EP4214662A1 - Methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets - Google Patents

Methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets

Info

Publication number
EP4214662A1
EP4214662A1 EP21777317.5A EP21777317A EP4214662A1 EP 4214662 A1 EP4214662 A1 EP 4214662A1 EP 21777317 A EP21777317 A EP 21777317A EP 4214662 A1 EP4214662 A1 EP 4214662A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
entity
crypto currency
owner
particular amount
currency assets
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21777317.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter SCHÄUBLE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eurospider Information Technology Ag
Original Assignee
Eurospider Information Technology Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eurospider Information Technology Ag filed Critical Eurospider Information Technology Ag
Publication of EP4214662A1 publication Critical patent/EP4214662A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/04—Payment circuits
    • G06Q20/06—Private payment circuits, e.g. involving electronic currency used among participants of a common payment scheme
    • G06Q20/065—Private payment circuits, e.g. involving electronic currency used among participants of a common payment scheme using e-cash
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/02—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols involving a neutral party, e.g. certification authority, notary or trusted third party [TTP]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40—Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/401—Transaction verification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40—Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/403—Solvency checks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/10—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for controlling access to devices or network resources
    • H04L63/102—Entity profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/12—Applying verification of the received information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/50—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using hash chains, e.g. blockchains or hash trees
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q2220/00—Business processing using cryptography
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L2209/00—Additional information or applications relating to cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communication H04L9/00
    • H04L2209/56—Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity.
  • the current systems do not provide a reliable method for verifying on an anonymous Blockchain platform that a person or entity is indeed the beneficial owner, i.e. the true owner entity of the cryptocurrency asset, controlling the cryptocurrency asset. Particularly, the current systems do not make it possible to verify a supposed owner's beneficial ownership of a cryptocurrency asset on an anonymous Blockchain platform, where the identities of participating users and transaction entities are anonymized, if the owner does not explicitly know its public key and/or if a preliminary transaction of the cryptocurrency asset to a third party is to be avoided.
  • a computer-implemented method comprises a processor of the verifier entity executing the following steps: generating and transmitting via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receiving from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determining adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generating a positive verification of the ownership of
  • the timing information comprises: a specific point in time for a transaction and/or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions.
  • generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract; and determining adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor of the verifier entity checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request.
  • generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including in the transaction instructions a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets.
  • a computer-implemented method comprises a processor of the owner entity executing the steps: receiving from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generating transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmitting to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the
  • the verification request is received from the verifier entity via the secured communication channel subsequently to the owner entity or the owner associated with the owner entity having been authenticated, e.g. by the verifier entity or by another authentication entity.
  • the transaction characteristics include a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions with the specific partial amounts defined in the verification request.
  • the transaction characteristics include timing information for a plurality of transactions; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions according to the timing information defined in the verification request.
  • the timing information comprises a specific point in time for a transaction and/or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions.
  • the verification request includes for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request.
  • the transaction instructions include a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and the method comprises the processor of the owner entity using the directed graph for generating the transactions.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor of a computer system of the verifier entity to generate and transmit via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receive from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determine adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generate a positive verification of the
  • the present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor of a computer system of the owner entity to receive from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generate transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmit to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the
  • the present disclosure also relates to a computer system for the verifier entity, the computer system comprising a processor configured to generate and transmit via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receive from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determine adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generate a positive verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of affirmative adherence
  • the present disclosure also relates to a computer system for the owner entity, the computer system comprising a processor configured to receive from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generate transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmit to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity
  • the processor of the computer system of the owner entity is configured to receive the verification request from the verifier entity via the secured communication channel subsequently to the owner entity or the owner associated with the owner entity having been authenticated, e.g. by the verifier entity or by another authentication entity.
  • Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating schematically a blockchain platform implemented in a communication network with a number of participating computer systems.
  • Figure 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity.
  • reference numerals 10, 20, and 1 00 refer to computer systems.
  • the computer systems 10 20, 100 comprise fixed or mobile computers, including laptop, notebook, or tablet computers and/or other computerized devices, such as mobile phones, smart watches, etc.
  • the computer systems 10 20, 100 comprise one or more processors 1 1 , 21 .
  • the processors 1 1 , 21 are configured to perform various steps, as described below in more detail.
  • the processors 1 1 , 21 are configured or programmed, respectively, by computer program code stored in the computer systems 1 0 20, 100 on a computer readable medium.
  • the computer readable medium is connected to the processor 1 1 , 21 of the respective computer system 10 20, 1 00 in a fixed or removable fashion.
  • computer system 10 is associated with and referred to as verifier entity 1 .
  • computer system 20 is associated with and referred to as owner entity 2.
  • verifier entity 1 and the owner entity 2 are roles which are associated with a respective computer system 10, 20 depending on a given scenario or situation and may alter and change depending on the scenario or situation.
  • verifier entity or "owner entity” what is meant is the respective computer system 10, 20 or their respective processors 1 1 , 21 acting in and performing the role of "verifier entity” or “owner entity” in the context of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5, as will be described later in more detail.
