Systems and methods for creating and using sustainable tokens

Abstract

A method of managing digital assets is provided. The method includes receiving an input identifying a first digital wallet. One or more non-homogenized tokens associated with the first digital wallet are identified. A persistent token is selected from the one or more non-homogenized tokens, each persistent token associated with a respective persistent digital asset. For each sustainability token, a uniform resource indicator of a corresponding sustainability digital asset is retrieved from a distributed blockchain ledger, and attributes of the corresponding sustainability digital asset are retrieved based on the uniform resource indicator. A comprehensive sustainability score is generated based on attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the sustainability token, which is compared to a first benefit criterion, and when the comprehensive sustainability score satisfies the benefit criterion, a first benefit is provided to an owner of the first digital wallet.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 430,454, filed December 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Non-fungible tokens can represent products or digital assets with properties that can be integrated into blockchain-connected applications and systems. The use of these tokens and their integration into these systems offer new ways for manufacturers or retailers’ customers to earn benefits.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to propose systems and methods that reward and incentivize environmentally sustainable consumer and corporate behavior brought about by the use of non-fungible tokens by providing customers with benefits based on their use of non-fungible tokens. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, systems, methods, and media are provided for sustainability systems and methods using cryptographic tokens (e.g., non-fungible tokens).

[0006] In one aspect, a method for managing digital assets is provided. The method includes receiving input identifying a first digital wallet. Identifying one or more non-fungible tokens associated with the first digital wallet. Selecting one or more sustainability tokens from the one or more non-fungible tokens, each of the one or more sustainability tokens being associated with a corresponding sustainability digital asset. For each of the one or more sustainability tokens, retrieving a uniform resource indicator (URI) of the corresponding sustainability digital asset from a distributed blockchain ledger, and retrieving one or more attributes of the corresponding sustainability digital asset based on the URI. Generating a composite sustainability score based on the one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens. Comparing the composite sustainability score to a first benefit criterion, and providing a first benefit to the owner of the first digital wallet when the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criterion.

[0007] In some examples, at least a first sustainability token among the one or more sustainability tokens corresponds to a first physical product. In some cases, the first sustainability token is associated with a first transaction, the first transaction comprising a transfer to a first purchaser of the first physical product. In some cases, the attribute of the first sustainability token comprises a sustainability attribute of a second physical product transferred to the first purchaser in the first transaction. In some cases, the attribute of the sustainability digital asset corresponding to the first sustainability token comprises at least a first sustainability attribute of the first physical product. In some cases, the first sustainability attribute indicates carbon emissions associated with the manufacture and transportation of the first physical product, wherein the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on the first sustainability attribute.

[0008] In some examples, the attribute of at least one of the one or more sustainable digital assets includes a recycling attribute associated with a proportion of recycled material in one or more physical products associated with the at least one sustainable digital asset, wherein the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on the recycling attribute. In some cases, the first benefit criterion is a minimum recyclability criterion indicating a minimum proportion of recycled material. In some cases, the first benefit is access to a physical event.

[0009] In some cases, the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on attributes of a second sustainability digital asset corresponding to a second sustainability token, wherein the method further comprises, in response to determining that the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criteria, recording an updated state of the second sustainability token to the distributed blockchain ledger. In some cases, the updated state of the second sustainability token comprises a transfer of the second sustainability token. In some examples, the updated state comprises permanently removing the second sustainability token from the distributed blockchain ledger.

[0010] In some examples, the method further includes, in response to determining that the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criterion, updating an attribute of a sustainability digital asset corresponding to at least one of the one or more sustainability tokens. In some cases, the method further includes generating a second composite sustainability score based on one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens. In some cases, the second composite sustainability score is compared to a second benefit criterion. In some examples, when the second composite sustainability score satisfies the second benefit criterion, a second benefit is provided to the owner of the first digital wallet. In some examples, the one or more attributes include a first sustainability attribute and a second sustainability attribute, wherein the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on each of the first sustainability attribute and the second sustainability attribute.

[0011] In another aspect, a system includes a computer having at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive input identifying a first digital wallet, identify one or more non-fungible tokens associated with the first digital wallet, and select one or more sustainability tokens from the one or more non-fungible tokens, each of the one or more sustainability tokens being associated with a corresponding sustainability digital asset. For each of the one or more sustainability tokens, the processor is configured to retrieve a uniform resource indicator (URI) of the corresponding sustainability digital asset from a distributed blockchain ledger and retrieve one or more attributes of the corresponding sustainability digital asset based on the URI. The processor is further configured to generate a composite sustainability score based on the one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens, compare the composite sustainability score to a first benefit criterion, and provide entitlement to a first benefit to a subject associated with the first digital wallet when the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criterion.

