Authentication System and Method

A computer-implemented method, computer program product and computing system for processing an original genetic sequence sample to generate a digital representation of at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample, wherein the digital representation includes: a public digital portion and a private digital portion that have a common overlapping portion; enabling the use of the public digital portion on an online ledger to define ownership of an asset; and enabling a user to confidentially maintain the private digital portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to authentication systems and, more particularly, to authentication systems that enable the use of non-fungible tokens.

BACKGROUND

Blockchain began with the conceptual groundwork laid by cryptographers and computer scientists seeking to create decentralized and secure systems for digital transactions. However, the breakthrough moment occurred in 2008 when an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto published a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” This groundbreaking paper introduced Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, and its underlying technology: blockchain. In January 2009, Nakamoto mined the first-ever block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the “genesis block,” marking the official launch of the network.

Blockchain revolutionized digital transactions by offering a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger that eliminated the need for intermediaries like banks. As the popularity of Bitcoin and blockchain technology grew, developers began exploring its potential for applications beyond cryptocurrencies. They introduced smart contracts, self-executing contracts with predefined conditions written into code, opening doors to decentralized applications (dApps) and programmable blockchain platforms like Ethereum.

Today, blockchain technology is widely recognized for its potential to transform various industries, including finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and more, by providing transparency, security, and efficiency in a trustless environment. The continuous evolution of blockchain technology promises even more innovative solutions and disruption in the digital age.

Summary of Disclosure

In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is executed on a computing device and includes: processing an original genetic sequence sample to generate a digital representation of at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample, wherein the digital representation includes: a public digital portion and a private digital portion that have a common overlapping portion; enabling the use of the public digital portion on an online ledger to define ownership of an asset; and enabling a user to confidentially maintain the private digital portion.

One or more of the following features may be included. In the event of an inquiry and/or transaction concerning the asset, the private digital portion may be utilized to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user. Utilizing the private digital portion to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user may include one or more of: confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion each include the common overlapping portion; and confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion combine to form the digital representation of the at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample. The inquiry and/or transaction may be allowed to occur if the ownership of the asset is authenticated. The inquiry and/or transaction may be prohibited from occurring if the ownership of the asset cannot be authenticated. The public digital portion may be defined within a first non-fungible token. The private digital portion may be defined within a second non-fungible token. The online ledger may include a distributed blockchain ledger. The asset may include one or more of: a digital asset; a virtual asset; and a physical asset. The private digital portion may be regenerated if the private digital portion is no longer available. Regenerating the private digital portion if the private digital portion is no longer available may include processing a replacement genetic sequence sample to generate a replacement digital representation of at least a portion of the replacement genetic sequence sample, wherein the replacement digital representation includes: the public digital portion and the private digital portion since the replacement genetic sequence sample is generated using the same processes as the original genetic sequence sample. The original genetic sequence sample may include one or more of: a DNA sample; and an RNA sample. The DNA sample may include one or more of: a real DNA sample; a synthetic DNA sample; and an imaginary DNA sample.

In another implementation, a computer program product resides on a computer readable medium and has a plurality of instructions stored on it. When executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including processing an original genetic sequence sample to generate a digital representation of at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample, wherein the digital representation includes: a public digital portion and a private digital portion that have a common overlapping portion; enabling the use of the public digital portion on an online ledger to define ownership of an asset; and enabling a user to confidentially maintain the private digital portion.

One or more of the following features may be included. In the event of an inquiry and/or transaction concerning the asset, the private digital portion may be utilized to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user. Utilizing the private digital portion to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user may include one or more of: confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion each include the common overlapping portion; and confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion combine to form the digital representation of the at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample. The inquiry and/or transaction may be allowed to occur if the ownership of the asset is authenticated. The inquiry and/or transaction may be prohibited from occurring if the ownership of the asset cannot be authenticated. The public digital portion may be defined within a first non-fungible token. The private digital portion may be defined within a second non-fungible token. The online ledger may include a distributed blockchain ledger. The asset may include one or more of: a digital asset; a virtual asset; and a physical asset. The private digital portion may be regenerated if the private digital portion is no longer available. Regenerating the private digital portion if the private digital portion is no longer available may include processing a replacement genetic sequence sample to generate a replacement digital representation of at least a portion of the replacement genetic sequence sample, wherein the replacement digital representation includes: the public digital portion and the private digital portion since the replacement genetic sequence sample is generated using the same processes as the original genetic sequence sample. The original genetic sequence sample may include one or more of: a DNA sample; and an RNA sample. The DNA sample may include one or more of: a real DNA sample; a synthetic DNA sample; and an imaginary DNA sample.

