# Data Engine Layer The data engine evaluates contribution and distributes rewards over fixed time windows called **epochs** (initially 24 hours). ## How Epochs Work Within each epoch, every active node competes for the epoch's reward pool. Rewards are allocated **pro-rata to verified contribution score**. Two consequences fall out of this design: * **If many nodes mine in the same epoch**, each receives a smaller share. If fewer nodes mine, each receives a larger share. * **Operators can adjust their data sync timing** within reason, creating a natural game around participation, contribution quality, and timing — not just hardware ownership. ## Why This Matters This is what turns Clawglasses from a static rewards drop into a **living network economy**. As real data demand grows, the pool thickens — every miner's share gets paid out of a larger pool, without inflation. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://clawglasses.gitbook.io/clawglasses-docs/architecture/data-engine-layer.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.