Compressed Video Proof of Work for Blockchain Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proof-of-work systems in cryptocurrency networks face challenges in preventing groups from solving multiple successive blocks, which can lead to fraudulent transactions and undermine the integrity of the cryptocurrency ledger, especially with the use of ASIC technology.
Innovation Solution
The approach utilizes compressed video files as proof of work, leveraging the lossy nature of video compression to generate scalable work units. Clients reconstruct the video and compare their hash results to an expected hash, with the server adding a new block to the blockchain only when an acceptable proof of work submission is received, ensuring difficulty scaling and hardware optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional proof-of-work systems are used, then cryptocurrency transactions can be verified, but groups can solve multiple successive blocks leading to fraudulent transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of proof-of-work from traditional computational puzzles to video decompression tasks. By encoding work units as compressed video frames with specific quality thresholds, the system creates a new parameter space where solving the puzzle requires reconstructing video frames at designated quality levels, making it resistant to ASIC mining and preventing multiple successive block solving by groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses video compression and decompression as a form of copying and verification. The server compresses video into work units, clients decompress and verify by comparing against expected hash values, and successful verification copies the proof of work into the blockchain. This copying mechanism ensures that only valid work can be added to the ledger, preventing fraud.
2Productivity
If ASIC technology is used for proof-of-work, then mining efficiency is improved, but the ability to prevent fraudulent transactions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electronic ASIC mining system with a software-based video decompression task. Instead of specialized hardware circuits, the proof-of-work relies on general-purpose computing capabilities to decompress video frames and verify hashes. This substitution maintains productivity through efficient decompression algorithms while eliminating the advantage of ASIC hardware, thereby preventing fraudulent transactions.
3Reliability
If compressed video files are used as proof of work, then fraudulent transactions are prevented, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using video decompression, a task already familiar to consumers through streaming services, as the proof-of-work mechanism. The same decompression algorithms and hardware capabilities used for entertainment purposes are leveraged for cryptocurrency validation. This multi-functionality approach maintains system reliability while avoiding the need for entirely new complex technology, as video decompression infrastructure already exists in widespread use.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided that transmits a compressed video file and a work unit to various clients, receiving, from at least one of the clients. A proof of work submission is received from one of the clients with the proof of work being a result of one or more computations performed by the client on a rendered form of the compressed video file. The approach determines whether the proof of work submission is acceptable. If the proof of work submission is acceptable, then a block is added to a set of blocks included in a blockchain.