  • owner entity 2 further extends or is linked to the identity of a person, the owner, claiming ownership of the crypto currency assets, as described below in more detail.
  • the computer systems 1 0 20, 100 are connected to a communication network 4.
  • the computer systems 10 20, 100 each comprise a communication circuit configured for data communication via the communication network 4.
  • the communication network 4 comprises the Internet, accessible to the computer systems 10 20, 1 00 through fixed networks and/or wireless networks.
  • the communication network 4 includes a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and/or a mobile radio network, such as a GSM-network (Global System for Mobile communication), a UMTS-network (Universal Mobile Telephone System) or another mobile radio telephone system, for accessing the Internet.
  • GSM-network Global System for Mobile communication
  • UMTS-network Universal Mobile Telephone System
  • another mobile radio telephone system for accessing the Internet.
  • reference numeral 5 refers to a Blockchain platform, particularly an anonymous Blockchain platform, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or the like.
  • the Blockchain platform 5 is implemented on a plurality of computer systems 10 20, 100 connected to the communication network 4.
  • the computer systems 10 20, 100 implement full nodes (storing the complete blockchain) or light nodes (storing only a part of the blockchain) of the Blockchain platform 5.
  • the blockchain stored and managed on the Blockchain platform 5 is a cryptographically secured list of transactions performed on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • a transaction indicates and comprises the amounts of a crypto currency asset, e.g. Bitcoin or Ether, transferred from a sender, the sending entity, to a recipient, the receiving entity.
  • the transacting entities are defined by an anonymous identifier.
  • the transaction entities are accounts defined by a twenty-byte address, whereby the address is a public key of a cryptographically linked key pair (consisting of the public key and a private key). While transactions are publicly viewable in the blockchain, in anonymous Blockchain platforms, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, the actual identity ("the real person") of associated transaction entities cannot be determined.
  • a verifier entity 1 verifies the ownership of a particular amount of crypto currency assets by a specific identifiable person, thereby ensuring that the person is indeed the beneficial owner, i.e. the true owner entity of the cryptocurrency asset, controlling the cryptocurrency asset.
  • owner entity 2 is further used to extend or refer to the specific identifiable person, the owner, owning the crypto assets.
  • owner entity 2 also relates to the identity of the person (the owner) using the computer system 20 and controlling the respective account on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • the owner entity 2 or the person (the owner) linked to the owner entity 2 controls the private key linked in the cryptographic key pair to the public key, which public key identifies the owner entity 2 or the person (owner) linked to the owner entity 2 in an anonymous fashion on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • reference numeral 6 refers to a secured communication channel between computer system 10, performing/executing as "verifier entity", and computer system 20, perform ing/executing as "owner entity”.
  • the secured communication channel 6 is configured to prevent a third party from eaves dropping on the data communication between the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10, and the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20.
  • the secured communication channel 6 is implemented as a Transport Layer Security (TLS), a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), or another cryptographic protocol designed to provide (end-to-end) communications security over the communication network 4.
  • TLS Transport Layer Security
  • SSL Secure Sockets Layer
  • Figure 1 illustrates the secured communication channel 6 as part of the communication network 4, the person skilled in the art will understand that other forms of secured communication may be used to implement the secured communication channel between 6 between the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10, and the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20.
  • a secured communication channel 6 is established from the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively. More specifically, the secured communication channel 6 is established from the verifier entity 1 to the authenticated owner entity 2 or the owner entity 2 associated with the authenticated owner (person), respectively.
  • the owner entity 2 or the owner associated with the owner entity 2, respectively is authenticated by way of a video session, e.g. as defined in ZertES, a Swiss Federal law that regulates the conditions under which trust service providers may use certification services with electronic signatures, or by the elDAS Regulation of the European Union.
  • an e-mail address and a further communication address e.g. a mobile telephone number, associated with the owner or the owner entity 2, respectively.
  • the verifier entity 1 or another authentication entity, generates and transmits to the owner entity 2 a link, e.g. an URL (Uniform Resource Locator), for a video authentication session, using the e-mail address of the owner.
  • a link e.g. an URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
  • the owner is required to enter and transmit a verification code received from the verifier entity 1 (or another authentication entity) in a message, e.g. an SMS (Short Messaging Services) or the like, at the communication address, e.g. on his mobile telephone.
  • a verification code received from the verifier entity 1 (or another authentication entity) in a message, e.g. an SMS (Short Messaging Services) or the like, at the communication address, e.g. on his mobile telephone.
  • the owner must show an official identification document with an identification photo of the owner (photo ID), e.g. a passport, a driver's license or another photo identification document.
  • photo ID an identification photo of the owner
  • the verifier entity 1 (or another authentication entity) checks the official identification document and verifies that the owner corresponds to the photo in the official identification document.
  • the verifier entity 1 establishes the secured communication channel 6 to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively, associated with the authenticated owner, using the e-mail address and the communication address, e.g. the mobile telephone number.