[0012] In some examples, the entitlement includes a digital ticket. In some cases, the processor is further configured to output the digital ticket to a display. In some cases, providing the entitlement to the first benefit to the subject associated with the first digital wallet includes generating a digital asset corresponding to the entitlement, sending an instruction to a server associated with the distributed blockchain ledger to generate a token corresponding to the digital asset, and sending an instruction to the server to transfer the token to the first digital wallet.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for generating a non-fungible token associated with a consumer transaction is provided. The method includes retrieving one or more tokens associated with a first product from a first blockchain. Determining a plurality of first product sustainability attributes from a digital asset associated with the one or more tokens. The first product is transferred to a first purchaser in a first transaction. A transaction sustainability attribute is determined for the first transaction, the transaction sustainability attribute being based in part on the first product sustainability attribute. A transaction digital asset is generated, the transaction digital asset including the transaction sustainability attribute. A first sustainability non-fungible token associated with the transaction digital asset is minted onto a second blockchain. The first sustainability non-fungible token is transferred to the first purchaser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter may be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in conjunction with the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0015] Figure 1An example of a system for generating non-fungible tokens according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 1 Examples of computing device and server hardware are shown;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating an example blockchain network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram illustrating an example blockchain network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method for generating a digital asset protected by a non-fungible token according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating an example method for generating a digital asset including attributes associated with a transaction;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of NFTs and related digital assets, including the sustainability properties of transactions;

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system for generating sustainable NFTs and providing benefits to users based on ownership of the sustainable NFTs;

[0023] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example method for providing benefits to owners of sustainable NFTs; and

[0024] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a cultivation process for cultivating two sustainable NFTs according to some embodiments disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present application includes embodiments of mechanisms (e.g., systems, methods, and media) for generating digital assets protected by cryptographic tokens (e.g., non-fungible tokens (NFTs)), and these digital assets correspond to physical objects (e.g., articles of clothing or footwear), or to a set of entitlements in a digital system, or to benefits that can be provided by a manufacturer or retailer, or to virtual objects in a video game or metaverse. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to cryptographic digital assets of items, objects, or transactions, including sustainability attributes or indicators associated with the objects, items, or transactions. For example, cryptographic digital assets can be associated with tangible objects, including sneakers, glasses, clothing, headwear, or sports equipment, as well as other products such as watches, luggage, jewelry, storage or shipping containers, artwork, mobile phones or smartphones, tablets, televisions or other electronic devices, refrigerators or other appliances, and vehicles or other machines. Alternatively, the items or objects can be intangible objects, including graphic designs, virtual avatars or characters, graphical user interfaces, or other forms of information.

[0026] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to cryptographic digital assets that can be updated based on user activity and transactions, as well as methods for providing such cryptographic digital assets and items, and decentralized computing systems with accompanying blockchain control logic for mining, exchanging, collaborating, modifying, combining, and / or remixing blockchain-enabled digital assets and items. The presently described technology relies on the trust established in blockchain technology to enable companies to control the creation, distribution, expression, and use of digital objects representing their brands. Unlike typical digital assets that can be freely copied without loss of content or quality, ownership of digital assets is established using a discrete record of ownership through blockchain technology, which can provide NFT owners with certain rights, benefits, and entitlements associated with ownership of the digital asset. Manufacturers of NFTs and related digital assets have the ability to control or limit the overall supply of digital objects or their features / aspects, and can create controlled scarcity as desired. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some examples, digital objects may represent: physical objects for sale; 2D or 3D design renderings or design files that may be suitable for future production; virtual representations of objects not currently intended for physical creation / production; proof of attendance at or entitlement to an event; representations of user interactions or transactions with manufacturers or retailers; or other objects. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure include mechanisms for generating cryptographic tokens using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and / or a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computing device.