In another implementation, a computing system includes a processor and a memory system configured to perform operations including processing an original genetic sequence sample to generate a digital representation of at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample, wherein the digital representation includes: a public digital portion and a private digital portion that have a common overlapping portion; enabling the use of the public digital portion on an online ledger to define ownership of an asset; and enabling a user to confidentially maintain the private digital portion.

One or more of the following features may be included. In the event of an inquiry and/or transaction concerning the asset, the private digital portion may be utilized to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user. Utilizing the private digital portion to authenticate the ownership of the asset by the user may include one or more of: confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion each include the common overlapping portion; and confirming that the public digital portion and the private digital portion combine to form the digital representation of the at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample. The inquiry and/or transaction may be allowed to occur if the ownership of the asset is authenticated. The inquiry and/or transaction may be prohibited from occurring if the ownership of the asset cannot be authenticated. The public digital portion may be defined within a first non-fungible token. The private digital portion may be defined within a second non-fungible token. The online ledger may include a distributed blockchain ledger. The asset may include one or more of: a digital asset; a virtual asset; and a physical asset. The private digital portion may be regenerated if the private digital portion is no longer available. Regenerating the private digital portion if the private digital portion is no longer available may include processing a replacement genetic sequence sample to generate a replacement digital representation of at least a portion of the replacement genetic sequence sample, wherein the replacement digital representation includes: the public digital portion and the private digital portion since the replacement genetic sequence sample is generated using the same processes as the original genetic sequence sample. The original genetic sequence sample may include one or more of: a DNA sample; and an RNA sample. The DNA sample may include one or more of: a real DNA sample; a synthetic DNA sample; and an imaginary DNA sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

System Overview

Referring toFIG.1, there is shown authentication process10. Authentication process10may be implemented as a server-side process, a client-side process, or a hybrid server-side/client-side process. For example, authentication process10may be implemented as a purely server-side process via authentication process10s. Alternatively, authentication process10may be implemented as a purely client-side process via one or more of authentication process10c1, authentication process10c2, authentication process and authentication process10c4. Alternatively still, authentication process10may be implemented as a hybrid server-side/client-side process via authentication process10sin combination with one or more of authentication process10c1, authentication process authentication process10c3, and authentication process10c4. Accordingly, authentication process10as used in this disclosure may include any combination of authentication process10s, authentication process10c1, authentication process10c2, authentication process10c3, and authentication process10c4.

Authentication process10smay be a server application and may reside on and may be executed by computing device12, which may be connected to network14(e.g., the Internet or a local area network). Examples of computing device12may include, but are not limited to: a personal computer, a server computer, a series of server computers, a mini computer, a mainframe computer, a smartphone, or a cloud-based computing platform.

The instruction sets and subroutines of authentication process10s, which may be stored on storage device16coupled to computing device12, may be executed by one or more processors (not shown) and one or more memory architectures (not shown) included within computing device12. Examples of storage device16may include but are not limited to: a hard disk drive; a RAID device; a random access memory (RAM); a read-only memory (ROM); and all forms of flash memory storage devices.

Examples of authentication processes10c1,10c2,10c3,10c4may include but are not limited to a web browser, a game console user interface, a mobile device user interface, or a specialized application (e.g., an application running on e.g., the Android™ platform, the iOS™ platform, the Windows™ platform, the Linux™ platform or the UNIX platform). The instruction sets and subroutines of authentication processes10c1,10c2,10c4, which may be stored on storage devices20,22,24,26(respectively) coupled to client electronic devices28,30,32,34(respectively), may be executed by one or more processors (not shown) and one or more memory architectures (not shown) incorporated into client electronic devices28,30,32,34(respectively). Examples of storage devices22,24,26may include but are not limited to: hard disk drives; RAID devices; random access memories (RAM); read-only memories (ROM), and all forms of flash memory storage devices.