  • step S1 the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, generates a verification request.
  • the verification request relates to a particular amount of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5 for which particular amount of crypto currency assets ownership by the owner entity 2, or the authenticated owner associated with the owner entity 2, is to be verified.
  • the verification request includes transaction instructions for the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20.
  • the transaction instructions define transaction characteristics of transactions to be executed by the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20. More specifically, the transaction instructions specify to the owner entity 2 transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity 2 for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • the transaction characteristics define a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets.
  • the division is specified in absolute partial amounts or in portions or fractions, for example.
  • the transaction characteristics include timing information for a plurality of transactions.
  • the timing information define one or more specific points in time for one or more transactions, and/or the timing information define a sequential order of the plurality of transactions.
  • the transaction characteristics comprise a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract.
  • the transaction instructions include a directed graph which comprises vertices and edges, whereby the edges indicate the sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to be verified, and the vertices represent further transaction characteristics as outlined above.
  • step S2 the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, transmits the verification request via the secured communication channel 6 to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively, of the authenticated owner.
  • the subsequent steps, described below, provide a verification that the authenticated owner is indeed the true owner of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • step S3 the owner entity 2 of the authenticated owner receives the verification request from the verifier entity 1 .
  • the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 obtains the transaction instructions from the received verification request. More specifically, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, obtains the transaction characteristics specified by the transaction instructions included in the received verification request.
  • step S4 the owner entity 2 generates transactions, according to the transaction instructions included in the verification request received from the verifier entity 1 , for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5. More specifically, the owner entity 2 generates the transactions, using the transaction characteristics specified by the transaction instructions received from the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10.
  • the owner entity 2 transmits to the verifier entity 1 a plurality of owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • the owner accounts 200 are defined by addressing information which depend on a public key associated with a private key controlled by the owner entity 2.
  • the verifier entity 1 includes one or more of the owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2. More specifically, the verifier entity 1 includes in the verification request transaction characteristics which specify the division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets and for each of the partial amounts one of the owner accounts 200 where the respective partial amount is to be transferred to by the owner entity 2.
  • the owner entity 2 uses the division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, the timing information such as specific points in time for individual transactions and/or a sequential order of the individual transactions, and/or further transaction characteristics, such as one or more mining fees, one or more transaction fees, one or more scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or one or more smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5. Accordingly, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, divides the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into the partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets defined by the transaction characteristics, and generates individual transactions transferring these partial amounts to one or more owner accounts 200.
  • the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 respectively, generates the transactions in the sequence and/or at the points in time specified in the transaction characteristics, and uses any further transaction characteristics, if present, to generate the individual transactions to the one or more owner accounts 200.
  • the owner entity 2 uses the directed graph for generating the transactions. Specifically, the owner entity 2 determines the transaction characteristics from the directed graph for generating the transactions to prove ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets. More specifically, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, determines from the edges of the directed graph the partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets and the sequential order of the transactions for the partial amounts, and determines from the vertices of the directed graph further transaction characteristics, e.g. timing information including specific points in time for the individual transactions, one or more mining fees, one or more transaction fees, one or more scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or one or more smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • timing information including specific points in time for the individual transactions, one or more mining fees, one or more transaction fees, one or more scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or one or more smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • step S5 the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, generates a verification response (responsive to the verification request received from the verifier entity 1 in step S2).
  • the verification response includes addressing information or other identification information which defines the one or more owner accounts 200 used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response and in accordance to the verification request.
  • step S6 the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , transmits the verification response to the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10.
  • the verification response is transmitted via communication network 4; optionally, via the secured communication channel 6.
  • step S7 the verifier entity 1 receives the verification response from the owner entity 2.
  • the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 obtains the addressing information or other identification information included in the verification response from the owner entity 2 for defining the one or more owner accounts 200 used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s).
  • step S8 the verifier entity 1 checks whether the owner entity 2 executed transactions in adherence to the verification request.
  • the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 respectively, checks whether the owner entity 2 executed transactions in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein.
  • the verifier entity 1 checks the adherence using the verification response from the owner entity 2, particularly using the addressing information or other identification information included in the verification response.
  • the verifier entity 1 uses the received addressing information or other identification information to determine the one or more owner accounts 200, used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s) for executing the transactions, specified by the transaction instructions included in the verification request.
  • the verifier entity 1 accesses the blockchain of the Blockchain platform 5 to check and verify that the transactions by the owner entity 2 to the one or more owner accounts 200 were executed in adherence to the transaction characteristics, specified by the transaction instructions included in the verification request.
  • the verifier entity 1 checks whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was divided and transferred in a plurality of individual transactions with specific partial amounts defined by the transaction characteristics in the verification request, whether the sequence and/or timing of the individual transactions corresponds to the sequence and/or timing defined by the transaction characteristics in the verification request, and/or whether the individual transactions were generated using any further transaction characteristics in the verification request, such as specified mining fees, transaction fees, scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5.
