WO2023275062A1

WO2023275062A1 - Vehicle, blockchain network, and environment monitoring method

Info

Publication number: WO2023275062A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/067754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hüseyin Uysal
Original assignee: Uysal Hueseyin
Priority date: 2021-06-29
Filing date: 2022-06-28
Publication date: 2023-01-05
Also published as: DE202021103469U1

Abstract

A vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) has a radio module (13), a computing unit (15, 25, 35) for solving a cryptographic task; and at least one environment sensor (17, 27, 47) for measuring surroundings data and/or environment data outside the vehicle, in particular at least one air quality sensor for the air outside the vehicle. A control computer (18, 28, 38, 48), connected to the at least one environment sensor (17, 27, 47), to the radio module (13) and to the computing unit (15, 25, 35), of the vehicle is designed to transmit surroundings data and/or environment data obtained from the at least one environment sensor (17, 27, 47) and solution data, relating to the cryptographic task, obtained from the computing unit (15, 25, 35), via the radio module (13), to one or more subscribers in a distributed blockchain network (500, 600, BCN), in particular in a distributed blockchain network (500, 600, BCN) based on a cryptocurrency protocol such as the Bitcoin protocol and/or based on utility tokens.

Description

Vehicle, blockchain network, and environmental monitoring procedures

The present invention relates to a vehicle, particularly a vehicle for mining a block for a blockchain network, particularly a block in a blockchain, for example for use in a cryptocurrency system such as the bitcoin mining system, and a blockchain network.

A blockchain, also referred to as a blockchain in the following, is a continuously expanding list of records called "blocks," where the blocks are denoted by cryptographic procedures are linked together. Each of these blocks contains a cryptographically secure hash (also referred to below as hash value and checksum) of the previous block. In addition, the blocks typically contain a respective timestamp in addition to the respective data, e.g. New blocks of the blockchain are created in a computationally intensive process known as prospecting (or mining). These newly created blocks are then added to the blockchain and distributed to other nodes or participants via the network. In return for the computing power provided, the participant, hereinafter also referred to as the miner, who generates a valid block, receives an equivalent value in the form of a fee and/or a share of a newly minted cryptocurrency coin. The calculation / validation of new blocks can also be distributed among several miners (a so-called mining pool), who are rewarded proportionately if they are successful.

Due to their construction, blockchains are comparatively resistant to subsequent changes to the data stored in them. For use as a distributed (perpetual) ledger, a blockchain is typically used by a network of participating (computer) nodes (hereinafter also referred to as computing nodes), in particular a corresponding peer-to-peer network that adhere to a common protocol for inter-node communication and validation of new blocks. The data in a particular block cannot be changed retrospectively without also changing all subsequent blocks, which requires the approval of the network majority or majority of the typically high computing power in the network. Provision can also be made for the difficulty of calculating/validating new blocks to depend on the overall computing power of the participants (miners) or nodes in the network, e.g. because the hash for a new block must be smaller than a specified target value, like this For example, is provided in the Bitcoin system. This means that a large number of hashes have to be calculated.

Due to the high computing power required and possibly increasing over time, the calculation / validation is often carried out by special (computer) farms in countries with low electricity prices such as China, Estonia or Bulgaria.

However, the construction and/or operation of these farms is expensive even there and involves further considerable costs. The power supply for several miners/nodes requires comparatively thick and expensive cables. In addition, large and powerful transformers and a very powerful and correspondingly expensive ventilation system for cooling must be installed. In addition, extensive fire protection measures may be necessary for special buildings that may have to be newly constructed. Furthermore, a sufficiently fast Internet connection with a high data rate must be provided for the large number of miners. In addition, the farm takes up a comparatively large amount of space, and insurance and possibly rent typically have to be paid.

In this context, the publication DE 202019106440 Ul describes a vehicle for mining a block, in particular a block in a block chain, e.g. for use in a cryptocurrency system, such as the Bitcoin mining system. In addition, DE 102017008956 A1 describes a method for using a computer unit of an autonomously movable vehicle, with provision being made for computing power of the computer unit to be made available to an external computer network and/or a computer network during a charging process of an electrical energy store in the vehicle, in particular for a so-called bitcoin mining.

These vehicles can be used to mine cryptocurrencies locally, but do not use other blockchain technology or blockchain networks, also known as blockchain networks.

In view of the above, the present invention proposes a vehicle according to claim 1, a system for mining a block according to claim 20, a distributed blockchain network according to claim 22, a kit for a vehicle according to claim 25, a method for upgrading or converting a vehicle according to claim 29 and a method for environmental monitoring according to claim 30 before.

According to one embodiment, a vehicle comprises at least one environmental sensor for measuring environmental data and/or environmental data outside of the vehicle, a radio module, a computing unit for solving a cryptographic task, and a control computer connected to the at least one environmental sensor, the radio module and the computing unit is set up to send environmental data and/or environmental data obtained from the at least one environmental sensor and solution data relating to the cryptographic task, obtained from the processing unit, via the radio module to one or more participants in a distributed blockchain network.

In particular, the distributed blockchain network may be based on a cryptocurrency protocol such as the bitcoin protocol and/or on a cryptocurrency protocol utility token. The latter enables quick and cost-effective implementation, since protocols or tools that have already been developed and/or are in use can be accessed via utility tokens.

On the one hand, this enables efficient and cost-effective mining of cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, environmental data and/or environmental data can even be determined in parallel and, decentrally, transparently and tamper-proof in a block chain or the associated distributed accounting book or general ledger ("distributed ledger"), in particular the Blockchain, in which the cryptocurrency transactions are also stored.

The additional local computing and energy expenditure (for calculations and data transmission) is comparatively low, especially if the data is transmitted together with solution data, which can be sent from the control computer, for example, to a mining pool of the block chain network, from which the task is also carried out via receive the radio module and can be forwarded to the processing unit.

The solution proposed here thus also enables improved monitoring of environmental data, which is of great importance in particular for reasons of public health. The environmental data can be determined in particular by a large number of vehicles, which then each act as a mobile environmental data measuring station, and distributed to the Blockchain network to be sent. These can be, for example, vehicles from one or more vehicle fleets, in particular appropriately equipped vehicles from a bus fleet, a truck fleet, a car fleet, in particular a taxi fleet, but also a rail vehicle fleet.

Since a large number of vehicles of different types, e.g. appropriately equipped cars and trucks, send their data to the distributed block chain network, a dense network of mobile environmental data measuring stations can be easily set up.

In addition, the environmental data can be measured at particularly relevant locations and/or at particularly relevant times with increased density, e.g. during rush hour on particularly busy roads in towns but also outside, e.g. on motorways and busy country roads.

This enables reliable and secure generation and storage of environmental data with high temporal and spatial resolution where it is particularly desirable.

Corresponding environmental maps can be created from this and/or recommendations for action for environmental and/or traffic control measures to be introduced can be derived.

This is practically also possible in real time or almost in real time. For example, the determined environmental data can be used to control traffic flows, e.g. by switching traffic lights, in order to relieve areas with currently increased and/or increasing levels of environmental pollutants such as formaldehyde, NOx or particulate matter, at least temporarily.

The distributed block chain network can in particular be a distributed token block chain network (token block chain network), in particular a so-called utility token block chain (utility token block chain), ie a block chain which uses another block chain as a basis. For example, it can be an Ethereum-based blockchain with ERC-20 (utility) tokens if the processing unit is set up to solve cryptographic tasks for Etherum mining, or more typically a Bitcoin-based blockchain, especially when used trade in utility tokens for the Bitcoin blockchain if the processing unit is set up to solve cryptographic tasks for Bitcoin mining. The term crypto token refers to a digitized image of assets generated on a blockchain using cryptographic methods and stored decentrally. Depending on the form, crypto tokens are assigned a specific function (utility token, security token) or a specific value.