Examples of client electronic devices28,30,32,34may include, but are not limited to a personal digital assistant (not shown), a tablet computer (not shown), laptop computer28, smart phone30, smart phone32, personal computer34, a notebook computer (not shown), a server computer (not shown), a gaming console (not shown), and a dedicated network device (not shown). Client electronic devices28,30,32,34may each execute an operating system, examples of which may include but are not limited to Microsoft Windows™, Android™, iOS™, Linux™, or a custom operating system.

Users36,38,40,42may access authentication process10directly through network14or through secondary network18. Further, authentication process10may be connected to network14through secondary network18, as illustrated with link line44.

The various client electronic devices (e.g., client electronic devices28,30,32,34) may be directly or indirectly coupled to network14(or network18). For example, laptop computer28and smart phone30are shown wirelessly coupled to network14via wireless communication channels44,46(respectively) established between laptop computer28, smart phone30(respectively) and cellular network/bridge48, which is shown directly coupled to network14. Further, smart phone32is shown wirelessly coupled to network14via wireless communication channel50established between smart phone32and wireless access point (i.e., WAP)52, which is shown directly coupled to network14. Additionally, personal computer34is shown directly coupled to network18via a hardwired network connection.

WAP 52 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth device that is capable of establishing wireless communication channel50between smart phone32and WAP 52. As is known in the art, IEEE 802.11x specifications may use Ethernet protocol and carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (i.e., CSMA/CA) for path sharing. As is known in the art, Bluetooth is a telecommunications industry specification that allows e.g., mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants to be interconnected using a short-range wireless connection.

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and it is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It serves as the blueprint or genetic code of life. DNA is made up of a long chain of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of the molecule. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. There are four types of nitrogenous bases found in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).

The arrangement of these nitrogenous bases along the DNA strand forms the genetic code. Adenine always pairs with thymine (A-T), and guanine always pairs with cytosine (G-C). This pairing is known as base-pairing, and it is crucial for the process of DNA replication, where a cell duplicates its DNA during cell division to pass on genetic information to the daughter cells.

DNA is located inside the cell nucleus in eukaryotic cells (cells with a defined nucleus) and within the nucleoid region in prokaryotic cells (cells lacking a true nucleus). In addition to its role in inheritance and genetics, DNA also plays a fundamental role in protein synthesis through a process called transcription and translation.

RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, and it is a molecule that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes within living organisms. Like DNA, RNA is composed of nucleotides, but there are some key differences between the two molecules.

The structure of RNA is similar to DNA in that it is a single-stranded chain of nucleotides. Each nucleotide in RNA consists of three components: a sugar molecule (ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. However, RNA uses a slightly different set of nitrogenous bases compared to DNA. In RNA, the bases are adenine (A), uracil (U), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Notably, thymine (T) is replaced by uracil (U) in RNA.

The primary types of RNA in cells include:Messenger RNA (mRNA): This type of RNA carries genetic information from the DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation.Transfer RNA (tRNA): tRNA molecules are responsible for bringing specific amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Each tRNA has an anticodon sequence that pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA.Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): rRNA is a fundamental component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. It helps in the catalysis of peptide bond formation during translation.

RNA plays a central role in the process of gene expression, where the genetic information encoded in DNA is used to create functional proteins. The process of gene expression involves two main steps: transcription and translation.

During transcription, RNA polymerase enzymes read the DNA sequence and synthesize a complementary mRNA strand, using the appropriate base pairing (A-U, G-C). This mRNA molecule then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm for translation.

During translation, the ribosomes read the sequence of codons on the mRNA, and with the help of tRNA molecules carrying the corresponding amino acids, they assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a functional protein.

RNA also has other essential roles in various cellular processes, such as gene regulation, RNA splicing, and catalytic functions in certain enzymes (e.g., ribozymes). Overall, RNA plays a critical part in the flow of genetic information and the functioning of cells in living organisms.

DNA can identify an individual through a process called DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting. This technique relies on the uniqueness of an individual's DNA sequence, except in the case of identical twins, who have nearly identical DNA profiles. The main areas where DNA profiling is commonly used include forensic investigations, paternity testing, and identifying human remains.

