Abstract: Techniques are described for using a decentralized group of authentication server nodes to prevent singular dependence upon any given online platform for authenticating avatars. For each epoch duration of time, a consensus protocol operating on a blockchain is used to elect an authentication server node. The elected node can then act as an authentication server on behalf of the online platform for that fixed epoch duration of time. Within this epoch of time, a client device (e.g., used by a user to access an online platform) performs a periodic heartbeat authentication with the elected authentication server node using an efficient authentication protocol that relies on a keyed-hashing mechanism. A client device can use the described system and authentication methods concurrently with multiple different online platforms (e.g., separate metaverses or other virtual worlds).

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a computer-implemented hybrid asset management platform and related system components used to manage transactions involving “hybrid” assets comprising both digital and physical components. The hybrid asset management platform provides continual synchronization between digital asset certificates of legal ownership (e.g., data structures managed off-chain in one or more private data stores) with corresponding asset non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that are tradeable on a blockchain or other type of decentralized ledger. Among other benefits, the described hybrid asset management platform provides for efficient and secure transactions involving possibly several different types of users, thereby improving the ability for metaverses, gaming platforms, virtual and real-world marketplaces, and other entities to facilitate transactions involving hybrid assets.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using a decentralized group of authentication server nodes to prevent singular dependence upon any given online platform for authenticating avatars. For each epoch duration of time, a consensus protocol operating on a blockchain is used to elect an authentication server node. The elected node can then act as an authentication server on behalf of the online platform for that fixed epoch duration of time. Within this epoch of time, a client device (e.g., used by a user to access an online platform) performs a periodic heartbeat authentication with the elected authentication server node using an efficient authentication protocol that relies on a keyed-hashing mechanism. A client device can use the described system and authentication methods concurrently with multiple different online platforms (e.g., separate metaverses or other virtual worlds).