[0027] In some embodiments, NFTs can protect, authenticate, or verify the ownership of digital assets with different properties and different functions. A "Uniform Resource Identifier" or "URI" is a unique sequence of characters used to identify logical or physical resources used by web technologies. A URI can be used to identify any resource, including non-virtual objects (such as locations or people), or digital information resources (such as web pages). A URI can include a "Uniform Resource Name" ("URN") or a "Uniform Resource Locator" ("URL"). The URI of an NFT can be a URL pointing to a digital asset, or it can be metadata associated with a digital asset hosted on a server of a host system. The metadata of a digital asset can also include a URL where the digital asset is hosted remotely, off-chain, or off-blockchain. For example, accessing the URI of a sustainable NFT (e.g., a sustainable token) can include accessing the URI in a browser and visually inspecting the properties, which can be presented in a code-readable format (e.g., JSON, XML, HTML, etc.). The URI of a digital asset representing a transaction's sustainability attributes can return a list of sustainability attributes, which in turn can be used by third-party platforms (e.g., electronic gaming systems and digital marketplaces) to provide some functionality or benefits to the owner of the digital asset.

[0028] In some embodiments, an NFT can serve as the owner's digital identity and provide access to a digital marketplace, gateway, portal, API, game, or webpage that the owner would not otherwise have access to. For example, an NFT can grant the owner access to a vendor's webpage that offers exclusive benefits to the owner. In some embodiments, the benefits offered can be based on the type and metadata of the NFT.

[0029] As used herein, a “digital asset” refers to a digital file or data to which ownership can be assigned. A digital asset can be a text document, an image file, a video, an audio file, a database file, a code block, a database, an encryption key, or anything that can be represented digitally and accessed at an addressable location. In addition, a digital asset can be a digital art version of a tangible physical object or place, or an object separate from a tangible physical object. A digital asset can include metadata that can describe various aspects of the digital asset, its functions or properties, and can be formatted in a computer-readable format (e.g., json, xml, yml, html, etc.). As used herein, a “crypto-digital asset” is a digital asset protected by (e.g., associated with) an NFT minted by a blockchain, or a digital asset with a unique, non-homogeneous tokenized code (“token”) registered on a blockchain platform and verified by the platform or otherwise registered in an immutable database, thereby cryptographically protecting the NFT owner’s interest in the digital asset. The interest can, but need not be, an ownership interest in the crypto-digital asset, its copyright, the right to use the crypto-digital asset in a third-party application, or any other interest that can be associated with the crypto-digital asset.

[0030] A "smart contract" is an agreement in the form of a self-executing software program that runs on a blockchain network. Smart contracts are distributed across the blockchain network and are inherently immutable. The terms in a smart contract, such as those in an NFT, are specified by one or more parties and are encoded in the smart contract when it is deployed to the blockchain. When creating a smart contract, one or more parties may include programming to allow for negotiation, modification, full or partial acceptance, full or partial rejection, and ultimately full or partial execution or abandonment. It should be understood that, as used herein, consideration is simply something of value exchanged between one party and another. It can be real or personal property (such as currency), or it can be a return promise, an act, or a forbearance. Furthermore, an option is a contract in which an offeree gives consideration for the offeror's promise not to revoke an outstanding offer. Options can be provided as part of a larger contract, or alternatively, they can be the basis of the contract itself. Smart contracts in NFTs may (but are not necessarily) be legally enforceable. The code of a smart contract may include functions for reading or writing to the smart contract. For example, a smart contract may include a function that returns information about a digital asset, or a function that returns information about the owner of the digital asset. Additionally or alternatively, the function of the smart contract can be called by the owner of the contract (e.g., the code of the function can be executed) to distribute the funds exchanged when executing the smart contract.

[0031] The term "crypto token" as used herein is a digital value stored / recorded on a blockchain. Crypto tokens include payment tokens such as Bitcoin, utility tokens, security tokens, and "non-fungible tokens". As used herein, a "non-fungible token" ("NFT") refers to a crypto asset in the form of a unique crypto token corresponding to a digital asset, which may include any of the digital asset examples listed above. An NFT can be a blockchain-based digital ownership contract and / or a certificate of authenticity for a digital asset. As used herein, an NFT is not a digital asset, but is used to represent ownership of a digital asset. NFTs can be constructed (i.e., minted) according to contemporary and relevant standards, such as Ethereum Request for Comments (ERC) 721 (non-fungible token standard) or ERC1155 (multi-token standard) and other relevant standards, and are suitable for a specific blockchain network and the applications in which they are used.

