Supply medium exchange system for mobile units

Abstract

Provided are embodiments of a supply medium exchange system. The system includes at least one supply medium exchange station having at least one supply medium exchange interface. It is configured to exchange a supply medium with at least one mobile unit including at least one supply medium storage and at least one first peer-to-peer module assigned to the mobile unit. It is also configured to communicate with at least one peer-to-peer application of at least one peer-to-peer network. The first peer-to-peer module is configured to cause a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application.

Claims

1. A supply medium exchange system, comprising: at least one supply medium exchange station comprising at least one supply medium exchange interface configured to exchange a supply medium with at least one mobile unit comprising at least one supply medium storage, wherein the supply medium is electricity, gas, or fuel, wherein the mobile unit is a vehicle, and at least one first peer-to-peer module assigned to the mobile unit and configured to communicate with at least one peer-to-peer application of at least one peer-to-peer network, wherein the peer-to-peer network comprises a plurality of nodes, wherein the same peer-to-peer application is implemented on each node, wherein the first peer-to-peer module is configured to cause a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application, wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to generate the supply medium exchange release message after a positive verification check of the first peer-to-peer module performed by means of the peer-to-peer application and by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a decentral register readable by all participants, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises at least one reputation store and/or is configured to access at least one reputation store, wherein the reputation store comprises at least one of the peer-to-peer identification of at least one mobile unit and/or the peer-to-peer identification of at least one supply medium charging station together with a reputation factor, and wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to update the at least one reputation factor based on a validation result.

2. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the supply medium exchange system comprises at least one second peer-to-peer module assigned to the supply medium exchange station, wherein the second peer-to-peer module is configured to receive the supply medium exchange release message from the peer-to-peer application, and wherein the second peer-to-peer module is configured to cause the release of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station based on the received supply medium exchange release message.

3. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein in order to cause the generation of a supply medium exchange release message the first peer-to-peer module is configured to transmit a supply medium exchange request message to the peer-to-peer application, wherein the supply medium exchange request message comprises at least a peer-to-peer identification assigned to the mobile unit and/or a peer-to-peer identification assigned to the supply medium exchange station.

4. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the first peer-to-peer module is configured to cause a registration of the mobile unit in the peer-to-peer application by transmitting a registering message comprising at least an identification assigned to the mobile unit, and/or the second peer-to-peer module is configured to cause a registration of the supply medium exchange station in the peer-to-peer application by transmitting a registering message comprising at least an identification assigned to the supply medium exchange station.

5. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station are configured to establish a communication connection between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station for exchanging information data, wherein at least one of the first peer-to-peer module and the second peer-to-peer module is configured to transmit the exchanged information data to the peer-to-peer application.

6. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the supply medium exchange station and the mobile unit comprises at least one meter configured to measure the exchanged amount of the supply medium between the supply medium exchange station and the mobile unit, and at least one of the first peer-to-peer module and second peer-to-peer module is configured to transmit the measured amount of the supply medium to the peer-to-peer application.

7. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the supply medium exchange system comprises at least one mobile communication unit comprising at least one of the first peer-to-peer module and the second peer-to-peer module, and wherein the mobile communication unit comprises at least one first nearfield communication module configured to communicate with at least one second nearfield communication module of at least one of the supply medium exchange station and the mobile unit.

8. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein each computer node in the peer-to-peer network comprises at least a part of the peer-to-peer application.

9. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message.

10. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a block chain or a decentral ledger comprising at least two blocks connected to one another.

11. The supply medium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the computer nodes and/or participants of the peer-to-peer network are configured to validate at least one message received and/or generated by the peer-to-peer application.

12. A supply medium exchange station, comprising: at least one supply medium exchange interface configured to exchange a supply medium with at least one mobile unit comprising at least one supply medium storage, wherein the supply medium is electricity, gas, or fuel, wherein the mobile unit is a vehicle, at least one second peer-to-peer module assigned to the supply medium exchange station, wherein the second peer-to-peer module is configured to receive the supply medium exchange release message from the peer-to-peer application, and wherein the second peer-to-peer module is configured to cause the release of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station based on the received supply medium exchange release message, such that the supply medium exchange release message is generated after a positive verification check of the first peer-to-peer module performed by means of the peer-to-peer application and by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a decentral register readable by all participants, wherein the peer-to-peer network comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein the same peer-to-peer application is implemented on each node, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message, and wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises at least one reputation store and/or is configured to access at least one reputation store, wherein the reputation store comprises at least one of the peer-to-peer identification of at least one mobile unit and/or the peer-to-peer identification of at least one supply medium charging station together with a reputation factor, and wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to update the at least one reputation factor based on a validation result.

13. A first peer-to-peer module assigned to a mobile unit in form of a vehicle, wherein the first peer-to-peer module is configured to: communicate with a peer-to-peer application of a peer-to-peer network, and cause a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and a supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application, such that the supply medium exchange release message is generated after a positive verification check of the first peer-to-peer module performed by means of the peer-to-peer application and by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network, wherein the supply medium is electricity, gas, or fuel, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a decentral register readable by all-participants, wherein the peer-to-peer network comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein the same peer-to-peer application is implemented on each node, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message, and wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises at least one reputation store and/or is configured to access at least one reputation store, wherein the reputation store comprises at least one of the peer-to-peer identification of at least one mobile unit and/or the peer-to-peer identification of at least one supply medium charging station together with a reputation factor, and wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to update the at least one reputation factor based on a validation result.

