Patent ID: 12223780

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the instant components, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of at least one of a method, apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium and system, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed but is merely representative of selected embodiments.

The instant features, structures, or characteristics as described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout least this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the diagrams, any connection between elements can permit one-way and/or two-way communication even if the depicted connection is a one-way or two-way arrow. In the current application, a transport may include one or more of cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, boats, recreational vehicles, planes, and any object that may be used to transport people and or goods from one location to another.

In addition, while the term “message” may have been used in the description of embodiments, the application may be applied to many types of network data, such as, a packet, frame, datagram, etc. The term “message” also includes packet, frame, datagram, and any equivalents thereof. Furthermore, while certain types of messages and signaling may be depicted in exemplary embodiments they are not limited to a certain type of message, and the application is not limited to a certain type of signaling.

Example embodiments provide methods, systems, components, non-transitory computer readable media, devices, and/or networks, which provide at least one of: a transport (also referred to as a vehicle herein) a data collection system, a data monitoring system, a verification system, an authorization system and a vehicle data distribution system. The vehicle status condition data, received in the form of communication update messages, such as wireless data network communications and/or wired communication messages, may be received and processed to identify vehicle/transport status conditions and provide feedback as to the condition changes of a transport. In one example, a user profile may be applied to a particular transport/vehicle to authorize a current vehicle event, service stops at service stations, and to authorize subsequent vehicle rental services.

Within the communication infrastructure, a decentralized database is a distributed storage system, which includes multiple nodes that communicate with each other. A blockchain is an example of a decentralized database, which includes an append-only immutable data structure (i.e., a distributed ledger) capable of maintaining records between untrusted parties. The untrusted parties are referred to herein as peers, nodes or peer nodes. Each peer maintains a copy of the database records and no single peer can modify the database records without a consensus being reached among the distributed peers. For example, the peers may execute a consensus protocol to validate blockchain storage entries, group the storage entries into blocks, and build a hash chain via the blocks. This process forms the ledger by ordering the storage entries, as is necessary, for consistency. In a public or permissionless blockchain, anyone can participate without a specific identity. Public blockchains can involve crypto-currencies and use consensus based on various protocols such as proof of work (PoW). On the other hand, a permissioned blockchain database provides a system, which can secure interactions among a group of entities which share a common goal, but which do not or cannot fully trust one another, such as businesses that exchange funds, goods, information, and the like. The instant application can function in a permissioned and/or a permissionless blockchain setting.

Smart contracts are trusted distributed applications which leverage tamper-proof properties of the shared or distributed ledger (i.e., which may be in the form of a blockchain) database and an underlying agreement between member nodes which is referred to as an endorsement or endorsement policy. In general, blockchain entries are “endorsed” before being committed to the blockchain while entries, which are not endorsed, are disregarded. A typical endorsement policy allows smart contract executable code to specify endorsers for an entry in the form of a set of peer nodes that are necessary for endorsement. When a client sends the entry to the peers specified in the endorsement policy, the entry is executed to validate the entry. After validation, the entries enter an ordering phase in which a consensus protocol is used to produce an ordered sequence of endorsed entries grouped into blocks.

Nodes are the communication entities of the blockchain system. A “node” may perform a logical function in the sense that multiple nodes of different types can run on the same physical server. Nodes are grouped in trust domains and are associated with logical entities that control them in various ways. Nodes may include different types, such as a client or submitting-client node which submits an entry-invocation to an endorser (e.g., peer), and broadcasts entry-proposals to an ordering service (e.g., ordering node). Another type of node is a peer node, which can receive client submitted entries, commit the entries and maintain a state and a copy of the ledger of blockchain entries. Peers can also have the role of an endorser, although it is not a requirement. An ordering-service-node or orderer is a node running the communication service for all nodes, and which implements a delivery guarantee, such as a broadcast to each of the peer nodes in the system when committing entries and modifying a world state of the blockchain, which is another name for the initial blockchain entry, which normally includes control and setup information.

A ledger is a sequenced, tamper-resistant record of all state transitions of a blockchain. State transitions may result from smart contract executable code invocations (i.e., entries) submitted by participating parties (e.g., client nodes, ordering nodes, endorser nodes, peer nodes, etc.). An entry may result in a set of asset key-value pairs being committed to the ledger as one or more operands, such as creates, updates, deletes, and the like. The ledger includes a blockchain (also referred to as a chain), which is used to store an immutable, sequenced record in blocks. The ledger also includes a state database, which maintains a current state of the blockchain. There is typically one ledger per channel. Each peer node maintains a copy of the ledger for each channel of which they are a member.

A chain is an entry log, which is structured as hash-linked blocks, and each block contains a sequence of N entries where N is equal to or greater than one. The block header includes a hash of the block's entries, as well as a hash of the prior block's header. In this way, all entries on the ledger may be sequenced and cryptographically linked together. Accordingly, it is not possible to tamper with the ledger data without breaking the hash links. A hash of a most recently added blockchain block represents every entry on the chain that has come before it, making it possible to ensure that all peer nodes are in a consistent and trusted state. The chain may be stored on a peer node file system (i.e., local, attached storage, cloud, etc.), efficiently supporting the append-only nature of the blockchain workload.