Utility tokens, also referred to as “app tokens” and “utility tokens”, are crypto tokens that allow access to pre-defined services and/or products, and often as part of what is known as an “initial coin offering” (ICO) or “ Initial Token Offering” (ITO) to interested investors.

In other words, a utility token can have a specific function on the blockchain, for example to pay transaction fees or gain access to the system or services. Voting rights may also be associated with the utility token.

Because the distributed blockchain network described here is used both to process cryptocurrency transactions and to collect and store environmental data and/or environmental data, it is also more interesting for operators of so-called master nodes of the distributed blockchain network who add the environmental data and/or environmental data to the blockchain and distribute, but also more interesting for investors in the ICO, since the operators of masternodes can open up new sources of income.

There are basically two types of participants or nodes in a blockchain network (network for blockchains / blockchains), namely the "normal" nodes or nodes that operate the prospecting/mining, and master nodes or masternodes, which act as servers, manage the network, store the respective blockchain and synchronize the data with the other masternodes (in real time).

A certain amount of the respective cryptocurrency (coins) must be deposited on masternodes, which remain unaffected, which effectively counteracts monopolization/centralization.

Accordingly, a distributed blockchain network can have multiple master nodes that can be connected to one another and to one of the vehicles described herein, typically multiple or a large number of the vehicles described herein, each of the master nodes being set up with environmental data and/or environmental data received from the respective vehicle to verify and to add the verified environment data and/or environmental data to a locally stored instance of a block chain and to transmit a thereby updated instance of the block chain to the other masternodes.

The control computer of the respective vehicle for the functions described herein, which is typically separate from the vehicle computer, is accordingly typically set up to send the ambient data and/or environmental data to a server, in particular one of the master nodes of the block chain network.

In addition, the control computer of the respective vehicle can be set up to send the surroundings data and/or environmental data at regular intervals, which can be in a range from 1 s to 10 s, e.g. 5 s.

The environmental data and/or environmental data transmitted (sent) by the vehicle's control computer to one of the servers or masternodes and stored by it in the blockchain, typically after validation, can include the time, the location and one or more measured values for environmental parameters (in particular the contain or consist of ambient air of the vehicle) for the place and time. In order to save storage space, further entries such as an identification (ID) of the vehicle can be dispensed with.

In addition, for security reasons, the data transmission between the vehicle and the master node can be encrypted, in particular using IPsec (Internet Protocol Security).

In addition, each of the master nodes can be set up to add an associated transaction to the locally stored instance of the block chain using the solution data received from the respective vehicle, in particular a hash, and to transmit an instance of the block chain that has been updated as a result to the other master nodes.

The masternodes are typically implemented as stationary servers that can be connected to the Internet and/or can have a computing unit for solving the cryptographic task and/or a control computer connected thereto (and in these embodiments also participate in mining). While the control computer of a master node can be designed similarly to the control computer of the vehicles that can be operated as normal nodes of the block chain network, at least in terms of its computing power, the processing unit for solving the cryptographic task of the master node typically has a higher computing power (hash rate) than the processing unit for solving the cryptographic tasks see the task of the vehicles, eg a higher computing power by a factor of at least 5 or even 10.

A system for mining a block for a block chain and storing environmental data and/or environmental data in the block chain can have a plurality of connectable computing nodes which, when connected, are set up to exchange data using a network protocol, with at least one of the computing nodes being from one of the vehicles described herein is formed.

In addition to the vehicle or vehicles, which can be operated as normal nodes, the system typically has one, more typically multiple, stationary servers that can be operated as master nodes.

In addition, the system can have one (or more) additional vehicle that is not set up as a computer node and therefore does not have to be equipped with one of the computing units described herein. As a result, both the conversion effort of the vehicles and the additional energy requirements during operation can be reduced.

Accordingly, the additional vehicle has at least one environmental sensor for measuring environmental data and/or environmental data outside the vehicle, a radio module, and a control computer connected to the at least one environmental sensor and the radio module, which is set up to process environmental data and/or environmental data obtained from the at least one environmental sensor. or to send environmental data via the radio module to one or more participants (computing nodes) of the distributed block chain network.

This makes it possible to let the other vehicles participate in the environmental monitoring, whereby they can receive remuneration through the allocation of (utility) tokens according to the environmental data and/or environmental data they have transmitted.

Typically, the other vehicle also has a corresponding GPS module that is connected to the control computer. Another advantage of networked individual mobile nodes (vehicles, miners) is that accidents, fires, technical defects and other failures do not put the entire investment at risk, in contrast to traditional networks. Loss of data or technical damage only affect individual devices and therefore have no significant impact on operation.

In particular, hybrid utility tokens, i.e. utility tokens that enable a hybrid PoW (“Proof of Work”) / PoS (“Proof-of-Stake”) operating mode for reaching a consensus within the blockchain system, can be used as utility tokens.

The utility tokens can also be distributed using the "Proof of Work Mining" concept, which is at least essentially identical to the Bitcoin model, for example.

Provision can also be made for the utility tokens to be distributed using a "Proof of Move Mining" concept. This means in particular that the data or data records containing the surroundings data and/or environmental data (and/or other data), in particular environmental data and associated location and time information (in particular corresponding GPS data), are validated and validated by nodes in a network, in particular master nodes be added to a block if the associated positions (location information, in particular geographic coordinates) and time information of the respective vehicle represent a movement of the vehicle when measuring the environmental data and/or environmental data. In other words, environmental data determined by the vehicle can be validated and/or the data can be added depending on position data and/or movement data of the vehicle. In particular, it can be provided that the environmental data determined by the vehicle is only added to a new block of a block chain if the environmental data was determined while the vehicle was driving, which can be determined using the corresponding time-marked position data and/or movement data. The "Proof of Move Mining" concept enables secure, distributed data storage in the block chain with comparatively low energy efficiency.

Since the vehicle is typically used primarily for the transport of an additional payload, the operation of the computing unit does not result in any additional additional costs such as the above-mentioned insurance, rents, etc., in addition to the fuel costs, which are already incurred for the transport or this (commercial) are to be assigned. Accordingly, the prospecting that is typically carried out during transport can be used a built-in computing unit additional income or even an additional profit (essentially dependent on the fluctuating fuel prices and market values of the cryptocurrency) of currently at least 50 €, at least 100 € or even at least 200 € per month (with a (price-dependent) daily operation of at least 8 h, 12 h or 20 h) for cryptocurrency mining. The author of the present publication was able to prove this by driving a car that is equipped with a corresponding computing unit that is based on a commercially available so-called hashboard. Such an additional income pays for itself comparatively quickly and is therefore particularly interesting for operators of vehicle fleets as well as individual companies in the transport sector.

Since the built-in computing unit, including a typically additionally installed cooling system, only takes up comparatively little space (typically a maximum of a few liters, for example a maximum of 4 1 or even a maximum of 2 1), the comfort for passengers or the volume of a cargo hold is hardly or not at all impaired.

Typically, the respective arithmetic unit is specially designed and/or even optimized for solving the cryptographic task, in particular for calculating a cryptographic hash function.

This means in particular that a typically highly optimized (mathematical) algorithm designed to calculate the cryptographic hash function is implemented in the processing unit.

