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description: explore the unknown
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# into the meta layer

### Introduction

The OICP protocol was originally established as a classification protocol with the objective of categorizing inscriptions. For instance, in the previous example, we utilized brc-20c to attain fair distribution through intricate rules. This was primarily accomplished by issue classification rules to filter inscriptions and subsequently bring the result set into convergence. By employing this approach, we can further develop various use cases including games by designing more sophisticated rules.

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2FVYTJ8VYewmjj2IYEjn89%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8de0fa05-4a48-4efd-81fa-bbfd3abdd242" alt="" width="534"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The aforementioned features are limited to the aspect of using the OICP protocol for classifying lower-layer entities. However, something interesting happened when I attempted to use the OICP protocol to define 721 entities. I discovered that the OICP protocol has the capability not only to classify entities but also to create entities. By applying the classification rule to fields rather than entities, we can combine multiple discrete fields into a completely new entity. This is truly fascinating.

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2F8qqI1SBDGi59p9m9wCpV%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e15e1b06-1313-4621-af0b-ddb703291806" alt="" width="399"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Later, as I delved deeper into studying these entities, I discovered their peculiar characteristics. Although each field of these entities is real and recorded on the blockchain, as well as the rules describing these combinations being real and recorded on the blockchain, the combination itself does not physically exist on the blockchain. It is more like a projection of the blockchain entities onto a two-dimensional plane.

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2FH5FFdIARf2kIFcLAtgck%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=45f8f2aa-faf4-4f7b-927c-335cdfd93391" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Exactly, it's as if there is a projector that generates projections of the entities from the entity layer at a specific angle. These projections themselves cannot perform any actions. They cannot move within addresses; they can only be bound to a certain inscription entity and follow along with the flow. In other words, these objects are more like "ghosts" or "patronus" (if you're familiar with Harry Potter) in nature. In the later chapters, I prefer to call these objects as "soul"(aka 灵体).

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2Fy404mZ6wmCSbTcxMEHRt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3412a70b-1e5c-47a5-8c18-2b973f65a176" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After spending some time understanding these soul, I discovered that these objects should exist within a layer that I prefer to call the "meta" layer. As I delved deeper into the meta layer, a vast landscape unfolded before me, leaving me breathless. Simultaneously, I gradually realized the essence of the OICP protocol.

### The essence of the OICP protocol

The OICP protocol is not a protocol within the meta layer; In the contrary, it defines the meta layer itself. Specifically, it defines the following:

1. It defines a unified data model to accurately describe the activities or facts on the underlying blockchain. This data model can be seen as a two-dimensional unfolding of the multidimensional blockchain entities. Figuratively speaking, we can envision this data structure as a film reel floating on the outer layer of the meta layer.
2. It defines a standardized language to describe the relationships between these data structures (SQL as we have described previously). This can be likened to a perforated film in front of a projector, through which the projector can project light following specific patterns or rules.
3. It establishes a standardized data structure (e.g., deployment script) for deploying the classification rules onto an inscription and storing them on the blockchain. This process solidifies the reality of the rules.

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2FVbAqFKS4SaIlIqSWOP1m%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f5fb118c-4c8f-42ec-b04a-a16fa7658168" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

By combining the aforementioned elements, OICP is able to create a meta layer from void. Because all the rules used to define these objects are deployed on the blockchain, and the fields that make up these objects also exist on the blockchain, the objects themselves are definite and real.

### The big picture

With the above analysis in place, a vast OICP universe unfolds before us.

<figure><img src="https://1364652276-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgQ2iYEQa99ImX4RU5sbC%2Fuploads%2FSlRZyg00Iaf3hhiuagKO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e7d3a079-dd06-49db-98c0-72517f60ab26" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Layer0, the bottommost layer, enables cross-chain movement of blockchain entities. However, the existence of this layer is not essential for the meta layer; it is included merely to complete the overall picture.
* In the middle, there are multidimensional structures composed of various blockchains, including the Bitcoin network, which holds a special position.
* At the edge of the meta layer, the data model defined by the OICP protocol describes the two-dimensional unfolding form of the multidimensional blockchain facts. It's important to note that the data within this data model can come from multiple blockchain networks.
* By defining the rules on the inscriptions within the Bitcoin blockchain, the entire meta layer universe is projected through the data film.
* The ”souls"  are carried and moved by the inscriptions on the Bitcoin network.

### Future work

As described above, the OICP landscape has far surpassed my imagination. Currently, there are two main directions to focus on.

From a vertical perspective, the currently defined data model of the protocol is not accurate. It lacks crucial information such as inscriptions or SATS positions within the data model. This approach is intended to facilitate better utilization of existing public infrastructure (such as Dune) for rapid validation. However, this compromise also significantly limits the capabilities of the protocol, such as the fragmentation of soul. Therefore, it is essential to undertake a necessary reconstruction of the data model.

From a horizontal perspective, expanding the data structures  into other block chains is also very exciting. For example, we can record whitelist information on relatively inexpensive chains and then use the OICP protocol to combine them together. Of course, there are many more possibilities to explore.

So, overall, this is no longer a task that I can accomplish by myself alone. Therefore, I will put the protocol on  GitHub and hope to have more protocol developers to join.&#x20;

Of course, before we step forward, allow me some time to provide you with a real example in the next chapter on how to create soul using OICP, i would like to create something to reward my early supporters.

### FAQ

* Why do you call it the meta layer? Does it have any special meaning?
  * Yes, "meta" is often used to express the meaning of higher-level abstraction. In this context, because all the objects in the meta layer are composed by lower-level entity or fields, so I think it's very appropriate to name it this way. Besides, say hello to metaverse? lmao.&#x20;