14. A supply medium transmission connection in the form of a charging cable, comprising: a first supply medium port corresponding to a supply medium exchange interface of a mobile unit in form of a vehicle, a further supply medium port corresponding to a supply medium exchange interface of a supply medium exchange station, wherein the first supply medium port and the further supply medium port are connected by a supply medium channel configured to transmit a supply medium in form of electricity, at least one first peer-to-peer module assigned to the mobile unit and configured to communicate with at least one peer-to-peer application of at least one peer-to-peer network, wherein the first peer-to-peer module is configured to cause a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application, such that the supply medium exchange release message is generated after a positive verification check of the first peer-to-peer module performed by means of the peer-to-peer application and by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a decentral register readable by all participants, wherein the peer-to-peer network comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein the same peer-to-peer application is implemented on each node, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message, and wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises at least one reputation store and/or is configured to access at least one reputation store, wherein the reputation store comprises at least one of the peer-to-peer identification of at least one mobile unit and/or the peer-to-peer identification of at least one supply medium charging station together with a reputation factor, and wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to update the at least one reputation factor based on a validation result.

15. A method, comprising causing, by a first peer-to-peer module, a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between a mobile unit and a supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application, wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to generate the supply medium exchange release message after a positive verification check of the first peer-to-peer module performed by means of the peer-to-peer application and by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network, wherein the mobile unit is a vehicle, wherein the supply medium is electricity, gas, or fuel, wherein the peer-to-peer application is a decentral register readable by all participants, wherein the peer-to-peer network comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein the same peer-to-peer application is implemented on each node, wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means, wherein at least one means of the encryption means and/or signature means and/or verification means is configured to store at least a supply medium exchange release message, and wherein the peer-to-peer application comprises at least one reputation store and/or is configured to access at least one reputation store, wherein the reputation store comprises at least one of the peer-to-peer identification of at least one mobile unit and/or the peer-to-peer identification of at least one supply medium charging station together with a reputation factor, and wherein the peer-to-peer application is configured to update the at least one reputation factor based on a validation result.

16. The supply medium exchange system of claim 1, wherein the supply medium storage is an electrical battery, a fuel cell, a gas tank, a biomass storage, or a fuel tank for liquid or solid fuel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) In the figures show:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to prior art,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention,

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention,

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a peer-to-peer application according to the present invention,

(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a supply medium exchange system according to the present invention, and

(10) FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Like reference numerals in different figures indicate like elements.

(12) FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a supply medium exchange system 200 according to the present invention. The supply medium exchange system 200 is configured to enable an exchange of a supply medium between at least one supply medium exchange station 202 and at least one mobile unit 204 having at least one supply medium storage 206. It shall be understood that in general a supply medium exchange system 200 may comprise a plurality of supply medium exchange stations wherein each of those may be configured to exchange supply medium with one or more mobile units.

(13) Examples of supply media which are not exhaustive are electrical current or electrical power, gaseous media, such as natural gas or a similar (combustible) gas, biomass and solid or liquid fuel. The supply medium exchange system 200 may be configured to enable the exchange of at least one supply medium type.

(14) In order to exchange supply medium, the at least one supply medium exchange station 202 comprises at least one supply medium exchange interface 214 configured to exchange the supply medium. The supply medium exchange interface 214 may be an unidirectional interface 214 or a bidirectional interface 214. For instance, the supply medium exchange interface 214 may be an electrical interface 214 configured to dispense and/or receive electrical power and current, respectively. In another example the supply medium exchange interface 214 may be a gas or fuel dispenser 214.

(15) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the supply medium exchange interface 214 is connectable with at least one supply medium device 218 configured to provide supply medium to the supply medium exchange station 202 and/or to receive supply medium from the supply medium exchange station 202. Preferably, the supply medium device 218 may be a supply medium storage 218, such as a supply medium tank 218, or a supply channel network 218. A supply channel network 218 may at least comprise a physical, grid-based supply channel, such as an electrical line, preferably a plurality of electrical energy lines, or at least one fluid line, e.g. in the form of a pipeline.

(16) Via a connector 216 and a supply medium exchange controller 220, at least an unidirectional supply medium connection between the supply medium exchange interface 214 and the supply medium device 218 can be created. Preferably, the connection may be a bidirectional connection.

(17) The mobile unit 204 may be any mobile unit 204 comprising at least one supply medium storage 206. Preferred examples of mobile units 204 are vehicles, such as cars, trucks, ships, railway vehicles, planes, bicycles, drones, mobile machines, etc. Such a vehicle 204 may be an autonomously operated vehicle 204.

(18) In order to exchange supply medium with a supply medium exchange station 202, the mobile unit 204 comprises at least one (unidirectional or bidirectional) supply medium exchange interface 210. According to one embodiment, the supply medium exchange interface 210 corresponds to the supply medium exchange interface 214 such that a supply medium can be wirelessly exchanged. In another example, a wired supply medium transmission connection 208, such as an electrical cable 208 or a fluid line 208, may be used to transmit the supply medium from the supply medium exchange station 202 to the mobile unit 204 and/or from the mobile unit 204 to the supply medium exchange station 202.

(19) A substantial difference compared with prior art systems, such as the system 100 according to FIG. 1, is that no central instance is provided. At least one of the mobile unit 204 and the supply medium exchange station 202 may be configured to communicate with a peer-to-peer network 248 or a computer-computer network 248. The peer-to-peer network 248 comprises a plurality of nodes 240, 244, 245 or computers 240, 244, 245. It shall be noted that according to other variants also the item 242 may be a node of the peer-to-peer network 248A peer-to-peer network 248 is characterized in the present case in that each node 240, 244, 245 is preferably connected to every other node 240, 244, 245 of the peer-to-peer network 248. In addition, the computers 240, 244, 245 have equal rights, something which distinguishes them from a server-client structure.

