What is the use of factoring prime factors?
Well, of course it is used to attack the RSA encryption system.
Of course, this kind of thing is illegal, and Xiao Yi will definitely not do it.
However, this method has another use, which is to mine Bitcoin.
As the first blockchain cryptocurrency on earth, Bitcoin uses a very simple mining method, which is to decompose the prime factor.
The mining process has a [mining area]. There is a certain number of Bitcoin in a mining area. Miners dig and dig in this mining area. Then if a miner digs out a key value, which is the factor they are looking for, then this miner can get the reward of this block. Of course, this kind of miner is a solo mining, and if you are lucky, you may be able to get it right - but the price is that the probability of winning is lower than winning the first prize in the lottery.
Another mining method is a mining pool, where everyone mines together, and finally a certain amount of Bitcoin is awarded based on the contribution of each miner in the process.
As for their contribution, it is evaluated based on the computing power provided.
Naturally, the greater the computing power provided, the greater the contribution, and the more Bitcoin will be obtained in the end.
The professional term is called Proof of Work (poW).
So the miners' mining machines have rows of graphics cards plugged into them.
As for why a graphics card is used, this is because the computing power of the graphics card is very strong, much higher than that of the CPU.
In addition to the higher the computing power, the greater the contribution of mining, there is another point, that is, the advantage of the algorithm.
By continuously optimizing the mining algorithm, you can continuously improve the mining efficiency, that is, increase your workload in the process of mining a block, so as to obtain more Bitcoin rewards in the end.
And now...
"After combining the circle method with Xiao's expansion, it seems to be very efficient in decomposing prime factors..."
"The main thing is that it breaks down very simply."
Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.
The circle method itself can be used to decompose prime factors, but it is less efficient than the sieve method. However, his Xiao's expansion originally included the principle of classification sieves.
Therefore, combining the two aspects, he accidentally came up with a particularly convenient prime factorization method.
As for why it is convenient?
That's because its process of decomposing prime factors is very simple. In other words, if it is converted into a computer program, it will take up quite little computing power during its operation, at least compared to other prime factorization programs.
Therefore, the workload in mining can be increased in disguise, thereby increasing the speed of mining.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yi couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
Previously, in addition to planning to build a blockchain, he also planned to develop a mining software to practice his skills.
Mining software does not need to build a mine, it only needs to earn handling fees from those miners.
This is in line with Xiao Yi's requirements. After all, he doesn't have time to buy a lot of hosts for mining and maintain them. Maybe the power supply bureau finds that his power consumption is too high and directly stops his mine.
I heard that many domestic mining bosses have gradually moved their mines abroad because of this kind of thing.
Of course, mining is not completely prohibited in China, mainly based on the regulations of different regions.
All in all, being a mine boss yourself is definitely not feasible, so the best way is to figure out the algorithm, let other miners mine for him, and earn commissions yourself. This will obviously be much more comfortable.
And he can also make money from all the mine bosses in the world.
Hmm...
"Done!"
Xiao Yi fixed his gaze and started writing the program.
After so many days of research and study, he has a very deep understanding of programming. As for writing a mining software, it is not difficult.
The core part is the mining algorithm.
Of course, now that the mathematical principles have been figured out, it is not difficult for Xiao Yi to figure out the algorithm.
However, this algorithm is the core part of his software. In order to prevent the algorithm from being leaked, he also has to write a protection program to avoid being copied by others.
Algorithms cannot be patented, they can only be protected.
In addition to the core algorithm system, there must also be a user system.
This is very simple, it is just an account management. You can just copy and paste it on hithub. Of course, Xiao Yi decided to write it out by himself to exercise his abilities.
Well... In addition to the above parts, the most important thing is to have a charging system.
After referring to the charging methods of various mining software, Xiao Yi finally decided to charge two types of fees. The first is the software usage fee, which is 50 yuan for each mining machine.
It is said that the largest mining farm in China is Sichuan Province's Bitmain Mining Farm, with hundreds of thousands of mining machines, which means that if all of this mine uses his algorithm, it can bring him tens of millions in income.
In the whole world, there may be tens of millions of mining machines, which is equivalent to hundreds of millions or even billions of revenue.
Hiss...
Thinking of this, Xiao Yi couldn't help but have an idea similar to Yuri's at the beginning of the movie "Lord of War": The question is, how can I get all mine bosses to use my software for mining?
Ahem, it's better to stop dreaming now.
In addition to the software usage fee, there is also the mining commission. This is the same as other software, charging one percent of the mining revenue.
Finally, there is the server system. After all, since accounts are involved, the system naturally needs to use the server.
In this way, the security of his algorithm can be ensured to the greatest extent to prevent it from being leaked.
Finally, there is distributed computing power scheduling. When the mine bosses log in to his software and start mining, he can call on the computing power of the mine bosses' mining machines and start mining using his algorithm.
"Well... it's actually quite complicated."
After thinking about the various functional parts required by this software, Xiao Yi couldn't help but sigh, nothing is simple.
And another key question is, after the software is written, how should it be promoted to the outside world?
