DECENTRALIZED VOTING USING QUANTUM INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

The invention is a device and methods for decentralized voting. Embodiments of the invention are comprised of three steps. First, users in a decentralized network cast a vote. Second, the votes are aggregated and processed using cloud computing resources and validated using an artificial intelligence program. Third, a second artificial intelligence program iterates over the data, calculating the total votes and recording the results.

Claims

1. A computing device for blockchain vote processing, the computing device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory device, the processor configured to: store, in a database using computing resources, user input data which is input via a user interface; receive vote data using a first artificial intelligence computer program based on the user input data stored in the database; and transform smart contract data using a second artificial intelligence program to store the data in a smart contract in a blockchain structure.

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the first artificial intelligence computer program is a neural network, cleaning data and storing the data in the database.

3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the first artificial intelligence computer program is an embedded intelligence, cleaning data and storing the data in the database.

4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the blockchain structure is the Algorand Network.

5. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the blockchain structure is a proof-of-stake blockchain.

6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the blockchain structure is a proof-of-work blockchain.

7. A method for voting, the method comprising a decentralized distribution mechanism using a blockchain technology software, receiving votes from voters, flowing through a quantum secure protocol, securing a network and moving the data to an artificial intelligence computer program, aggregating data from all voters, recording the results, and reporting the results to the voters through a voter interface.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the artificial intelligence computer program is a neural network, aggregating data from all voters via cloud computing resources, providing access to a quantum computer.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the artificial intelligence computer program is an embedded intelligence, aggregating data from all voters via cloud computing resources, providing access to a quantum computer.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the quantum secure protocol uses an adiabatic quantum computer for processing the votes received from voters.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the quantum secure protocol uses the SHA-512 algorithm to encrypt and secure voter information.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the artificial intelligence computer program integrates a reinforcement learning computer program and a neural network computer program into one software, operating to aggregate data from all voters using cloud computing resources.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the voter interface uses an Algogeneous smart contract, receiving and aggregating the votes according to an artificial intelligence computer program, securing the integrity of the voting process, using an optimized cybersecurity software.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the voter interface uses a smart contract, receiving and aggregating the votes according to logical rules, resulting in the distribution of results, promulgating to the voters through the voter interface.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein the artificial intelligence computer program is an actor-critic neural network, and the quantum secure protocol uses a quantum computer to process votes.

16. A method for decentralized voting using blockchain software, the method performed using a computing device, the method comprising: prompting, by the computing device using a first artificial intelligence program, via an input interface including a plurality of selection options, a voter to vote; allocating, by the computing device, a Choice Coin associated with the voter based on the vote by storing the Choice Coin in a database in associated with one of the plurality of selection options; recording, by the computing device using a second artificial intelligence program, the allocation as a smart contract in a blockchain structure; and generating, by the computing device, a proportional collective choice distribution based at least in part on the Choice Coin being stored in the database in association with one of the plurality of selection options.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first artificial intelligence program is a deep reinforcement learning software including one neural network and one reinforcement learning algorithm.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first artificial intelligence program is a deep reinforcement learning software including two neural networks and one reinforcement learning algorithm.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the second artificial intelligence program includes computer code defining formalized process with rules for processing data stored in the database.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the second artificial intelligence program uses a deep reinforcement learning algorithm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 describes embodiments of the present invention as an information flow model including a voting interface integrated with a quantum secure protocol and an artificial intelligence computer program.

[0028] FIG. 2 describes embodiments of the present invention as an information flow model including where a user purchases Choice Coin software to be used as a voting token.

[0029] FIG. 3 describes embodiments of the present invention as an information flow model by which votes move from various voters to a hardware processor via a cloud interface.

