel of the first digital RGB image 112 into hexadecimal numbers. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​into hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy&Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number can be further converted to a binary code of the first digital RGB image 112, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0219] The information to be mapped can be any type of information or data to be stored in a block. For example, the information to be mapped can include one or more of transaction data, a root hash, a nonce, a previous hash value, and a timestamp. The method can include determining a root hash for each generated block by using a method for generating a root hash according to the present invention and adding the root hash to the block. The method can include determining a nonce for each generated block by using a method for generating a nonce according to the present invention and adding the nonce to the block. The method can include adding a timestamp of each transaction to each generated block. The method can include adding a hash value of a previous block to each generated block. The hash value can be determined by using a method for generating hash values ​​according to the present invention. The information to be mapped can exist in binary format, particularly as a binary code. In FIG. 3, the information to be mapped to generate block 154 can be information_1, which can be given in binary format, in this case 10100001111001. This information is added to the binary code of the first digital RGB image 113, represented as "Block_0 Photo", which in this example is 10110100001101 (which is the same as the nonce).

[0220] The added binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 and the information to be mapped is represented in FIG. 3 as "Block_1 Photo." The added binary code of the first digital RGB image 112 and the information to be mapped can be converted to hexadecimal numbers, and the hexadecimal numbers can be converted to color values. The conversion of the binary code to hexadecimal numbers can be performed, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . For example, the conversion of hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The second RGB image can be a second digital RGB image. The second RGB image can be different from the first digital RGB image. In particular, the color values ​​of the pixels of the first digital RGB image and the second RGB image can be different.

[0221] For each additional set of transactions, the next adjacent block can be generated by determining the binary code of the digital image of the previous block and adding additional information to be mapped to the binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block, thereby generating a next digital RGB image with additional RGB colors. The added binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block and the additional information to be mapped can be converted to a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted to a color value. The color value can be used for the corresponding pixel of the next digital RGB image, i.e., for the next block.

[0222] 3 exemplarily illustrates the generation of a nonce, denoted "nonce_2," from block 154 for one subsequent block, and the addition of the binary code of the additional information to be mapped, denoted "info_2," and the binary code of block 154, denoted "photo of block_1." The resulting binary code is represented by "photo of block_2," which is transformed as described above in an additional RGB image, i.e., block 156.

[0223] The method may further comprise a step of encrypting the generated blocks. Encryption may comprise a process of modifying one or more of the message, information, or data by using at least one encryption means, also referred to as encryption key means, so that only authorized parties can access it and unauthorized parties cannot. Specifically, encryption may include a process of modifying one or more of the message, information, or data in such a way that only individuals in possession of a specific authentication means, also referred to as encryption key, can transform the modified message, information, or data into its original or readable format, thereby recovering the original message, information, or data. The encrypting step or encryption process, i.e., the process of modifying the message, information, or data, may comprise an encryption algorithm, specifically by combining the message, information, or data with at least one encryption key. By way of example, in binary format, each bit of the message, information, or data may be combined with a corresponding bit of the encryption key, thereby generating an encrypted bit. Other encryption algorithms are commonly known and may also be used in the context of the present invention.

[0224] A cryptographic key may comprise an encryption means or a decryption means used in an encryption or decryption process, respectively. A cryptographic key may be an item of information that determines the functional output of a cryptographic algorithm, e.g., an encryption and / or decryption process. A cryptographic key may also specify variations of other cryptographic algorithms, e.g., digital signature schemes and message authentication codes. The same key may be used for encryption and decryption processes. The present invention may refer to symmetric cryptographic processes, although asymmetric cryptographic processes are also possible.

[0225] The encryption key is generated by transforming the material properties of the mixture detected by the scanning device into an encryption key, which can be generated using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material properties. Transforming the at least one material property into the at least one encryption key can be performed in a computer-implementable manner. Transforming the material property into the encryption key can be performed in a single step or multiple steps. Transforming the material property into the encryption key can be performed, for example, by providing at least one electronic signal, such as digital information, representing the at least one material property to at least one data processing device for further processing. Thus, for example, the detector can be in direct or indirect communication with the data processing device or can be part of the data processing device. Thus, the at least one material property can be directly or indirectly provided to the data processing device for further processing and for applying at least one transformation algorithm, either directly or after pre-processing. The result of the transformation process can be an encryption key, which can be provided, for example, in electronic form. By way of example, the encryption key can be or include electronic information in digital or analog format. The encryption key can be provided to one or more of, by way of example, a data storage device, an interface, a third party, or the like.