In particular, the processing unit can have or consist of a hashboard, an (appropriately programmed) FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or an ASIC (qpplication-specific integrated circuit). However, the computing unit can also have (at least) one CPU and/or (at least) one GPU, e.g. when computing efficiency is less important as in rail vehicles. But even then, the use of FPGA(s) is particularly advantageous due to their comparatively low power requirements and the (re)programmability.

The processing unit can even have two or more FPGAs and/or two or more ASICs. In particular, the processing unit can have one, two or more hashboards have, each having one, two or even more FPGAs and/or one, two or even more ASICs.

The processing unit can either only have a number of FPGAs or only a number of ASICs.

However, the computing unit can also have at least one FPGA and at least one ASIC.

While ASICs can have higher flash computation efficiency compared to FPGAs but often have high power requirements, the typically power-efficient FPGAs are more flexible because they can be reprogrammed.

Particularly in embodiments in which the arithmetic unit has several FPGAs and/or ASICs as arithmetic sub-units, it can be provided that two or more of the respective arithmetic sub-units (chips) are set up to execute the same algorithm for calculating the cryptographic hash function.

Alternatively and/or additionally, it can be provided that at least one of the computing subunits is set up to execute a further algorithm for calculating a further cryptographic hash function.

This makes it possible, for example, to use the processing unit for mining different cryptocurrencies depending on the current boundary conditions (in particular the courses and the difficulty).

For example, the computing unit can have a number of FPGAs and/or ASICs, each of which can execute a different algorithm.

In addition, it can also be provided that at least one of the computing subunits is set up to execute a different algorithm for calculating the cryptographic hash function or the additional cryptographic hash function.

The computing unit can be designed to determine cryptographically secure hashes for character strings, in particular for the accounting of cryptocurrency transactions.

The selection of the algorithm or the computing sub-unit(s) is typically based on the expected income or the expected profit (in each case per unit of time). When mining cryptocurrencies using the unit of account, the income is the product of the current level of difficulty, the hash rate and the market value of the cryptocurrency.

To calculate the expected profit, the additional fuel costs must be deducted, which result from the current fuel costs and the expected energy consumption of the computing unit (per time unit).

The respective arithmetic unit can be designed and/or even optimized for the calculation of several cryptographic hash functions, and/or have several arithmetic sub-units that are set up to execute an algorithm for calculating the respective cryptographic hash function, with the arithmetic sub-units being based on one, two or more more hashboards can be arranged.

The respective computing unit is typically set up to calculate the respective hash values with a hash rate of at least 10 ⁹ H/s (hashes/s) and/or a hash calculation efficiency of at least 10 ⁷ H/J (hashes/joules).

The hash rate can be at least ^{10 10} hashes/s or even at least 10 ¹¹ hashes/s.

In addition, the hash calculation efficiency can be at least 10 ⁸ H/J or even 10 ⁹ H/J, with the hash values having a length of 256 bits or an integer multiple thereof.

In particular, the hash function can be a VerusHash 2.1 function, whereby a particularly high degree of energy efficiency and “ethical mining” can be promoted or made possible.

However, the hash function can also be an SHA hash function (from “Secure Hash Algorithm”, more secure hash algorithm), typically an SHA-2 hash function.

The hash rates and hash calculation efficiencies specified herein typically refer to hash values with a length of 256 bits or an integer multiple thereof. In particular, the hash function used.

In addition, the values given for the hash rates and hash calculation efficiencies can relate to the mining of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. In In this context, it is pointed out that the hash rate and the nominal power of commercial computing units for crypto mining are usually specified by the manufacturer, from which the (nominal) hash calculation efficiency can also be easily calculated.

The processing unit can be connected directly but also indirectly, e.g. via a body of the vehicle to a chassis of the vehicle, typically by means of one or more screw connections.

In addition, the chassis is typically designed for an additional load of at least 100 kg, at least 500 kg or even at least 1500 kg.

In particular, the vehicle can be a rail vehicle or a motor vehicle, in particular a truck, a bus or a car, in particular a delivery vehicle or a taxi or a vehicle operated as a taxi, for example an Uber vehicle. The vehicle can also be a rental vehicle or a car-sharing vehicle. The computing unit can be supplied with electrical energy via an on-board network, typically a vehicle battery of the vehicle. Since the arithmetic unit, at least in passenger cars, can typically have a not insignificant power requirement in comparison to the on-board network, the arithmetic unit is preferably supplied via the vehicle battery and not directly via the on-board network. In other vehicles in which the vehicle electrical system is very robust or designed for a comparatively high electrical output of the consumer, the electrical energy supply to the computing unit(s) can also be provided directly via the vehicle electrical system, for example in rail vehicles or ships.

The vehicle can in particular be a vehicle with a powerful battery (accumulator or secondary battery), e.g. a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, but also a vehicle that is reliably supplied with external electrical energy, e.g. a tram or other electrically powered rail vehicle or road vehicle, for example a trolleybus.

For safety reasons, the computing unit can typically be or is electrically connected to the electrical power supply via a protective switch.

Depending on the type of electrical energy supply of the vehicle, a power converter can be provided between the electrical energy supply of the computing unit as an alternative or in addition be. The power converter can in particular be a rectifier and/or a DC voltage converter.

Typically, the power converter is arranged in a first part of the vehicle, in particular in an engine compartment of the vehicle, and/or the computing unit is arranged in a second part of the vehicle at a distance from the first part, in particular in a storage space, e.g. in a trunk or underneath the trunk . As a result, no waste heat generated by the converter occurs in the second part, which could otherwise contribute to an undesirable temperature increase in the second part of the vehicle.

While typically only one arithmetic unit for calculating a cryptographic function is built into a car, rail vehicles, trucks and buses can also be equipped with two or even more corresponding arithmetic units. Accordingly, higher additional income can be achieved.

According to one development, cooling is provided for the computing unit. In particular, the computing unit can be provided with passive cooling, for example a heat sink.

Typically, the cooling has active cooling or is implemented as such.

The active cooling can have liquid cooling, in particular water cooling, or be designed as such cooling.

Typically, the liquid cooling includes a heat exchanger, a coolant pump, and/or a fan or fans. In particular, the liquid cooling or the heat exchanger can have or be provided with a radiator that has several fans, e.g. 2, 4 or 6 fans, and/or be designed as a (compact) (active) cooling module.

The fan or the radiator can be connected to the body or the chassis via a vibration damper. As a result, the transmission of possibly audible vibrations into a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be reliably suppressed.

The cooling capacity of the cooling system is typically matched to the rated power of the processing unit.

In particular, the liquid cooling can have a (controllable maximum) cooling capacity of at least 100 W, at least 200 W or even at least 500 W or 700 W. In particular in vehicles designed as passenger cars, the active cooling for the computing unit is typically fluidically separated from a cooling unit for the engine, in particular an internal combustion engine (diesel, petrol or gas engine), or an air conditioning unit for a vehicle interior. The separate structure of the cooling or cooling circuits also enables simpler installation in the vehicle.

In particular in vehicles with a powerful cooling system or air conditioning system, for example in refrigerated vehicles, the cooling circuit for the active cooling of the processing unit can also be connected to (a cooling circuit) the (primary) cooling system or air conditioning system of the vehicle.

However, in this embodiment too, the control of the cooling is typically not taken over by a vehicle computer used for controlling, regulating and/or monitoring normal vehicle functions or by another controller of the vehicle provided by the manufacturer.

Rather, the cooling is typically controlled by a separate control computer for the processing unit, for example a single-board computer such as a Raspberry Pi, which can be operated independently of the vehicle computer, and which is typically equipped with a temperature sensor for the active cooling, the fan, the pump, the processing unit, a Temperature sensor of the computing unit and / or a temperature sensor of the passive cooling is connected.