[0030] FIG. 4 describes embodiments of the present invention as information flow model where votes are transferred from votes to the blockchain via a cloud computing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In certain embodiments, a smart contract is a computer program which automatically executes, moving decentralized data and other digital assets which represent votes. Moreover, smart contracts allow for automation and legitimacy to be codified for secure voting. More particularly, smart contracts on the Algorand Network avoid the high fees and mining costs associated with smart contracts developed on other blockchains, allowing the vote to take place without substantial fees. Algorand Smart Contracts (ASCs) are computer programs with various functions on the Algorand Network. The cryptographic code behind ASCs includes several systems and methods encrypted within the Algorand network but may be supplemented with additional security.

[0032] In certain embodiments, Stateless Smart Contracts validate votes among a population or organization. In other words, Stateless Smart Contracts approve the votes, aggregating them in a singular location on the blockchain. On the Algorand network, Stateless Smart Contracts also act as signature delegators, validating smart contracts on the main blockchain network. This validation mechanism may be used to add legitimacy to voting process and prevent fraud, as well as suppression because the entire voting process may be open and secure.

[0033] In certain embodiments, Stateful Smart Contracts control the logic for blockchain voting. The term stateful refers to the contract's ability to store information in a specific state on the network. Stateful Smart Contracts are contracts that live on the chain and are used to store data, such as votes for particular voters. The stateful contract stores voting data on the Algorand network by associating the receiving account and the specified vote in blockchain storage.

[0034] In certain embodiments, Heterogeneous Smart Contracts integrate both stateless smart contract and stateful smart contract functionality into a singular smart contract, which may be deployable in a single script executable. Algogeneous Smart Contracts advance the Heterogeneous Smart Contract architecture by including artificial intelligence computer programs, capturing human knowledge or intuition in the computational process. Both Heterogeneous Smart Contracts and Algogeneous Smart Contracts may be deployed from a command line interface, using various computer software languages such as C++, Python, Teal, or Solidity. One advantage for using heterogeneous smart contracts in the voting process is the simplicity with which the software may deployed, adding scalability to the process for decentralized decisions.

[0035] In certain embodiments, various forms of AI may be integrated within a Heterogeneous Smart Contract, Stateful Smart Contract, or Stateless Smart Contract to process votes. Broadly, and as used herein, AI refers to any computer program replicating the thoughtful processes associated the human mind. Certain types of AI used in various embodiments of the present invention include machine learning, neural networks, embedded intelligence. Machine learning is a process by which programs improve over time and through experience. Neural networks are used for machine learning using matrix multiplication and derivate calculations to learn from data over time. Embedded intelligence is a type of AI that utilizes human knowledge captured in a formal software architecture for decision making.

[0036] In certain embodiments the disclosure utilizes the Fortior Voting Protocol, a simplified voting process designed toward perfecting efficiency. The Protocol may allow organizations to assign votes to participants and governments to assign votes to populations. Voting processes using Choice Coin, a governance token, and the Choice Coin protocol may be open or closed to the members of a particular organization. The decisions or proposals will each have dedicated addresses on the Algorand blockchain with constituent addresses compiling the votes. For example, Votes may be tabulated through stateless smart contracts that send one Choice, the Choice Coin unit, to an address for the decision. Throughout the streamlined process the administrator may stop counting at any time to tabulate the results. The results are computed through a stateful smart contract counting the number of votes.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the Fortior Voting Protocol emphasizes the allocation of proper weight given in decision-making processes. Specifically, an embedded intelligence computer program enters parameters into the stateless smart contract upon successful validation of the voter's identity using a secure key. In such embodiments, the specific parameter is the stake, which is both recorded in the database and entered by the voter for validation. The stateless smart contract then sends a certain number of assets to a decision address, which uses an Algogeneous smart contract to aggregate votes and record results. Choice Coin and the Fortior Voting Protocol will help advance democratic decision making in groups, organizations, and governments.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the disclosed methods include adiabatic quantum computers (AQCs), which are supercomputers harnessing quantum state evolution to perform computation using qubits. For computation, AQCs use the Adiabatic Theorem, which includes two essential elements, the Ising Model, and a traverse magnetic field. The Ising Model is a classic method for statistical mechanics. The Ising Model is defined according to Equation (1).

