IoT Device Pool Cryptographic Mining Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices in data networks often experience idle processing time, leading to significant lost processing opportunities as their processors are not maximally utilized between metering and communication functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a pool of IoT devices to perform blockchain operations by assigning nonce offsets and communication randomization windows, allowing them to perform cryptocurrency mining and other processing tasks during idle periods, thereby maximizing processing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IoT devices perform only primary metering and communication functions, then device simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but processing bandwidth utilization is insufficient and significant processing opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables IoT devices to perform multiple functions: their primary metering and communication functions, plus secondary cryptographic operations such as blockchain mining. The processor is designed to handle both types of workloads, transforming the device from a single-function instrument to a multi-functional platform that generates value during idle periods without requiring additional hardware
2Productivity
If IoT devices sit idle between scheduled processing operations, then energy consumption is reduced, but processing bandwidth is wasted and significant processing opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates idle processing time by continuously assigning cryptographic operations to IoT devices during periods when they are not performing primary metering functions. The processor remains actively engaged in useful work (blockchain mining) throughout what would otherwise be idle time, maximizing resource utilization without proportionally increasing energy consumption
3Productivity
If multiple IoT devices perform cryptographic operations simultaneously, then processing throughput increases to 3.6 trillion hashes per hour, but communication bandwidth and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cryptographic work among multiple IoT devices, with each device assigned a specific portion of the nonce search space. This segmentation allows parallel processing across the network, achieving 3.6 trillion hashes per hour collectively, while the head-end coordinates the distributed effort by distributing work units and collecting results
4Reliability
If IoT devices communicate frequently to coordinate blockchain operations, then processing coordination is improved, but communication overhead increases during already constrained communication windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication windows where IoT devices exchange blockchain-related information. Instead of continuous communication, devices communicate at scheduled intervals during designated windows, reducing overall communication overhead while maintaining reliable coordination for the distributed cryptographic operations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a blockchain operation includes receiving an indication of a number of a plurality of endpoints in a processing network. The method further includes assigning nonce offsets to each endpoint of the plurality of endpoints and assigning communication randomization windows to each endpoint of the plurality of endpoints. The communication randomization windows stagger communication windows of the endpoints to a head-end. Additionally, the method includes sending a message to each of the endpoints indicating an operation to perform and an expected result. Further, the method includes receiving a success indication from a first endpoint of the plurality of endpoints. The success indication including a nonce match value from the nonce offset of the first endpoint. Furthermore, the method includes verifying a nonce match value with the expected result.