DE102020216067A1 - Method and device for managing data associated with at least one technical product using a distributed ledger technology system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, for example a computer-implemented method, for managing first data associated with at least one technical product, for example a machine or a vehicle, using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system, comprising the following steps: providing second data which characterize a plurality of states, wherein at least two states of the plurality of states are each associated with at least one transaction related to the first data, writing the second data to the DLT system.

Description

State of the art

The disclosure relates to a method for managing first data associated with at least one technical product using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system.

The disclosure further relates to a device for managing first data associated with at least one technical product using a DLT system.

Disclosure of Invention

Exemplary embodiments relate to a method, for example a computer-implemented method, for managing first data associated with at least one technical product, for example a machine or a vehicle, using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system, comprising the following Steps: Providing second data that characterizes a plurality of states, wherein at least two states of the plurality of states are each associated with at least one transaction relating to the first data, writing the second data to the DLT system.

In further exemplary embodiments, status channels or virtual status channels can be used for an exchange of information characterizing statuses or statuses (e.g. the first and/or second data), e.g. between at least two parties, e.g. without using a or the DLT system . In further exemplary embodiments, different statuses or corresponding information can be exchanged comparatively quickly via the (virtual) status channel, e.g. without corresponding transactions of the DLT system being required for this. Therefore, in further exemplary embodiments, the transactions executed via the (virtual) status channel can also be referred to as “off-chain” transactions.

In further exemplary embodiments, at least one state channel or virtual state channel, such as that described in the references cited below, can be used, e.g., for the execution of transactions.

The documents [Reference 1] and [Reference 2] listed below are hereby expressly included in the present description.

Stefan Dziembowski, Sebastian Faust, and Kristina Hostakova. 2018. General State Channel Networks. In Proceedings of the 2018 ACM SIGSAC Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS '18). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, US, 949-966 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3243734.3243856 [Reference 1].

S. Dziembowski, L. Eckey, S. Faust and D. Malinowski, "Perun: Virtual Payment Hubs over Cryptocurrencies," 2019 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (SP), San Francisco, CA, USA, 2019, pp. 106- 123, doi: 10.1109/SP.2019.00020 [Reference 2].

In further exemplary embodiments, status channels or virtual status channels are established, e.g. directly between different parties, e.g. between operators of the at least one technical product and at least one other facility, or between devices that are associated with the at least one technical product and the at least one other facility . In further exemplary embodiments, virtual status channels, e.g. in contrast to non-virtual status channels, do not use a transaction of a DLT system for initialization, but rather, e.g., use a type of cryptographic handshake between the parties or devices involved. This handshake, which can also be referred to as a "multisignature", can be created directly between these entities or devices in further exemplary embodiments and contains, for example, an initial status or state.

In further exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be used to publish at least one state, for example also a number of states.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the writing of the second data into the DLT system includes the execution of a transaction, for example a single transaction, with respect to the DLT system. This allows the second data to be efficiently written to the DLT system, which can increase scalability.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the second data characterize n many states, for example of a party associated with the at least one technical product, where n is greater than or equal to two. In other words, in further exemplary Embodiments, for example, several states (eg also a final state) are written into the DLT system by means of a single transaction, for example.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the second data characterize states of m many parties associated with the at least one technical product, where m is greater than or equal to two, wherein the writing of the second data comprises: executing one, for example a single, transaction in each case of the DLT system for at least one of the m many parties, for example for all m parties.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the at least one technical product has or is at least one of the following elements: a) mobile product, for example mobile communication device and/or vehicle, b) product for a consumer, e.g. consumer terminal device, consumer electronic article, c) Product for the energy industry and/or distribution, for example consumption meters and/or electric charging stations, d) equipment for an Industry 4.0 system.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the DLT system has at least one blockchain and/or at least one directed acyclic graph.

In further exemplary embodiments, the blockchain can be understood as a linked list of data blocks that are linked to one another using cryptographic methods (e.g. formation of a hash value of the respective data block), for example according to the principle of the Merkle tree. This enables forgery-proof storage of data in the blockchain.

In further exemplary embodiments, the blockchain can be implemented in the form of a distributed or decentralized database, with multiple network elements (“nodes”) of a blockchain network each storing data blocks of the blockchain. Basic aspects of blockchain technology are e.g. described in the following publication: Nakamoto, Satoshi. (2009). Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf.

