Cryptocurrency Network Analysis Through Diffusion Risk Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to effectively analyze networks with large numbers of nodes and edges, particularly in cryptocurrency systems, to detect illicit activities such as money laundering and fraud, due to incomplete transactional information and hidden links between nodes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a diffusion algorithm to update a graph dataset with risk parameters, calculating similarity scores, and identifying illicit nodes by applying a diffusion algorithm to propagate risk through the network, utilizing both classical and quantum computing for faster updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional network analysis methods are used on cryptocurrency networks, then some insight into money laundering behaviour can be obtained, but the analysis becomes difficult to implement in networks having large numbers of nodes and edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the network analysis problem by changing parameters from traditional topological properties to quantum mechanical analogs (Hamiltonian, energy eigenvalues, diffusion coefficients). This allows complex network structures to be analyzed through mathematical transformations that reduce computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces classical network analysis methods with quantum-inspired computational approaches. By using quantum diffusion equations and Hamiltonian mechanics analogs, the system can process large-scale cryptocurrency networks more efficiently than traditional graph theory methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional network analysis methods are used on cryptocurrency networks, then some insight into money laundering behaviour can be obtained, but the analysis becomes difficult when transactional information is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinformation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements iterative diffusion processes where risk parameters are continuously updated based on network propagation. The system uses feedback loops where initial risk assessments are refined through multiple diffusion steps, allowing the analysis to converge even with incomplete initial information about transactional relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary risk parameter assignments to nodes based on available information before the diffusion process begins. This preliminary action provides an initial state that guides the subsequent diffusion analysis, enabling the system to work effectively even when complete transactional information is not available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If diffusion algorithm is applied to update risk parameters across the network, then hidden links between nodes can be detected, but computational resources and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the diffusion algorithm iteratively with a predetermined number of steps rather than requiring full convergence. This partial action approach provides sufficient detection accuracy for identifying hidden links and illicit activities while significantly reducing the computational time and resources required compared to running the diffusion process to complete convergence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4629153A1Method and system for analysing a network of information
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP4629153A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4629153A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4629153A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for analysing a network of information comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes. The method comprises: accessing a graph dataset (402) representative of a graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of directed edges; updating the graph dataset (404); and, for each pair of nodes in the plurality of nodes, calculating a similarity score (406) using the updated graph dataset. The similarity score is indicative of the similarity between the nodes for which the similarity score is calculated. The graph dataset comprises an initial risk parameter for each node and an initial weight for each directed edge. Updating the graph dataset (404) comprises applying a diffusion algorithm to the graph dataset until a predetermined condition is met. The updated graph dataset comprises an updated risk parameter for each node.