The current state of the immutable ledger represents the latest values for all keys that are included in the chain entry log. Because the current state represents the latest key values known to a channel, it is sometimes referred to as a world state. Smart contract executable code invocations execute entries against the current state data of the ledger. To make these smart contract executable code interactions efficient, the latest values of the keys may be stored in a state database. The state database may be simply an indexed view into the chain's entry log, it can therefore be regenerated from the chain at any time. The state database may automatically be recovered (or generated if needed) upon peer node startup, and before entries are accepted.

A blockchain is different from a traditional database in that the blockchain is not a central storage but rather a decentralized, immutable, and secure storage, where nodes must share in changes to records in the storage. Some properties that are inherent in blockchain and which help implement the blockchain include, but are not limited to, an immutable ledger, smart contracts, security, privacy, decentralization, consensus, endorsement, accessibility, and the like.

Example embodiments provide a way for providing a vehicle service to a particular vehicle and/or requesting user associated with a user profile that is applied to the vehicle. For example, a user may be the owner of a vehicle or the operator of a vehicle owned by another party. The vehicle may require service at certain intervals and the service needs may require authorization prior to permitting the services to be received. Also, service centers may offer services to vehicles in a nearby area based on the vehicle's current route plan and a relative level of service requirements (e.g., immediate, severe, intermediate, minor, etc.). The vehicle needs may be monitored via one or more sensors, which report sensed data to a central controller computer device in the vehicle, which in turn, is forwarded to a management server for review and action.

A sensor may be located on one or more of the interior of the transport, the exterior of the transport, on a fixed object apart from the transport, and on another transport near to the transport. The sensor may also be associated with the transport's speed, the transport's braking, the transport's acceleration, fuel levels, service needs, the gear-shifting of the transport, the transport's steering, and the like. The notion of a sensor may also be a device, such as a mobile device. Also, sensor information may be used to identify whether the vehicle is operating safely and whether the occupant user has engaged in any unexpected vehicle conditions, such as during the vehicle access period. Vehicle information collected before, during and/or after a vehicle's operation may be identified and stored in a transaction on a shared/distributed ledger, which may be generated and committed to the immutable ledger as determined by a permission granting consortium, and thus in a “decentralized” manner, such as via a blockchain membership group. Each interested party (i.e., company, agency, etc.) may want to limit the exposure of private information, and therefore the blockchain and its immutability can limit the exposure and manage permissions for each particular user vehicle profile. A smart contract may be used to provide compensation, quantify a user profile score/rating/review, apply vehicle event permissions, determine when service is needed, identify a collision and/or degradation event, identify a safety concern event, identify parties to the event and provide distribution to registered entities seeking access to such vehicle event data. Also, the results may be identified, and the necessary information can be shared among the registered companies and/or individuals based on a “consensus” approach associated with the blockchain. Such an approach could not be implemented on a traditional centralized database.

The instant application includes, in certain embodiments, authorizing a vehicle for service via an automated and quick authentication scheme. For example, driving up to a charging station or fuel pump may be performed by a vehicle operator, and the authorization to receive charge or fuel may be performed without any delays provided the authorization is received by the service station. A vehicle may provide a communication signal that provides an identification of a vehicle that has a currently active profile linked to an account that is authorized to accept a service, which can be later rectified by compensation. Additional measures may be used to provide further authentication, such as another identifier may be sent from the user's device wirelessly to the service center to replace or supplement the first authorization effort between the transport and the service center with an additional authorization effort.

Data shared and received may be stored in a database, which maintains data in one single database (e.g., database server) and generally at one particular location. This location is often a central computer, for example, a desktop central processing unit (CPU), a server CPU, or a mainframe computer. Information stored on a centralized database is typically accessible from multiple different points. A centralized database is easy to manage, maintain, and control, especially for purposes of security because of its single location. Within a centralized database, data redundancy is minimized as a single storing place of all data also implies that a given set of data only has one primary record.

According to the exemplary embodiments, in case of an accident, a transport's (e.g., car or vehicle) processor may detect a potential damage event via sensors and video recording devices located on the transport. In order to get and possibly provide more comprehensive information to an insurance company, the transport may request video (or other media) records from the transports (e.g., vehicles) located within a certain distance from the accident at the time of the accident indicated by a time stamp of the original video file. All of the transports may be connected via a blockchain network and serve as peers (or nodes). Once a certain number of transport nodes have a consensus, the video files can be provided to the requesting transport. Upon receiving the video files, the transport (i.e., the processor) may analyze the videos to find the portions that correlate to each other—i.e., show the damage-related event from different angles. The analysis may determine an extend of the damage. If the damage is deemed substantial enough, the processor of the transport can store the video files on a ledger of the blockchain for future analysis and for claim processing. For example, a combination of the portion of the video files may reveal that a driver of the damaged vehicle was not behind the wheel, making accident to qualify as a “hit and run.” Yet, in another scenario, the additional videos may indicate that both vehicles were moving at the time of contact, which may be critical for the insurance company or for the Department of Motor vehicles (DMV). In one example, a transport may place a record on a ledger of the blockchain indicating that an owner of the transport would like to get a certain amount for the damage without filing an insurance claim. This way, the owner of another vehicle involved in the accident may be able to settle the issue by making a payment via the blockchain.