In further preferred embodiments, a DLT system or the blockchain can store one or more smart contracts, which, for example, enable information to be stored, for example also in connection with the establishment and/or closing of a (virtual) status channel according to exemplary embodiments, but also the execution of queries and other program functions, similar to a programming language, e.g. based on information stored in the blockchain and/or transactions executed in relation to the blockchain. As a result, in further exemplary embodiments, logical connections corresponding to contractual regulations and/or information characterizing use of the resource etc. can be stored in the blockchain by means of one or more smart contracts.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a device for carrying out the method according to the embodiments, the device for example having at least one computing device and a memory device assigned to the computing device for at least temporarily storing data and/or computer programs.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the device has a preferably bidirectional data interface, with the data interface for example being designed for exchanging, e.g. sending and/or receiving, the first data and/or the second data.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a technical product, e.g. mobile product, e.g. mobile communication device and/or vehicle, and/or product for a consumer, e.g and/or electric charging station, and/or device for an Industry 4.0 system, wherein the product is designed to at least temporarily send first data associated with the technical product to at least one device according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a system with at least one technical product, for example according to the embodiments, and with at least one device according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further example embodiments relate to a computer program comprising instructions used in executing the Pro gram by a computer causing it to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a data carrier signal that transmits and/or characterizes the computer program according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a use of the method according to the embodiments and/or the device according to the embodiments and/or the technical product according to the embodiments and/or the system according to the embodiments and/or the computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments and/or the computer program according to the embodiments and/or the data carrier signal according to the embodiments for at least one of the following elements: a) Management of first data associated with at least one technical product, for example a machine or a vehicle, for example using distributed ledger technology -, DLT, systems, b) executing bulk transactions regarding the DLT system, c) reducing a number of transactions regarding the DLT system, d) saving computing time resources and/or memory resources and/or electrical energy regarding an operation bs of the DLT system, e) improving scalability of applications that use the DLT system.

Further features, application possibilities and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. All of the described or illustrated features form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their back-reference and regardless of their wording or representation in the description or in the drawing.

• 1 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm gemäß beispielhaften Ausführungsformen,
• 2 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagramm gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen,
• 3 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen,
• 4 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagramm gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen,
• 5 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen,
• 6 schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagramm gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen, und
• 7 schematisch Aspekte von Verwendungen gemäß weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsformen.

In the drawing shows:

• 1 schematically a simplified block diagram according to exemplary embodiments,
• 2 schematically a simplified flow chart according to further exemplary embodiments,
• 3 schematically a simplified block diagram according to further exemplary embodiments,
• 4 schematically a simplified flow chart according to further exemplary embodiments,
• 5 schematically a simplified block diagram according to further exemplary embodiments,
• 6 schematically shows a simplified flow chart according to further exemplary embodiments, and
• 7 schematically illustrates aspects of uses according to further exemplary embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments, cf. 1 and 2 , relate to a method, for example a computer-implemented method, for managing first data D1 associated with at least one technical product 10, for example a machine or a vehicle, using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system 20 the following steps: Deploy 100 ( 2 ) second data D2, which characterize a plurality of states, wherein at least two states of the plurality of states are each associated with at least one transaction with respect to the first data D1, writing 102 the second data D2 (and/or data derived from the second data D2 ) into the DLT system 20.

In further exemplary embodiments, status channels K or virtual status channels can be used for an exchange of information characterizing statuses or statuses (e.g. the first data D1 and/or second data D2), e.g. between at least two parties P1, P2, for example without using one or of the DLT system 20, see the double arrow T in accordance with 1 . In further exemplary embodiments, different statuses or corresponding information can be exchanged comparatively quickly via the (virtual) status channel K, for example without corresponding transactions of the DLT system 20 being necessary for this. Therefore, the transactions T executed via the (virtual) status channel K can also be referred to as “off-chain” transactions T in further exemplary embodiments.

In further exemplary embodiments, at least one state channel K or virtual state channel, as described, for example, in the references mentioned below, can be used, for example, for the execution of transactions T.

The following documents [Reference 1] and [Reference 2] are hereby excluded expressly included in the present description.

Stefan Dziembowski, Sebastian Faust, and Kristina Hostakova. 2018. General State Channel Networks. In Proceedings of the 2018 ACM SIGSAC Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS '18). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 949-966. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3243734.3243856 [Reference 1].