In addition, the control computer for the computing unit, which is typically also permanently connected to the chassis, can communicate with other computing nodes and/or a server of a (distributed) network for crypto mining via a radio module that is typically also permanently connected to the chassis, as well as controlling the computing unit in the calculation of the hashes.

However, the control computer can also be integrated into the computing unit.

In other words, the control computer and processing unit can therefore be in the form of logical devices.

The radio module is typically a separate mobile radio module, WLAN module, or another wireless telecommunications module for data transmission.

Communication with the other computing nodes or the server of the network can take place directly via the radio module, but also via a module already installed by the vehicle manufacturer (further) radio module. For example, an internet connection can be established via a wireless connection of the radio module (eg WLAN or Bluetooth) to a corresponding hotspot in the vehicle and via this to the further radio module (and thus to a mobile radio network).

The control computer is typically set up to send the measured surroundings data and/or environmental data together with a respective time indication and/or a respective position of the vehicle (as a respective environmental data record) to the distributed block chain network.

In principle, the position or location of the vehicle can be determined via the respective radio module.

In order to enable the highest possible spatial resolution for the measured surroundings data and/or environmental data, the respective vehicle can have a GPS module (Global Positioning System module) connected to the control computer for determining and forwarding GPS data to the control computer.

The GPS module is typically a separate GPS module. In principle, however, it is also possible to use an (additional) GPS module already installed by the vehicle manufacturer (to be connected to the control computer, which for security reasons is typically also separate from a vehicle control computer).

However, the use of a separate radio module or GPS module has the advantage that neither intervention in the vehicle system nor adjustments to it are required, which can also contribute to a more uniform (more cost-effective) retrofit kit / installation kit for vehicles.

The GPS module and/or the radio module (or even both modules) can be arranged on an outside of the vehicle, typically in an upper third or even upper quarter of the vehicle, in particular on or near a roof of the vehicle and/or on or near a rear window of the vehicle.

However, the radio module can also be arranged or attached on and/or in the trunk.

The GPS module and/or the radio module (typically both modules) can be connected to the control computer via a respective wired connection, e.g. a USB connection.

However, wireless communication between the control computer, the GPS module, the radio module and/or the environmental sensor(s), eg via Bluetooth, is also possible. However, a reliable energy supply for the components (GPS module, radio module and/or environmental sensor(s)/environmental sensor module) can also be easily implemented via a wired connection.

Since the environmental data can relate in particular to the air outside the vehicle, the at least one environmental sensor is also arranged on an outside of the vehicle.

The at least one environmental sensor can be arranged in an upper third or even a quarter of the vehicle, in particular on or near a roof of the vehicle.

In addition, the distance between the at least one environmental sensor and an exhaust pipe of the vehicle is typically at least 1 m.

The at least one environmental sensor can also be arranged in particular in such a way that exhaust gases from the vehicle do not reach the environmental sensor during normal outdoor driving, e.g. on or near a rear window of the vehicle.

The vehicle can also have two or more environmental sensors that can be set up to determine different environmental data.

The two or more environmental sensors can be formed by an environmental sensor module, also referred to below as a sensor module, in which the environmental sensors are integrated. This has the advantage that only one interface is required for communication with the control computer, typically via a wired connection, e.g. a USB connection. The protection of environmental sensors against moisture, rain, etc. can also be simplified, e.g. by using a common housing or cover.

Gas sensors, i.e. chemical sensors for the detection of gaseous substances (in the outside air/ambient air), in particular a C02 sensor (a carbon dioxide sensor), an eC02 sensor (for determining an equivalent carbon dioxide value), a NOx sensor (nitrogen oxide sensor), can be used as environmental sensors. and/or a TVOC sensor (Total Volatile Organic Compounds sensor), and/or one or more particulate matter sensors (for different particle size ranges), a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and/or a UV sensor. In particular, the environmental sensor can have one or more air pollutant sensors (corresponding chemical sensors, particulate matter sensors) and/or air quality sensors (corresponding chemical sensors, particulate matter sensors,

Temperature sensors, humidity sensors, also referred to below as air condition sensors) have. Accordingly, the environmental data can include CO2 data, NOx data, particulate matter data, temperature data, humidity data, UV data and/or TVOC data of the vehicle outside air (ambient air), but also data derived therefrom.

It is also possible as an alternative, typically in addition, (other) environmental data of the vehicle, in particular lidar data that can be determined by or using a lidar sensor of the vehicle in question, and / or images that can be determined by or using a camera, in particular a 360° camera of the respective vehicle can be measured or determined as a corresponding sensor (after validation) in a distributed block chain network.

The following description mainly refers to environmental data. However, it goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments explained can also be applied to environmental data of the vehicle if this is not explicitly ruled out.

According to one embodiment, a fleet of vehicles, in particular a fleet of buses, a fleet of trucks, a fleet of cars, in particular a fleet of taxis or a fleet of rail vehicles, comprises a plurality of transport vehicles, each of which has a radio module, a sensor module for measuring environmental data outside the vehicle and one typically arranged in the transport vehicle Arithmetic unit for solving a cryptographic task and a control computer connected to the sensor module, the radio module and the arithmetic unit, which is set up to forward a cryptographic task received via the radio module to the arithmetic unit, solution data obtained from the arithmetic unit and relating to the cryptographic see Related task, and to send environmental data obtained from the sensor module together with an associated time and an associated location via the radio module to one or more participants, in particular one or more master nodes of a distributed block chain network.

The vehicle fleet can also be a rental vehicle fleet or a car-sharing fleet.

According to one embodiment, an installation kit for a vehicle, in particular for a truck, car, bus or rail vehicle, includes an environmental sensor (or even an environmental sensor module with a number of environmental sensors) for measuring environmental data outside the vehicle, a radio module, an optional computing unit for solving a cryptographic problem task, and a control computer which can be connected to the environmental sensor, the radio module and the computing unit and which is set up in the connected state, environmental data obtained via the radio module from the at least one environmental sensor and solution data typically obtained from the optional computing unit, which relate to the cryptographic task, to one or more participants in a distributed block chain network.

For reasons of efficiency, the computing unit is typically specially designed and/or even optimized for calculating the cryptographic hash function.

In particular, the computing unit can be in the form of a hashboard, FPGA or ASIC or have at least one of the elements mentioned. FPGA(s) or FPGA-based hashboard(s) are preferably used as the computing unit, since they combine high computing power and efficiency (comparatively low energy requirements) with high flexibility (e.g. for new calculation algorithms) and thus also due to the expected long service life are particularly economical, at least in the medium or long term, and/or have a comparatively small ecological footprint.

In addition, the computing unit is typically set up to process hash values with a hash rate of at least 10 ⁹ H/s, at least ^{10 10} H/s or even at least 10 ¹¹ H/s and/or with a hash calculation efficiency of at least 10 ⁷ H/J at least 10 ⁸ H/J or even at least 10 ⁹ H/J, and/or to calculate hash values with a length of 256 bits or an integer multiple thereof.

Furthermore, the kit for the vehicle can have at least one, typically several or even all of the following components: a GPS module which can be connected to the control computer; an installation guide; liquid cooling for the computing unit that can be installed in the vehicle; a power converter that can be electrically connected to the electrical power supply of the vehicle for the processing unit and/or the control computer; and a protective switch for an electrical connection between the electrical power supply and the power converter, the processing unit and/or the control computer.

The liquid cooling to be installed is typically water cooling.

In addition, the liquid cooling system can have a heat exchanger, at least one connecting hose, at least one fan, a coolant pump, a liquid valve and/or a vibration damper for the respective fan. The components of the liquid cooling system are typically selected in such a way that the processing unit can be cooled during operation with a (controllable) cooling capacity of at most at least 100 W, at least 200 W or even at least 500 W or 700 W.

