Mediator Computer Verification for Distributed Program Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing environments, it is challenging for a computing entity to delegate execution of a task to another entity without assurance that the task is performed correctly, as trust relationships are often lacking between these entities.
Innovation Solution
A protocol is implemented using a mediator computer system to ensure correct execution of programs by encrypting a secret value under a public key, providing it to a worker computer system, and verifying the execution through cryptographic hash outputs and zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the execution process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a computing entity delegates execution of a program to another entity in a distributed computing environment, then productivity is improved through distributed processing, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of trust assurance that the task is performed correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator computer system that acts as a trusted intermediary between the client and worker. The mediator receives the encrypted secret value and execution proof from the worker, verifies the proof using cryptographic methods, and then provides the decrypted secret value to the client if verification succeeds. This mediator architecture enables distributed execution while maintaining trust through cryptographic verification rather than direct trust relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional trust-based verification mechanisms with cryptographic verification. Instead of relying on trust relationships or manual verification, the system uses zero-knowledge proofs and cryptographic hash functions to automatically verify execution correctness. The worker generates cryptographic proofs that can be verified by the mediator without revealing sensitive information, substituting mechanical trust with mathematical verification.
2Reliability
If cryptographic verification methods are implemented to ensure correct execution, then reliability is improved through verifiable execution proofs, but device complexity increases due to the mediator system and cryptographic protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where the worker creates a copy of the execution proof in the form of cryptographic hash outputs and zero-knowledge proofs. Instead of transferring the actual secret value or execution details, the worker generates cryptographic copies that contain verification information. The mediator verifies these copies without needing access to the original secret, reducing the complexity of information handling while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential verification information from the execution process. The worker generates and provides only the cryptographic hash outputs and zero-knowledge proofs that are necessary for verification, leaving out all other execution details and sensitive information. This extraction approach minimizes the data that needs to be handled and verified by the mediator, reducing system complexity while maintaining verification capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If secret values are encrypted and provided to worker systems for execution, then security is improved through cryptographic protection, but loss of information increases due to encryption overhead and potential decryption failures
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator serves as a trusted intermediary that holds the decryption capability. The client encrypts the secret value with the mediator's public key, so only the mediator can decrypt it. The mediator then selectively provides the decrypted secret value to the client only after successful verification of the worker's execution proof. This intermediary approach ensures security through encryption while preventing information loss by controlling decryption based on verification success.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption of the secret value is performed in advance before the execution process begins. The client encrypts the secret value with the mediator's public key and provides the encrypted version to the worker. This preliminary encryption action ensures that the secret value is protected throughout the execution process, and the decryption only occurs after verification, preventing information loss from unauthorized access or execution failures.
Data Source
AI summary
In a distributed system, a first computer system may require computationally verifiable assurances of the authenticity and integrity of computations (e.g., performed as part of the execution of a program) performed by a second computer system. Methods described herein may be utilized to enforce and/or ensure the correct execution of a program. The first computer system may delegate execution of a program to a second computer system and a protocol may be employed to constrain the second computer system to perform a correct execution of the program. The protocol may include mitigation and correction routines that mitigate and/or correct the incorrect execution of a program. In various systems and methods described herein, the protocol may utilize a blockchain network such as a Bitcoin-based blockchain network.