(20) The depicted nodes 240, 244, 245 (each) comprise a peer-to-peer application 246. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the same peer-to-peer application 246 is implemented on each node 240, 244, 245. The peer-to-peer application 246 may preferably be a (public) register 246 that can, in particular, be inspected by all participants 240, 242 244, 245 (not only the nodes) of the peer-to-peer network 246. Each node 240, 244, 245 preferably has the (entire) register 246. It may also be envisaged that only part of the register 246 can be provided on a node (light node which does not comprise the full register). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peer-to-peer application 246 may be a block chain 246.

(21) In order to initiate a supply medium exchange process between the mobile unit 204 and the supply medium exchange station 202, an authentication process can be conducted by means of the peer-to-peer application 246. The authentication process can be initiated by a first peer-to-peer module 242 assigned to the mobile unit 204.

(22) The first peer-to-peer module 242 is configured to communicate at least with the peer-to-peer network 248, i.e. the nodes 240, 244, 245. In other words, the peer-to-peer module 242 or the entity 204 corresponding to this peer-to-peer module 242 is at least a participant 242 of the peer-to-peer network 248. In this case, all participants of the peer-to-peer network 248 are preferably known to each participant of the peer-to-peer network 248.

(23) In the present case, a second peer-to-peer module 240 assigned to the supply medium exchange station is a node 240 or computer 240 in the peer-to-peer network 222. Hence, the peer-to-peer module 240 likewise comprises the peer-to-peer application 246. The first peer-to-peer module 242 (only) comprises a decentral application and an API in order to communicate with the peer-to-peer application 248.

(24) The peer-to-peer application 246 is configured to cause the generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit 204 and the supply medium exchange station 202 by means of the peer-to-peer application 248. In particular, in order to cause the generation of a supply medium exchange release message the first peer-to-peer module 242 transmits the peer-to-peer identification of the mobile unit 204 and preferably the peer-to-peer identification of the supply medium exchange station 202 to the peer-to-peer application 246.

(25) Then at least a part of the peers or node computers 240, 244, 245 check or verify whether an exchange of supply medium is allowed between the mobile unit 204 and the supply medium exchange station 202. For instance, it is checked whether the at least one identification received by the peer-to-peer application 246 corresponds to the identification of an entity 202, 204 registered in the peer-to-peer application (e.g. as an asset).

(26) In the case this authorization process is negative the exchange of supply medium will be prohibited. In the case of a positive result the peer-to-peer application 246 generates a supply medium exchange release message. This message is readable or receivable, respectively, by the second peer-to-peer module 246. The second peer-to-peer module 246 then causes the release of an exchange of a supply medium. For instance, the second peer-to-peer module 246 transmits a release signal to a supply medium controller 220 which releases the exchange e.g. by opening a valve or closing a switch.

(27) Furthermore, prior to release of the supply medium exchange process, a supply medium exchange transaction agreement can be generated between the mobile unit 204 and the supply medium exchange station 202 by means of the peer-to-peer application 246.

(28) In order to cause the generation of a supply medium exchange transaction agreement, the first peer-to-peer module 242 may send a request message to the peer-to-peer application 246. A request message may include the following data:

(29) Quantity specification: amount of supply medium, which is desired or made available by a station/mobile unit

(30) Time indication: future period, at which the desired supply amount is desired or provided

(31) Transaction criterion: criterion that must be met by another station/mobile unit to complete a supply medium transaction agreement about the specified amount and period

(32) Control criterion: criterion that must be met for physical delivery (e.g. AC or DC, maximum load current)

(33) It shall be understood that other transaction criteria can be defined. More information can be, for example, a time stamp, a signature of the sender of the message, a message ID of the transaction and other criteria, such as an indication of the desired production or consumption type, meter status information, required reputation factor, price and/or tariff table, etc. In addition, information about the technical status or malfunctions can be displayed.

(34) The second peer-to-peer module 240 may send an acceptance message. An acceptance message may comprise identical or at least similar data details as compared with a request message. Additionally, the acceptance message can comprise a reference indication to the previous request message, such as the ID of the request message. For example, it can be listed in an acceptance message in relation to a request message that a certain and desired amount of supply medium can be delivered for the future period in accordance with the transaction criterion. Furthermore, the acceptance message can indicate that the desired reputation factor can be fulfilled. The amount may be a sub-amount of the requested quantity. The specified time may also be a part-time or sub-time. It can also be given a lower/higher transaction criterion.

(35) If an acceptance message includes only a sub-quantity of the requested quantity, a part-time indication and/or a lower, higher or other transaction criterion, the acceptance message can be called a counter-offer message. This can be accepted by the first entity through an acceptance message. Based on this, the entity, e.g. the peer-to-peer module, may cause the generation of a supply medium exchange transaction agreement.

(36) In particular, there can be multiple request messages and/or accepting messages and/or messages comprising a delivered/consumed quantity parameter of a supply medium of a particular period. Each mobile unit and/or supply medium exchange station can give guidelines, according to which at least one supply medium transaction agreement can be generated. The peer-to-peer application 246 may be configured to generate, based on the messages of a peer-to-peer module, a supply medium exchange transaction agreement. Such an agreement may include a supply medium exchange release message.

(37) A supply medium transaction agreement may be stored within a smart contract in a block. A smart contract may comprise computer program code. In the supply medium transaction agreement, in particular, the exchange or the delivery or receipt of a certain amount of supply medium for a certain time period and/or a transaction criterion as a given price, can be agreed between a first entity comprising a meter and another entity comprising a meter. For example, the first peer-to-peer module can cause the other peer-to-peer module by means of the peer-to-peer application 246 to generate an agreement that the first supply medium exchange station supplies a certain amount X of electrical power for a period T.sub.x(X kW/T.sub.xh) to the mobile unit via supply medium connection 208.

(38) For a better illustration, the following embodiments relate to a supply medium exchange system in the form of an electrical supply medium exchange system. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the following description can be transferred to other supply medium exchange systems, such as gas exchange systems or fuel exchange systems.