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}{H}_s\left(s\right)=-\frac{1}{2}{.Math.}_i\Delta \left(s\right){\sigma }_i^x+\epsilon \left(s\right)\left(-{.Math.}_i{h}_i{\sigma }_i^z+{.Math.}_{i<h}{J}_{\mathrm{ij}}{\sigma }_i^z{\sigma }_j^z\right).& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

Here, H.sub.s(s) is the system's energy measurement.

[0039] In certain embodiments of the invention, the Initial Hamiltonian is defined, according to Equation (2).

[00002]$\begin{array}{cc}-\frac{1}{2}{.Math.}_i\Delta \left(s\right){\sigma }_i^x,& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

which is the lowest energy state where all qubits are in a superposition of all states and the Final Hamiltonian is defined according to Equation (3).

ε(s)(−Σ.sub.ih.sub.iσ.sub.i.sup.z+Σ.sub.i<jJ.sub.ijσ.sub.i.sup.zσ.sub.j.sup.z),   (3)

which is the lowest energy state for the system. In essence, the Hamiltonian is the sum of the Initial Hamiltonian and the Final Hamiltonian.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the Ising Model, uses a Hamiltonian energy measurement function to explain a quantum system's total energy and generate a randomized quantum sample. The input for the Hamiltonian function is the system's state and the output is the system's energy measurement. In other words, the Hamiltonian returns an energy measurement for a particular state space measured by the quantum computer. AQCs second essential element is a traverse magnetic field, which is magnetically manipulated to perform computation. Each qubit begins in an uncertain superposition encoded in a physical field. Then a field is applied to the qubits in flux, causing them to satisfy a binary state. This allows the computer to leverage quantum state evolution in sampling to search for a random result through a secure protocol.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the quantum protocol is used for breaking ties. Often votes may result in a tie, where each of two options receive an equal proportion or number of votes. In such a case, we introduce a quantum oracle for deciding a tie breaker. The quantum oracle rests on principles of quantum uncertainty, embedded in formal logic via electromagnetism and superconducting metals. The quantum oracle calls a random sample from an adiabatic quantum computer, processing quantum information to return a Boolean result. In turn, the Boolean result corresponds to a selection which determines an outcome in the event a vote results in a tie.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is methodologies for a new type of voting, which may incorporate the laws of quantum mechanics to create an optimized voting machine on blockchain networks. The methodologies described are dedicated toward blockchain development and focused on voting with associated rights in corporate governance and scalable security for political voting. In short, the solution to the Decentralized Voting Problem is a weighted and generalizable quantum voting algorithm.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is software methodologies utilizing heterogeneous smart contracts for voting. The heterogeneous smart contract may be run on a quantum computer or integrated with quantum logic to allow for adjustable security or improvement.

H′=H{S.sub.0; S.sub.1}  (4)

H′.fwdarw.ψ(ai)=V*   (5)

Equation (4) describes a heterogeneous smart contract with stateful and stateless functionality. Equation (5) defines the optimal decentralized voting protocol using a quantum artificial intelligence security wrapper.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is methodologies voting using decentralized decision software. Various input variables are defined according to Equation (6), which may be exclusive.

v.sub.i=u.sub.i(0⊕1)   (6)

v.sub.i=u.sub.i(0.Math.1)   (7)

Various input variables are defined according to Equation (7), which may be associated the same voting process or as alternative voting process, which is inclusive.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is methodologies is voting using a utility token or other decentralized asset. Utility variables, which contain functional syntax, are defined according to Equation (8).

u.sub.i∈U.sub.i   (8)

u.sub.i∈U.sub.j   (9)

Utility variables, which contain functional syntax, are defined according to Equation (9). The utility variables may differ depending on certain conditions, such as classical or quantum mathematics, or inclusive or exclusive voting. For example, in some instances voters may be able to vote for more than one option. Moreover, protocols using the variables may be quantum or classical in computational and mathematical design.