This problem is really difficult to solve.
Hmm...
He can't use his own account on Weibo to shout: [I made a mining software, everyone come and use it].
Forget it, this is a bit suspicious of advertising on Weibo.
He still cherishes feathers.
Forget it, don't think so much, the boat will naturally go straight when it reaches the bridge.
Let's write the software first.
Ever since, in the following time, Xiao Yi began to spend time on this mining software, trying to write it out before returning to China.
Time passed quickly, until about a week later.
"Xiao Yi, I have finished organizing my thesis. Come and take a look. Do you have any questions?"
Xiao Yi came to Zhang Yitang's office. The latter picked up a printed paper on the desktop and handed it to Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi took the paper and started to read it.
Hmm...
I have to say that different mathematicians write papers differently. For example, Zhang Yitang likes to lay out all the conditions and complete proof ideas first, and then derive the proof step by step in the remaining parts.
And Terence Tao is the kind of idea that gradually unfolds as the proof progresses.
Different writing methods also have different reading experiences for readers.
But...
There is no difference to Xiao Yi, he can understand it anyway.
In this way, I read it step by step, and finally Xiao Yi also found some clerical errors and some citation errors.
When Zhang Yitang found out that there were still these errors in his paper, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Finally, with the help of Xiao Yi, he corrected the paper.
"As expected, it must be you young people."
After correcting the paper, Zhang Yitang couldn't help but sigh.
I can't even sort out my papers.
On the other hand, Xiao Yi not only read the paper quickly, but also found errors accurately.
I heard that Xiao Yi's papers submitted to journals have never been sent back to the editor to correct some clerical errors or unclear areas in the process. He feels ashamed for this alone.
Xiao Yi didn't have much to say about this, he just smiled and said, "I will always get older."
Zhang Yitang shook his head, "Maybe I won't see that day either."
"Okay, let's not say so much. Let's upload the paper now."
Then he logged into arxiv and started uploading papers.
Of course, because they are jointly published, there is also an option to add authors during the paper publishing process.
It is a parallel work, and since the first letter of Xiao Yi is sorted in front of the first letter of Zhang Yitang, the name sorting of Xiao Yi is also in front.
But since they are all the same work, there is no difference.
Finally, click OK, and the paper will enter the system for automatic review, and it will probably be sent out soon.
"It's finally done."
Zhang Yitang took a deep breath, then smiled and said to Xiao Yi, "Basically nothing will happen next... Well, maybe the mathematics world will be lively for a while."
However, it is estimated that it will not be as lively as the paper Xiao Yi published Xiao's Polynomial Expansion some time ago.
After all, after Xiao's Polynomial Expansion, the proof of Landau-Siegel-Zero Conjecture is basically a countdown. Now, they are just advancing the countdown.
"In addition, we may have to make some reports or something by then. Do you want to come with us?" Zhang Yitang asked.
Xiao Yi was stunned and reported again?
He immediately waved his hand. "No, no, I have given two reports last month. Let me take a break. You can go."
Zhang Yitang suddenly laughed. Making reports is indeed a tiring task, but if the report is about the proof of Landau-Siegel-Zero Conjecture, then it can be regarded as an honor.
This kid is still unwilling?
But suddenly Zhang Yitang was startled and remembered what the two reports Xiao Yi gave last month were.
Twin Prime Conjecture, Xiao's Polynomial Expansion...
Sorry to bother you.
Landau-Siegel-Zero Conjecture is really nothing, especially since it is based on Xiao's expansion...
A little embarrassed, Zhang Yitang planned to change the topic. "What are you studying these days? Combining the circle method with Xiao's expansion?"
"Uh..." Xiao Yi thought for a while and said, "I'm writing a mining software for Bitcoin."
"Write... what to write?" Zhang Yitang was stunned for a moment, unable to react.
Xiao Yi had to repeat it once.
Now Zhang Yitang finally understood.
He looked at the young man in front of him in disbelief.
Even if you are so proficient in mathematics, you still have the intention to develop in computers?
"Is that software of yours written using a classification filter?" he couldn't help but ask.
Xiao Yi replied, "Well... there is also a certain classification sieve principle in it. It is almost a by-product of my research for a few days. It is quite effective when used in prime factor decomposition."
By-products...
Zhang Yitang's eyes twitched.
He didn't ask any more questions. After all, he knew that this so-called "by-product" should be the core mathematical principle of this software.
After thinking for a while, he asked, "How is the software written? Have you encountered any problems?"
"That's not the case." Xiao Yi waved his hand.
He may still be a little unskilled at the beginning, but as he writes, he gradually gets into the groove.
"It's just... I'm thinking about how to promote this software now, and I feel it's a bit troublesome."
Regarding this issue, Xiao Yi is still a little worried.
However, Zhang Yitang said, "If this is the problem... I happen to know a Chinese boss who specializes in mining. His mine seems to have more than 30,000 mining machines, which is also a very large mine in China."
"I can introduce it to you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yi was immediately stunned.
Is there such a thing?