The DLSAG preprint specifies a method for applying hidden timelocks to its dual-key output construction.
Even without DLSAG or its intended non-interactive refund mechanism, it's possible to integrate hidden timelocks into the Monero protocol. Outputs come equipped with a separate Pedersen commitment to a lock time (using a standardized time format, either blocks or timestamps). Ring signatures are extended to include another key vector dimension. Signers produce an auxiliary commitment to the same time, but with a random mask, and include this offset as part of each ring member in signatures. Then, the signer chooses a random (not necessarily uniform) auxiliary time value between the lock time and the current time, and includes this in the clear; it generates a particular range proof demonstrating that the difference between the auxiliary time value and the (hidden) time value in the auxiliary commitment is positive and range-limited.
It's not feasible to include this functionality using MLSAG signatures, since this would require the addition of a separate set of scalars that scales with the ring size. However, including it with CLSAG signatures adds only a single group element. Adding them to Triptych would also add a single group element. There is an added computational complexity for the verifier (and prover) that, at first estimate, would negate the time savings from an MLSAG-CLSAG migration.
This functionality could be mandatory or optional, depending on the risk assessment.
The DLSAG preprint specifies a method for applying hidden timelocks to its dual-key output construction.
Even without DLSAG or its intended non-interactive refund mechanism, it's possible to integrate hidden timelocks into the Monero protocol. Outputs come equipped with a separate Pedersen commitment to a lock time (using a standardized time format, either blocks or timestamps). Ring signatures are extended to include another key vector dimension. Signers produce an auxiliary commitment to the same time, but with a random mask, and include this offset as part of each ring member in signatures. Then, the signer chooses a random (not necessarily uniform) auxiliary time value between the lock time and the current time, and includes this in the clear; it generates a particular range proof demonstrating that the difference between the auxiliary time value and the (hidden) time value in the auxiliary commitment is positive and range-limited.
It's not feasible to include this functionality using MLSAG signatures, since this would require the addition of a separate set of scalars that scales with the ring size. However, including it with CLSAG signatures adds only a single group element. Adding them to Triptych would also add a single group element. There is an added computational complexity for the verifier (and prover) that, at first estimate, would negate the time savings from an MLSAG-CLSAG migration.
This functionality could be mandatory or optional, depending on the risk assessment.