[0046] In certain embodiments, votes are aggregated according to a standard summation. A utility function is defined according to Equation (10).

[00003]$\begin{array}{cc}{U}_i=\underset{i=0}{.Math.}{v}_i& \left(10\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{U}_j=\underset{j=0}{.Math.}{v}_j& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

A second utility function is defined according to Equation (11). The two functions may be used to sum votes for two different options, such as candidates in an election or choices for charitable donation. In other words, the utility function adds the votes for a particular purpose, such as selecting an option for action or a candidate in an election.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the invention is methodologies for voting according to an artificial intelligence algorithm. A maximum function is defined according to Equation (12) for a classical algorithm.

[00004]$\begin{array}{cc}{\mathrm{ai}}_c=\arg \underset{v_{i.Math.J}}{\max }{U}_{i.Math.j}\left(.Math.v_i.Math..Math.v_j\right)& \left(12\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{\mathrm{ai}}_q=\arg \underset{v_{i\oplus J}}{\max }{U}_{i\oplus j}\left(.Math.v_i\oplus .Math.v_j\right)& \left(13\right)\end{array}$

Additionally, a maximum function is defined according to Equation (13) for the quantum case. Embodiments of the present invention may use either equation or both to maximize the integrity, security, or process by which voting occurs.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the invention is methodologies for voting using artificial intelligence. The votes may be totaled using either summations, as in Equation (12) and Equation (13) or using products depending on the specific embodiment or application. A maximum function is defined according to Equation (14) for the classical case.

[00005]$\begin{array}{cc}{\mathrm{ai}}_{c^{*}}=\arg \underset{v_{i.Math.J}}{\max }{U}_{i.Math.j}\left(.Math.v_i.Math..Math.v_j\right)& \left(14\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{\mathrm{ai}}_{q^{*}}=\arg \underset{v_{i\oplus J}}{\max }{U}_{i\oplus j}\left(.Math.v_i\oplus .Math.v_j\right)& \left(15\right)\end{array}$

Additionally, a maximum function is defined according to Equation (15) for the quantum case. Embodiments of the present invention may use either equation or both to maximize the integrity, security, or process by which voting occurs.

[0049] FIG. 1 describes embodiments of the present invention as an information flow model including a voter interface 100; a second voter interface 101; a third voter interface 102; and a fourth voter interface 103. The voters provide votes, which are received through a quantum secure voting protocol 104. Then, an artificial intelligence computer program aggregating vote data 105; and distributing the results to the first voter interface 106; the second voter interface 107; the third voter interface 108; and the fourth voter interface 109.

[0050] FIG. 2 describes embodiments of the present invention as an information flow model including where a user purchases software Choice Coin for voting token 200. An artificial intelligence program prompts user choice 201; user receives several choices and input interface 202. The user selects choice for allocation of asset which is aggregated in a database 203; and an artificial intelligence program processes the database 204. Finally, the artificial intelligence computer program produces a proportional collective choice distribution decision and programmatic instruction 205.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the main programming language used for decentralized decision development for decentralized decisions is Python. Python is general purpose and interpreted programming language. There are two main mechanisms by which Python code is written and deployed, PyTeal and the Algorand Python-SDK. PyTeal is a Python compiler for Algorand's Transaction Execution Approval Language (TEAL), a logical language for smart contracts. The Algorand Python-SDK is Python library for interacting with the Algorand network.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the front-end interface for the Decentralized Decisions software is developed using Flask. Flask allows developers to have independence with regards to the backend packages they may want to use within Python's ecosystem. Flask is designed for web-development and allows developers to render HTML files directly through a Python backend. Specifically, Flask is a Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI) framework. As a result, Flask communicates effectively between the user and the Algorand blockchain with a Python backend.