(39) FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a supply medium exchange system 300. The present supply medium exchange system 300 comprises a supply medium exchange station 302 in form of an electrical charging station 302. The charging station 302 is configured to charge an electrically operated vehicle 302, like an electric car, electric bicycle, drone, water vehicle, etc.

(40) The charging station 302 comprises a connector 316 which provides a connection to an electrical grid 318, such as a public or private grid 318. Furthermore, a load or charging controller 320, an optional meter 322 and a supply medium exchange interface 314 in the form of a charging interface 314 are provided. The charging interface 314 may be a socket configured to receive a port of a charging cable 308. Via the charging cable 308, electrical current can be exchanged between the charging station 302 and the mobile unit 304.

(41) In order to enable the electrical connection to the charging station 302, the mobile unit 304 comprises a charging interface 310. Furthermore, the mobile unit 304 comprises an optional meter 352, a charging controller 350 and an electrical storage 306 in form of a battery 306.

(42) As can be further seen from the FIG. 3 both the charging station 302 and the mobile unit 304 comprise a respective peer-to-peer module 340 and 342. Each of the peer-to-peer modules 340, 342 is configured to communicate with a (not shown) peer-to-peer application of a peer-to-peer network 348. As described above, at least one of the peer-to-peer modules 340, 342 may be a node of the peer-to-peer network 348. The peer-to-peer modules may be (alternatively) connected via at least one gateway to nodes in the peer-to-peer network.

(43) In order to become at least a participant of the peer-to-peer network 348, it may be necessary that an entity, such as the mobile unit 304 and/or the charging station 302, has to perform a registration process with the peer-to-peer application.

(44) In a registration process, at least part of the nodes checks and verifies, respectively, whether e.g. the mobile unit 304 can be trusted. For instance, it can be checked whether the user of the mobile unit 304 has at least a particular amount of cryptocurrency (or a fiat currency). A peer-to-peer identification can be assigned to the mobile unit 304 and the first peer-to-peer module 342 assigned to the mobile unit 304, respectively. The peer-to-peer identification is preferably a unique identification. Furthermore, a reputation factor can be assigned to the identification. The reputation factor is preferably updatable based on future transactions and validations results of these transactions, respectively. Reputation factors can be stored on the block chain and/or in a (decentral) file storage. In addition, technical details about the mobile unit 304 can be saved in the peer-to-peer application, such as a battery type of the mobile unit 304, the maximum capacity of the battery, the maximum and/or minimum charging current, the required charging cable, voltage ranges, whether there exist the possibility to wirelessly exchange electrical power, etc. In a similar manner a charging station 302 can be registered.

(45) As explained above, in order to initiate a charging process, the first peer-to-peer module 342 transmits a charging request message to the peer-to-peer application. In a preferred embodiment prior to the charging process the charging cable 308 can be connected to the respective charging interface 310, 314. The charging cable 308 may be configured to provide a communication connection between the mobile unit 304 and the charging station 302. For instance, at least the peer-to-peer identification of the charging station 302 can be transmitted to the first peer-to-peer module 342 via this communication connection. Further data can be exchanged via the communication connection of the charging cable 308.

(46) Then the first peer-to-peer module 342 transmits a charging request comprising the peer-to-peer identification of the mobile unit 304 and the peer-to-peer identification of the charging station 302 to be used by the mobile unit 304 to the peer-to-peer application. At least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network 348 validates whether the mobile unit 304 is allowed to exchange electrical current with this charging station 302. Furthermore, as described hereinbefore, the mobile unit 304 and the charging station 302 can cause the generation of a supply medium exchange transaction agreement. Then, the electrical current can be exchanged between the mobile unit 304 and the charging station 302.

(47) FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an electrical supply medium exchange system 400 of the present invention. In order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment of FIG. 4 and the embodiment of FIG. 3 are subsequently described.

(48) In contrast to the previous embodiment, the second peer-to-peer module 440.3 assigned to the charging station 402 is included in a mobile communication unit 456.

(49) In a preferred further embodiment, the first peer-to-peer module 442 assigned to the mobile unit 404 may be additionally or alternatively provided within the mobile communication unit 456. In other words, the functioning of the first peer-to-peer module 442 can also be moved into a separate device, such as the mobile communication unit 456. Hence, the mobile unit 404 itself must not comprise a peer-to-peer module.

(50) More particularly, the charging station 402 comprises a connector 416, a charging controller 420, a charging interface 414 and a nearfield communication module 440.1. The nearfield communication module 440.1 is adapted to communicate with the mobile communication unit 456 via a nearfield 441.

(51) The nearfield 441 can be a nearfield 441 in accordance with the NFC standard, the Bluetooth standard, the ZigBee standard, the RFID standard or other wireless standards for the short distance radio communication preferably in the centimeter range.

(52) The mobile communication unit 456 may be a smartphone, a laptop, a smart watch, etc. An exemplified and not exhaustive mobile communication unit 456 may comprise a (touch)screen, and optionally a keyboard. In the mobile communication unit 456 a processor and a communication device for communication over a wide area network connection 443 via an antenna can be provided. The processor may be connected with a nearfield communication module 440.2 and can establish communication via the nearfield 441. The processor may run the peer-to-peer module 440.3 which may be a software module. In a preferred embodiment, the peer-to-peer module 441.3 is formed by a specific decentral application, an API and the peer-to-peer application.

(53) The wide area network connection 443 may be a cellular connection 443. The cellular connection 443 can be formed according to a mobile radio standard, in particular GSM, GPRS, Edge, LTE, CDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA-2000. On the other hand, it is also possible that instead of the cellular connection 443 a wireless network connection can be established, in particular a WLAN connection between the mobile communication unit 456 and the wide area network 443.