  • the verifier entity 1 or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, generates a verification message or signal.
  • the verifier entity 1 If the transactions were executed by the owner entity 2 in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein, the verifier entity 1 generates a positive verification. Otherwise, if the transactions were not executed in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein, the verifier entity 1 generates a negative verification.
  • the verification message or signal is recorded in a data store of the computer system 10 of the verifier entity 1 .
  • a positive verification message or signal is forwarded to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, and/or to a related smart contract on the Blockchain platform 5, triggering the owner entity 2 or the associated computer system 20, and/or the smart contract, to generate a transaction, using the ownership-verified particular amount of the crypto currency assets.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)

Abstract

For verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, a verifier entity (1) generates (S1) and transmits (S2) via a secured communication channel a verification request to an owner entity (2). The verification request includes transaction instructions with transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity (2) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to accounts (200) of the owner entity (2). The verifier entity (1) receives (S7) addressing information which defines the accounts (200) used by the owner entity (2) for transferring (S4) the particular amount of the crypto currency assets. The verifier entity (1) verifies ownership of the crypto currency assets by determining (S8) on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) to the target accounts (200) in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VERIFYING OWNERSHIP OF CRYPTO CURRENCY ASSETS
Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity.
Background of the Disclosure
With Bitcoin a first cryptocurrency was implemented on the first Blockchain platform. More cryptocurrencies and various further Blockchain platforms, for example Ethereum, were developed and implemented thereafter, adding more features and functions, such as smart contracts, and making the use and applications of cryptocurrencies more popular worldwide among increasingly diverse users. While any transaction of a cryptocurrency asset is recorded on the Blockchain and is per se publicly visible, the transacting entities are identified by cryptographic keys only and their (real) identities remain anonymous. Typically, users of cryptocurrencies use software applications, so called crypto wallets, for initiating and receiving transactions. In addition to enabling initiation and reception of cryptocurrency transactions, at least some of these crypto wallets further handle and manage the cryptographic keys of the user, sometimes nontransparent to the user. In many applications and scenarios, it is a requirement, e.g. by national laws or regulations, that the true ownership or the identity of the true owner, respectively, of a cryptocurrency asset which is transferred in a transaction must be proven and verified. It is thus a requirement that the beneficial owner be determined and verified as the ultimate owner, controlling the cryptocurrency asset. The current systems do not provide a reliable method for verifying on an anonymous Blockchain platform that a person or entity is indeed the beneficial owner, i.e. the true owner entity of the cryptocurrency asset, controlling the cryptocurrency asset. Particularly, the current systems do not make it possible to verify a supposed owner's beneficial ownership of a cryptocurrency asset on an anonymous Blockchain platform, where the identities of participating users and transaction entities are anonymized, if the owner does not explicitly know its public key and/or if a preliminary transaction of the cryptocurrency asset to a third party is to be avoided.
Summary of the Disclosure
It is an object of this disclosure to provide a method and a system for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and a system for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on an anonymous Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity. More particularly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and a system for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on an anonymous Blockchain platform, whereby the owner does not need to know its public cryptographic key and the cryptocurrency asset does not need to be transferred to an account of a third party.
According to the present disclosure, these objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description.
According to the present disclosure, the above-mentioned objects are particularly achieved in that for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, particularly an anonymous Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, a computer-implemented method comprises a processor of the verifier entity executing the following steps: generating and transmitting via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receiving from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determining adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generating a positive verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of affirmative adherence to the transaction instructions, or generating a negative verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of nonadherence to the transaction instructions. In particular, the verification request is transmitted from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel to the owner entity of an authenticated owner.
In an embodiment, generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including in the transaction characteristics a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and determining adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor of the verifier entity checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity in a plurality of transactions with the specific partial amounts defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including in the transaction characteristics timing information for a plurality of transactions; and determining adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor of the verifier entity checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity in a plurality of transactions according to the timing information defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, the timing information comprises: a specific point in time for a transaction and/or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions.
In an embodiment, generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract; and determining adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor of the verifier entity checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, generating the verification request comprises the processor of the verifier entity including in the transaction instructions a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets.
According to the present disclosure, the above-mentioned objects are further particularly achieved in that for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, particularly an anonymous Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, a computer-implemented method comprises a processor of the owner entity executing the steps: receiving from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generating transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmitting to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request. In particular, the verification request is received from the verifier entity via the secured communication channel subsequently to the owner entity or the owner associated with the owner entity having been authenticated, e.g. by the verifier entity or by another authentication entity. In an embodiment, the transaction characteristics include a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions with the specific partial amounts defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, the transaction characteristics include timing information for a plurality of transactions; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions according to the timing information defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, the timing information comprises a specific point in time for a transaction and/or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions.
In an embodiment, the verification request includes for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract; and generating the transactions comprises the processor of the owner entity transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request.