[0053] In certain embodiments of the invention, the disclosed methods include Matrix transformations across both linear ⊕ and nonlinear .Math. operators. The operations form the basis for a blockchain technology, the heterogeneous converter—which allows for a secure validation mechanism to communicate between a user interface for voting and the blockchain. Heterogeneous converters are intelligent programs between the internet and the blockchain. There are two types of converters, linear and nonlinear.

[00006]$\begin{array}{cc}\left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_l\\ x_m\\ x_n\end{array}\right].Math.\left[\begin{array}{ccc}{x}_n& x_m& x_l\end{array}\right].Math.\left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_n\\ x_m\\ x_l\end{array}\right].Math.\left[\begin{array}{ccc}{x}_l& x_m& x_n\end{array}\right].Math.\left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_l\\ x_m\\ x_n\end{array}\right]& \left(16\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}\left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_n\\ x_m\\ x_l\end{array}\right]\oplus \left[\begin{array}{ccc}{x}_l& x_m& x_n\end{array}\right]\oplus \left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_l\\ x_m\\ x_n\end{array}\right]\oplus \left[\begin{array}{ccc}{x}_n& x_m& x_l\end{array}\right]\oplus \left[\begin{array}{c}{x}_n\\ x_m\\ x_l\end{array}\right]& \left(17\right)\end{array}$

Equation (16) is a nonlinear blockchain converter. Equation (17) is a linear blockchain converter. Depending on the application heterogeneous converters of both types may be used to validate the integrity of the voting process.

[0054] In certain embodiments of the invention, the disclosed methods include information transfer methods which utilize one or more neural networks. The actor-critic neural networks may be used for several purposes among certain embodiments including adding security features and network validation processes.

[00007]$\begin{array}{cc}{x}_l.fwdarw.x_{l+1_{.fwdarw.}}{x}_m.fwdarw.x_{m+1_{.fwdarw.}}{x}^{\circ }{x}_n.fwdarw.x_{n+1}& \left(18\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{x}^{\circ }\begin{array}{c}{\leftarrow }_{}{x}_{n+1}\leftarrow x_n\\ { }_{\leftarrow }{x}_{m+1}\leftarrow x_m\\ x_{l+1}\leftarrow x_l\end{array}& \left(19\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{x}_n.fwdarw.x_{n+1_{.fwdarw.}}{x}_m.fwdarw.x_{m+1_{.fwdarw.}}{x}^{\circ }{x}^{*}{x}^{\circ }\begin{array}{c}{\leftarrow }_{}{x}_{l+1}\leftarrow x_l\\ { }_{\leftarrow }{x}_{m+1}\leftarrow x_m\\ x_{n+1}\leftarrow x_n\end{array}{x}_l.fwdarw.x_{l+1}& \left(20\right)\end{array}$

Equation (18) is an actor network for a neural network. Equation (19) is a critic neural network. Equation (20) is dualling or actor-critic neural networks. The dualling neural networks work to minimize error or potential vulnerabilities through matrix multiplication and backpropagation algorithms, which are trained on various datasets.

[0055] FIG. 3 describes embodiments as an information flow model by which a first voter 300, a second voter 301, and a third voter 302, vote. The voters send votes to the blockchain through an interface connected to cloud computing resources 303. The cloud interface and resources then transmit the votes to a hardware processor and database 304.

[0056] FIG. 4 describes embodiments of the present invention as information flow model by which a first voter 400, a second voter 401, and a third voter 402, vote. The voters provide data, sending votes through an interface connected to cloud computing resources 403. The autonomous platform transmits the votes to a hardware processor and database 404, moving the aggregated voting data via the cloud 405 to a first blockchain block 406. Then after time, the data migrates to a second blockchain block 407; and then after time, to a third blockchain block 408.

