Blockchain-implemented systems and methods for secure access control

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of enabling conditional access to resource. The condition is the performance of a task. The task can be performed by one party or entity on behalf of another party or entity. The person, device or system controlling access to the resource creates a task that includes the broadcast of a transaction on the blockchain. In particular the transaction (part of the task) has a plurality of outputs, including a locking-output. Additional transactions or mechanism are created that enable access to the resource only when the task has been completed. Access to the resource is achieved by (i) the initial broadcast of the resource that makes it conditionally available and (ii) the subsequent broadcast of the transaction, which fulfils or satisfies the condition that enables access to the resource. Multi-signatures and a refund mechanism are used by the parties to lock access to the resource. These multi-signatures are spread between the stages and transactions. The initial deposit broadcast makes the resource available, but access is prohibited because it is locked by a first multi-signature and allocated to a refund mechanism. The task, and transaction to be broadcast, are created wherein the transaction has a locking-output secured by a second multi-signature and also allocated to the refund mechanism. Access to the resource, however, requires both multi-signatures of the refund mechanism to have been signed and the broadcast of the main transaction.