In an embodiment, the transaction instructions include a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and the method comprises the processor of the owner entity using the directed graph for generating the transactions. In addition to the computer-implemented methods for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, the present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor of a computer system of the verifier entity to generate and transmit via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receive from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determine adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generate a positive verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of affirmative adherence to the transaction instructions, or generate a negative verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of non-adherence to the transaction instructions. In particular, the computer program code directs the processor of the computer system of the verifier entity to transmit the verification request via a secured communication channel to the owner entity of an authenticated owner.
In addition to the computer-implemented methods for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, the present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor of a computer system of the owner entity to receive from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generate transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmit to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request. In particular, the computer program code directs the processor of the computer system of the owner entity to receive the verification request from the verifier entity via the secured communication channel subsequently to the owner entity or the owner associated with the owner entity having been authenticated, e.g. by the verifier entity or by another authentication entity.
In addition to the computer-implemented methods for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, the present disclosure also relates to a computer system for the verifier entity, the computer system comprising a processor configured to generate and transmit via a secured communication channel a verification request to the owner entity, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; receive from the owner entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determine adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generate a positive verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of affirmative adherence to the transaction instructions, or generate a negative verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of non-adherence to the transaction instructions. In particular, the processor of the computer system of the verifier entity is configured to transmit the verification request via a secured communication channel to the owner entity of an authenticated owner.
In addition to the computer-implemented methods for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity, the present disclosure also relates to a computer system for the owner entity, the computer system comprising a processor configured to receive from the verifier entity via a secured communication channel a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform; generate transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity, to one or more accounts of the owner entity on the Blockchain platform; and transmit to the verifier entity addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity used as target accounts by the owner entity for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity to determine adherence of the owner entity to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity to the target accounts in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request. In particular, the processor of the computer system of the owner entity is configured to receive the verification request from the verifier entity via the secured communication channel subsequently to the owner entity or the owner associated with the owner entity having been authenticated, e.g. by the verifier entity or by another authentication entity.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present disclosure will be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 : shows a block diagram illustrating schematically a blockchain platform implemented in a communication network with a number of participating computer systems. Figure 2: shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform, whereby a verifier entity verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
In Figure 1 , reference numerals 10, 20, and 1 00 refer to computer systems. The computer systems 10 20, 100 comprise fixed or mobile computers, including laptop, notebook, or tablet computers and/or other computerized devices, such as mobile phones, smart watches, etc. As indicated schematically in Figure 1 for computer systems 10 and 20, the computer systems 10 20, 100 comprise one or more processors 1 1 , 21 . The processors 1 1 , 21 are configured to perform various steps, as described below in more detail. The processors 1 1 , 21 are configured or programmed, respectively, by computer program code stored in the computer systems 1 0 20, 100 on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is connected to the processor 1 1 , 21 of the respective computer system 10 20, 1 00 in a fixed or removable fashion.
For the sake of better readability and clarity, computer system 10 is associated with and referred to as verifier entity 1 . Likewise, computer system 20 is associated with and referred to as owner entity 2. One skilled in the art will understand that the verifier entity 1 and the owner entity 2 are roles which are associated with a respective computer system 10, 20 depending on a given scenario or situation and may alter and change depending on the scenario or situation. Nevertheless, when reference is made to "verifier entity" or "owner entity" what is meant is the respective computer system 10, 20 or their respective processors 1 1 , 21 acting in and performing the role of "verifier entity" or "owner entity" in the context of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5, as will be described later in more detail. Moreover, in the context of the verifier entity 1 verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5 supposedly held by an owner entity 2, the term owner entity 2 further extends or is linked to the identity of a person, the owner, claiming ownership of the crypto currency assets, as described below in more detail.
As is illustrated in Figure 1 , the computer systems 1 0 20, 100 are connected to a communication network 4. The computer systems 10 20, 100 each comprise a communication circuit configured for data communication via the communication network 4. The communication network 4 comprises the Internet, accessible to the computer systems 10 20, 1 00 through fixed networks and/or wireless networks. For example, the communication network 4 includes a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and/or a mobile radio network, such as a GSM-network (Global System for Mobile communication), a UMTS-network (Universal Mobile Telephone System) or another mobile radio telephone system, for accessing the Internet.
In Figure 1 , reference numeral 5 refers to a Blockchain platform, particularly an anonymous Blockchain platform, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or the like. The Blockchain platform 5 is implemented on a plurality of computer systems 10 20, 100 connected to the communication network 4. The computer systems 10 20, 100 implement full nodes (storing the complete blockchain) or light nodes (storing only a part of the blockchain) of the Blockchain platform 5. In essence the blockchain stored and managed on the Blockchain platform 5 is a cryptographically secured list of transactions performed on the Blockchain platform 5. A transaction indicates and comprises the amounts of a crypto currency asset, e.g. Bitcoin or Ether, transferred from a sender, the sending entity, to a recipient, the receiving entity. The transacting entities are defined by an anonymous identifier. For example, in Ethereum, the transaction entities are accounts defined by a twenty-byte address, whereby the address is a public key of a cryptographically linked key pair (consisting of the public key and a private key). While transactions are publicly viewable in the blockchain, in anonymous Blockchain platforms, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, the actual identity ("the real person") of associated transaction entities cannot be determined.