In another embodiment, a server (e.g., an insurance company server or another cloud server) may receive a video file from a transport computer that serves as a peer on a blockchain network the server belongs to. The video file may be associated with an accident recorded by the transport. The server may request blockchain consensus from other transports within a certain distance range from the accident to access video files on these transports produced at the time of the accident. The insurance server may analyze the videos to determine damage to the transport. Then, the insurance server may store the relevant videos that correlate with the video file received from the transport computer on the ledger of the blockchain for audit and claim processing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a server (e.g., an insurance company server, a body shop server, etc.) may receive an accident report over a blockchain network from a transport computer. The server may access the video (or other media) files from a ledger of the blockchain using, for example, accident report ID, or transport ID, etc. The server analyzes the media file to produce a damage assessment. Then, the damage assessment may be stored on the ledger of the blockchain to be accessed by other interested parties (e.g., insurance appraisers, body shops, police department, etc.) connected over the same blockchain channel.

FIG.1Aillustrates a transport(s) network diagram100in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. According to one exemplary embodiment, a transport node102may detect a potential damage event that have occurred as a result of activation of a sensor on the transport after a contact with another car or object. The transport node102may record a first media file (e.g., video file) via a sensor on the transport node102. Then, the transport node102may access a second media file on another transport(s) (e.g., transport nodes105) within a predefined distance of the transport102. The transport node102may analyze the first media file and the second media file to identify portions that correlate to the potential damage event. The transport node102may determine that an actual damage event has occurred based on the analysis. In one example, the transport102may provide the damage-related data and media files to a server (e.g., an insurance server) via blockchain network.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a server (e.g., an insurance company server or another cloud server)107may receive a video file from a transport node102computer that serves as a peer on a blockchain network the server107belongs to. The video file may be associated with an accident recorded by the transport node102. The server107may request blockchain consensus from other transports (e.g., nodes105) within a certain distance range from the accident to access video files on these transports produced at the time of the accident. The insurance server107may analyze the videos to determine damage to the transport node102. Then, the insurance server107stores the relevant videos that correlate with the video file received from the transport node102computer on the ledger of the blockchain for audit and claim processing.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a server107(e.g., an insurance company server, a body shop server, etc.) may receive an accident report over a blockchain network from a transport node102computer. The server may access the video (or other media) files from a ledger of the blockchain using, for example, accident report ID, or transport ID, etc. The server107analyzes the media file to produce a damage assessment. Then, the damage assessment may be stored on the ledger of the blockchain to be accessed by other interested parties (e.g., insurance appraisers, body shops, police department, etc.) connected over the same blockchain channel. The transport node102may have a computing device or a server computer, or the like, and may include a processor104/104′, which may be a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another hardware device. Although a single processor104is depicted, it should be understood that the transport node102may include multiple processors, multiple cores, or the like, without departing from the scope of the transport node102system.

FIG.1Billustrates a network diagram for analysis of transport's damage-related information. Referring toFIG.1B, the network diagram111includes a transport node102connected to other transport nodes105over a blockchain network106. The transport nodes102and105may represent transports/vehicles. The blockchain network106may have ledger108for storing data, such as damage-related data (e.g., media files) and transactions110, that record the information, timestamps, and other related data. The transport node102may be connected to an insurance server nodes (not shown) as well.

While this example describes in detail only one transport node102, multiple such nodes may be connected to the blockchain106. It should be understood that the transport node102may include additional components and that some of the components described herein may be removed and/or modified without departing from a scope of the transport node102disclosed herein. The transport node102may have a computing device or a server computer, or the like, and may include a processor104, which may be a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another hardware device. Although a single processor104is depicted, it should be understood that the transport node102may include multiple processors, multiple cores, or the like, without departing from the scope of the transport node102system.

The transport node102may also include a non-transitory computer readable medium112that may have stored thereon machine-readable instructions executable by the processor104. Examples of the machine-readable instructions are shown as114-122and are further discussed below. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium112may include an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. For example, the non-transitory computer readable medium112may be a Random Access memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a hard disk, an optical disc, or other type of storage device.

The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions114to detect a potential damage event. Each of the transports102and105may serve as a network node on a blockchain network106. As discussed above, the blockchain ledger108may store an accident report generated by the transport node102and related transactions110. The blockchain106network may be configured to use one or more smart contracts located on the transports (i.e., nodes) that may manage transactions for other participating transport nodes105. The transport node102may provide the accident related media information to the blockchain106to be stored on a ledger108.

The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions116to record a first media file via at least one sensor on the transport node102. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions118to access a second media file on at least one other transport (e.g.,105) within a predefined distance of the transport node102. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions120to analyze the first media file and the second media file to identify portions that correlate to the potential damage event. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions122to determine an actual damage event has occurred based on the analysis.

FIG.1Cillustrates a network diagram for determination of damage to a transport. Referring toFIG.1C, the network diagram121includes a server node103(e.g., an insurance company server) connected to the transport node102and to other transport nodes105over a blockchain network106that has a ledger108for storing accident reports-related transactions110. The transport nodes102and105may serve as blockchain network106peers. While this example describes in detail only one server node103, multiple such nodes may be connected to the blockchain network106. It should be understood that the server node103may include additional components and that some of the components described herein may be removed and/or modified without departing from a scope of the server node103disclosed herein.