[0032] Furthermore, NFTs are created or minted according to the terms of a smart contract. The specific conditions and terms of a smart contract can govern the details of transactions involving the minting or transfer of NFTs, and these terms can influence the value of the NFT, or at least its perceived value over time. For example, a smart contract can enforce the rarity of NFTs minted under the smart contract by limiting the maximum number of NFTs that can be minted under the contract. In some cases, a smart contract may include a provision stipulating that royalties be paid to the owner of the smart contract upon a secondary sale of the NFT. Essentially, the NFT represents the identity of the transaction and serves as a record of this identity on a blockchain ledger (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). As such, the value of the NFT itself can fluctuate based on various aspects of the transaction, such as the parties involved, the value of the exchange, the time and / or date, exclusivity, or a combination thereof, and other factors. Furthermore, the number and / or frequency of transactions may also cause the value of the NFT to fluctuate.

[0033] A digital asset can be accessed via a URL (i.e., a URI) referenced in the non-fungible token that secures it. This URL can be a link that, when accessed, provides the digital asset, or information or metadata about the digital asset. Because storing information in a non-fungible token incurs costs, the token itself may contain only enough information to identify the digital asset and prove ownership, with the remaining information about the digital asset residing on a computer system that is not a node in the blockchain. Accessing the URL can return a list of the digital asset's properties to the user through a graphical user interface, or alternatively, in a format usable by computer programs and applications that can access the digital asset. For example, the URL can return information about the digital asset in JSON or XML format, and the address of the digital asset itself can be included in the list of properties.

[0034] The digital asset representing the transaction can therefore have properties that specify the time of the transaction, the seller, information about the product purchased, sustainability attributes of the product and the transaction, etc. In some cases, the address referenced in the non-fungible token can be an API endpoint that can change the information returned to the user, or implement functionality based on the HTTP method by which the API endpoint can be accessed. The API endpoint can allow a user or system to perform, for example, GET, HEAD, PUT, or POST, which can allow the digital attributes of the digital asset to be changed based on the operation performed. The GET and HEAD operations can be read-only operations and can provide publicly available information about the digital asset without the need for authentication. For example, access to write operations (e.g., POST, PUT) to an API endpoint referenced in an NFT may require authentication and therefore can only be accessed by the manufacturer of the NFT and digital asset.

[0035] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to digital assets that can include sustainability data related to transactions performed by users. According to some embodiments, a digital asset can include the carbon emissions associated with a product purchased by a consumer. In another example, a digital asset used in a transaction can indicate whether the product purchased in the transaction was locally sourced or manufactured using sustainable practices. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to NFTs that, in addition to representing a physical or digital collectible, can also, alternatively or additionally, authenticate ownership or entitlement to a benefit. For example, the digital asset whose ownership is associated with the NFT can be a user's account with a manufacturer or retailer, which can include digital property in the form of information about transactions performed by the user, products purchased, event dates, the cumulative total value of goods or services exchanged, or any other information associated with a customer account. Benefits can be accumulated or provided based on the digital attributes or information of the digital asset and can include access to exclusive products or designs, access to limited-edition products, tickets to real or virtual events, product discounts, access to digital systems, and the like.

[0036] Accounts offered as digital assets secured by NFTs can offer privacy advantages to individuals unwilling to register an account with a manufacturer or retailer, as purchases and activity can be associated with the NFT without including identifying information about the user. Furthermore, the ability to sell or transfer account ownership by transferring the account NFT can incentivize users to perform potentially profitable activities, as doing so can increase the value of the NFT, which can correspond to the value of the digital asset securing the NFT. The sale of account or utility NFTs can further provide a revenue stream for the manufacturer or retailer, as the originator of the NFT can receive royalties or commissions from any secondary sales of the NFT. In other embodiments, an NFT can represent entitlement to a benefit, including, for example, access to restricted sections of a website, access to exclusive events or products, entitlement to discounts, entitlement to integration with third-party applications such as games, and the like. The digital asset of such an NFT can include information about the benefit, or the retailer's computer system can include information about the benefit.