However, in many scenarios it is a requirement that the beneficial owner be determined and verified as the ultimate owner, controlling the cryptocurrency asset. Therefore, it is often necessary that a verifier entity 1 verifies the ownership of a particular amount of crypto currency assets by a specific identifiable person, thereby ensuring that the person is indeed the beneficial owner, i.e. the true owner entity of the cryptocurrency asset, controlling the cryptocurrency asset. As indicated above, in the context of a verifier entity 1 verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5, the term owner entity 2 is further used to extend or refer to the specific identifiable person, the owner, owning the crypto assets. Thus, the term owner entity 2 also relates to the identity of the person (the owner) using the computer system 20 and controlling the respective account on the Blockchain platform 5. For example, in the Bitcoin or Ethereum Blockchain platform, the owner entity 2 or the person (the owner) linked to the owner entity 2, respectively, controls the private key linked in the cryptographic key pair to the public key, which public key identifies the owner entity 2 or the person (owner) linked to the owner entity 2 in an anonymous fashion on the Blockchain platform 5.
In Figure 1 , reference numeral 6 refers to a secured communication channel between computer system 10, performing/executing as "verifier entity", and computer system 20, perform ing/executing as "owner entity". The secured communication channel 6 is configured to prevent a third party from eaves dropping on the data communication between the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10, and the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20. For example, the secured communication channel 6 is implemented as a Transport Layer Security (TLS), a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), or another cryptographic protocol designed to provide (end-to-end) communications security over the communication network 4. While Figure 1 illustrates the secured communication channel 6 as part of the communication network 4, the person skilled in the art will understand that other forms of secured communication may be used to implement the secured communication channel between 6 between the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10, and the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20.
In the following paragraphs, described with reference to Figure 2 are possible sequences of steps performed by the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10, and the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5, specifically for the verifier entity 1 verifying ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by the owner entity 2 or the identity or identifiable person (owner) linked to the owner entity 2, respectively.
In a preliminary step, not illustrated in Figure 2, a secured communication channel 6 is established from the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively. More specifically, the secured communication channel 6 is established from the verifier entity 1 to the authenticated owner entity 2 or the owner entity 2 associated with the authenticated owner (person), respectively. For example, the owner entity 2 or the owner associated with the owner entity 2, respectively, is authenticated by way of a video session, e.g. as defined in ZertES, a Swiss Federal law that regulates the conditions under which trust service providers may use certification services with electronic signatures, or by the elDAS Regulation of the European Union. In these authentication procedures, used are an e-mail address and a further communication address, e.g. a mobile telephone number, associated with the owner or the owner entity 2, respectively. The verifier entity 1 , or another authentication entity, generates and transmits to the owner entity 2 a link, e.g. an URL (Uniform Resource Locator), for a video authentication session, using the e-mail address of the owner. For accessing and activating the video authentication session, the owner is required to enter and transmit a verification code received from the verifier entity 1 (or another authentication entity) in a message, e.g. an SMS (Short Messaging Services) or the like, at the communication address, e.g. on his mobile telephone. During the video authentication session, the owner must show an official identification document with an identification photo of the owner (photo ID), e.g. a passport, a driver's license or another photo identification document. The verifier entity 1 (or another authentication entity) checks the official identification document and verifies that the owner corresponds to the photo in the official identification document. Upon affirmative authentication of the owner, the verifier entity 1 establishes the secured communication channel 6 to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively, associated with the authenticated owner, using the e-mail address and the communication address, e.g. the mobile telephone number.
In step S1 , the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, generates a verification request. The verification request relates to a particular amount of crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5 for which particular amount of crypto currency assets ownership by the owner entity 2, or the authenticated owner associated with the owner entity 2, is to be verified. The verification request includes transaction instructions for the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20. The transaction instructions define transaction characteristics of transactions to be executed by the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20. More specifically, the transaction instructions specify to the owner entity 2 transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity 2 for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5. In an embodiment, the transaction characteristics define a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets. The division is specified in absolute partial amounts or in portions or fractions, for example. In a further embodiment, as an alternative or in addition, the transaction characteristics include timing information for a plurality of transactions. For example, the timing information define one or more specific points in time for one or more transactions, and/or the timing information define a sequential order of the plurality of transactions. In further embodiments, as an alternative or in addition, the transaction characteristics comprise a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform, and/or a smart contract. In an embodiment, the transaction instructions include a directed graph which comprises vertices and edges, whereby the edges indicate the sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to be verified, and the vertices represent further transaction characteristics as outlined above.
In step S2, the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, transmits the verification request via the secured communication channel 6 to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, respectively, of the authenticated owner. The subsequent steps, described below, provide a verification that the authenticated owner is indeed the true owner of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform 5.