The server node103may have a computing device or a server computer, or the like, and may include a processor104, which may be a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another hardware device. Although a single processor104is depicted, it should be understood that the server node103may include multiple processors, multiple cores, or the like, without departing from the scope of the server node103.

The server node103may also include a non-transitory computer readable medium112′ that may have stored thereon machine-readable instructions executable by the processor104. Examples of the machine-readable instructions are shown as113-119and are further discussed below. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium112′ may include an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. For example, the non-transitory computer readable medium112′ may be a Random Access memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a hard disk, an optical disc, or other type of storage device.

The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions113to receive a video file from a transport node (e.g.,102), the video file reflecting an accident. The blockchain106may be configured to use one or more smart contracts that manage transactions for multiple participating nodes (e.g., the transport nodes105and102). The server node103may provide accident report information to the blockchain106and this transaction may be stored on the ledger108. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions115to request a permission to access video files from a plurality of transports105within a pre-defined range from the transport (e.g.,102). The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions117to analyze the video file from the transport (e.g.,102) and the video files from the plurality of the transports (e.g.,105) to determine a damage to the transport (e.g.,102). The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions119to store the video files from the plurality of the transports (e.g.,105) that correlate with the video file from the transport (e.g.,102) on a remote storage.

FIG.1Dillustrates a network diagram for a damage assessment. Referring toFIG.1D, the network diagram130includes a server node103(e.g., an insurance company server or any other entity that receives a report of an accident) connected to the transport node102and to other transport nodes105over a blockchain network106that has a ledger108for storing damage assessment-related transactions110. The transport nodes102and105may serve as blockchain network106peers. While this example describes in detail only one server node103, multiple such nodes may be connected to the blockchain network106. It should be understood that the server node103may include additional components and that some of the components described herein may be removed and/or modified without departing from a scope of the server node103disclosed herein.

The server node103may have a computing device or a server computer, or the like, and may include a processor104, which may be a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another hardware device. Although a single processor104is depicted, it should be understood that the server node103may include multiple processors, multiple cores, or the like, without departing from the scope of the server node103.

The server node103may also include a non-transitory computer readable medium112″ that may have stored thereon machine-readable instructions executable by the processor104. Examples of the machine-readable instructions are shown as132-138and are further discussed below. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium112″ may include an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. For example, the non-transitory computer readable medium112″ may be a Random Access memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a hard disk, an optical disc, or other type of storage device.

The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions132to receive an accident report from a transport. The blockchain106may be configured to use one or more smart contracts that manage transactions for multiple participating nodes105and102. The server node103may provide damage assessment information to the blockchain106and this transaction may be stored on the ledger108.

The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions134to access at least one media file associated with the report on a remote storage. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions136to analyze the media file to assess a damage to the transport. The processor104may execute the machine-readable instructions138to store the damage assessment onto the remote storage.

FIG.2Aillustrates a blockchain architecture configuration200, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.2A, the blockchain architecture200may include certain blockchain elements, for example, a group of blockchain member nodes202-206as part of a blockchain group210. In one example embodiment, a permissioned blockchain is not accessible to all parties but only to those members with permissioned access to the blockchain data. The blockchain nodes participate in a number of activities, such as blockchain entry addition and validation process (consensus). One or more of the blockchain nodes may endorse entries based on an endorsement policy and may provide an ordering service for all blockchain nodes. A blockchain node may initiate a blockchain action (such as an authentication) and seek to write to a blockchain immutable ledger stored in the blockchain, a copy of which may also be stored on the underpinning physical infrastructure.

The blockchain transactions220are stored in memory of computers as the transactions are received and approved by the consensus model dictated by the members' nodes. Approved transactions226are stored in current blocks of the blockchain and committed to the blockchain via a committal procedure, which includes performing a hash of the data contents of the transactions in a current block and referencing a previous hash of a previous block. Within the blockchain, one or more smart contracts230may exist that define the terms of transaction agreements and actions included in smart contract executable application code232, such as registered recipients, vehicle features, requirements, permissions, sensor thresholds, etc. The code may be configured to identify whether requesting entities are registered to receive vehicle services, what service features they are entitled/required to receive given their profile statuses and whether to monitor their actions in subsequent events. For example, when a service event occurs and a user is riding in the vehicle, the sensor data monitoring may be triggered, and a certain parameter, such as a vehicle charge level, may be identified as being above/below a particular threshold for a particular period of time. Then the result may be a change to a current status, which requires an alert to be sent to the managing party (i.e., vehicle owner, vehicle operator, server, etc.) so the service can be identified and stored for reference. The vehicle sensor data collected may be based on types of sensor data used to collect information about vehicle's status. The sensor data may also be the basis for the vehicle event data234, such as a location(s) to be traveled, an average speed, a top speed, acceleration rates, whether there were any collisions, was the expected route taken, what is the next destination, whether safety measures are in place, whether the vehicle has enough charge/fuel, etc. All such information may be the basis of smart contract terms230, which are then stored in a blockchain. For example, sensor thresholds stored in the smart contract can be used as the basis for whether a detected service is necessary and when and where the service should be performed.