S. Dziembowski, L. Eckey, S. Faust and D. Malinowski, "Perun: Virtual Payment Hubs over Cryptocurrencies," 2019 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (SP), San Francisco, CA, USA, 2019, pp. 106- 123, doi: 10.1109/SP.2019.00020 [Reference 2].

In further exemplary embodiments, status channels K or virtual status channels are established, e.g. directly between different parties P1, P2, e.g. between operators of the at least one technical product 10 and at least one further device 200', or between devices 200 that the at least one technical product 10 and the at least one further device 200' are assigned. In further exemplary embodiments, virtual status channels, e.g. in contrast to non-virtual status channels, do not use a transaction of a DLT system 20 for initialization, but rather, e.g., use a type of cryptographic handshake between the parties or devices involved. In further exemplary embodiments, this handshake, which can also be referred to as a “multisignature”, can be created directly between these entities 200, 200′ or devices and contains, for example, an initial status or condition.

In further exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments can be used to publish at least one state, for example also a number of states.

By way of example, the plurality MZ of states described above can have, for example, at least two states Z1, Z2, cf. 3 , Have (and possibly other states, compare the points ...), and at least one of the states Z1, Z2, in this case both states Z1, Z2, for example, can each have at least one associated transaction T1-D, T2-D with respect to the associated with first data D1. The associated transactions T1-D, T2-D can, for example, be transactions T via the (virtual) status channel K ( 1 ) act.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the writing 102 ( 2 ) of the second data D2 in the DLT system 20 executing 102a ( 4 ) has one, for example a single, transaction with respect to the DLT system 20 . The second data D2 can thus be efficiently written into the DLT system 20, which can increase scalability. The data exchange between, for example, a device 200 executing the method according to the embodiments and the DLT system 20 is in 1 symbolized by the double arrow A1. The same applies to the double arrow A2 with regard to the optional further device 200'.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the second data D2 characterize n many states, for example a party P1 associated with the at least one technical product 10, where n is greater than or equal to two, n>=2. In other words, in further exemplary Embodiments, e.g. several states (e.g. also a final state) can be written into the DLT system 20 by means of a single transaction 102b, for example.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the second data D2 characterize states of m many parties P1, P2 associated with the at least one technical product, where m is greater than or equal to two (m >= 2), the writing 102 of the second data D2 comprises: executing 102c one, for example a single, transaction with respect to the DLT system 20 for at least one of the m many parties, for example for all m parties.

For example, data from several, e.g. all, transactions of the first party P1 can be written (i.e. “published”) to the DLT system 20 using a single transaction, for example. For example, data from several, e.g. all, transactions of the second party P2 can also be written (i.e. “published”) to the DLT system 20 using a single transaction, for example.

In further exemplary embodiments, the first data D1 or data generally associated with transactions T, for example of the technical product 10 ( 1 ) in the optional block 98 ( 2 ) are determined or collected, which can be executed before blocks 100, 102, for example.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the at least one technical product 10 has or is at least one of the following elements: a) mobile product, for example mobile communication device and/or vehicle, b) product for a consumer, for example consumer terminal device, consumer elec electronic items, c) products for the energy industry and/or distribution, for example consumption meters and/or electric charging stations, d) equipment for an Industry 4.0 system.

In further exemplary embodiments it is provided that the DLT system 20 has at least one blockchain 22 and/or at least one directed acyclic graph (DAG, not shown).

In further exemplary embodiments, the blockchain 22 can be understood as a linked list 22 of data blocks that are linked to one another using cryptographic methods (e.g. formation of a hash value of the respective data block), for example according to the principle of the Merkle tree. This allows forgery-proof storage of data in the blockchain 22 .

In further exemplary embodiments, the blockchain 22 can be implemented in the form of a distributed or decentralized database, with a number of network elements (“nodes”) of a blockchain network each storing data blocks of the blockchain. Basic aspects of blockchain technology are e.g. described in the following publication: Nakamoto, Satoshi. (2009). Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf.

In further preferred embodiments, the DLT system 20 or the blockchain 22 can optionally store one or more smart contracts 24, which, for example, enable information, e.g. the second data D2 or data derived therefrom, to be stored, for example also in connection with the establishment and/or closing a (virtual) status channel K according to exemplary embodiments, but also executing queries and other program functions, similar to a programming language, e.g. based on information stored in the blockchain 22 and/or transactions T executed with respect to the blockchain 22. This can in further exemplary embodiments, logical connections corresponding to contractual regulations and/or information characterizing use of the resource etc. are stored in the blockchain by means of one or more smart contracts.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus 200 ( 1 ) for performing the method according to the embodiments, for example the device 200, see also FIG. the exemplary configuration 200" according to 5 , at least one computing device 202 (“computer”) (e.g. having at least one computing core 202a) and a memory device 204 assigned to computing device 202 for at least temporarily storing data DAT and/or computer programs PRG.