[0226] It is generally understood that the encryption key may be generated in a single step or multiple steps. Thus, the encryption key may be generated iteratively, e.g., by repeating the blending and detecting steps, and optionally repeating the transforming step, where, e.g., each blending and detecting step generates a portion of the encryption key and / or additional blending information for an additional blending step. This allows for the iterative generation of complex and large encryption keys, even if the number of material properties of a single blend is limited.

[0227] The step of transforming the material property into an encryption key may specifically comprise a step of subjecting at least one material property to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test. By way of example and as outlined in more detail below, the at least one test may be or include a comparison step, where the comparison directly or indirectly compares the at least one material property with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, or the like, for example, by using at least one item of measurement information. Other mathematical tests are generally feasible and may also be applied. The encryption key, or at least a portion thereof, may be generated according to the result of the at least one test. The step of transforming the material property into an encryption key may specifically comprise a comparison step, where the comparison compares the at least one material property with at least one threshold value using at least one item of measurement information representing the material property as a selection. According to the result of this comparison, at least one number is assigned to the material property. The number may specifically be a binary number. The number may directly form the encryption key or may form part of the encryption key. Thus, by way of example, the encryption key may comprise a plurality of bit values, where at least one of the bit values ​​is assigned according to a comparison of the material property with at least one threshold value. By way of example, the spectrum or distribution of at least one material property of the mixture, e.g., the color distribution, may be measured. For example, certain bit values ​​may be selected according to the statistical occurrence of a particular color of the mixture, or the statistical occurrence of another particular feature or characteristic. Correspondingly, other bit values ​​may be selected according to, for example, other particular characteristics of the mixture's properties. This allows the generation of a complete encryption key, or at least a portion thereof.

[0228] The encryption can be performed using at least one data encryption system, not shown here. The data encryption system can be a device, a combination of devices, or a component or combination of components configured to encrypt data. The data encryption system can be embodied in whole or in part as or included in a computer or computer system. The data encryption system can be a device for generating at least one encryption key according to the present invention, such as a device for generating an encryption key according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed above or disclosed in detail below; and at least one encryption device configured to encrypt the data using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0229] The method may further comprise at least one decryption step, in which the encrypted blocks are decrypted. Decryption may be the inverse of the encryption process described above. Decryption may be the process of re-modifying encrypted data by using at least one decryption means, also called an encryption key, resulting in the encrypted data being transformed into a readable format, i.e., into one or more of the original message, information, or data, in a readable format. The process of modifying encrypted data may specifically include a decryption algorithm, e.g., combining the encrypted data with at least one encryption key. For example, in binary format, each bit of the encrypted data may be combined with a corresponding bit of the encryption key, thereby generating a decrypted bit. Other decryption algorithms are generally known and may also be used in the context of the present invention. Decryption may be performed using at least one decryption device, not shown, configured to decrypt the encrypted data by using the encryption key. The decryption device may be any device configured to perform the step of decrypting data. The decryption device may specifically include at least one processor configured to perform the decryption steps as outlined above. The decryption device may be embodied in whole or in part in software running on at least one computer.

[0230] The method may include a printing step, where at least one block 150, i.e., one digital RGB image, may be printed. Figure 4 shows an example of a printed block chain 146.

[0231] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cryptocurrency unit 158. Cryptocurrency acts as a medium of exchange, whereby individual monetary ownership records can be configured to be stored in a blockchain, particularly in the blockchain 16 according to the present invention. The blockchain 146 allows for controlled conversion and ownership of cryptocurrency units. Cryptocurrency units 158 can be units of any size. As shown in Figure 6, each transaction of cryptocurrency units is generating a digital RGB image 112 having RGB colors, e.g., a first digital RGB image, by scanning a physical object 114; combining the first transaction data 116 with the digital RGB image 112, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image 160; combining the identification information 162 with the intermediate RGB image 160, thereby generating an authentication image 164 having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image 164 from the RGB color space 130 to a quadratic color space 132 having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space 132; generating a one-time verification number 116 by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the quadratic color space, into hexadecimal numbers.

[0232] Regarding the process of generating the digital RGB, reference is made to the description of the process of generating the first RGB image detailed in FIG. 1A.

[0233] Combining the first transaction data 116 with the digital RGB image may comprise determining a binary code of the digital RGB image. Determining the binary code of the digital RGB image may comprise converting a color value of each pixel of the digital RGB image to a hexadecimal number. For example, converting the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The determined hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the digital RGB image, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance Through the Use of Color Look-Up Tables," Adobe Developer Support Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The appended binary code of the digital RGB image and of the first transaction data 116 can be converted into a hexadecimal number, and the hexadecimal number can be converted into a color value. For example, the conversion of hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The intermediate RGB image 160 can be generated by using the determined color values ​​for the corresponding image pixels. The intermediate RGB image 160 can include a digital image, in particular a digital RGB image including the transaction data 116.