FIG.2Billustrates a shared ledger configuration, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.2B, the blockchain logic example250includes a blockchain application interface252as an API or plug-in application that links to the computing device and execution platform for a particular transaction. The blockchain configuration250may include one or more applications which are linked to application programming interfaces (APIs) to access and execute stored program/application code (e.g., smart contract executable code, smart contracts, etc.) which can be created according to a customized configuration sought by participants and can maintain their own state, control their own assets, and receive external information. This can be deployed as an entry and installed, via appending to the distributed ledger, on all blockchain nodes.

The smart contract application code254provides a basis for the blockchain transactions by establishing application code which when executed causes the transaction terms and conditions to become active. The smart contract230, when executed, causes certain approved transactions226to be generated, which are then forwarded to the blockchain platform262. The platform includes a security/authorization268, computing devices, which execute the transaction management266and a storage portion264as a memory that stores transactions and smart contracts in the blockchain.

The blockchain platform may include various layers of blockchain data, services (e.g., cryptographic trust services, virtual execution environment, etc.), and underpinning physical computer infrastructure that may be used to receive and store new entries and provide access to auditors which are seeking to access data entries. The blockchain may expose an interface that provides access to the virtual execution environment necessary to process the program code and engage the physical infrastructure. Cryptographic trust services may be used to verify entries such as asset exchange entries and keep information private.

The blockchain architecture configuration ofFIGS.2A and2Bmay process and execute program/application code via one or more interfaces exposed, and services provided, by the blockchain platform. As a non-limiting example, smart contracts may be created to execute reminders, updates, and/or other notifications subject to the changes, updates, etc. The smart contracts can themselves be used to identify rules associated with authorization and access requirements and usage of the ledger. For example, the information may include a new entry, which may be processed by one or more processing entities (e.g., processors, virtual machines, etc.) included in the blockchain layer. The result may include a decision to reject or approve the new entry based on the criteria defined in the smart contract and/or a consensus of the peers. The physical infrastructure may be utilized to retrieve any of the data or information described herein.

Within smart contract executable code, a smart contract may be created via a high-level application and programming language, and then written to a block in the blockchain. The smart contract may include executable code, which is registered, stored, and/or replicated with a blockchain (e.g., distributed network of blockchain peers). An entry is an execution of the smart contract code, which can be performed in response to conditions associated with the smart contract being satisfied. The executing of the smart contract may trigger a trusted modification(s) to a state of a digital blockchain ledger. The modification(s) to the blockchain ledger caused by the smart contract execution may be automatically replicated throughout the distributed network of blockchain peers through one or more consensus protocols.

The smart contract may write data to the blockchain in the format of key-value pairs. Furthermore, the smart contract code can read the values stored in a blockchain and use them in application operations. The smart contract code can write the output of various logic operations into the blockchain. The code may be used to create a temporary data structure in a virtual machine or other computing platform. Data written to the blockchain can be public and/or can be encrypted and maintained as private. The temporary data that is used/generated by the smart contract is held in memory by the supplied execution environment, then deleted once the data needed for the blockchain is identified.

A smart contract executable code may include the code interpretation of a smart contract, with additional features. As described herein, the smart contract executable code may be program code deployed on a computing network, where it is executed and validated by chain validators together during a consensus process. The smart contract executable code receives a hash and retrieves from the blockchain a hash associated with the data template created by use of a previously stored feature extractor. If the hashes of the hash identifier and the hash created from the stored identifier template data match, then the smart contract executable code sends an authorization key to the requested service. The smart contract executable code may write to the blockchain data associated with the cryptographic details.

FIG.2Cillustrates a blockchain configuration for storing blockchain transaction data, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.2C, the example configuration270provides for the vehicle272, the user device274and a server276sharing information with a distributed ledger (i.e., blockchain)278. The server may represent a service provider entity inquiring with a vehicle service provider to share user profile rating information in the event that a known and established user profile is attempting to rent a vehicle with an established rated profile. The server276may be receiving and processing data related to a vehicle's service requirements. As the service events occur, such as the vehicle sensor data indicates a need for fuel/charge, a maintenance service, etc., a smart contract may be used to invoke rules, thresholds, sensor information gathering, etc., which may be used to invoke the vehicle service event. The blockchain transaction data280is saved for each transaction, such as the access event, the subsequent updates to a vehicle's service status, event updates, etc. The transactions may include the parties, the requirements (e.g., 18 years of age, service eligible candidate, valid driver's license, etc.), compensation levels, the distance traveled during the event, the registered recipients permitted to access the event and host a vehicle service, rights/permissions, sensor data retrieved during the vehicle event operation to log details of the next service event and identify a vehicle's condition status, and thresholds used to make determinations about whether the service event was completed and whether the vehicle's condition status has changed.

FIG.3Aillustrates a flow diagram300, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3A, an example method may be executed by the transport node102(seeFIG.1B). It should be understood that method300depicted inFIG.3Amay include additional operations and that some of the operations described therein may be removed and/or modified without departing from the scope of the method300. The description of the method300is also made with reference to the features depicted inFIG.1Bfor purposes of illustration. Particularly, the processor104of the transport node102may execute some or all of the operations included in the method300.

With reference toFIG.3A, at block302, the processor104may detect a potential damage event. At block304, the processor104may record a first media file via at least one sensor on the transport. At block306, the processor104may access a second media file on at least one other transport within a predefined distance of the transport. At block308, the processor104may analyze the first media file and the second media file to identify portions that correlate to the potential damage event. At block310, the processor104may determine an actual damage event has occurred based on the analysis.