(54) As described hereinbefore, the first peer-to-peer module 442 of the mobile unit 404 may cause the peer-to-peer application to generate a charging release message for the charging station 402. The charging release message comprising the unique peer-to-peer identification of the charging station 402 can be read or received by the second peer-to-peer module 440.3 e.g. via the wide area network connection 443. The charging release message or its release information comprising the unique peer-to-peer identification of the charging station 402 can be forwarded to the nearfield communication module 440.2.

(55) In order to transmit the charging release message from the mobile communication unit 456 to the charging station 402, the user has to put the mobile communication unit 456 into the range of the nearfield communication module 440.1. For instance, in order to detect a mobile communication module 456, the nearfield communication module 440.1 can send out an interrogation signal. This may take place in preferably regularly intervals. For example, it is possible that in intervals of 1, 5 or 10 seconds, the interrogation signal can be sent out. It is also possible that an interrogation signal is emitted, for example, from the mobile communication unit 456.

(56) For this reason it is also possible that the communication unit 440.1 preferably permanently monitors the nearfield 441 and the reception of an interrogation signal can be detected. Upon receipt of an interrogation signal a nearfield communication is set up between the communication module 440.1 and the communication module 440.2.

(57) The communication module 440.1 is, in particular, configured to receive a charging release message and signal, respectively, from the communication module 440.2 of the mobile communication unit 456.

(58) Then a respective negotiation can be forwarded to the charging controller 420 from the communication module 440.1. In response to the receipt of this negotiation, an electrical connection between the connector 416 and the charging interface 414 can be established by the charging controller 420.

(59) Preferably, the charging release message may comprise additional information, such as the peer-to-peer application of the charging station 402, a previously described time indication and/or a previously described quantity specification. Preferably, at first, e.g. the charging controller 420 can check the received identification. Then, in accordance with the received time indication and/or quantity specification, the charging controller 420 can control the delivery or reception of electrical current.

(60) As described hereinbefore, it shall be understood that according to other variants of the present invention, the first peer-to-peer module 442 assigned to the mobile unit 404 may be additionally or alternatively provided within the mobile communication unit 456. In this case, the peer-to-peer module 442 may be configured to create a (secure) connection with a (not shown) meter of mobile unit. In one embodiment, the mobile communication unit 456 may comprise both peer-to-peer modules 442, 440.3 e.g. each in form of a (separate) software module, as described hereinbefore.

(61) FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an electrical supply medium exchange system 500 of the present invention. In order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment of FIG. 5 and the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 are subsequently described.

(62) In contrast to the previous embodiments, the charging station 502 is formed by a building 502, which can comprise a private household or be formed by a charging socket next to a private parking space. For instance, the owner of the building 502 can offer that mobile units 504 can use an electrical charging interface 514, such as a socket 514, of the building 502. In other words, a user can sell supply medium to users of mobile units 504. Each of users or their respective peer-to-peer modules 542, 540 may be at least participants of the peer-to-peer network 548.

(63) As can be further seen, the building 502 has an own supply medium producer 560 in form of a photovoltaic device 560. It shall be understood that alternatively or additionally other electrical generators, like a micro-CHP (combined heat and power), (small) wind turbines, etc., can be provided.

(64) Preferably, the peer-to-peer module 540 may be arranged in the control cabinet 558 of the building 502. The peer-to-peer module 540 may be additionally configured to control the delivery/reception of electrical current via the charging interface 514. In the shown embodiment, a controller 520 is provided. Further, in the present example two meters 522 are provided in order to separately measure the respective power flow.

(65) Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a supply medium transmission connection 508 according to the present invention. The present supply medium transmission connection 508 is a charging cable 508. The charging cable 508 comprises a first supply medium port 559.2 corresponding to a supply medium exchange interface 510 of a mobile unit 504 and a further supply medium port 559.1 corresponding to the supply medium exchange interface 514 of the supply medium exchange station 502. The ports 559.1, 559.2 are connected by a power line 509.

(66) In the present embodiment, the first peer-to-peer module 542 assigned to the mobile unit 504 is a part of the supply medium transmission connection 508. For instance, in order to avoid the integration of the first peer-to-peer module 542 in the mobile unit 504, the first peer-to-peer module 542 can be integrated in the charging cable 508. The particular advantage is that a mobile unit 504 which does not (originally) comprise a peer-to-peer module, can be easily updated by using a cable 508 comprising the first peer-to-peer module 542. Preferably, the peer-to-peer module 542 may also comprise a meter 522.

(67) The first peer-to-peer module 542 is configured to cause a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit 504 and the supply medium exchange station 502 by means of the peer-to-peer application, as described hereinbefore.

(68) FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of an electrical supply medium exchange system 600 of the present invention. In order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment of FIG. 6 and the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are subsequently described.

(69) In contrast to the previous embodiments, the supply medium exchange station 602 comprises a central controlling module 664 and three supply medium exchange substations 602.1 to 602.3. As can be seen from FIG. 6, each of the substations 602.1 to 602.3 comprises a supply medium exchange interface 641.1 to 614.3, a sub-controller 620.1 to 620.3, a meter 622.2 to 622.3 and a connector 616.1 to 616.3 to the electrical grid 618. Moreover, separate parking spaces 668.1 to 668.3 are assigned to the respective substations 602.1 to 602.3.

(70) In a preferred embodiment, each parking space 668.1 to 668.3 can be provided with a (not shown) access device. For instance, the access device can comprise a gate and a reading device (e.g. RFID reader or the like) which can be connectable e.g. to the second peer-to-peer module 640 or comprises an additional peer-to-peer module.

(71) In addition, the mobile unit 604 may comprise a coding unit 667 (e.g. a RFID tag). It shall be understood that the coding unit 667 can be (uniquely) assigned to the mobile unit 604 and e.g. comprised by a mobile communication unit of the user of the mobile unit 604. In the coding unit 667, preferably, the peer-to-peer identification of the mobile unit 604 can be stored. It is also possible that the coding unit 667 comprises a peer-to-peer module.

