Blockchain Overlay Controller for Inter-Network Policy Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blockchain networks developed independently often face conflicts when interacting due to differences in protocols, data formats, and security measures, leading to challenges in facilitating transactions between entities with distinct blockchain systems.
Innovation Solution
A virtual overlay network with a controller that extracts interaction algorithms from smart contracts to facilitate transactions between entities by identifying and enforcing policies, including cost data, to determine the best interaction paths and formats across different blockchain networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain networks are developed independently by different entities with their own protocols, then each entity can maintain its own security and operational standards, but conflicts arise when entities attempt to interact due to incompatible protocols and data formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between different blockchain networks. This translation layer converts data formats, protocols, and security mechanisms between incompatible blockchain systems, enabling interaction while preserving each network's original security standards and operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms protocol parameters, data formats, and security configurations through the translation layer. By dynamically adjusting these parameters during translation, the system maintains compatibility with source blockchain networks while adapting to target network requirements, resolving protocol conflicts without compromising security.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized system is used to manage interactions between blockchain networks, then protocol conflicts can be resolved efficiently, but security and privacy are compromised due to reliance on centralized authorities
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer operates autonomously using predefined translation rules and algorithms. It automatically resolves protocol conflicts, converts data formats, and facilitates transactions without requiring centralized arbitration or manual intervention, thereby maintaining security while improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation layer is designed to handle multiple blockchain protocols and data formats simultaneously. It provides universal compatibility across different blockchain networks through a single decentralized mechanism, eliminating the need for separate centralized management systems for each network pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation is implemented to enable interaction between blockchain networks, then interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple protocols and translation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The translation functionality is segmented into modular components that can be independently managed and configured. Each segment handles specific protocol translations or data format conversions, allowing the system to scale complexity only where needed rather than requiring a monolithic complex translation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional layer (the translation layer) that operates above the protocol level. This additional dimension provides a unified interface for protocol translation without modifying the underlying blockchain protocols, thereby managing complexity by adding rather than altering existing system dimensions.
4Productivity
If cost data is considered in policy enforcement, then optimal transaction paths can be identified, but the complexity of policy management increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cost data and transaction policies are predetermined and stored in the translation layer before transactions occur. The system pre-calculates optimal paths and establishes cost parameters in advance, allowing efficient transaction routing without real-time complex calculations, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for virtualizing policy enforcement amongst participants of an overlay network. In some embodiments, each of the participants may maintain a separate blockchain network. The overlay network may receive smart contracts or other policy documents that include information on interactions with a particular participant or between participants. A controller, which may be implemented on any node of the overlay network, may then extract an interaction algorithm from that smart contract that may be stored in policy data to be used in completing transactions between two participants of the overlay network. In some embodiments, the policy data may include cost data which may be used to determine how two entities may interact.