[0234] Identification information 162 can be any information that provides a unique identification of the value owner, such as a photograph of the owner, etc. Authentication image 164 can be a digital RGB image that includes identification information 162.

[0235] Combining the identification information 162 with the intermediate RGB image 160 may comprise determining a binary code for the intermediate RGB image 160. Determining the binary code for the intermediate RGB image 160 may comprise converting a color value for each pixel of the intermediate RGB image 160 to a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of the color values ​​to a hexadecimal number may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The determined hexadecimal number can be further converted into a binary code of the intermediate RGB image 160, for example, by using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Process for Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The hexadecimal number can be converted into a color value. For example, the conversion of the hexadecimal number into a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de, or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. Authentication of the image can be performed by using the determined color values ​​for the corresponding image pixels.

[0236] The authentication image 164 can be digitally converted from RGB color to the secondary color space 132. Preferably, the secondary color space 132 is the CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white means the absence of color on a white substrate. The conversion from the RGB color space 130 to the secondary color space 132 can be performed for each pixel of the authentication RGB image 164. The conversion from RGB color space 130 to secondary color space 132 can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 5,283,671 for converting RGB color space to CMYK color space, or in "Schule der Farben-Grundzuge der Farbentheorie fur Computeranwender und andere," Kuppers, Herald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9, pages 125-134, or at www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. The conversion from RGB color space 130 can be performed using at least one software, in particular printer software for converting RGB colors.

[0237] The transformed image can be further transformed into a pattern 138. The pattern can be a grid. The pattern can include at least one matrix with rows and columns representing the presence or absence of a primary color for each pixel. Additional transformations, particularly rastering, can be performed by the printer software. The colored dots can then be counted. The step of determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space can comprise counting the colored dots of the transformed and rasterized image, particularly of the matrix.

[0238] The determined number of pixels of each primary color can be converted into a hexadecimal number. Specifically, the color dot number is converted into a hexadecimal number. The conversion of the determined number into a hexadecimal number and then into a color value can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predetermined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "Image Interfaces: Graphical Support for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Willy & Sans, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5.

[0239] The step of generating a one-time verification number may include converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predetermined formula. Specifically, the determined number of pixels for each primary color can be converted into a fixed-size value without a decimal number. The predetermined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information can be converted into a hexadecimal number and then into a fixed-size value via a logarithmic formula, which is necessary for hashing any transaction. The predetermined mathematical formula for converting a determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color in the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size is "a + b * x+c * (x / 16)+d * 1000 *ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, to generate a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all of the following cases: If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, then "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, then "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; If the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, then "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Thus, the result obtained from the calculation using the predetermined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a hash value of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, for example, three or ten digits, then "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0240] The one-time verification number 166 may be a number that can be used to verify the cryptocurrency unit, particularly to prevent counterfeiting. Generating the cryptocurrency unit 158 ​​may comprise printing the cryptocurrency unit. The printed cryptocurrency unit 158 ​​may include a printout of the authentication image 164 and the verification number 166. The one-time verification number 166 can be extracted by scanning and decrypting the authentication image. The extracted one-time verification number 166 can be compared with the verification number 168 on the printout. If they match, the cryptocurrency unit 158 ​​is verified. Counterfeiting is therefore impossible because the image is combined with the one-time verification number, which is stored in the blockchain 146. [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 110 hash value 112 First Digital RGB Image 114 Physical Objects 116 First Transaction Data 118 Second RGB Image 120 Digital scanning process 122 Mixing process 124 Mixing Equipment 126 Digital Image Elements 128 Conversion process 130 RGB color space 132 Quadratic Color Space 134 Decision-making process 136 Occurring Processes 138 patterns 139 Second Transaction Data 140 Third RGB Image 142 additional hash values 144 Processes that occur 146 Blockchain 148 digital RGB images 150 blocks 152 Founding Block 154 Next Block 156 additional blocks 158 cryptocurrency units 160 intermediate RGB images 162 Identification Information 164 Authentication Image 166 One-time verifications 168 verifications

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating a hash value (110), comprising: i) providing a first digital RGB image (112) having a first RGB color of a physical object (114); ii) combining the first transaction data (116) with the first digital RGB image (112), thereby generating a second RGB image (118) having second RGB colors; iii) converting (128) the color values ​​of the second RGB image (118) from the RGB color space (130) to a quadratic color space (132) having at least four primary colors, and determining (134) the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space (132); iv) generating (136) the hash value (110) by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space (132), into hexadecimal.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the first digital RGB image comprises blending and / or mixing (122) colorants and scanning the blended and / or mixed colorants.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pigment is selected from natural organic materials and from synthetic organic materials.