(72) In order to enter or access a parking space, the reader of the access device can read out at least said identification from the coding unit 667. The identification can be sent to the peer-to-peer application of the peer-to-peer network 648 for verification. In the case, at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network 648 validates the received identification the peer-to-peer application and can generate an access message. After receipt of the access message e.g. via the second peer-to-peer module 640 the access device can cause the gate to open. Then the mobile unit 604 can enter the respective parking space 668.1 to 668.3.

(73) In this embodiment (but also in each of the other embodiments) a supply medium station and/or at least one supply medium exchange substation comprises a (not shown) coding device. The function of the coding device will be explained in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 6. A coding device may by a QR Code, a RFID tag/reader, and or other near-field communication devices. Preferably each of supply medium exchange substations 602.1 to 602.3 may have such a device. By reading the coding device the mobile unit 604 can authorize itself via the block chain at the correct supply medium exchange substations 602.1 to 602.3. This may be particular important when several mobile units are entering parking space 668.1 to 668.3 at the same time in order to assign the correct mobile units with the respective supply medium exchange substations 602.1 to 602.3.

(74) In case the authorization process is triggered by a supply medium exchange substations 602.1 to 602.3, a scanning unit can scan a QR code of an App or a code from a coding unit 667 of mobile unit 604.

(75) In a further embodiment the system or peer-to-peer application is connected with a mobile phone in order to display battery charging, energy usage, time to full charging and price information to the user of the mobile unit and information about the technical status or malfunctions.

(76) In alternative embodiments, the assignment process can be manually performed (e.g. manually inputting a code).

(77) The first peer-to-peer module 642 may cause the generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit 604 and in particular respective sub-station 602.1 to 602.3 by means of the peer-to-peer application as described hereinbefore. In addition, a supply medium exchange transaction agreement can be generated as described above.

(78) After receipt of a supply medium exchange release message by the second peer-to-peer module 640 assigned to the charging station 602 from the peer-to-peer network 648, the central controller can control the respective sub-controller 620.1 to 620.3 via a communication interface 666.

(79) As can be further seen from FIG. 6, in the present embodiment the electrical power is wirelessly exchanged between the charging interfaces 610 and 614.1 to 614.3.

(80) It shall be understood that the features of the above embodiments can be combined in an arbitrary way.

(81) FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a peer-to-peer application 746 according to the present invention. The peer-to-peer application 746 is a register readable, in particular, by the participants of the peer-to-peer network, such as the first and/or second peer-to-peer network. Thereby, messages can be written and/or read into/from the register by a peer-to-peer module of an entity and/or any other participants in the peer-to-peer network. In a preferred embodiment, the peer-to-peer application 746 may be a block chain 746.

(82) Hereinafter, it is assumed in the following description of the present embodiment that the at least one peer-to-peer application 746 is a block chain 746. However, the following remarks can be easily transferred to other peer-to-peer applications, such as a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG). A directed acyclic graph, such as IOTA or Tangle, means that blocks (or nodes of the graph) are coupled to each other via directed edges. Thereby, direct means that the (all) edges have (always) a same direction similar to time. In other words, it is not possible to step back. Eventually, acyclic means that loops do not exist.

(83) In alternative embodiments of the peer-to-peer application the block chain can be a permissionless or permissioned block chain. In a specific case the block chain can be public, consortium or private block chain.

(84) In a further embodiment, the peer-to-peer application can be formed with multiple block chains which are connected via mechanisms such as side chains.

(85) The block chain 746 is formed by at least one block 770 to 772, preferably by a plurality of interconnected blocks 770 to 772. The first block 770 may also be called genesis block 770. As can be seen, a block 771, 772 (except for the first block 770) refers to each previous block 770, 771. A new block can be created by a computationally intensive process (for example, so called “mining” or through another appropriate process) and will be particularly provided to all participants of the peer-to-peer network.

(86) The present block chain 746 is particularly adapted to receive messages from a peer-to-peer module of a supply medium exchange station or mobile unit, or from another peer-to-peer device of another participant of the peer-to-peer network and to save this message in the block chain 746. Furthermore, the block chain 746 is configured to generate messages e.g. based on a validations process.

(87) In particular, a (newly) received message can be saved and published in the current block 772 of the block chain 746. Due to the configuration of a block chain 746 as a public register 746, the message of a peer-to-peer module of an entity can be read by preferably all participants of the peer-to-peer network.

(88) In the present block chain 746 different types of messages, for example, within a smart contract (algorithm and/or storage at the block chain 746) can be processed and/or stored. By way of example, the message 773 comprises a generated supply medium exchange transaction agreement.

(89) Another message 774 can be a supply medium exchange release request message 774 for releasing a supply medium exchange process. A request message 774 may comprise the peer-to-peer identification of the requesting mobile unit and of the desired supply medium exchange station.

(90) Before generating a supply medium exchange release message 775 at least the received identifications can be verified, as explained above. The verification can include whether reputations factors assigned to the involved entities meet the requirements predefined by the involved entities. For instance, the supply medium exchange can predefine that only mobile units are allowed to use the supply medium exchange station if the reputation factor of the mobile unit is in a predefined admissible reputation factor range. User feedback can be included in the reputation factor as well. User feedback will be captured e.g. via a smartphone application. It shall be understood that also the mobile unit can predefine a respective reputation factor range. It shall be further understood that the reputation factor range can be formed by at least one reputation factor limit. The respective reputation factors can be stored within the block chain 746 and/or a smart contract of the block chain 746 can be configured to access a database comprising the reputation data of preferably all participants of a peer-to-peer network.