The process of DNA profiling involves several steps:DNA Sample Collection: The first step is to obtain a DNA sample from the individual in question. Common sources of DNA samples include blood, saliva, hair roots, buccal swabs (swabs from the inside of the cheek), and other bodily tissues or fluids.DNA Extraction: The collected sample is subjected to DNA extraction, where the DNA is isolated from the rest of the cellular components. This step is necessary to obtain a pure DNA sample for analysis.Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is used to amplify specific regions of the DNA known as short tandem repeats (STRs) or microsatellites. These regions are highly variable between individuals, and they are the key elements used for identification.Electrophoresis: The amplified DNA fragments are then separated using a technique called gel electrophoresis. In this process, the DNA fragments are placed in a gel and subjected to an electric field, causing them to move through the gel at different rates based on their size.DNA Analysis: After electrophoresis, the resulting DNA bands are visualized, and the sizes of the amplified DNA fragments are measured. These sizes represent the different alleles (variants) of the STRs.DNA Profile: The measured sizes of the STR alleles for each individual are compiled to create a unique DNA profile or DNA fingerprint. The likelihood of two individuals having the same DNA profile is exceedingly low, making it a highly reliable method for individual identification.Comparison: To identify an individual, their DNA profile is compared with DNA profiles from known individuals, such as suspects in a criminal investigation or potential parents in a paternity test.

Ironically, the vast majority of DNA is common among all humans. In fact, humans share approximately 99.9% of their DNA with each other. This means that only a tiny fraction of the DNA (about 0.1%) varies between individuals. This 0.1% variation is what gives rise to the unique genetic differences that make each person genetically distinct.

The areas of the genome that vary between individuals are typically found in regions known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeats (STRs). SNPs are single-nucleotide changes at specific positions in the DNA sequence, while STRs are regions with variable numbers of repeated DNA sequences.

The above-described DNA profile is based on the analysis of highly variable regions of the DNA known as short tandem repeats (STRs) or microsatellites. These regions contain repetitive sequences of nucleotides, and the number of repeats can vary significantly between individuals. The variability of STRs makes them excellent markers for individual identification because the likelihood of two unrelated individuals having the same DNA profile is extremely low.

Authentication Process

As will be discussed below in greater detail, there is shown authentication process10that may be configured to enable a user (e.g., user38) to confirm their identity via a “key” (e.g., private key54) that is based upon the unique genetic identifiers (e.g., genetic sequence sample56) of e.g., user38. Private key54may be configured to interface with a “lock” (e.g., public lock58) that may be used to secure/protect various assets60, examples of which may include but are not limited to a digital asset, a virtual asset and a physical asset).

Referring also toFIG.2, authentication process10may process100an original genetic sequence sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56) to generate a digital representation (e.g., digital representation62) of at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56). This original genetic sequence sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56) may include one or more of: a DNA sample; and an RNA sample.

For example, assume that user38provides a DNA sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56) to a service provider (e.g., a DNA processing lab, not shown) for processing so that the above-described DNA profile (e.g., DNA profile64) may be extracted. Once extracted, DNA profile64may be processed100to generate digital representation62.

Accordingly, DNA profile64may be processed100by authentication process using one of more encoding algorithms to generate digital representation62. Generally speaking, data encoding is the process of converting information or data (e.g., DNA profile64) into a specific format or representation suitable for transmission, storage, or processing. Encoding ensures that data (e.g., DNA profile64) can be accurately transmitted or stored, and it often involves converting data (e.g., DNA profile64) into a series of binary digits (i.e., 0 s and 1 s) to create a digital representation (e.g., digital representation62). There are various encoding methods depending on the type of data and its intended use. Some common data encoding techniques may include but are not limited to:Binary Encoding: This method represents data using a series of binary digits (bits). Each bit can be either a 0 or a 1, and combinations of bits can represent different values. For example, ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) encoding is a widely used binary encoding scheme that represents characters and symbols as specific 7 or 8-bit binary codes.Numeric Encoding: Numeric data, such as integers or floating-point numbers, can be encoded using binary representations that follow specific rules and formats. For example, the IEEE 754 standard is commonly used for encoding floating-point numbers.Character Encoding: This encoding is used to represent characters, letters, and symbols in a digital format. Popular character encoding schemes include ASCII, Unicode, and UTF-8, which can represent characters from multiple languages and character sets.Run-Length Encoding (RLE): RLE is a simple compression technique used to represent data that contains long sequences of the same value. Instead of repeating the same value multiple times, RLE stores the value and the number of repetitions, reducing the overall size of the encoded data.Huffman Encoding: Huffman encoding is a variable-length encoding technique used for data compression. It assigns shorter binary codes to more frequently occurring data and longer codes to less frequent data, resulting in efficient compression.Base64 Encoding: Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme used to represent binary data (e.g., images, files) in an ASCII text format. It is commonly used for encoding binary data in email attachments or transmitting binary data over text-based protocols like HTTP.Encryption: Encryption is a method of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access. Encryption uses algorithms to scramble the data, making it unreadable without the proper decryption key.