FIG.3Billustrates a flow diagram320of an example method, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3B, the method320may also include one or more of the following steps. At block322, the processor104may identify the correlating portions based on timestamps of the media files. At block324, the processor104may determine the actual damage event has occurred based on a combination of the first media file and the second media file. The second media file may have a timestamp recorded within a preset time interval from a timestamp associated with the first media file. At block326, the processor104may receive a permission from the at least one other transport to include the second media file into an accident report. At block328, the processor104may, responsive to the permission, generate the accident report. The permission may constitute a consensus of a blockchain the transport and the at least one other transport belong to. At block330, the processor104may execute a smart contract to generate the accident report to be stored on a ledger of the blockchain.

FIG.3Cillustrates a flow diagram330, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3C, an example method may be executed by the server node103(seeFIG.1C). It should be understood that method330depicted inFIG.3Cmay include additional operations and that some of the operations described therein may be removed and/or modified without departing from the scope of the method330. The description of the method330is also made with reference to the features depicted inFIG.1Cfor purposes of illustration. Particularly, the processor104of the server node103may execute some or all of the operations included in the method330.

With reference toFIG.3C, at block333, the processor104may receive a video file from a transport, the video file reflecting an accident. At block335, the processor104may request a permission to access video files from a plurality of transports within a pre-defined range from the transport. At block337, the processor104may analyze the video file from the transport and the video files from the plurality of the transports to determine a damage to the transport. At block339, the processor104may store the video files from the plurality of the transports that correlate with the video file from the transport on a remote storage.

FIG.3Dillustrates a flow diagram340of an example method, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3D, the method340may also include one or more of the following steps. At block342, the processor104may access the video files from a plurality of transports based on timestamps associated with the video files. At block344, the processor104may combine the video files that have the timestamps within a preset time period from a timestamp of the video file reflecting the accident. At block346, the processor104may assess the damage to the transport based on the combination of the video files. At block348, the processor104may generate an accident report including the damage assessment and the timestamp of the video file reflecting the accident. Note that the permission to access the video files may constitute a consensus of a blockchain network the plurality of the transports belongs to. At block350, the processor104may, responsive to the consensus, execute a transaction to store the accident report on a ledger of the blockchain network.

FIG.3Eillustrates a flow diagram360, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3E, an example method may be executed by the server node103(seeFIG.1D). It should be understood that method360depicted inFIG.3Emay include additional operations and that some of the operations described therein may be removed and/or modified without departing from the scope of the method360. The description of the method360is also made with reference to the features depicted inFIG.1Dfor purposes of illustration. Particularly, the processor104of the server node103may execute some or all of the operations included in the method360.

With reference toFIG.3E, at block362, the processor104may receive an accident report from a transport. At block364, the processor104may access at least one media file associated with the report on a remote storage. At block366, the processor104may analyze the media file to assess a damage to the transport. At block368, the processor104may store the damage assessment onto the remote storage.

FIG.3Fillustrates a flow diagram380of an example method, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.3F, the method380may also include one or more of the following steps. At block382, the processor104may access media files on the remote storage from a plurality of transports associated with the at least one media file. At block384, the processor104may combine portions of the media files that have timestamps within a preset range of a timestamp of the at least one media file. At block386, the processor104may assess the damage to the transport based on the combined portions of the media files. At block388, the processor104may generate a damage assessment report. At block390, the processor104may access the at least one media file on a ledger of a blockchain the transport and the server belong to. At block392, the processor104may execute a transaction to store a damage assessment report on a ledger of the blockchain.

FIG.4Aillustrates an example blockchain vehicle configuration400for managing blockchain transactions associated with a vehicle, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG.4A, as a particular transport/vehicle425is engaged in transactions, such as asset transfer transactions (e.g., access key exchanges, vehicle service, dealer transactions, delivery/pickup, transportation services, etc.). The vehicle425may receive assets410and/or expel/transfer assets412according to a transaction(s) defined by smart contracts. The transaction module420may record information, such as parties, credits, service descriptions, date, time, location, results, notifications, unexpected events, etc. Those transactions in the transaction module420may be replicated into a blockchain430, which may be managed by a remote server and/or by a remote blockchain peers, among which the vehicle425itself may represent a blockchain member and/or blockchain peer. In other embodiments, the blockchain430resides on the vehicle425. The assets received and/or transferred can be based on location and consensus as described herein.

FIG.4Billustrates an example blockchain vehicle configuration440for managing blockchain transactions between a service node (e.g., a gas station, a service center, a body shop, a rental center, automotive dealer, local service stop, delivery pickup center, etc.) and a vehicle, according to example embodiments. In this example, the vehicle425may have driven itself to a service node442, because the vehicle needs service and/or needs to stop at a particular location. The service node442may perform a service (e.g., pimp gas) or may register the vehicle425for a service call at a particular time, with a particular strategy, such as oil change, battery charge or replacement, tire change or replacement, and any other transport related service. The services rendered444may be performed based on a smart contract, which is downloaded from or accessed via the blockchain430and identified for permission to perform such services for a particular rate of exchange. The services may be logged in the transaction log of the transaction module420, the credits412are transferred to the service center442and the blockchain may log transactions to represent all the information regarding the recent service. In other embodiments, the blockchain430resides on the vehicle425and/or the service center server. In one example, a transport event may require a refuel or other vehicle service and the occupants may then be responsible for the asset value increase for such service. The service may be rendered via a blockchain notification, which is then used to redistribute the asset value to the occupants via their respective asset values. Responsibility for the service center activities can be based on asset transfer as described herein.

