Blockchain Node Sequencing for Ordered Resource Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed systems face challenges in enforcing the ordering of processing steps, resource allocation, and hierarchical organization among nodes, with existing solutions relying on central authorities or cooperation among participants, lacking tamper-proof records, and ineffective use of cryptographic techniques for control and permissions.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based protocol that enforces ordered processing steps through a cyclically-ordered set of nodes using public and private key cryptography, with payment channels securing resource transfers and ensuring tamper-resistant records of processing outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central authority is used to validate and take into account votes or feedback in distributed systems, then security and control are improved, but system decentralization and autonomy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation function from a central authority and distributes it across multiple nodes in the network. Each node independently validates transactions and maintains the ledger, eliminating the need for a central validating entity while maintaining security and control through cryptographic proofs and consensus mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic intermediaries (digital signatures, hash functions, and consensus protocols) that mediate between nodes without requiring a central authority. These cryptographic mechanisms enable trustless validation where nodes can verify the authenticity and integrity of transactions without needing to trust any single entity.
2Manufacturing precision
If processing steps are enforced in a prescribed order in distributed systems, then task correctness is improved, but system flexibility and parallel processing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ordering where the processing sequence is not fixed but determined by the state of the system and the requirements of specific tasks. The cyclically-ordered set of nodes can adapt their processing order based on transaction types, network conditions, and computational requirements, allowing both ordered processing when needed and parallel processing when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing workflow into independent, composable steps that can be executed in different orders depending on the task requirements. Each node in the cyclically-ordered set can handle specific segments of processing, and these segments can be reordered or executed in parallel based on dependencies and resource availability.
3Reliability
If cryptographic techniques are used for enforcing control and permissions in distributed systems, then security is improved, but computational overhead and transaction complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryptographic setup during node initialization and transaction creation, establishing digital signatures and permissions beforehand. This preliminary action reduces the computational overhead during transaction execution, as the heavy cryptographic operations are performed in advance rather than during each validation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes cryptographic parameters dynamically based on the task requirements and node identities. Different cryptographic schemes and key lengths are applied depending on the security requirements and computational resources available, optimizing the balance between security and computational overhead for different scenarios.
4Quantity of substance
If nodes in a distributed system communicate and cooperate to perform computing tasks, then resource sharing and resilience are improved, but coordination overhead and communication complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and data structure format that all nodes in the cyclically-ordered set can use interchangeably. This universality reduces coordination overhead by eliminating the need for complex message formatting and interpretation, allowing nodes to share resources and communicate efficiently using standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous state information and transaction history across all nodes through the cyclically-ordered processing structure. This continuity eliminates the need for repeated synchronization and state reconciliation, reducing coordination overhead while maintaining resource sharing and network resilience.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling and coordinating of processing steps in a distributed system is disclosed. The method may be implemented by a node in a cyclically-ordered set of nodes participating in a blockchain network. The method includes receiving, from an immediately subsequent node, values corresponding to combinations of possible outcomes of processing steps associated with nodes from that node through to a node immediately preceding a supervisor node. The values are based on public keys associated with the nodes corresponding to possible outputs and the supervisor's public key. State values are generated based on the values and public keys corresponding to the possible outcomes further to a processing step of the node and are shared with the supervisor and an immediately previous node. A blockchain transaction is prepared to transmit control of a resource from the node to the immediately subsequent node upon supply of one of a set of unlocking values corresponding to the received values.