The choice of encoding method depends on factors such as the type of data, the intended use of the data, the need for compression, and compatibility with different systems and protocols. Data encoding is a crucial aspect of modern computing and communication, enabling efficient data storage, transmission, and security.

The digital representation (e.g., digital representation62) may include: public digital portion (e.g., public digital portion66) and a private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) that have a common overlapping portion (e.g., overlapping portion70).

For example and when using authentication process10, user38may submit a DNA sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56) to a service provider (e.g., a DNA processing lab, not shown) to generate DNA profile64. User38may then submit DNA profile64to authentication process10so that DNA profile64may be processed100by authentication process10using one of more encoding algorithms to generate digital representation62.

Specifically, authentically process10may ask user38to define a secure PIN number (e.g., PIN72) so that DNA profile64may be processed100. Once such a secure PIN number (e.g., PIN72) is defined, the manner in which digital representation62is generated may also be defined. For example, authentically process10may select the encoding algorithm (not shown) from a plurality of available encoding algorithms (not shown) based upon the PIN chosen.

Additionally, the manner in which the digital representation (e.g., digital representation62) is divided into public digital portion66and private digital portion68(as well as the width of overlapping portion70) may all be based upon the secure PIN number (e.g., PIN72) chosen by (in this example) user38).

Generally speaking, public digital portion66is the identification information included within public lock58, while private digital portion68is the identification information included within private key54. As discussed above, encryption is a method of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access, which uses algorithms to scramble the data (making it unreadable without the proper decryption key). Accordingly, one or both of public digital portion66and private digital portion68may be encoded to prevent such unauthorized access.

For example, authentication process10may enable102the use of the public digital portion (e.g., public digital portion66) on an online ledger (e.g., online ledger72) to define ownership of an asset (e.g., one or more of assets60). Examples of the online ledger (e.g., online ledger72) may include but is not limited to a distributed blockchain ledger.

A blockchain ledger is a distributed and decentralized digital record-keeping system that securely and transparently maintains a chronological sequence of transactions or data across multiple computers or nodes. It is the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but its applications go beyond digital currencies.

In a traditional centralized ledger system, a single entity (like a bank or a government authority) is responsible for maintaining and validating all transactions or data. However, in a blockchain ledger, this responsibility is distributed among a network of participants, each having a copy of the entire ledger.

Key characteristics of a blockchain ledger include:Decentralization: There is no central authority controlling the entire ledger. Instead, it is maintained by a network of independent nodes, each having a copy of the entire ledger.Security: Blockchains use advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and security of the data. Once a block of transactions is added to the blockchain, it becomes nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data.Immutability: Once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be deleted or modified. Each block contains a reference to the previous block, creating a chain of blocks, hence the name “blockchain.”Consensus Mechanism: In a decentralized environment, there needs to be a mechanism for reaching a consensus among participants about the validity of transactions and the order in which they are recorded. Different blockchain networks use various consensus mechanisms, such as Proof-of-Work (PoW) or Proof-of-Stake (PoS).Transparency: The blockchain ledger is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to view and verify the transactions. This transparency enhances trust and accountability.Smart Contracts: Some blockchain platforms, like Ethereum, support smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into the code. Smart contracts automatically execute when predefined conditions are met.

Blockchain ledgers find applications in various industries beyond cryptocurrencies. They are used for supply chain management, voting systems, identity verification, healthcare records, intellectual property rights, real estate transactions, and more. The decentralized and transparent nature of blockchain ledgers addresses issues of trust, security, and data integrity in numerous domains.