FIG.4Cillustrates an example blockchain vehicle configuration450for managing blockchain transactions conducted among various vehicles, according to the exemplary embodiments. The vehicle425may engage with another vehicle408to perform various actions such as to share access keys, transfer keys, acquire service calls, etc. when the vehicle has reached a status where the assets need to be shared with another vehicle. For example, the vehicle408may be due for a battery charge and/or may have an issue with a tire and may be in route to pick up a package for delivery. The vehicle408may notify another vehicle425which is in its network and which operates on its blockchain member service. The vehicle425may then receive the information via a wireless communication request to perform the package pickup from the vehicle408and/or from a server (not shown). The transactions are logged in the transaction modules452and420of both vehicles. The assets are transferred from vehicle408to vehicle425and the record of the asset transfer is logged in the blockchain430/454assuming that the blockchains are different from one another, or, are logged in the same blockchain used by all members. Responsibility for the transferred assets can be based on asset values (e.g., access keys) as described herein.

FIG.5illustrates blockchain blocks500that can be added to a distributed ledger, according to example embodiments, and contents of block structures502A to502n. Referring toFIG.5, clients (not shown) may submit entries to blockchain nodes to enact activity on the blockchain. As an example, clients may be applications that act on behalf of a requester, such as a device, person or entity to propose entries for the blockchain. The plurality of blockchain peers (e.g., blockchain nodes) may maintain a state of the blockchain network and a copy of the distributed ledger. Different types of blockchain nodes/peers may be present in the blockchain network including endorsing peers, which simulate and endorse entries proposed by clients and committing peers which verify endorsements, validate entries, and commit entries to the distributed ledger. In this example, the blockchain nodes may perform the role of endorser node, committer node, or both.

The instant system includes a blockchain which stores immutable, sequenced records in blocks, and a state database (current world state) maintaining a current state of the blockchain. One distributed ledger may exist per channel and each peer maintains its own copy of the distributed ledger for each channel of which they are a member. The instant blockchain is an entry log, structured as hash-linked blocks where each block contains a sequence of N entries. Blocks may include various components such as those shown inFIG.5. The linking of the blocks may be generated by adding a hash of a prior block's header within a block header of a current block. In this way, all entries on the blockchain are sequenced and cryptographically linked together preventing tampering with blockchain data without breaking the hash links. Furthermore, because of the links, the latest block in the blockchain represents every entry that has come before it. The instant blockchain may be stored on a peer file system (local or attached storage), which supports an append-only blockchain workload.

The current state of the blockchain and the distributed ledger may be stored in the state database. Here, the current state data represents the latest values for all keys ever included in the chain entry log of the blockchain. Smart contract executable code invocations execute entries against the current state in the state database. To make these smart contract executable code interactions extremely efficient, the latest values of all keys are stored in the state database. The state database may include an indexed view into the entry log of the blockchain, it can therefore be regenerated from the chain at any time. The state database may automatically get recovered (or generated if needed) upon peer startup, before entries are accepted.

Endorsing nodes receive entries from clients and endorse the entry based on simulated results. Endorsing nodes hold smart contracts which simulate the entry proposals. When an endorsing node endorses an entry, the endorsing nodes creates an entry endorsement which is a signed response from the endorsing node to the client application indicating the endorsement of the simulated entry. The method of endorsing an entry depends on an endorsement policy which may be specified within smart contract executable code. An example of an endorsement policy is “the majority of endorsing peers must endorse the entry.” Different channels may have different endorsement policies. Endorsed entries are forward by the client application to an ordering service.

The ordering service accepts endorsed entries, orders them into a block, and delivers the blocks to the committing peers. For example, the ordering service may initiate a new block when a threshold of entries has been reached, a timer times out, or another condition. In this example, blockchain node is a committing peer that has received a data block602A for storage on the blockchain. The ordering service may be made up of a cluster of orderers. The ordering service does not process entries, smart contracts, or maintain the shared ledger. Rather, the ordering service may accept the endorsed entries and specifies the order in which those entries are committed to the distributed ledger. The architecture of the blockchain network may be designed such that the specific implementation of ‘ordering’ (e.g., Solo, Kafka, BFT, etc.) becomes a pluggable component.

Entries are written to the distributed ledger in a consistent order. The order of entries is established to ensure that the updates to the state database are valid when they are committed to the network. Unlike a crypto-currency blockchain system (e.g., Bitcoin, etc.) where ordering occurs through the solving of a cryptographic puzzle, or mining, in this example the parties of the distributed ledger may choose the ordering mechanism that best suits that network.

