Blockchain Rule Synchronization Without Forks or Node Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blockchain technologies face challenges in efficiently and timely altering validation rules without causing forks or requiring software updates across all nodes, leading to inefficiencies and potential double-spending risks.
Innovation Solution
A system for synchronizing rule changes within the blockchain itself, allowing authorities to modify rules without needing software updates on nodes or miners, ensuring deterministic and retroactive compliance with valid rules at any point in time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blockchain validation rules are altered through software updates on miners and nodes, then rule changes can be implemented, but system complexity increases and forks may occur during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rule change mechanism from the software update process. Instead of requiring miners and nodes to update their software to implement rule changes, the system separates rule modification capabilities from the core blockchain software. Rules are stored and modified on the blockchain itself, allowing rule changes without software updates, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where rule changes are proposed and validated through the blockchain protocol itself rather than through direct software updates. The rule change process uses blockchain transactions and consensus mechanisms as intermediaries to propagate and enforce rule changes across the network, avoiding the need for coordinated software updates and potential forks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blockchain rules are changed rapidly to adapt to market conditions, then adaptability improves, but consensus agreement becomes harder to achieve and forks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rule changes where the blockchain system can adapt its validation rules in response to market conditions while maintaining consensus. The system allows rules to be modified through the blockchain protocol itself, with changes becoming effective after consensus is reached, enabling rapid adaptation without sacrificing reliability. The dynamic nature of the system allows it to respond to changing conditions while preserving the integrity of the consensus mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are required for rule changes, then rule modification is possible, but race conditions occur during the update propagation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing rule change proposals on the blockchain before they take effect. Rule modifications are submitted as transactions and validated through consensus in advance, so when the changes become effective, all nodes already have the updated rules without requiring propagation during execution. This eliminates race conditions and reduces the time loss associated with update propagation.
4Reliability
If decentralized consensus is maintained for rule changes, then system reliability improves, but the speed of rule changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the rule modification process by allowing rules to be modified through blockchain transactions rather than requiring full consensus for each change. The system distinguishes between critical parameters that require consensus and non-critical parameters that can be changed more rapidly. This parameter differentiation allows the system to maintain reliability for important decisions while enabling faster adaptation for routine rule adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to implementation of a syntax for altering one or more rules by which a blockchain may be modified wherein the software implementing each client of a blockchain network are programmed to be responsive to requests or directives to alter one or more rules by which blocks may be added to a blockchain responsive to transactions received for storage therein, the requests/directives being processed by the client as a transaction and added to the block in accordance with the current state of the operating rules, thereby adding a new rule or modifying an existing rule for subsequent operation of the client.