The asset (e.g., assets60) may include one or more of: a digital asset, a virtual asset, and a physical asset, wherein:a digital asset refers to any form of data or content that has economic value and can be owned, exchanged, or traded in a digital format. These assets exist solely in digital form and are typically stored and accessed through electronic devices and computer networks. Digital assets encompass a wide range of items, from cryptocurrencies and digital tokens to digital media, software, intellectual property, and more. Here are some common types of digital assets:1. Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others are considered digital assets. They use blockchain technology to secure transactions, maintain ownership records, and enable peer-to-peer transfers without the need for intermediaries like banks.2. Digital Tokens: These are digital assets that represent ownership of an underlying asset or utility within a specific blockchain ecosystem. Tokens are commonly used in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and various decentralized applications (dApps).3. Digital Media: Digital assets also include various forms of digital media, such as images, videos, music, e-books, and other multimedia content. These assets are commonly distributed and consumed online.4. Software and Applications: Computer software, mobile applications, and digital programs are also considered digital assets. They can be licensed or sold to users for their use and benefit.5. Domain Names: Domain names used for websites are digital assets that can be bought, sold, or transferred between owners.6. Intellectual Property: Digital assets can include copyrighted content, patents, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property that hold economic value.7. Digital Art and NFTs: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a special type of digital asset representing unique digital items, such as digital art, collectibles, and virtual real estate. NFTs are often used to establish ownership and provenance of digital creations.8. Digital Records and Data: Digital assets can also include records, databases, and other digital data that hold value, such as customer information, financial records, and scientific research data.

The value of digital assets can vary widely depending on factors like demand, scarcity, usefulness, and uniqueness. The rise of blockchain technology and smart contracts has enabled new ways to tokenize and manage digital assets securely and transparently. Digital assets have become an important part of the modern digital economy, facilitating new forms of ownership, transactions, and creative expression.a virtual asset refers to any digital or intangible item with value that exists in a virtual or digital environment but lacks physical presence. These assets are entirely electronic and exist only in cyberspace or virtual worlds. They are distinct from physical assets and are often used in online gaming, virtual economies, and digital platforms. Here are some examples of virtual assets:1. Virtual Currencies: Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others, are a type of virtual asset. They are digital currencies that exist only in electronic form and are used for online transactions and value exchange.2. Virtual Goods: In online gaming and virtual worlds, virtual goods are items, accessories, skins, or other digital assets that players can acquire, own, and use within the game or virtual environment. These goods may enhance the gameplay or represent status or achievements.3. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): NFTs are unique digital assets that represent ownership of specific digital items, such as digital art, collectibles, virtual real estate, or virtual pets. NFTs use blockchain technology to establish ownership and authenticity.4. Digital Content: Virtual assets can include digital content such as e-books, digital music, movies, virtual event tickets, and digital subscriptions.5. Virtual Land and Property: Some virtual worlds or metaverses offer virtual land and property that users can own, develop, and trade.6. Virtual Currency within Online Games: Some online games have their in-game currencies or tokens that players can earn, purchase, or trade.

Virtual assets often have value within their respective digital ecosystems and can be bought, sold, traded, or exchanged for other virtual assets or real-world currencies. The ownership and transfer of virtual assets are facilitated by digital platforms and blockchain technology in the case of NFTs.

Virtual assets have gained significant popularity due to the growth of online gaming, virtual economies, and the emergence of blockchain-based digital assets. However, it's important to note that virtual assets can have limited or restricted convertibility into real-world assets, and their value may be subject to fluctuations based on market demand and the rules set by the platforms governing their usage.a physical asset refers to a tangible, material item or property with intrinsic value that has a physical presence and can be physically touched or seen. These assets have a physical existence and can be used, owned, bought, sold, or rented by individuals, businesses, or organizations. Physical assets play a vital role in the economy and can be essential for the production of goods and services. Examples of physical assets include:1. Real Estate: Physical properties such as land, buildings, houses, apartments, and commercial spaces are considered physical assets. Real estate can be used for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes.2. Machinery and Equipment: Physical assets like machinery, vehicles, factory equipment, computers, and tools are used in various industries and businesses to produce goods or provide services.3. Infrastructure: Physical assets include public infrastructure like roads, bridges, highways, airports, railways, and utilities such as water supply and electricity grids.4. Inventory: Physical goods held by businesses for sale or manufacturing are considered physical assets. This includes raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.5. Precious Metals and Commodities: Assets like gold, silver, platinum, copper, and other precious metals are physical assets with intrinsic value. Additionally, commodities such as oil, natural gas, agricultural products, and metals are also physical assets.6. Art and Collectibles: Valuable artworks, antiques, rare collectibles, and historical artifacts are considered physical assets.7. Livestock and Agricultural Land: Livestock, crops, and agricultural land are physical assets used in farming and agriculture.

