Blockchain Consensus via True Random Leader Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blockchain systems face challenges in achieving low energy and computational power requirements while maintaining distribution and resistance to double spending, with existing consensus protocols like proof of work leading to wasteful computer processing and potential centralization issues in alternative protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method where a leader node is randomly selected for each time interval based on a true random number, allowing it to generate new blocks, which are then validated by other nodes, eliminating the need for resource-intensive distributed consensus protocols and gossip protocols, and enabling scalable transaction rates without block size limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proof of work protocol is used to achieve distributed consensus and prevent double spending, then security and trust are improved, but energy consumption and computational power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of consensus mechanism from computational intensity (proof of work) to random selection (proof of randomness). Instead of requiring nodes to perform energy-intensive cryptographic puzzles, the system uses a randomly selected leader node whose identity is determined by a random number, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of the random selection process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational system of proof of work (where nodes physically compute and race to solve puzzles) with a probabilistic system based on random number generation. The leader selection mechanism substitutes intensive computational races with a single random number generation and comparison operation, eliminating the need for continuous computational effort while maintaining decentralized consensus
2Reliability
If proof of work protocol is used to ensure distributed consensus, then trust in the system is improved, but computational power requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the random number that will select the leader node before transactions need to be processed. The random number is generated and the leader node is identified in advance, allowing all subsequent transaction validation to proceed simultaneously without time-consuming sequential processing. This eliminates the time loss associated with nodes racing to solve computational problems
3Use of energy by moving object
If alternative protocols like proof of stake or proof of authority are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system distribution and decentralization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing any node in the distributed network to independently determine the leader node through the random number comparison mechanism. Each node performs the same simple calculation using its own identifier and the random number, eliminating the need for centralized coordination or complex voting processes. This maintains full distribution while achieving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the blockchain into time intervals, with each interval having a designated leader node selected randomly. This temporal segmentation allows different nodes to lead at different times, maintaining decentralization while reducing individual node workload. The segmentation approach prevents any single node from having continuous authority, preserving distribution even as energy consumption decreases
4Ease of operation
If multiple versions of the blockchain exist due to simultaneous proof of work solutions, then node independence is improved, but system stability and authoritative version determination become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting the leader node through random number generation before any block creation occurs. This advance determination of who will create the next block eliminates the possibility of multiple simultaneous solutions and competing blockchain versions. The random number is generated once, and the leader is determined immediately, providing stable expectations for all nodes about who will be creating blocks next
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for a blockchain system as implemented in a participant node is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of true random numbers, each associated with a given time interval, and one or more new blocks for appending to a local blockchain stored at the participant node. The method further comprises verifying the block header data of each new block and a cryptographic signature of each new block using a public key associated with the node that generated each new block; adding each new block to the local blockchain stored at the participant node if the new block is verified; and deleting, from the local blockchain, the block body for blocks stored at the participant node that do not meet a threshold, without deleting the block header corresponding to the deleted block body.