Abstract: Methods and systems to control mining pools configured to mine more than one blockchain network. A pool controller may automatically select a candidate block generated for one of the blockchain networks for mining by the mining units. The selection may be based on determining an expectation value associated with each current candidate block generated for the respective blockchain networks and which of them is the highest. The expectation value may be based, at least in part, on a current coinbase value and a current difficulty setting for that blockchain network. The pool control may perform the selection with the generation of each new candidate block for any of the blockchain networks.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure proposes computer implemented methods, devices, and systems for implementing a channel service for messages or transactions that are associated with a blockchain, the channel service being provided for one or more clients. The method comprising providing a given client access to one or more functions that enable direct communication between the given client and another entity, the one or more functions include (i) channel functions or procedures pertaining to one or more channels for transmission of data; and/or (ii) message functions or procedures pertaining to the data being transmitted using the one or more channels. In a second aspect, the present disclosure proposes computer implemented methods, devices, and systems for implementing addressing for a channel service, such as the channel service in the first aspect. Communication using a channel associated with the channel service is initiated based on the addressing keys pertaining to the communicating entities.

Abstract: Methods and devices for resolving a collision in short transaction identifiers in a blockchain network. The method may include receiving a set of short transaction identifiers from a sending node. The receiving node locates a corresponding full transaction identifier for each short transaction identifier in a mempool. For at least one short transaction identifier, the receiver identifies a collision. It then sends a message to the sending node requesting resolution of the collision regarding the at least one short transaction identifier, and receives collision resolution data from the sending node to enable identification of a valid corresponding full transaction identifier for the at least one short transaction identifier. The receiver may send intermediate Merkle tree hashes with its request for resolution, and the collision resolution data may include information identifying which of the hashes is incorrect.

Abstract: Methods and devices for propagating blocks in a blockchain network. At a mining node, while hashing a first block header of a first candidate block, the mining node sends, to other mining nodes, a first message specifying transactions and their order in a first ordered set of transactions contained in the first candidate block. The mining also receives a second message specifying transactions and their order in a second ordered set of transactions contained in a second candidate block being mined by a second mining node. If the mining node succeeds in mining the candidate block it notifies other mining nodes by providing them with a coinbase transaction, hash value, and timestamp. If another mining node is successful, then the mining node receives information from the other mining node from which, in conjunction with the second message, it can assemble the second candidate block and validate it.

Abstract: Methods and systems for registering identity of a mining node on a blockchain in a blockchain network. The methods may include creating a validity-check transaction having a first output controlled by the mining node and containing a miner identifier and propagating the validity-check transaction on the blockchain network. The methods may further include mining, by the mining node, a new block containing a generation transaction, wherein the generation transaction includes an information field that contains the miner identifier and a reference to the validity-check transaction. Another node may validate identity by receiving the miner identifier and the reference to the validity-check transaction, retrieving the validity-check transaction to confirm it contains the miner identifier, and determining that the first output is an unspent transaction output.

Abstract: Methods and system of recording work history of a mining node on a blockchain in a blockchain network. The methods may include mining a first block containing a registration generation transaction that includes, within a registration information field, a miner identifier for the mining node; and mining two or more additional blocks in an order, each additional block containing a generation transaction that includes an information field containing the miner identifier, a reference to the generation transaction of the preceding additional block in the order, wherein the registration generation transaction is a first block in the order. Work history may be verified by tracing the recorded work history and validating the miner identifier. Recorded work history may serve as the basis for a reputation score for the miner, which reflects contributed work evidenced by the proof-of-work secured work history.

Abstract: Methods and systems to control mining pools configured to mine more than one blockchain network. A pool controller may automatically select a candidate block generated for one of the blockchain networks for mining by the mining units. The selection may be based on determining an expectation value associated with each current candidate block generated for the respective blockchain networks and which of them is the highest. The expectation value may be based, at least in part, on a current coinbase value and a current difficulty setting for that blockchain network. The pool control may perform the selection with the generation of each new candidate block for any of the blockchain networks.