In particular for operation in passenger cars, the computing unit can have a maximum power consumption of 700 W during (mining) operation, which at best is briefly exceeded, e.g. for a maximum of a few seconds, by up to a maximum of 25% or 20%, for example, but not on average over time can be.

In addition, the cooling capacity of the liquid cooling system can have a cooling capacity of at least 700 W, for example, which is matched to the power consumption of the processing unit.

In addition, it can be provided that in particular the cables that are typically additionally present in the installation kit (set), e.g. USB cables, plug connectors or electrical connections, are not only adapted (pre-assembled) to the computing unit to be installed, but also to a specific vehicle type. A similar adjustment/pre-assembly can also be provided for the liquid cooling components of the installation set.

According to one embodiment, a method for installing the installation kit or for upgrading or converting a vehicle, in particular a truck, car or rail vehicle, comprises at least one of the following steps:

Attaching at least one of the kit components described herein to and/or in the vehicle;

connecting the computing unit and/or the control computer to an electrical power supply of the vehicle;

connect computing unit to the control computer;

connecting the environmental sensor to the control computer;

connecting the radio module to the control computer;

connecting the GPS module to the control computer;

installing liquid cooling in the vehicle; and/or (fluidically) connecting the computing unit to the liquid cooling system or to an existing circuit of the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, a method comprises one, several or even all of the following steps: Measurement of environmental data and/or environmental data with a sensor of a vehicle, the environmental data and/or environmental data relating to an exterior space and/or an area surrounding the vehicle,

transmission of the measured surroundings data and/or environmental data to a control computer of the vehicle, which is typically not used for vehicle control,

Solving a cryptographic task with a computing unit of the vehicle, transmission of solution data of the cryptographic task to the control computer,

Sending the measured environment data, the measured environmental data and/or the solution data via a radio module connected to the control computer, in particular to one or more participants (typically one or more corresponding master nodes) of a distributed block chain network.

The procedure may also include the following steps:

Determining the position of the vehicle, e.g. with a GPS module, and/or a time at which the environmental data is measured,

receiving input data (for a cryptographic task) with a radio module of a vehicle,

Transmission of the input data via the control computer to a computing unit of the vehicle, typically to a computing unit described herein, and

Calculation of a flash value of the input data by the computing unit using a cryptographic hash function.

The method can be carried out in particular while driving or with the engine of the vehicle running.

In addition, the method can include the steps of receiving selection data for the processing unit with the radio module and/or using the selection data to select the cryptographic hash function before calculating the hash value of the input data. A computing unit set up to calculate hash values of the character string using a plurality of cryptographic hash functions can thus be prompted to calculate the hash value using the hash function (typically a large number of hash values) that appears to make the most sense (economically) under the given circumstances. It goes without saying that the selection data and input data can also be received together by the radio module.

In addition, the method can include the steps of receiving configuration data for the processing unit by means of the radio module and/or using the configuration data for (re)programming the processing unit. As a result, the typically FPGA-based (multiple) (re)programmable arithmetic unit for calculating flash values of character strings can be set up using a cryptographic hash function. This makes it possible to react particularly flexibly to current conditions (costs, achievable income).

The selection data, input data and/or configuration data can be sent to the radio module from a central location, for example a server.

In addition, the selection data, input data and/or configuration data can be sent from the radio module to the control computer and passed on to the computing unit (if necessary revised and/or recoded/decrypted). In particular, the control computer can be set up to initiate (re)programming of the computing unit.

The embodiments described above can be combined with one another as desired.

Further advantageous configurations, details, aspects and features of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1A shows a schematic view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

1B shows a schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

2A shows a schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B shows a further schematic view of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment;

3A shows a schematic view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 3B shows a distributed block chain network.

In the figures, the same reference numbers and reference numbers that differ from one another only in the first character denote similar parts that can even be identical. For reasons of simplicity, the further features of the device for mining and of the vehicle are typically explained in detail only with reference to passenger cars. However, it goes without saying that other devices for mining can also have the further features explained.

1A shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 10. The exemplary vehicle shown is a passenger car with a chassis 11, four wheels and an exhaust pipe 12, for example a taxi.

An environmental sensor 17 or even an environmental sensor module 17 with a plurality of sensors for measuring the respective environmental data, in particular for the air quality outside of the vehicle 10 , is fitted on the outside of the vehicle 10 in a rear upper area.

In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, a radio module 13 is attached to the outside in the area of the trunk.

Also arranged in the trunk are a processing unit 15 designed to solve one or more cryptographic tasks and a control computer 18 connected to the environmental sensor 17, the radio module 13 and the processing unit 15 via data lines each shown as dashed arrows, typically rigidly connected to the chassis 11, e.g. via a body of the vehicle.

The control computer 18 is set up to transmit environmental data received from the environmental sensor 17 and solution data received from the processing unit 15, which relate to the cryptographic task, via the radio module 13 to one or more participants in a distributed block chain network BCN, in particular a master node of the block chain network BCN, which accepts the transmitted data first.

During operation, the vehicle 10 can also be viewed as part of the block chain network BCN or a system 500 for mining a block for a block chain and storing environmental data in the block chain.

Fig. 1B shows a schematic view from above of a vehicle 20 or an electrical circuit diagram of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 is typically similar to the vehicle 10 explained above with reference to Figure 1A. For reasons of clarity, a representation of the chassis in Figure 1B and the following figures omitted. In the exemplary embodiment, a hybrid vehicle 20 is involved, such as one of the many Toyota Prius that the present author has modified and used for the purposes discussed herein.

Accordingly, the vehicle 20 has a powerful battery electric power supply 20D for (temporarily) electrically driving the vehicle 20 in a central vehicle section (central vehicle part) 20A. Such a battery is also referred to as a traction battery.

An advantage of hybrid vehicles over purely electrically powered vehicles is that the vehicle battery 20D can be recharged by the existing internal combustion engine without the journey having to be interrupted.

In addition, the vehicle 20 has a power converter 20H which, for safety reasons, is connected to the electrical energy supply 20D via a first circuit breaker 20E.

In Figure 1B and the following figures (pure) electrical connections to the power supply are shown as dashed lines. It goes without saying that a dashed line shown can correspond to a cable (single-core, two-core or multi-core) but also to multiple cables.

In the Toyota Prius--as in other hybrid vehicles--the direct current from the traction battery is converted by an inverter of the power supply 20D, not shown in FIG. 1B, into three-phase alternating current for driving the electric motors. The power supply inverter 20D of the Toyota Prius contains a DC-DC converter, which supplies the 12V battery and the standard vehicle electrical system with electrical power. Since the standard vehicle electrical system could at least temporarily be overwhelmed by krypton mining, the computing unit 25 is not connected to the standard vehicle electrical system or the 12 V battery, but typically via the AC-DC converter running power converter 20H supplied, which has the first protection switch 20E with the three-phase

AC connection of the power supply unit 20D is connected (see also the symbols and "=" in on the cables in Figure 1B for DC and

change power connections) .

For safety reasons, another circuit breaker 20G is connected between the power converter 20H and the computing unit 25. It should be noted that a pair of miniature circuit breakers can be used for each of the circuit breakers 20E and 20G. The power converter 20H, also referred to below as a power pack, with an output of e.g. 750 W can—as already explained above—be thermally well decoupled from the processing unit 25 in the engine compartment 20B, for example in the vicinity of the fuse box. As a result, the cooling requirements in the rear vehicle section 20C can be reduced.