Physical assets are essential for economic growth and contribute to the overall wealth and prosperity of individuals and nations. They can be bought, sold, leased, or used as collateral to secure loans or financing. Proper management and maintenance of physical assets are crucial to ensure their longevity, value, and efficient utilization.

In contrast, financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives, are not tangible physical items but represent ownership or claims on the underlying assets or future cash flows. Physical assets, being tangible and concrete, have a more direct and immediate impact on various aspects of the economy and everyday life.

Accordingly, if user38(e.g., John Smith) owned 1,000 bitcoins, online ledger (e.g., online ledger72) may be utilized by user38to record/memorialize the ownership of such 1,000 bitcoins. Additionally, authentication process10may enable102the use of public digital portion66within online ledger72to define ownership such 1,000 bitcoins. Accordingly, public digital portion66(i.e., the public lock) may be associated with/included within/appended to the block (not shown) within the blockchain (not shown) that defines the ownership of such 1,000 bitcoins. Therefore, in the event that an attempt is made to e.g., change the ownership of such 1,000 bitcoins, the use of public digital portion66(i.e., the public lock) with the block (not shown) of the blockchain (not shown) that defines the ownership of such 1,000 bitcoins would require the use of private digital portion68(e.g., the private key) to effectuate the same.

Authentication process10may enable104a user (e.g., a user38) to confidentially maintain the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68). For example, private digital portion68may be confidentially maintained within e.g., smart phone30used by user38. Additionally/alternatively, private digital portion68may be confidentially maintained within e.g., secure storage74maintained/controlled by authentication process10.

In the event of an inquiry and/or transaction concerning the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins), authentication process10may utilize106the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) to authenticate the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by the user (e.g., a user38). For example, if there is an attempt to transfer the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) from the owner (e.g., a user38) to a third party (e.g., user authentication process10may utilize106(e.g., require) the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) to authenticate the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by the owner (e.g., a user38).

Accordingly, authentication process10may require that a copy of the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) be provided to authentication process10from the owner (e.g., a user38) to authenticate the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by the owner (e.g., a user38). Additionally/alternatively and upon receiving a copy of the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68), authentication process may contact the owner (e.g., a user38) via two factor authentication such as Microsoft Authenticator to confirm that the owner (e.g., a user38) is aware of and/or authorizes the subject transaction.

For example and when utilizing106the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) to authenticate the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by the user (e.g., a user38), authentication process10may confirm108that the public digital portion (e.g., public digital portion66) and the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) each include the common overlapping portion (e.g., overlapping portion70).

For example and when authenticating the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by user38, authentication process10may examine public digital portion66and private digital portion68to confirm108that public digital portion66includes overlapping portion70(e.g., the last half of public digital portion66; shown in grey) and that private digital portion68includes overlapping portion70(e.g., the first half of private digital portion68; shown in grey).

Further and when utilizing106the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) to authenticate the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by the user (e.g., a user38), authentication process10may confirm110that the public digital portion (e.g., public digital portion66) and the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) combine to form the digital representation (e.g., digital representation62) of the at least a portion of the original genetic sequence sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56).

For example and when authenticating the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) by user38, authentication process10may examine public digital portion66and private digital portion68to confirm110that public digital portion66and private digital portion68(when combined) completely form digital representation62(with it understood that the combination of public digital portion66and private digital portion68will include two copies of overlapping portion70; shown in grey.

Continuing the above-described example in which there is an attempt to transfer the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) from the owner (e.g., a user38) to a third party (e.g., user40), authentication process10may: allow112the inquiry and/or transaction to occur if the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) is authenticated; and may prohibit114the inquiry and/or transaction from occurring if the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) cannot be authenticated.

For example and generally speaking, when there is an attempt to transfer the ownership of the asset (e.g., the 1,000 bitcoins) from the owner (e.g., user38) to a third party (e.g., user40), authentication process10may determine if private digital portion68(e.g., the private key) associated with/included within/appended to the block (not shown) within the blockchain (not shown) that defines the ownership of such 1,000 bitcoins is available to unlock the public digital portion66(e.g., the public lock). If so, authentication process10may allow112the inquiry and/or transaction to occur; and, if not, authentication process10may prohibit114the inquiry and/or transaction from occurring.