(91) The supply medium exchange release message 775 can be a separate message or e.g. part of a supply medium exchange transaction agreement 773. The supply medium exchange transaction agreement 773 may comprise details about the exchange of the supply medium. In one embodiment a time indication and a transaction criterion, such as a particular amount of cryptocurrency to be transferred after a successful exchange of the supply medium from the mobile unit to the supply medium exchange station (or vice versa) (or between the respective users). Preferably, at least a part of the agreed amount of cryptocurrency can be locked by the peer-to-peer application prior to the exchange of the supply medium. A time indication may be sufficient if it is clear which amount of supply medium can be transferred per time unit. Then a meter is not necessary.

(92) In addition, the supply medium exchange transaction agreement 773 can comprise a previously described quantity specification. It shall be understood that other transaction criteria can be defined. Further, more information can be, for example, a time stamp, a signature of the sender of the message, a message ID of the transaction and other criteria.

(93) Furthermore, after a supply medium exchange process, the meter data 776 can be written into the block chain 746. For instance, in the case each of the entity comprises a meter the respective meter data 776 can be written into the block chain 746. Preferably, at least the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station can verify the exchanged amount of supply medium. If a deviation is detected it can be checked which of the meter data is correct and a respective correction can be performed by means of the block chain 748. In addition, the respective reputation factors of the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station can be adapted (e.g. reduced if the result was negative or increased if the result was positive) depending of the verification result.

(94) After an exchange of the supply medium, an agreed transaction criterion transaction 777 can be generated and performed by means of the block chain 746. For instance, an agreed amount of a crypto currency can be transferred from the first mobile to the supply medium exchange station (or vice versa). Also this can be verified by the peer-to-peer network, in particular, the participants of the peer-to-peer network.

(95) In particular, the peer-to-peer application 746 is configured to save the messages 773 to 777 in a tamper-proof manner. This is done essentially by the fact that through the entire peer-to-peer network, for example, an agreement or message or meter data can be verified by the cumulative calculation power of the entire peer-to-peer network.

(96) Preferably, at least the above described messages, such as the agreements and other messages, can be hashed together in pairs in a block of the block chain by a Merkle tree. In particular, only the last hash value, the so-called root hash, is noted as a checksum in the header of a block. Then, the block can be coupled with the previous block. Chaining of the blocks can be performed using this root hashes. Each block can include the hash of the entire previous block header in its header. This makes it possible to clearly define the order of the blocks. In addition, this may also prevent the subsequent modification of previous blocks and the messages stored in the previous blocks, since, in particular, the hashes of all subsequent blocks would have to be recalculated in a short time.

(97) In addition, data feeds can be provided by the peer-to-peer application (so called smart oracles, e.g. information about prices, weather, etc.).

(98) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a supply medium exchange system 800 of the invention. In the present embodiment only nodes and participants 878.1 to 883.2 of the peer-to-peer network 848 are shown. In the present example, it is assumed that all nodes 878.1 to 883.2 comprise the peer-to-peer application.

(99) The node 878.1 may be a supply medium exchange station and the second peer-to-peer module of the supply medium exchange station, respectively. The node 879.2 may be realized by a peer-to-peer module integrated in a mobile unit. Node 880.2 may be the peer-to-peer module of a supply medium transmission connection. Further node 881.1 may be (smart) electrical consumer, such as an IoT device. Node 882.1 may be realized by a mobile communication unit comprising a peer-to-peer module. The node 883.1 may be integrated in a household or building. Eventually, node 884.2 may be a computer.

(100) As can be seen, two different types of peers or node computers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1 and 879.2, 880.2, 884.2 are presently illustrated. All peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1 and 879.2, 880.2, 884.2 are comprised by the peer-to-peer network 848. In the present embodiment, however, only a part of the peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1 and 879.2, 880.2, 884.2, in the present case, the peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1, check the validity of the data stored in the peer-to-peer application messages, such as the meter data, request messages, identification data and/or supply medium exchange transaction agreements. Furthermore, only a part of the entire peers can be configured to store the peer-to-peer application and/or only a part of the peers can be configured to execute the algorithms of a smart contract. Since the validation/verification of e.g. identification data requires a considerable computational effort, it may be advantageous for reasons of efficiency, if only a part of the peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1, especially particularly powerful peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1, perform the validation and/or optimization algorithms taking more complex pricing or the state of the supply system network into consideration (e.g. mobile units putting back a supply medium into the network via the charging station). Validation and optimization can be done on-chain or off-chain. Off-chain validation can be managed by the peer-to-peer application, like the code on the block chain. Powerful means in particular a high computing power. In other words, in the present case a valid entry in the peer-to-peer application, such as a block chain, is assumed if (only) a part of the peers 878.1, 881.1, 882.1, 883.1 comes to a positive result. It shall be understood that only a single, especially particularly powerful peer can perform the validation process.

(101) Similarly, in an alternative (not shown) embodiment a particularly large peer-to-peer network may be divided in two or more clusters. In a corresponding peer-to-peer network, for example, a validation will only be carried out by the members of one cluster. In a further embodiment the peer-to-peer application can be formed using multiple block chains. These block chains are connected via frameworks such as sidechains.

(102) In the following, an exemplified method according to the present invention for initiating a charging process is described. FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. It shall be understood that the order of the steps may be varied and that at least some of the steps are optional steps.

(103) Furthermore, the method will be explained by means of an electrical supply medium exchange system enabling the charging of a vehicle of a user by a charging station. In particular, in the case of an autonomous vehicle, the subsequently described steps can be automatically performed by the autonomous vehicle.