In step S3, the owner entity 2 of the authenticated owner receives the verification request from the verifier entity 1 . The owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, obtains the transaction instructions from the received verification request. More specifically, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, obtains the transaction characteristics specified by the transaction instructions included in the received verification request.
In step S4, the owner entity 2 generates transactions, according to the transaction instructions included in the verification request received from the verifier entity 1 , for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5. More specifically, the owner entity 2 generates the transactions, using the transaction characteristics specified by the transaction instructions received from the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10.
In an embodiment, prior to receiving the transaction instructions from the verifier entity 1 , the owner entity 2 transmits to the verifier entity 1 a plurality of owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2 on the Blockchain platform 5. Preferably, the owner accounts 200 are defined by addressing information which depend on a public key associated with a private key controlled by the owner entity 2. In the verification request, the verifier entity 1 includes one or more of the owner accounts 200 of the owner entity 2. More specifically, the verifier entity 1 includes in the verification request transaction characteristics which specify the division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets and for each of the partial amounts one of the owner accounts 200 where the respective partial amount is to be transferred to by the owner entity 2. Depending on the embodiment and/or the transaction characteristics included in the verification request, for generating the individual transactions, the owner entity 2 uses the division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, the timing information such as specific points in time for individual transactions and/or a sequential order of the individual transactions, and/or further transaction characteristics, such as one or more mining fees, one or more transaction fees, one or more scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or one or more smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5. Accordingly, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, divides the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into the partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets defined by the transaction characteristics, and generates individual transactions transferring these partial amounts to one or more owner accounts 200. Furthermore, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, generates the transactions in the sequence and/or at the points in time specified in the transaction characteristics, and uses any further transaction characteristics, if present, to generate the individual transactions to the one or more owner accounts 200.
In the embodiment where the transaction instructions include a directed graph, the owner entity 2 uses the directed graph for generating the transactions. Specifically, the owner entity 2 determines the transaction characteristics from the directed graph for generating the transactions to prove ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets. More specifically, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, determines from the edges of the directed graph the partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets and the sequential order of the transactions for the partial amounts, and determines from the vertices of the directed graph further transaction characteristics, e.g. timing information including specific points in time for the individual transactions, one or more mining fees, one or more transaction fees, one or more scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or one or more smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5.
In step S5, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , respectively, generates a verification response (responsive to the verification request received from the verifier entity 1 in step S2). The verification response includes addressing information or other identification information which defines the one or more owner accounts 200 used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response and in accordance to the verification request.
In step S6, the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20 or its processor 21 , transmits the verification response to the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10. The verification response is transmitted via communication network 4; optionally, via the secured communication channel 6.
In step S7, the verifier entity 1 receives the verification response from the owner entity 2. The verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, obtains the addressing information or other identification information included in the verification response from the owner entity 2 for defining the one or more owner accounts 200 used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s). In step S8, the verifier entity 1 checks whether the owner entity 2 executed transactions in adherence to the verification request. The verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, checks whether the owner entity 2 executed transactions in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein. The verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 10 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, checks the adherence using the verification response from the owner entity 2, particularly using the addressing information or other identification information included in the verification response. Thus, the verifier entity 1 uses the received addressing information or other identification information to determine the one or more owner accounts 200, used by the owner entity 2 as target account(s) for executing the transactions, specified by the transaction instructions included in the verification request. The verifier entity 1 accesses the blockchain of the Blockchain platform 5 to check and verify that the transactions by the owner entity 2 to the one or more owner accounts 200 were executed in adherence to the transaction characteristics, specified by the transaction instructions included in the verification request. Thus, depending on the embodiment and/or scenario, the verifier entity 1 checks whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was divided and transferred in a plurality of individual transactions with specific partial amounts defined by the transaction characteristics in the verification request, whether the sequence and/or timing of the individual transactions corresponds to the sequence and/or timing defined by the transaction characteristics in the verification request, and/or whether the individual transactions were generated using any further transaction characteristics in the verification request, such as specified mining fees, transaction fees, scripts for the Blockchain platform 5, and/or smart contracts on the Blockchain platform 5. In step S9, the verifier entity 1 , or the associated computer system 1 0 or its processor 1 1 , respectively, generates a verification message or signal. If the transactions were executed by the owner entity 2 in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein, the verifier entity 1 generates a positive verification. Otherwise, if the transactions were not executed in adherence to the transaction instructions and the transaction characteristics specified therein, the verifier entity 1 generates a negative verification. The verification message or signal is recorded in a data store of the computer system 10 of the verifier entity 1 . In an embodiment, a positive verification message or signal is forwarded to the owner entity 2, or the associated computer system 20, and/or to a related smart contract on the Blockchain platform 5, triggering the owner entity 2 or the associated computer system 20, and/or the smart contract, to generate a transaction, using the ownership-verified particular amount of the crypto currency assets.
