How XYO Works

XYO is a decentralized network of devices that anonymously collect and validate geospatial data, with the goal of making this data more reliable and trustless. It incorporates multiple layers of technology to achieve this, including blockchain, connected devices, and cryptography. At its core, XYO aims to improve location-based data accuracy using decentralized protocols.

Sentinel Layer: The Data Collection

The first and most fundamental layer of the XYO system is the Sentinel layer. These are physical devices that serve the role of data collectors. These Sentinels gather raw data about their surroundings—such as location and time—and broadcast this information to other devices in the network. The key point of this layer is to promote trustless and decentralized collection of geospatial data.

Sentinels don’t just gather data but also provide a verification mechanism to assert that specific information is accurate. They start the process of creating a ledger entry that can later be compiled into a comprehensive data set. The Sentinels can be anything from smartphones to IoT devices, making it a scalable system relying on a broad diversity of hardware sources for data.

Bridge Layer: Transferring Data

Once data is collected by the Sentinels, the next layer comes into play, called Bridges. This layer is responsible for relaying the data collected by Sentinels to the next component, often referred to as the Archivists, while providing cryptographic proof (Signed Data) to back its authenticity. Essentially, Bridges act as translators that transfer the data from one decentralized part of the system to another.

Archivist Layer: Storing Data

Archivists are responsible for storing the validated data provided by Bridges. The data stored by Archivists is made available for other users, ensuring that it is accessible but not centrally controlled. This layer of the XYO system ensures that all collected data is securely kept, but more importantly, decentralizes that storage across several independent nodes within the network. These nodes do not necessarily need to trust each other, as the system's cryptographic mechanisms handle data integrity.

Diviner Layer: Resolving Queries

The final layer in the XYO system is the Diviner layer. Diviners play a critical role in answering questions posed to the network. When a query is made, Diviners select historical data from the Archivists’ storage and use this data to deliver a response. Diviners employ a Proof of Origin scheme to verify the accuracy of the other layers' data. The purpose of this function is to ensure the trustless, tamper-proof delivery of the information requested.

The Diviners are also the components of the system that provide insights into the data in exchange for cryptocurrency, such as XYO tokens.

Smart Contracts and Blockchain Integration

XYO integrates heavily with blockchain technology. Its use of cryptographic methods ensures that the collected and transmitted data is secure and traceable throughout the network. Additionally, smart contracts can be used to automatically trigger actions based on real-world data supplied by the XYO network. For example, a smart contract could release a payment based on a verified delivery location from XYO data.