Script-Based Blockchain Interaction with Runtime State Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blockchain technologies face challenges in allowing locking scripts to require specific block headers, blockchain states, or transactions within certain blocks, due to the lack of existing opcodes to query the blockchain state.
Innovation Solution
Implementing constraints on data in unlocking scripts to require inclusion of block headers, blockchains, or chains of block headers, and injecting this data into unlocking scripts at runtime, enabling transactions to be based on blockchain states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking scripts are constrained to traditional blockchain verification methods, then security and consensus are maintained, but flexibility to require specific blockchain states is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blockchain verification process into two distinct phases: (1) a locking script phase that defines constraints on blockchain states without executing complex queries, and (2) an unlocking script phase that performs the actual blockchain state verification. This segmentation allows the locking script to remain simple and secure while enabling the unlocking phase to handle complex state verification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the locking script define all verification constraints in advance, before any blockchain queries are executed. The locking script预先 specifies what blockchain states are required, and the unlocking script later performs the actual verification by querying the blockchain for those pre-defined states. This approach maintains security while enabling flexibility.
2Extent of automation
If blockchain state data is injected at runtime into unlocking scripts, then smart contracts can execute based on current blockchain states, but transaction validation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that bridges the locking script and the blockchain state verification. The intermediary component manages the injection of blockchain state data into the unlocking script at runtime, handling the complexity of data retrieval and validation. This allows automatic smart contract execution based on current blockchain states while isolating the validation complexity within the intermediary layer.
3Loss of time
If unlocking scripts can query blockchain state without verifying secret information, then self-enforcement of smart contracts is enabled, but proof of authorization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the unlocking script to autonomously query and verify blockchain states without requiring external verification of secret information. The script independently retrieves required blockchain data, performs verification against the pre-defined constraints in the locking script, and determines whether the smart contract conditions are met. This self-enforcement mechanism eliminates time-consuming external verification while maintaining reliability through cryptographic proof embedded in the locking script.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method using a blockchain network includes: i) receiving, at a node in a blockchain network, a first transaction associated with a digital asset, the first transaction specifying at least: a) a first set of constraints on a second transaction to transfer control of the digital asset, the first set of constraints including one or more constraints that cause the second transaction to contain a set of data from the blockchain network; and b) a second set of constraints on the second transaction, the second set of constraints including a constraint that the set of data includes a block that includes the first transaction, the block included in a blockchain associated with the blockchain network; ii) verifying that the first set of constraints and the second set of constraints are satisfied; and iii) transferring control of the digital asset based at least in part on the verifying.