(104) In a first step 901, a user who desires to charge the vehicle of the user may search for a suitable charging station. By means of the first peer-to-peer module assigned to the vehicle (and user, respectively) the peer-to-peer identification of the vehicle and preferably the current position (e.g. GPS coordinates) of the vehicle can be transmitted to the peer-to-peer application. The peer-to-peer application and a respective code of the peer-to-peer application may be configured to determine one or more potential charging stations depending on the received identification and preferably of the location data of the vehicle and/or user context (e.g. preference how the user wants to spend the time while charging; or maximum available time for charging and a selection which charging stations can provide high load currents to meet the time constraint). This means that charging stations within a predifinable radius (e.g. x km) of the location of the vehicle and charging stations which are permitted to be used by said vehicle (depending on the peer-to-peer ID of the vehicle) can be determined. In addition, also the reputation factors and/or predefined preferences of the user of the vehicle or vehicle itself can be taken into account. This information can be read out by the first peer-to-peer module. The respective information can be provided to the user e.g. via a display, like a display of the vehicle or of a mobile communication unit. For instance, a map comprising the determined available charging stations provided with reputation data can be displayed.

(105) In the next step 902, the charging station selected by the user can be reserved. In particular, the first peer-to-peer module can send a reservation request comprising the peer-to-peer identification of the charging station, the peer-to-peer identification of the mobile unit and e.g. the time period to be reserved to the peer-to-peer application.

(106) By means of a code of a smart contract, the reservation request is analyzed by the peer-to-peer application and a respective reservation message is generated (step 903). The respective reservation message can be read by the second peer-to-peer module assigned to the selected charging station. The reservation can be confirmed by the second peer-to-peer module.

(107) After the successful reservation of a charging station, the peer-to-peer application can generate a respective notification readable by the first peer-to-peer module. Otherwise, the peer-to-peer module can be informed that the reservation failed. Then the method can be continued with step 901.

(108) After the vehicle has arrived at the charging station, in step 904 the first peer-to-peer module causes a generation of a supply medium exchange release message for releasing of the exchange of the supply medium between the mobile unit and the supply medium exchange station by means of the peer-to-peer application. Optionally, as described above, an access process can be conducted by means of the peer-to-peer application, access device and coding unit prior to step 904.

(109) Preferably, the first peer-to-peer module sends a respective request comprising at least the peer-to-peer identification of the vehicle and the selected charging station. In addition, in particular in order to cause the generation of a supply medium exchange transaction agreement comprising the generation of a supply medium exchange release message, further data, such as desired amount of electrical power, technical details of the vehicle (may also be known from the peer-to-peer application), a transaction criterion (e.g. an amount of cryptocurrency for the purchase of the desired amount of electrical power), control criterion, prices/tariff tables, etc. can be transmitted to the peer-to-peer application. By means of the processing power of at least a part of the nodes and the respective code of the peer-to-peer application, the identifications are verified. Furthermore, the charging station may send an acceptance message. Then, a respective supply medium exchange transaction agreement can be generated by the peer-to-peer application.

(110) This may result in the generation of a release message readable by the second peer-to-peer module (step 905). The second peer-to-peer module may forward the release information to a charging controller which creates an electrical connection such that the electrical power can be exchanged. By way of example, according to the agreed amount of electrical power, electrical power can be transferred from the charging station to the vehicle (or vice versa).

(111) During the charging process the system or peer-to-peer application may be connected with a mobile phone (of the user of the mobile vehicle) in order to display e.g. battery charging, energy usage, time to full charging and price information and information about the technical status or malfunctions.

(112) After the termination of the charging process, meter data measured by the meter of the charging station and/or meter data measured by the meter of the vehicle can be transmitted in step 906 to the peer-to-peer application. The meter data can be checked on-chain and/or off-chain (step 907). For instance, a network operator announces the actually measured meter values subsequently, for example once a month, week, etc., based on the meter data and makes an adjustment from this to the supply medium quantity actually exchanged in respect of the quantities measured in the peer-to-peer application. This adjustment may also be offset by means of the peer-to-peer application and, for example, between the entities.

(113) The result of the check can be used in step 908 to adapt the reputation factors of the vehicle (and vehicle's user, respectively) and the charging station by means of the peer-to-peer application. In addition, further feedback data provided by the vehicle (and vehicle's user, respectively) and the charging station by means of the respective peer-to-peer modules can be taken into account.

(114) Eventually, in step 909 a billing process can be conducted. It can be checked in each case by means of the peer-to-peer application, whether the supply medium quantity was exchanged in accordance with the supply medium transaction agreement between the vehicle and the charging station. For example, the amounts of power measured by the respective meters of the entities can be reviewed and/validated by at least a part of the peers of the peer-to-peer network. For instance, it can be checked whether the delivered and received power correspond to the agreed amount of power in the supply medium transaction agreement (this may be already performed in step 907).

(115) Depending on the check result, the vehicle can transfer the entire (or only a part) of the agreed price in the form of crypto money. The charging station receives the transferred crypto money. This shall be carried out in accordance with previous statements by the peer-to-peer application, in particular, in a tamper-proof manner. Especially, a plausibility test as described above can be carried out by at least a portion of the peers. It shall be understood that also the billing process can be taken into account by adapting a reputation factor.

(116) Preferably, the entire peer-to-peer network can check by cumulative processing power, whether the measured power amounts are correct and/or the transfer has been carried out correctly, for example whether the first entity was in fact the owner of the crypto money or the like.

(117) Generally, the present system has the ability to validate individual data by nodes in the peer-to-peer network which is the basis for a “trustless” model. No trust in a central authority is needed. Validation and e.g. optimization of the peer-to-peer application or peer-to-peer matching can be done on-chain or off-chain, as described hereinbefore. Off-chain means that the process is controlled by the block chain. The process itself can be performed by other devices, such as servers/cloud. The block chain can check whether e.g. in the case of a validation process a plurality of servers provides a positive result or a negative result.

(118) All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

(119) The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

(120) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.