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pigment is selected from inorganic materials, preferably metal oxides, more preferably iron oxides.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondary color space (132) is a CMYK color space and the primary colors of the secondary color space (132) are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein step i) comprises generating a digital image element (126) by resizing the first digital RGB image (112) to a predetermined size, the size of the digital image element (126) being larger than the size of the first transaction data (126).

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein step ii) comprises determining a binary code of the first digital RGB image (112) and adding the binary code of the first transaction data (116) to the binary code of the first digital RGB image (112), thereby generating the second digital RGB image (118) having second RGB colors.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein step ii) comprises mapping the first transaction data (116) to the first digital RGB image (112).

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the hash value comprises converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space, into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predetermined formula.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising printing the transaction data (116) onto a substrate by printing the second RGB image (118) onto the substrate and printing the hexadecimal digits of the hash value (110) onto the same substrate, and verifying the printed transaction data (116) by verifying the second digital RGB image (118).

11. 11. A computer-implementable method for generating a root hash, comprising determining a first hash value by using the method for generating a hash value according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of generating the root hash comprises: a) combining second transaction data (139) with the first digital RGB image (112), thereby generating a third RGB image (140) having a third RGB color; b) converting the color values ​​of the third RGB image (140) from the RGB color space (130) to the secondary color space (132) and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space (132); c) generating (136) an additional hash value (142) by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space (132), into hexadecimal; d) generating (144) the root hash by combining the first hash value and the additional hash value (142).

12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating additional hash values ​​for additional transaction data, and generating the root hash by aggregation of the hash values.

13. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a nonce, comprising: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by assessing a physical object (114); generating the nonce by determining a binary code of the digital RGB image.

14. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a block chain (146), comprising: generating a plurality of successively linked blocks (150) of the block chain (146); generating an origin block (152) by generating a first digital RGB image (112) having a first RGB color by scanning a physical object (114); generating a next block (154) by determining a binary code of the first digital RGB image (112) and adding the binary code of the first digital image (112) to information to be mapped, thereby generating a second RGB image (118) having a second RGB color; this process repeating for each additional block until the block chain (146) is closed.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, comprising generating a next adjacent block (150, 154) for each additional set of transactions by determining a binary code of the digital image of a previous block and adding additional information to be mapped to the binary code of the digital RGB image of the previous block, thereby generating a next adjacent digital RGB image having additional RGB colors.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, comprising the steps of: for each generated block, determining a root hash by using the method of claim 11 or 12 related to a method for generating a root hash and adding the root hash to the block; for each generated block, determining a nonce by using the method of claim 13 related to a method for generating a nonce and adding the nonce to the block; and further adding a timestamp of the respective set of transactions to each of the each generated blocks.

17. 17. A method according to claim 15 or 16, comprising adding the hash value of the previous block to each of the generated blocks.

18. A digital image-based blockchain (146), comprising a plurality of linked blocks (150), generated by using the method of claim 14 for generating a blockchain.

19. A method for converting cryptocurrency, wherein each transaction of cryptocurrency units (158) comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object (114); combining first transaction data (116) with said digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image (160); combining the identification information (162) with the intermediate RGB image (160), thereby generating an authentication image (164) having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image (164) from the RGB color space (130) to a quadratic color space (132) having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space (132); generating a one-time verification number (166) by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space (132), into hexadecimal numbers.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the transaction of the crypto currency unit (158) comprises printing the crypto currency unit (158), wherein printing the crypto currency unit (158) comprises printing the authentication image (164) on a substrate and printing a hexadecimal version of the one-time verification number (166) on the same substrate.

21. A cryptocurrency, wherein each cryptocurrency unit (158) comprises: generating a digital RGB image having RGB colors by scanning a physical object (114); combining first transaction data (116) with said digital RGB image, thereby generating an intermediate RGB image (160); combining the identification information (162) with the intermediate RGB image (160), thereby generating an authentication image (164) having additional RGB colors; converting the color values ​​of the authentication image (164) from the RGB color space (130) to a quadratic color space (132) having at least four primary colors, and determining the number of colored pixels for each primary color in the quadratic color space (132); generating a one-time verification number (166) by converting the determined number of pixels, each colored for each primary color of the secondary color space (132), into hexadecimal numbers.

22. 22. The cryptocurrency of claim 21, wherein generating the crypto currency unit (158) comprises printing the crypto currency unit (158), wherein printing the crypto currency unit (158) comprises printing the authentication image (160) on a substrate and printing a hexadecimal version of the one-time verification number (166) on the same substrate.

23. 22. Use of a blockchain according to claim 16 for the purpose of using cryptocurrencies, such as the cryptocurrency according to claim 21, in transactions.

Images