In addition to the radio module 23 and the environmental sensor (module) 27, the vehicle 20 also has a GPS module 29, which is also connected to the control computer 28 and which, like the radio module 23 and the environmental sensor/module 27, can be connected via a USB - Connection (dashed arrows) or another bus system for data transmission and energy supply from the control computer 38 can also be supplied with electrical energy.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic view from above of a rear section 30C of a vehicle 30 or an electrical circuit diagram of the vehicle 30 in the rear section 30C. The vehicle 30 is typically similar to the vehicles 10, 20 explained above with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B. For example, the vehicle 30 can also be a Toyota Prius, of which only the trunk or a lower compartment is shown in FIG Part of the trunk is shown schematically. For reasons of clarity, however, the environmental sensor(s) and optional GPS module are not shown.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, electrical energy is supplied via a connector 30S, which can be a six-pin connector, connected to the circuit breaker 30G. Both the arithmetic unit 35 and two coolant pumps 30P, 30Q and a control computer 38 are electrically supplied via the distributor 30S.

The control computer 38 can be, for example, a Raspberry Pi, in particular a Raspberry Pi 4, but also another (single-board) computer with a low rated power during operation of typically less than 10 W and/or a low no-load power of typically less than 4 W .

In contrast, the power consumption of the computing unit 35 is typically significantly greater during operation. It can be several 100 W or even more. The author of the present application used an FPGA-based computing unit with a maximum power consumption of 700 W in (mining) operation.

Due to the comparatively high power consumption of the computing unit 35, it can be connected to the distributor 30S via two pins/lines. The connection between the processing unit 35 and the control computer 38 shown as a double arrow can be a pure (bidirectional) data connection, in particular a corresponding data cable (for example a LAN cable).

The arithmetic unit 35 typically has a number of arithmetic sub-units. The computing unit used by the author of the present document has a hashboard with a number of FPGAs, each of which can execute one of the algorithms listed in the table below.

Algorithm Hash rate Power consumption of the processing unit

Lyra2z 53.0MH/s 590W

Skein 5.04GH/s 423W

Lyra2REv2 216.0MH/s 334W

Phil612 314.0MH/s 558W

Tribus 2.8 GH/s 607 W

Nexus 2.45GH/s 550W

BCX 16.56GH/s 474W

Oxtoken 21.12 GH/s 605W

Keccak 21.12GH/s 605W

Xdag 14.7 GH/s 609W

ZP 22.0 GH/s 610W

VerusHash 1.0 64.8 GH/s 237 W

Keccakc 21.12 GH/s 605W

Keccakd 21.12GH/s 605W

Amoveo 46.0GH/s 570W

Veriblock 11.5 GH/s 600W

Sha3d 9.1GH/s 605W

VerusHash 2 272.0 MH/s 219 W

BCD 178.0MH/s 462W

Lyra2rev3 240.0MH/s 540W

DigiByte (odocrypt) 3.52 GH/s 620 W

Bmw512 8.78GH/s 328W

Cll 0.152GH/s 404W

BST 18.0GH/s 600W

K12 43.2GH/s 626W

According to the hash rates given in the table above and the electrical power consumption, it is currently possible, for example, to mine the cryptocurrency "Denarius Coin" with the implemented Tribus algorithm to generate income of around $9 per day and thus at the current exchange rates and fuel prices in Germany with one Toyota Prius make a profit of about €5 a day.

In particular, the VerusHash 2.1 algorithm, which offers a very high degree of energy efficiency and promotes or enables "ethical mining", can also be used. In addition to the hashboard, the computing unit 35 can also have a motherboard, which is connected to the control computer 38 via the data cable and to the actual hashboard via a further data cable.

The motherboard can be used for communication between the control computer 38 and the hashboard. Important information such as chip or hashboard temperatures can also be monitored via the motherboard, and error messages and connections to the krypton mining pool can be forwarded.

In addition, a USB stick 33 (including a SIM card) can be connected to the control computer 38 as a radio module for the desired Internet connection. In this embodiment, there is no need for a separate power supply for the radio module.

As further illustrated in Figure 2A, control computer 38 may be connected to manifold 30S via a power supply (e.g., a 12V to 5V DC-DC converter).

Long-term tests have shown that with the selected structure and a daily operating time of the Toyota Prius of around 12 hours per day, additional income (income less additional fuel costs) of around $9 per day in the form of cryptocurrencies can be achieved on average.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic view from above of the rear section 30C of the vehicle 30 which explains both the construction and the cooling of the computing unit 35 .

As shown by the dashed square in Figure 2B, the arithmetic unit 35 and the control computer 38 can be accommodated in a common housing 36 and mechanically fixed to the floor (lower portion) of the trunk via this housing. For example, the housing 36 can be secured with one or more screw connections.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the arithmetic unit 35 is provided with a heat sink 30K on its upper side, which is typically in good thermal contact/good thermal connection with the powerful arithmetic units (for example ASICs or more typically FPGAs).

The cooling body 30C can be one or more cooling blocks through which liquid can flow.

The cooling block 30K shown as an example is connected to a cooler 3OM via hoses shown as bold curves and two coolant pumps 3OP, 30Q. It can be provided that one hose, but also two hoses, lead from each pump 3 OP, 30Q to the heat sink 3 OK.

However, the formed cooling circuit can also have only one coolant pump.

The cooler 30M can be implemented as a cooling module or radiator and/or mounted between the rear bumper and the body of the vehicle. There, the 30M cooler is exposed to particularly good air circulation and is also protected from water from below.

Despite the good air circulation while driving, the cooler 3 OM can be equipped with one or two fans or even more fans. As a result, good cooling performance can be ensured even when the vehicle is stationary and/or at comparatively high outside temperatures.

A respective vibration damper is typically arranged between the body and the fan or fans. As a result, a (perceptible or audible) vibrational excitation of the body or the vehicle frame by the cooler 30M can be avoided at least to a large extent.

For example, the cooler 30M can have two rows of fans, e.g. each with 2 to 4 fans, between which the cooling body through which liquid can flow is arranged with its fins. This version of the 30M cooler (located between the body and the bumper) has proven to be particularly effective in long-term tests.

In particular, water or a mixture of water and an antifreeze can be used as the coolant.

In addition, it can be provided that a common housing 36 has air openings and/or fans for generating or supporting air convection in the housing and/or an air flow through the housing. This can support liquid cooling.

The control of the cooling of the computing unit 35 can be taken over by the control computer 38, for example, which is provided with temperature data from the motherboard for this purpose. For the sake of clarity, the data connection or the connections between the interfaces of the control computer 38 and the pumps 30P and 30Q have not been shown in FIG. 2B.

3A shows a schematic rear view of a vehicle 40, or a rear portion 40C of the vehicle 40. The vehicle 40 is typically similar to those described above Vehicles 10, 20, 30 explained with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B. For example, vehicle 40 can also be a Toyota Prius or another hybrid car.

As represented by the dashed, rounded square in FIG. 3A, in the exemplary embodiment, the control computer 48 and the computing unit 45 or a common housing 46 are located in the trunk of the vehicle 40, typically as described above with reference to FIGS 1A-2B, while an environmental sensor module 47 and a GPS module 49 are attached to the rear vehicle roof and/or the rear vehicle window, e.g. via a respective adhesive or screw connection. The radio module 43 or an antenna of the radio module can be attached to the roof near the rear vehicle window, e.g. via an adhesive or screw connection.

Radio module 43, computing unit 48, environmental sensor module 47 and computing unit 45 are connected to the control computer 48 via respective bidirectional data connections shown as dotted arrows, which can at least partially also be used for the power supply. The control computer 48 can be a single board computer such as a Raspberry Pi (4).