As private digital portion68(e.g., the private key) is generated using genetic sequence sample56(in this example, a sample of a DNA of user38), authentication process may regenerate116the private digital portion if the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) is no longer available. For example, if user38loses smart phone30) and/or secure storage74maintained/controlled by authentication process10is corrupted/damaged, authentication process10may regenerate116private digital portion68.

Specifically and when regenerating116the private digital portion (e.g., digital portion68) if the private digital portion (e.g., digital portion68) is no longer available, authentication process10may process118a replacement genetic sequence sample (e.g., replacement genetic sequence sample76) to generate a replacement digital representation of at least a portion of the replacement genetic sequence sample (e.g., replacement genetic sequence sample76). This replacement digital representation includes: public digital portion66and private digital portion68since the replacement genetic sequence sample (e.g., replacement genetic sequence sample76) is generated using the same processes as the original genetic sequence sample (e.g., genetic sequence sample56).

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital asset that represents ownership or proof of authenticity for a specific item or piece of content in a digital format. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are non-fungible, meaning each token has distinct properties and cannot be replaced or exchanged on a like-for-like basis.

Key characteristics of non-fungible tokens include:Uniqueness: Each NFT is one-of-a-kind and has a unique identifier that sets it apart from all other tokens. This uniqueness is often used to represent ownership of a particular digital item, artwork, collectible, virtual real estate, or any other digital asset.Indivisibility: NFTs cannot be divided into smaller units like cryptocurrencies. They are indivisible and represent the whole ownership of the specific digital asset they are associated with.Proof of Authenticity: NFTs are built on blockchain technology, typically using standards like ERC-721 or ERC-1155 on the Ethereum blockchain. This blockchain-based nature ensures a secure and immutable record of ownership and provenance for the digital asset.Ownership and Transfer: NFTs allow users to buy, sell, and transfer ownership of the associated digital asset in a decentralized manner. Ownership transfers are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and trust.

NFTs have gained significant attention and popularity in the art, gaming, entertainment, and collectibles industries. They have enabled a new way for digital artists and creators to tokenize and sell their work directly to collectors, with provenance and ownership secured through blockchain technology. In gaming, NFTs are used to represent unique in-game items or virtual land, allowing players to truly own and trade their digital possessions.

The value of NFTs is determined by factors such as scarcity, desirability, provenance, and the reputation of the creator or artist. Some NFTs have sold for substantial amounts in online auctions, making headlines in the mainstream media.

Authentication process10may define120the public digital portion (e.g., public digital portion66) within a first non-fungible token (e.g., first non-fungible token78). For example, authentication process10may embed public digital portion66within first non-fungible token78. Further, public digital portion66may be encrypted prior to being defined120within first non-fungible token78, thus allowing for public digital portion66to be visible within first non-fungible token78. . . but not understandable without the appropriate decryption key (which may be maintained in confidence within secure storage74by authentication process10).

Accordingly and in such a configuration, first non-fungible token78may be utilized by user38as an avatar, thus associating a visual image with their identity. Further and in such a configuration, user38may be able to set up multiple identities by generating multiple public digital portions, thus allowing user38to have multiple online personas. For example, a business online persona of user38may be a first non-fungible token of the Mona Lisa with a yellow background, while a personal online persona of user38may be a first non-fungible token of the Mona Lisa with a blue background.

Authentication process10may define122the private digital portion (e.g., private digital portion68) within a second non-fungible token (e.g., second non-fungible token80). For example, authentication process10may embed private digital portion68within second non-fungible token80. Further, private digital portion68may be encrypted prior to being defined112within second non-fungible token80, thus allowing for private digital portion68to be visible within second non-fungible token80. . . but not understandable without the appropriate decryption key (which may be maintained in confidence within secure storage74by authentication process10).

Accordingly and in such a configuration, second non-fungible token80may be utilized by user38as an avatar, thus associating a visual image with their identity. Further and in such a configuration, user38may be able to set up multiple identities by generating multiple private digital portions, thus allowing user38to have multiple online personas. For example, a business online persona of user38may be a second non-fungible token of the Leonardo diVinci with a yellow background, while a personal online persona of user38may be a second non-fungible token of the Leonardo diVinci with a blue background.

General