It should be noted that, in the description, the computer program code has been associated with specific functional modules and the sequence of the steps has been presented in a specific order, one skilled in the art will understand, however, that the computer program code may be structured differently and that the order of at least some of the steps could be altered, without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

22
Claims
1 . A computer implemented method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5), whereby a verifier entity ( 1 ) verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity (2), the method comprising a processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) executing the steps: generating (S1 ) and transmitting (S2) via a secured communication channel (6) a verification request to the owner entity (2), the verification request including transaction instructions which specify to the owner entity (2) transaction characteristics to be used by the owner entity (2) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets to one or more accounts of the owner entity (2) on the Blockchain platform (5); receiving (S7) from the owner entity (2) addressing information which defines the one or more accounts (200) of the owner entity (2) used as target accounts by the owner entity (2) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request; determining (S8) adherence to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform (5) whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) to the target accounts (200) in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request; and generating (S9) a positive verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of affirmative adherence to the transaction instructions, or generating (S9) a negative verification of the ownership of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in case of non-adherence to the transaction instructions. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating (S1 ) the verification request comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) including in the transaction characteristics a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and determining (S8) adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) checking on the Blockchain platform (5) whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) in a plurality of transactions with the specific partial amounts defined in the verification request. The method of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein generating (S1 ) the verification request comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) including in the transaction characteristics timing information for a plurality of transactions; and determining (S8) adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) checking on the Blockchain platform (5) whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) in a plurality of transactions according to the timing information defined in the verification request. The method of claim 3, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a specific point in time for a transaction or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions. The method of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein generating (S1 ) the verification request comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) including for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising at least one of: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform (5), or a smart contract; and determining (S8) adherence to the transaction instructions comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) checking on the Blockchain platform (5) whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request. The method of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein generating (S1 ) the verification request comprises the processor ( 1 1 ) of the verifier entity ( 1 ) including in the transaction instructions a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets. A computer implemented method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5), whereby a verifier entity ( 1 ) verifies ownership of a particular amount of the crypto currency assets by an owner entity (2), the method comprising a processor (21 ) of the owner entity (2) executing the steps: receiving (S2) from the verifier entity ( 1 ) via a secured communication channel (6) a verification request, the verification request including transaction instructions 25 which specify to the owner entity (2) transaction characteristics for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets on the Blockchain platform (5); generating (S4) transactions by transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets, in adherence to the transaction characteristics included in the verification request received from the verifier entity ( 1 ), to one or more accounts (200) of the owner entity (2) on the Blockchain platform (5); and transmitting (S6) to the verifier entity ( 1 ) addressing information which defines the one or more accounts of the owner entity (2) used as target accounts (200) by the owner entity (2) for transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in response to the verification request, enabling the verifier entity ( 1 ) to determine (S8) adherence of the owner entity (2) to the transaction instructions by checking on the Blockchain platform (5) whether the particular amount of the crypto currency assets was transferred by the owner entity (2) to the target accounts (200) in accordance to the transaction characteristics specified in the verification request. The method of claim 7, wherein the transaction characteristics include a division of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets into specific partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and generating (S4) the transactions comprises the processor (21 ) of the owner entity (2) transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions with the specific partial amounts defined in the verification request. The method of one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the transaction characteristics include timing information for a plurality of transactions; and generating (S4) the 26 transactions comprises the processor (21 ) of the owner entity (2) transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets in a plurality of transactions according to the timing information defined in the verification request.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a specific point in time for a transaction or a sequential order of a plurality of transactions.
1 1 . The method of one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the verification request includes for one or more transactions further transaction characteristics, comprising at least one of: a mining fee, a transaction fee, a script for the Blockchain platform (5), or a smart contract; and generating (S4) the transactions comprises the processor (21 ) of the owner entity (2) transferring the particular amount of the crypto currency assets using the further transaction characteristics for the one or more transactions defined in the verification request.
1 2. The method of one of claims 7 to 1 1 , wherein the transaction instructions include a directed graph, the directed graph comprising vertices representative of the transaction characteristics and edges indicative of a sequential order of partial amounts of the particular amount of the crypto currency assets; and the method comprises the processor (21 ) of the owner entity (2) using the directed graph for generating (S4) the transactions.
1 3. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor ( 1 1 ) of a computer system ( 10) to execute a method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6. T1
14. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code which directs a processor (21 ) of a computer system (20) to execute a method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5) according to one of claims 7 to 1 2. 1 5. A computer system ( 10) comprising a processor ( 1 1 ) configured to execute a method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6.
1 6. A computer system (20) comprising a processor (21 ) configured to execute a method of verifying ownership of crypto currency assets on a Blockchain platform (5) according to one of claims 7 to 1 2.
EP21777317.5A 2020-09-18 2021-09-15 Methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets Pending EP4214662A1 (en)

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CH11802020 2020-09-18
PCT/EP2021/075327 WO2022058347A1 (en) 2020-09-18 2021-09-15 Methods and systems for verifying ownership of crypto currency assets

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