The sensor module 47 can be, for example, an SM300D2 7-in-1 sensor module (PM2.5 + PM10 + temperature + humidity + C02 + eC02 + TVOC sensors) with a waterproof cover and with an RS485 connection via a USB RS485 converter (moisture protected by the waterproof case or a separate case) and a USB cable connected to the control computer 48.

The GPS module 49 can be, for example, a Vk-162 Glonass Navigation USB GPS module, which is connected to the control computer 48 via a USB connection.

The sensor module 47 and the GPS module 49 can transmit measured environmental data on air quality (air quality data) and associated GPS positions (having a time stamp) at regular intervals of, for example, 5 s to the control computer 48, which transmits this data (position data and the movement data of the vehicle when determining, in particular measuring, the environmental data) in raw form or pre-processed, e.g ) MK send a granted blockchain network 600 as shown in Figure 3B. For example, it can be provided to ignore measured NOx and/or CO2 values if the The vehicle is stationary or driving backwards to avoid falsification of the measurements due to exhaust gases from the exhaust.

As shown in Fig. 3B, the block chain network 600 can have several, in particular a multiplicity of vehicles 10-40 acting as normal nodes, several, in particular a multiplicity of stationary master nodes MK, but also several, in particular a multiplicity of normal nodes which can communicate with each other, which is illustrated by the arrows.

For reasons of clarity, however, only a few subscribers (10, 40, NK, MK) are shown in FIG. 3B.

The block chain network 600 typically works on the basis of a cryptocurrency protocol, in particular on the basis of the Bitcoin protocol and with corresponding utility tokens.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle has a sensor module for measuring environmental data outside of the vehicle, a radio module, a computing unit for solving a cryptographic task; and a control computer which can be connected to the sensor module, the radio module and the processing unit and which is set up to transmit environmental data received from the sensor module in the connected state and solution data relating to the cryptographic task to one or more participants via the radio module of a distributed blockchain network, in particular a master node of a distributed blockchain network that works on the basis of a cryptocurrency protocol such as the Bitcoin protocol and/or on the basis of a corresponding utility token.

In this case, the control computer is typically set up to send the environmental data via the radio module as a respective environmental data record containing the environmental data, associated time information and associated location information, typically using IPsec.

The present invention was explained using exemplary embodiments. These embodiments should in no way be construed as limiting the present invention. The claims that follow are a first non-binding attempt to define the invention in general terms. reference list

10, 20, 30, 40 vehicle

11 frame, chassis

12 exhaust

13, 23, 33, 43 (mobile) radio module / USB surf stick 15, 25, 35, 45 arithmetic unit, hashboard 36, 46 housing for arithmetic unit and control computer

17, 27, 47 environmental sensor / (environmental) sensor module

18, 28, 38, 48 control computer (e.g. Raspberry Pi)

29, 49 GPS module

20A middle vehicle section / middle vehicle part

20B front vehicle section/front vehicle part/engine compartment

20C, 30C, 40C rear vehicle section / rear vehicle part / trunk 20D electrical energy storage / vehicle battery

20E, 20G, 3OG circuit breakers

20H power converter

3 OK heatsink

3 OM Heat Exchanger / Radiator / Fan

30N (adjustable) power supply

3 OP, 30Q pump 30S distributor / (6 pin) connector

MK master node

NK normal node

Claims

DEMAND

1. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising:

- At least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47) for measuring environmental data and / or environmental data outside of the vehicle, in particular at least one air quality sensor for

vehicle outside air;

- a radio module (13);

- A computing unit (15, 25, 35) for solving a see cryptographic task; and

- A control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) connected to the at least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47), the radio module (13) and the computing unit (15, 25, 35), which is set up by the at least one Environmental sensor (17, 27, 47) received environmental data and / or environmental data and from the processing unit (15, 25, 35) received solution data that relate to the cryptographic task, via the radio module (13) to one or more participants in a distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN), in particular a distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN) based on a

Send cryptocurrency protocols such as the Bitcoin protocol and/or based on utility tokens.

2. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a motorized vehicle, wherein the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, wherein the vehicle is a rail vehicle or a motor vehicle, in particular a truck, a bus or a car, in particular a taxi, a rental vehicle and/or a car-sharing vehicle, and/or wherein an electrical energy supply (20D) for the computing unit (15, 25, 35) and control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) is an electrical energy store, in particular a vehicle battery and/or a traction battery of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40).

3. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) is set up, the environment data and / or environmental data together with a respective indication of time and/or a respective position of the vehicle to the distributed block chain network (BCN).

4. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 3, further comprising a GPS module (29, 49) connected to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) for determining and forwarding GPS data to the control computers (18, 28, 38, 48).

5. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 4, wherein the GPS module is arranged on an outside of the vehicle, wherein the GPS module in an upper third or even upper quarter of the vehicle, in particular at or near a Roof of the vehicle is arranged, and / or wherein the GPS module is arranged near a rear window of the vehicle.

6. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ambient data and/or environmental data relate to the air outside the vehicle, wherein the at least one environmental sensor is arranged on an outside of the vehicle, wherein the at least an environmental sensor is arranged in an upper third or even a quarter of the vehicle, in particular on or near a roof of the vehicle, the distance between the at least one environmental sensor and an exhaust pipe of the vehicle being at least 1 m, the at least one environmental sensor being arranged in such a way that Vehicle exhaust gases do not reach the environmental sensor during normal outdoor driving, and/or wherein the at least one environmental sensor is located near a rear window of the vehicle.

7. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle has at least two environmental sensors that can be set up to determine different environmental data and / or environmental data.

8. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one environmental sensor comprises a UV sensor and/or a gas sensor, in particular a CO 2 sensor.

9. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one environmental sensor comprises a particulate matter sensor.

10. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) is set up, the environmental data and / or To send environmental data at regular intervals, which can be in a range from 1 s to 10 s, for example 5 s.

11. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) is set up, the environment data and / or environmental data to a server, in particular a master node of

Block Chain Network (BCN) to send.

12. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) is set up to send the solution data to a mining pool of the block chain network (BCN), and / or the Obtain task from the mining pool via the radio module and forward it to the processing unit (15, 25, 35).

13. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (15, 25, 35) is designed for determining cryptographically secure hashes for character strings, in particular for the accounting of cryptocurrency transactions.

14. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Arithmetic unit (15, 25, 35) is designed for calculating flash values of a character string using a cryptographic hash function, wherein the arithmetic unit (15, 25, 35) is specially designed and/or even optimized for calculating the cryptographic hash function, wherein the arithmetic unit (15, 25, 35) is designed and/or even optimized for calculating a plurality of cryptographic hash functions, the arithmetic unit (15, 25, 35) having a plurality of arithmetic sub-units which are set up to use an algorithm for calculating the respective cryptographic functions execute hash function, and/or wherein the

Computing sub-units are arranged on one, two or even more hashboards, the computing unit (15, 25, 35) being set up to assign hash values with a hash rate of at least 10 ⁹ hashes/s and/or a hash calculation efficiency of at least 10 ⁷ H/J compute, where the hash rate is at least 10 ¹⁰ hashes/s or even at least 10 ¹¹ hashes/s, where the hash computation efficiency is at least 10 ⁸ H/J or even 10 ⁹ H/J, where the hash values have a length of 256 bits or an integer Having multiples thereof, the Hash function is a VerusHash 2.1 function, and/or wherein the hash function is an SHA hash function, in particular an SH A-2 hash function.

15. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing unit (15, 25, 35) has a hashboard and/or an FPGA, and/or wherein the respective computing subunit has an FPGA.

16. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle has a vehicle computer for controlling, regulating and/or monitoring vehicle functions, and wherein the control computer and the computing unit can each be operated independently of the vehicle computer.

17. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

- A body via which the processing unit and the control computer is connected to the chassis (11);

- A passive cooling system (3 OK) connected to the processing unit (15, 25, 35);

- an active cooling (30M, 30P, 30Q) connected to the computing unit;

- A typically fluidly separate from the active cooling cooling unit for a drive motor of the vehicle;

- A typically fluidly separated from the active cooling air conditioning unit for an interior of the vehicle; and or

- A control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) for the computing unit (15, 25, 35).

18. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 17, wherein the active cooling has a liquid cooling system typically designed as water cooling, a heat exchanger, a coolant pump and/or one or more fans, wherein the heat exchanger, the coolant pump and/or at least one of the fans is not arranged in either the first part or the second part of the vehicle, in particular at least partially in an exterior area of the vehicle, typically between a rear bumper and the vehicle frame of the vehicle, and/or the liquid cooling has a cooling capacity of at least 100 W, at least 200 W or even at least 500, 600 W or 700 W.

19. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to claim 18, wherein the fan is connected to the vehicle frame via a damper.

20. System (500, 600) for mining a block for a blockchain and storing environmental data and/or environmental data in the blockchain, comprising:

- Several connectable computing nodes (NIC, MK, 10, 20, 30, 40), which are set up in the connected state to exchange data using a network protocol, with at least one of the computing nodes of a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) after a of the preceding claims is provided.

21. System (500, 600) according to claim 20, comprising a further vehicle comprising:

vehicle outside air;

- a radio module (13); and

- a control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) connected to the at least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47) and the radio module (13), which is set up to receive environmental data obtained from the at least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47). and/or to send environmental data via the radio module (13) to one or more participants in the distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN).

22. Distributed blockchain network (500, 600) comprising:

- Several mast modes (MK) that can be connected to one another and to a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of Claims 1 to 19, 21 and 28, wherein each of the master nodes (MK) is set up to receive environmental data and/or environmental data from the vehicle to verify and to add the verified environment data and/or environmental data to a locally stored instance of a block chain and to transmit a thereby updated instance of the block chain to the other mastemodes.

23. Distributed block chain network according to claim 22, wherein each of the master nodes is set up to add an associated transaction to the locally stored instance of the block chain using the solution data received from the vehicle, in particular a corresponding hash, and an instance updated thereby of the blockchain to the other masternodes.

24. The distributed blockchain network of claim 22 or 23, wherein the blockchain network provides a cryptocurrency network.

25. Installation kit for a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), in particular a truck, a car or a rail vehicle, having:

- At least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47) for measuring environmental data and/or environmental data outside of the vehicle, in particular at least one corresponding air quality sensor;

- a radio module (13);

- An optional computing unit (15, 25, 35) for solving a see cryptographic task; and

- A control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) which can be connected to the at least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47), the radio module (13) and the computing unit (15, 25, 35) and which is set up via the radio module ( 13) environmental data and/or environmental data obtained from the at least one environmental sensor (17, 27, 47) and solution data typically obtained from the optional computing unit (15, 25, 35), which relate to the cryptographic task, to one or more participants a distributed blockchain network (500, 600, BCN).

26. Kit according to claim 25, further comprising:

- an installation manual;

- a GPS module (29, 49) which can be connected to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48);

- A liquid cooling system (30M, 30P, 30Q) that can be installed in the vehicle for the computing unit (10, 20, 30, 40); - respective fastening means for the computing unit (15, 25, 35), the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48), the environmental sensor (17, 27, 47), GPS module (29, 49) and/or the liquid cooling ( 30M, 30P, 30Q) on and/or in the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40);

- A power converter (20H), which can be electrically connected to an electrical power supply (20D) of the vehicle, for the computing unit (15, 25, 35) and/or the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48); and or

- a circuit breaker (20E, 20G, 30G) for an electrical connection between the electrical energy supply (20D) and the power converter (20H), the computing unit (15, 25, 35) and/or the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48 ).

27. Installation kit according to one of claims 25 and 26, wherein the liquid cooling (30M, 30P, 30Q) is water cooling and/or a heat exchanger (30M), a connecting hose, a fan, a coolant pump and/or a vibration damper for the fan and/or wherein the liquid cooling has a cooling capacity of at least 100 W, at least 200 W or even at least 500, 600 W or 700 W.

28. Vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) according to one of claims 1 to 19 or installation kit according to one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the computing unit (15, 25, 35) has a maximum power consumption of 700 W, and / or is reprogrammable, wherein the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) has a rated power during operation of less than 10 W and/or an idle power of less than 4 W, in particular is designed as a corresponding single-board computer, and/or wherein the control computer ( 18, 28, 38, 48) active cooling is set up

(30M, 30P, 30Q) to control.

29. A method for upgrading or converting a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) and/or installing an installation kit in a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), the method comprising:

- Attaching at least one of the components of the installation kit according to any one of claims 25 to 27 and / or in the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40);

- Connecting the computing unit (15, 25, 35) and/or the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) to an electrical power supply of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40); - Connect the computing unit (15, 25, 35) to the control computer (18, 28,

38, 48);

- connecting the environmental sensor to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48);

- Connecting the radio module (13) to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48);

- connecting the GPS module to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48);

- Installing a liquid cooling system in the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40); and or

- Connecting the computing unit (15, 25, 35) to the liquid cooling system or an existing circuit of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40).

30. Process for environmental monitoring, comprising:

- Measurement of environmental data and/or environmental data with an environmental sensor of a vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), in particular with at least one air quality sensor for the air outside the vehicle, the environmental data and/or environmental data relating to an exterior space and/or an area surrounding the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) relate;

- Transmitting the measured surroundings data and/or environmental data to a control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), which is typically not used for vehicle control;

- Sending the measured environmental data and/or the measured environmental data to one or more participants in a distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN) via a radio module (13) of the vehicle (10) connected to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48), 20, 30, 40).

31. The method of claim 30, comprising:

- Solving a see cryptographic task with a computing unit (15, 25, 35) of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40);

- Transmission of solution data see the cryptographic task to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48);

- Sending the solution data to one or more participants in a distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN) via the radio module (13) connected to the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48), typically together with the measured environmental data and/or the measured environmental data; - Validating the measured surroundings data and/or the measured environmental data, in particular using position data and/or movement data of the vehicle; and or

- Adding the solution data, the measured environment data and/or the measured environmental data to at least one instance of a block chain of the distributed block chain network (500, 600, BCN), in particular using position data and/or movement data of the vehicle.

32. The method of claim 30 or 31, comprising:

- Determination of a respective position of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), typically with a GPS module of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40), and / or a respective time when measuring the environmental data and / or environmental data takes place;

- Receiving input data for the cryptographic task with the radio module (13) of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40);

- Transmission of the input data via the control computer (18, 28, 38, 48) to the computing unit (15, 25, 35) of the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40); and or

- Calculation of a hash value of the input data by the computing unit (15, 25, 35) using a cryptographic hash function.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the method is carried out while the vehicle (10, 20, 30, 40) is traveling.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, comprising:

- Receiving selection data for the computing unit (15, 25, 35) with the radio module (13); and

- Use the selection data to select the cryptographic hash function before calculating the hash value of the input data.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, comprising:

- Receiving configuration data for the computing unit (15, 25, 35) by means of the radio module (13); and

- Using the configuration data to reprogram the arithmetic unit (15, 25, 35).