Blockchain IoT Operating Control with Off-Device Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices face challenges with large and complex software requirements, difficulty in installation and maintenance, and security concerns, particularly when integrating blockchain technology for dynamic and secure functionality.
Innovation Solution
A generic, lightweight operating system for IoT devices that interacts with a blockchain platform, allowing instructions to be stored off-device and accessed via a Distributed Hash Table (DHT) using cryptographic keys, enabling dynamic configuration and secure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain technology is integrated into IoT devices to enable dynamic and secure functionality, then security and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex blockchain software components from the IoT device itself and places them on a remote blockchain platform. The device only retains minimal local software for blockchain interaction, while complex functions like smart contracts and node operations are executed remotely, thereby reducing on-device complexity while maintaining security benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain platform as an intermediary between the simple IoT device and complex control functions. This intermediary handles the computational burden of blockchain operations remotely, allowing the device to access secure blockchain-based functionality without embedding the complexity locally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blockchain technology is integrated into IoT devices to provide dynamic functionality, then adaptability is improved, but ease of installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dynamic functionality requirements from the device and implements them through remote blockchain smart contracts. This allows functional updates to be deployed on the blockchain platform without physical device intervention, simplifying maintenance while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic functionality by allowing smart contracts and device configurations to be updated on the blockchain platform remotely. The device can adapt to new functions and security protocols through blockchain updates without requiring on-device software modifications, simplifying maintenance while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices are equipped with comprehensive software for connectivity and intelligence, then functionality is improved, but device size and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts intelligent processing functions from the device and implements them on the blockchain platform. The device only performs simple data collection and transmission, while complex processing, decision-making, and control functions are executed remotely by blockchain nodes and smart contracts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides universal functionality through the blockchain platform that can serve multiple purposes (security, connectivity, intelligence, control) without requiring the device to embed all these capabilities locally. The blockchain platform acts as a universal service provider for diverse IoT device needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a generic operating system for coordinating, controlling and/or influencing the activities of a device. The invention is implemented using a blockchain platform with which the operating system is arranged to interact. The blockchain may be the Bitcoin blockchain. In a preferred embodiment, the device is an Internet of Things (IOT) device. The invention provides a computer-implemented control system and corresponding method for controlling a device, the system comprising a device configured for wireless communication with a network and having an IP address and a public-private key cryptographic key pair associated with the device; a software-implemented control component arranged to monitor the state of a blockchain network and/or transmit blockchain Transactions to the blockchain network; and a set of instructions arranged for execution by the control component to control the functionality of the device. The control component is arranged to access the set of instructions from a stored location which is separate to the device. The instructions may be stored in a Distributed Hash Table (DHT) and accessed for download and installation by the control component from the DHT as and when needed. The location of the DHT and/or instructions may be indicated or provided using metadata provided within a blockchain transaction. The set of instructions may be accessed by the control component using a look-up key which is related to a cryptographic key pair. The control component is provided on or in the device, or in other embodiments can be provided in an off-device location and arranged for wireless communication with the device.