Residual Difficulty Proof-of-Work for Distributed Ledger Mining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional blockchain consensus processes, the work done by nodes that do not solve the complex mathematical problem first goes to waste, as only one node receives a reward for mining a block, while others' efforts are not utilized.
Innovation Solution
The system allows nodes to reuse previous proof-of-work by generating a new hash with a residual difficulty level, using the block header as a nonce when the difficulty level has increased, and adjusting hashpower when the difficulty level decreases, enabling nodes to receive credit for their previous work and reducing computational waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If nodes perform full proof-of-work for each new block, then security and consensus reliability are maintained, but computational waste increases as only one node's work is accepted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes perform proof-of-work in advance on a previous block, and then reusing that work for subsequent blocks. When a node's proof-of-work on block N is not accepted, the same computational effort can be applied to block N+1, eliminating redundant computation while maintaining security through the residual difficulty mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing nodes to discard unsuccessful proof-of-work attempts on one block and recover that computational effort by applying it to the next block. The system recovers value from otherwise wasted computation by recognizing the residual difficulty and allowing transfer of proof-of-work between blocks.
2Productivity
If difficulty level is adjusted frequently to match network hashpower, then mining competitiveness is maintained, but complexity of difficulty adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the difficulty level adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The difficulty can be modified based on network conditions and the residual proof-of-work from previous blocks, allowing the system to dynamically respond to changes in network hashpower while maintaining a relatively simple adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the difficulty level parameter to be modified based on the relationship between residual difficulty and required difficulty. When residual difficulty is insufficient, the system changes the difficulty parameter for the new block to ensure adequate security while maintaining mining competitiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nodes with lesser computing power participate in mining, then decentralization is improved, but the ability to solve complex mathematical problems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by allowing nodes to continuously apply their computational efforts across multiple blocks rather than having to start fresh with each block. Even nodes with lesser computing power can maintain continuous participation by reusing proof-of-work from previous blocks, ensuring their computational contributions remain valuable over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial or excessive action by allowing nodes to perform proof-of-work that exceeds the immediate requirements of a single block, with the understanding that the residual difficulty will be carried forward. This partial over-performance on one block becomes useful action on the next block, enabling nodes with varying computing powers to contribute meaningfully.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a description of exemplary systems and methods for enabling faster proof-of-work in a distributed ledger. The methods and systems may include a processor which may generate a first hash having a first difficulty level as a first proof of work associated with a first plurality of selected transactions. The first hash not being accepted by a distributed ledger network. The processor may receive a second plurality of selected transactions and determine a second difficulty level for a second proof of work associated with the second plurality of selected transactions. The processor may compare the first difficulty level to the second difficulty level. In response to determining that the first difficulty level is less than the second difficulty level, the processor may generate a second hash as a second proof-of-work for the second plurality of selected transactions having a residual difficulty level.