[0057] In certain embodiments, various public addresses will be used to compile the votes together. The votes themselves may be tabulated through Stateless Smart Contracts that send one Choice, or a Choice Coin derivative unit, to a smart contract. The process in such embodiments is efficient; where a semi-autonomous computer program stops at a defined time to tabulate the results. The results may be computed through a stateful smart contract on the Algorand blockchain that counts the number of votes, or the amount of Choice that each address has.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the Fortior Voting Protocol is utilized as a decentralized mechanism for voting on blockchains. The Fortior Voting Protocol enables organizations to decentralize their decision-making process, adding transparency and reducing barriers to entry. The protocol also allows data records to store on a decentralized blockchain for the purpose of both hosting data and pulling it to calculate and determine the winner. Choice Coin, a governance token for voting, powers the Fortior Voting Protocol, which will allow individuals to engage in decentralized voting for their organizations, or in other decentralized communities. The Protocol allows organizations to assign votes to participants and governments to assign votes to populations. Voting processes using Choice and the Fortior Voting Protocol may be open or closed to the members of a particular organization.

[0059] In certain embodiments, votes are recorded on the Algorand blockchain and are made available through the Algo Explorer, a user web interface for the Algorand blockchain. The Algo Explorer only records the public Algorand Address of the voter, ensuring that an individual voter's privacy and identity are kept private. In such embodiments, this may be done by hashing the required voter data into hexadecimal form through a SHA-512 protocol. SHA-512 is also a post-quantum cryptography protocol, ensuring that its collision-resistant property holds even when put up against a quantum computer. This ensures that private information is not leaked to malicious attackers. It is also an improvement over current systems, where voting records and other information are often made public without the consent of participants.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is methods for decentralized voting using blockchain software. The methods may be performed using a computing device, which prompts a first artificial intelligence program, via an input interface including a plurality of selection options 201. The artificial intelligence computer program then allocates, by the computing device, a Choice Coin associated with the voter based on the vote by storing the Choice Coin in a database associated with one of the selection options 304. Then, the artificial intelligence computer program records, by the computing device using a second artificial intelligence program, the allocation as a smart contract in a blockchain structure 204. Then, the second artificial intelligence computer program generates a proportional collective choice distribution based on the Choice Coin being stored in the database in association with one of the selection options 405.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is methods for decentralized voting using blockchain software. The methods may be performed using a computing device, which prompts a neural network, via an input interface including a plurality of selection options 100. The neural network then allocates, by the computing device, a Choice Coin associated with the voter based on the vote by storing the Choice Coin in a database associated with one of the selection options 404. Then, the neural network records, by the computing device using a reinforcement learning program, the allocation as a smart contract in a blockchain structure 204. Then, the reinforcement learning computer program generates a proportional collective choice distribution based on the Choice Coin being stored in the database in association with one of the selection options 406.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the disclosure is a computing device for blockchain vote processing. The computing device may include at least one processor and at least one memory device 404. The processor may be configured to store user input data via a user interface 400 and receive vote data using a first artificial intelligence computer program based on user input data stored in the database 104. A smart contract may transform data using a second artificial intelligence program to store the data as a smart contract in a blockchain structure 204.

[0063] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and examples of the invention are illustrated herein, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments or forms described and set forth herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and the invention is not considered to be limited to what is shown and described in the specification and the embodiments and examples that are set forth therein. Moreover, several details describing structures and processes that are well-known to those skilled in the art and often associated with blockchain technologies are not set forth in the following description to better focus on the various embodiments and novel features of the disclosure of the present invention. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that such structures and processes are at least inherently in the invention and in the specific embodiments and examples set forth herein.

[0064] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned herein as well as those that are inherent in the invention and in the specific embodiments and examples set forth herein. The embodiments, examples, methods, and compositions described or set forth herein are representative of certain preferred embodiments and are intended to be exemplary and not limitations on the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes to the embodiments, examples, methods and uses set forth herein may be made that will still be encompassed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Indeed, various embodiments and modifications of the described compositions and methods herein which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Moreover, although the embodiments of the present invention are described in reference to use in connection with blockchain technology, ones of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the principles of the present inventions could be applied to other types of computers for a wide variety of applications.