In further exemplary embodiments, the storage device 204 comprises a volatile memory 204a (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), and/or a non-volatile memory 204b (e.g. flash EEPROM).

In further exemplary embodiments, the computing device 202 can have at least one of the following elements: microprocessor (μP), microcontroller (μC), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), programmable logic module (e.g. FPGA, field programmable gate array) , hardware circuitry, graphics processor (GPU, graphics processing unit), or any combination thereof.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium SM, comprising instructions PRG which, when executed by a computer 202, cause it to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a computer program PRG, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer 202, cause it to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a data carrier signal DCS, which characterizes and/or transmits the computer program PRG according to the embodiments. The data carrier signal DCS can be received, for example, via an optional data interface 206 of the device 200", via which one or more of the following elements, for example, can also be transmitted in further exemplary embodiments: a) first data D1, b) second data D2, c) associated transactions T1 -D, T2-D.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a technical product 10 ( 1 ), for example mobile product, for example mobile communication device and/or vehicle, and/or product for a consumer, for example consumer terminal device, consumer electronics article, and/or product for the energy industry and/or distribution, for example consumption meter and/or electric charging station, and/or or device for an Industry 4.0 system, wherein the product 10 is designed to with the product 10 associated first data D1 at at least temporarily to at least one device 200 according to the embodiments, e.g. via its data interface 206.

Other exemplary embodiments relate to a system 1000 ( 1 ) with at least one technical product 10, for example according to the embodiments, and with at least one device 200, 200', 200" according to the embodiments.

6 1 schematically shows a simplified flow diagram according to further exemplary embodiments. Block B1 symbolizes a check as to whether states are available, Block B2 symbolizes a reading of a state, Block B3 symbolizes a check as to whether signatures are available, Block B4 symbolizes a validation of at least one signature for at least one state, Block B5 symbolizes a modification of a state for a device or party P1, P2, block B6 symbolizes checking whether a state of a device is available, and block B7 symbolizes saving the state of the device, eg using the method according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments, 7 , relate to a use 300 of the method according to the embodiments and/or the device 200, 200', 200" according to the embodiments and/or the technical product 10 according to the embodiments and/or the system 1000 according to the embodiments and/or computer-readable storage medium SM according to the embodiments and/or the computer program PRG according to the embodiments and/or the data carrier signal DCS according to the embodiments for at least one of the following elements: a) management 302 of at least one technical product 10, for example a machine or a vehicle, associated first data D1, for example using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system 20, b) executing 304 bulk transactions (eg writing multiple states by means of a transaction) with respect to the DLT system 20, c) reduction 306 a number of transactions related to the DLT system 20, d) Saving 308 computation ntime resources and/or storage resources and/or electrical energy with regard to an operation of the DLT system 20, eg of nodes of the DLT system 20, e) improving 310 a scalability of applications which use the DLT system 20.

In further exemplary embodiments, the execution of a status on the DLT system 20, e.g. in relation to a (virtual) status channel K, is divided into the following phases: validation of signatures of the parties involved P1, P2 of the channel K, e.g. via (e.g. on the DLT system 20 published) status. The status contains, for example, a current distribution of assets and, if applicable, an application status. In further exemplary embodiments, the parties P1, P2 involved have placed a signature over these fields, which corresponds to an approval, for example. For example, it is checked whether the (e.g. all contained) signatures are valid.

In further exemplary embodiments, a further phase can be characterized by an execution of the status. This includes, for example, a status change of the DLT system 20 if, for example, assets are contained which were initially blocked and are now being redistributed. For this purpose, in further exemplary embodiments, a memory 22 of the DLT system 20 can be written accordingly.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is possible to optimize in two directions, for example: 1. Reduction of the required transactions (e.g. of the DLT system 20), 2. Reduction of the write operations.

If, for example, in further exemplary embodiments, n many statuses of a party P1 can be transmitted within a transaction, this can in principle correspond to a reduction of the required transactions by n. A significant reduction in transactions can thus be achieved in further exemplary embodiments.

