Predefined Nonce Generation for Smart Contract Proof-of-Work

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Solution Overview

Problem

In blockchain configurations, especially for smart contracts in IoT networks, the conventional proof-of-work (PoW) schemes are inefficient for low-power IoT devices, as they require significant computing resources and can be vulnerable to manipulation, while randomly generated nonces do not ensure equal chances of successful completion among devices.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using predefined nonce values derived from 'eligible measurement blocks' through 'data to nonce transformations' (D2N transformations) on specific data fields, ensuring that IoT devices use a limited set of values for hash completion, thereby adjusting the complexity of the crypto-puzzle to prevent excessive energy consumption and manipulation, while maintaining equal chances of successful proof-of-work across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional proof-of-work schemes are used with randomly generated nonces, then network security is maintained, but computing resource consumption increases and manipulation vulnerability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a set of valid nonce values before the proof-of-work process begins. Instead of generating nonces randomly during the mining process, the system pre-establishes a finite set of acceptable nonce values that are derived from block header data through deterministic transformations. This preliminary preparation reduces the search space and computational effort required during proof-of-work while maintaining security through the deterministic and verifiable nature of the nonce generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If randomly generated nonces are used in proof-of-work, then equal chances of success are maintained, but computational burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequal chances of successVSAvoidcomputational burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the nonce generation approach from random number generation to deterministic value derivation. The system changes the parameter space from infinite random values to a finite set of predetermined values derived through specific transformations on block header fields. This parameter transformation maintains fairness by ensuring all devices have equal access to the same nonce set while reducing computational burden through limited search space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If predefined nonce values from eligible measurement blocks are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but manipulation vulnerability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmanipulation vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating verification mechanisms that provide feedback on nonce validity. The system includes verification steps that check whether generated nonces are indeed derived from eligible measurement blocks through the predetermined transformations. This feedback loop ensures that only valid nonces are accepted, preventing manipulation while maintaining low energy consumption through the efficient predefined nonce set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11228440B2Proof-of-work for smart contracts on a blockchain
Publication Date: 2022.01.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11228440B2 patent drawing
  • US11228440B2 patent drawing
  • US11228440B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A blockchain configuration may be used to store a distributed ledger for information security and accessibility. One example method of operation may include determining a proof-of-work via a device and using a predefined set of nonce values when determining the proof-of-work, storing the proof-of-work on a blockchain, and broadcasting the proof-of-work as a broadcast message.