Referring toFIG.5, a block502A (also referred to as a data block) that is stored on the blockchain and/or the distributed ledger may include multiple data segments such as a block header504A to504n, transaction specific data506A to506n, and block metadata508A to508n. It should be appreciated that the various depicted blocks and their contents, such as block502A and its contents are merely for purposes of an example and are not meant to limit the scope of the example embodiments. In some cases, both the block header504A and the block metadata508A may be smaller than the transaction specific data506A which stores entry data; however, this is not a requirement. The block502A may store transactional information of N entries (e.g., 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, etc.) within the block data510A to510n. The block502A may also include a link to a previous block (e.g., on the blockchain) within the block header504A. In particular, the block header504A may include a hash of a previous block's header. The block header504A may also include a unique block number, a hash of the block data510A of the current block502A, and the like. The block number of the block502A may be unique and assigned in an incremental/sequential order starting from zero. The first block in the blockchain may be referred to as a genesis block which includes information about the blockchain, its members, the data stored therein, etc.

The block data510A may store entry information of each entry that is recorded within the block. For example, the entry data may include one or more of a type of the entry, a version, a timestamp, a channel ID of the distributed ledger, an entry ID, an epoch, a payload visibility, a smart contract executable code path (deploy tx), a smart contract executable code name, a smart contract executable code version, input (smart contract executable code and functions), a client (creator) identify such as a public key and certificate, a signature of the client, identities of endorsers, endorser signatures, a proposal hash, smart contract executable code events, response status, namespace, a read set (list of key and version read by the entry, etc.), a write set (list of key and value, etc.), a start key, an end key, a list of keys, a Merkel tree query summary, and the like. The entry data may be stored for each of the N entries.

In some embodiments, the block data510A may also store transaction specific data506A which adds additional information to the hash-linked chain of blocks in the blockchain. Accordingly, the data506A can be stored in an immutable log of blocks on the distributed ledger. Some of the benefits of storing such data506A are reflected in the various embodiments disclosed and depicted herein. The block metadata508A may store multiple fields of metadata (e.g., as a byte array, etc.). Metadata fields may include signature on block creation, a reference to a last configuration block, an entry filter identifying valid and invalid entries within the block, last offset persisted of an ordering service that ordered the block, and the like. The signature, the last configuration block, and the orderer metadata may be added by the ordering service. Meanwhile, a committer of the block (such as a blockchain node) may add validity/invalidity information based on an endorsement policy, verification of read/write sets, and the like. The entry filter may include a byte array of a size equal to the number of entries in the block data510A and a validation code identifying whether an entry was valid/invalid.

The other blocks502B to502nin the blockchain also have headers, files, and values. However, unlike the first block502A, each of the headers504A to504nin the other blocks includes the hash value of an immediately preceding block. The hash value of the immediately preceding block may be just the hash of the header of the previous block or may be the hash value of the entire previous block. By including the hash value of a preceding block in each of the remaining blocks, a trace can be performed from the Nth block back to the genesis block (and the associated original file) on a block-by-block basis, as indicated by arrows512, to establish an auditable and immutable chain-of-custody.

The above embodiments may be implemented in hardware, in a computer program executed by a processor, in firmware, or in a combination of the above. A computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium. For example, a computer program may reside in random access memory (“RAM”), flash memory, read-only memory (“ROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor may read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components. For example,FIG.6illustrates an example computer system architecture600, which may represent or be integrated in any of the above-described components, etc.

FIG.6is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the application described herein. Regardless, the computing node600is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

In computing node600there is a computer system/server602, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server602include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server602may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server602may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

As shown inFIG.6, computer system/server602in cloud computing node600is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system/server602may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units604, a system memory606, and a bus that couples various system components including system memory606to processor604.

The bus represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server602typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server602, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. System memory606, in one embodiment, implements the flow diagrams of the other figures. The system memory606can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM)608and/or cache memory610. Computer system/server602may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, memory606can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to the bus by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory606may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of various embodiments of the application.

Program/utility, having a set (at least one) of program modules, may be stored in memory606by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of various embodiments of the application as described herein.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present application may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Computer system/server602may also communicate with one or more external devices via an I/O adapter612, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system/server602; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server602to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces of the adapter612. Still yet, computer system/server602can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter. As depicted, adapter612communicates with the other components of computer system/server602via a bus. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server602. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Although an exemplary embodiment of at least one of a system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions as set forth and defined by the following claims. For example, the capabilities of the system of the various figures can be performed by one or more of the modules or components described herein or in a distributed architecture and may include a transmitter, receiver or pair of both. For example, all or part of the functionality performed by the individual modules, may be performed by one or more of these modules. Further, the functionality described herein may be performed at various times and in relation to various events, internal or external to the modules or components. Also, the information sent between various modules can be sent between the modules via at least one of: a data network, the Internet, a voice network, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless device, a wired device and/or via plurality of protocols. Also, the messages sent or received by any of the modules may be sent or received directly and/or via one or more of the other modules.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a “system” could be embodied as a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, a tablet computing device, a smartphone or any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices. Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by a “system” is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way but is intended to provide one example of many embodiments. Indeed, methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computing technology.

It should be noted that some of the system features described in this specification have been presented as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or the like.

A module may also be at least partially implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified unit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. Further, modules may be stored on a computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a hard disk drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any other such medium used to store data.

Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

It will be readily understood that the components of the application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations that are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the application has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent.

While preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and the scope of the application is to be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents and modifications (e.g., protocols, hardware devices, software platforms etc.) thereto.