In further exemplary embodiments, the number of required write operations can be reduced in one or this "bulk operation", e.g. by not carrying out a distribution to the parties P1, P2 involved individually for each status, but also by combining them. In other words, the write operations can thus be reduced to the number m of parties P1, P2 involved in further exemplary embodiments. Optimization according to exemplary embodiments is advantageous here because the write operations to the DLT system 20 or the blockchain 22 are comparatively expensive operations, e.g. monetary and/or computational (i.e., relating to computing time resources)/in terms of access (i.e., e.g. relating to communication resources).

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US949966 [0007]

Claims (14)

Method, for example computer-implemented method, for managing first data (D1) associated with at least one technical product (10), for example a machine or a vehicle, using a distributed ledger technology, DLT, system (20). the following steps: providing (100) second data (D2) which characterize a plurality (MZ) of states, with at least two states (Z1, Z2) of the plurality (MZ) of states each having at least one transaction (T1-D, T2-D) are associated with respect to the first data (D1), writing (102) the second data (D2) to the DLT system (20). procedure after claim 1 , wherein the writing (102) of the second data (D2) in the DLT system (20) comprises the execution (102a) of one, for example a single, transaction with respect to the DLT system (20). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the second data (D2) characterize n many states, for example of a party associated with the at least one technical product (10), where n is greater than or equal to two. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second data (D2) characterize states of m many parties associated with the at least one technical product (10), m being greater than or equal to two, the writing of the second data (D2) having: Executing (102c) one, for example a single, transaction relating to the DLT system (20) for at least one of the m many parties, for example for all m parties. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one technical product (10) has or is at least one of the following elements: a) mobile product, for example mobile communication device and/or vehicle, b) product for a consumer, e.g. consumer terminal device, Consumer electronics items, c) products for the energy industry and/or distribution, for example consumption meters and/or electric charging stations, d) equipment for an Industry 4.0 system. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the DLT system (20) has at least one blockchain (22) and/or at least one directed acyclic graph (English: directed acyclic graph, DAG). Device (200, 200', 200") for carrying out the method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, for example, the device (200, 200', 200") has at least one computing device (202) and a memory device ( 204) for at least temporarily storing data (DAT) and/or computer programs (PRG). Device (200, 200', 200") claim 7 , wherein the device (200, 200', 200") has a preferably bidirectional data interface (206), for example the data interface (206) for exchanging, e.g. sending and/or receiving, the first data (D1) and/or of the second data (D2). Technical product (10), for example mobile product (10), for example mobile communication device and/or vehicle, and/or product (10) for a consumer, for example consumer terminal device, consumer electronics article, and/or product (10) for the energy industry and/or or distribution, for example consumption meter and/or electric charging station, and/or device (10) for an Industry 4.0 system, wherein the product (10) is designed to store first data (D1) associated with the technical product (10) at least temporarily to at least one device (200, 200', 200") according to at least one of Claims 7 until 8th to send. System (1000) with at least one technical product (10), for example according to claim 9 , and having at least one device (200, 200', 200") according to at least one of Claims 7 until 8th . Computer-readable storage medium (SM), comprising instructions (PRG) which, when executed by a computer (202), cause it to carry out the method according to at least one of the Claims 1 until 6 to execute. Computer program (PRG), comprising instructions that cause the execution of the program (PRG) by a computer (202) this, the method according to at least one of Claims 1 until 6 to execute. Disk signal (DCS) that the computer program (PRG) looks for claim 12 transmits and/or characterizes. Use (300) of the method according to at least one of Claims 1 until 6 and / or the device (200) according to at least one of Claims 7 until 8th and/or the technical product (10). claim 9 and/or des Systems (1000) after claim 10 and/or the computer-readable storage medium (SM). claim 11 and/or the computer program (PRG). claim 12 and/or the data carrier signal (DCS). Claim 13 for at least one of the following elements: a) management (302) of first data (D1) associated with at least one technical product (10), for example a machine or a vehicle, for example using a distributed ledger technology, DLT , systems (20), b) executing (304) bulk transactions relating to the DLT system (20), c) reducing (306) a number of transactions relating to the DLT system (20), d) saving (308) computing time resources and/or storage resources and/or electrical energy with regard to operation of the DLT system (20), e) improving (310) scalability of applications that use the DLT system (20).

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