WebGPU-Based Cooperative and ASIC-Resistant Proof of Work

In this paper, we propose a Proof of Work (PoW) mining system utilizing WebGPU. Currently, participating as a node in a PoW blockchain requires the latest ASICs or GPUs, along with substantial storage space, and involves continuously consuming high amounts of energy. As a result, transactions are increasingly being handled by exchange service or third-party providers, and mining is concentrated within mining pools, leading to reduced decentralization. To address this issue, we introduce a new consensus mechanism that shifts away from the traditional competitive mining model where rewards are monopolized. Instead, users participate in mining directly through their web browsers using the WebGPU API for transactions they submit, and the rewards offset the expense of their transactions. This approach aims to reduce the necessity of ASICs or latest GPUs and decrease energy consumption for the consensus process. In proposing this system, we implemented SHA256d-based federated mining using Web Graphics Shader Language (WGSL) based on the overall structure of Bitcoin. We also modified the difficulty retargeting mechanism and the reward distribution model to align with this new approach.