Wireless Blockchain Signaling to Reduce Orphan Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In blockchain technology, particularly in connected robotics applications, orphan blocks are generated when multiple miners create blocks at similar times, leading to resource wastage in computing power and time due to the inefficiency in handling these orphan blocks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device obtains information on a first block generated by another device and initiates the generation of a second block, then shares an indication of this initiation among blockchain participants, thereby reducing the number of orphan blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple miners generate blocks simultaneously without coordination, then block generation speed increases, but the number of orphan blocks increases leading to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having miners send a signal indicating their intention to generate a block before actually generating it. This allows other miners to receive the signal and refrain from generating blocks on the same parent block, thereby preventing orphan block creation while maintaining high block generation speed. The preliminary signal acts as a reservation mechanism that coordinates block generation without reducing productivity.
2Reliability
If miners wait for confirmation before generating blocks, then orphan blocks are reduced, but block generation delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary signaling to indicate block generation intention before actual block creation. This allows miners to proceed with block generation immediately after sending the signal, without waiting for full confirmation, thereby maintaining fast block generation while ensuring reliability through the preliminary coordination mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having miners send signals about their block generation status to the network. Other miners receive this feedback and adjust their behavior accordingly, creating a real-time coordination system that ensures reliable block attachment while minimizing delays through continuous information exchange.
3Productivity
If no mechanism is implemented to inform other miners, then system complexity remains low, but orphan block handling becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple signaling mechanism as an intermediary between miners. This signal serves as a mediator that coordinates block generation intentions without requiring complex communication protocols or centralized coordination systems. The intermediary signal enables efficient orphan block handling while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for reducing orphan blocks for a blockchain is provided. The second wireless device obtains information on a first block generated by a first wireless device. The second wireless device initiates to generate a second block based on the information. The second wireless device generates an indication informing that a generation of the second block is initiated. The second wireless device shares the generated indication among participants of the blockchain.