[0037] NFTs can be created, recorded, or “minted” into a blockchain ledger stored in a blockchain network, and thus stored in the memory of one or more blockchain nodes. Furthermore, such cryptographic tokens can be destroyed or “burned” by permanently withdrawing them from circulation on the blockchain network. Burning can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including transferring ownership of the cryptographic token to a generic, empty address that is inaccessible and has no owner. Manufacturers, also referred to herein as brands or organizations, can burn cryptographic tokens to create scarcity in the market, to trigger a condition, as a result of a condition, or for security purposes. For example, a brand can release (e.g., “drop”) a collection of digital assets protected or identified by cryptographic tokens and then burn any unsold cryptographic tokens in the collection to maintain the uniqueness of those sold digital assets. In another example, a brand can drop a collection of digital assets protected or identified by NFTs on the condition that the purchaser can only access the digital assets they purchased if the entire collection or a specific number of the collection has been purchased. The brand may satisfy the condition in advance by burning unsold NFTs to accelerate this process.

[0038] There are several ways a user can unlock or acquire a crypto-asset. In one example, a unique NFT and corresponding private key are automatically generated and assigned to the user's blockchain wallet when the product is scanned at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal during the first purchase. In another example, the user is provided with a private key via a printed or digital receipt, a visual or electronic ID tag (RFID or NFC) hidden in or applied to the product, a pop-up message or email sent to a personal user account, a push notification or text message sent to a smartphone, or some other record, which the consumer uses to link the crypto-asset to their digital blockchain wallet. Another example might require the user to assemble the private key in part from a physical code or unique product identifier (UPID) associated with the product, such as a serial number (on the packaging or box, on a hang tag, under a label, within a QR code embedded on the product or packaging, embedded in a club head or shaft, embedded in a shoe or shoe sole, etc.), and in part from a transaction authentication code (i.e., to prevent the consumer from collecting the crypto-asset when handling the product in the store). As another example, NFTs may be sold directly on an NFT marketplace, directly at a POS system, or on a retailer or manufacturer's digital storefront.

[0039] Another example may require a user to "find" a crypto asset in a store, whether a physical store or a virtual store within a metaverse or game, by using a photo capture function or augmented reality ("AR") function on a handheld personal computing device. For this approach, a private key may be provided through a verified transaction; however, the user must separately find the hidden crypto asset hidden in AR within the store or local area before the digital asset can be transferred to their wallet (i.e., the crypto key and virtual object must be obtained separately before the transfer occurs).

[0040] In a representative example, a certified product is created and assigned a UPID. After purchase by a consumer, the UPID can be used to unlock a crypto-digital asset consisting of a sustainable digital asset associated with a unique non-fungible token (NFT) on a blockchain-based distributed computing platform. Generally, a consumer must possess or obtain a blockchain wallet address (e.g., an Ethereum hardware wallet) to purchase, unlock, or obtain the NFT that protects the crypto-digital asset. The blockchain wallet can be used to store the private key belonging to the crypto-digital asset and can be linked to a personal account registered with the retailer or manufacturer of the product.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1An example system 100 for generating NFTs according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. However, in other embodiments of the disclosed invention, systems similar to system 100 can be used to generate other types of NFTs, including, for example, account NFTs and footwear NFTs. Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may include one or more computing devices or user devices 110 , one or more servers 120 , and one or more servers 140 .

[0042] Still refer to Figure 1 , one or more computing devices 110 may receive data corresponding to one or more products. Additionally or alternatively, one or more computing devices 110 may receive input data corresponding to attributes of one or more digital products from a user. One or more computing devices 110 may execute at least a portion of system 100 to generate one or more NFTs corresponding to a transaction involving the one or more products. Additionally or alternatively, one or more computing devices 110 may transmit the data corresponding to the one or more products to one or more servers 120 and / or one or more servers 140 via one or more communication networks 130 or other connections. One or more servers 120 may execute at least a portion of system 100. In such an embodiment, one or more servers 120 may receive data corresponding to one or more products. Additionally or alternatively, one or more servers 120 may receive input corresponding to attributes of the one or more products from a user. One or more servers 120 may execute at least a portion of system 100 to generate one or more NFTs corresponding to the one or more products. Furthermore, information about the digital assets protected by the one or more NFTs may be stored on server 140.

[0043] Figure 2 2 shows an example of hardware 200 that may be used to implement computing device 110 and / or server 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, computing device 110 may include a processor 202, a display 204, one or more inputs 206, one or more communication systems 208, and / or memory 210. In some embodiments, processor 202 may be any suitable hardware processor or combination of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. In some embodiments, display 204 may include any suitable display device, such as a computer monitor, a touch screen, a television, etc. In some embodiments, input 206 may include any suitable input device and / or sensor that can be used to receive user input, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the communication system 208 may include any suitable hardware, firmware, and / or software for communicating information via the communication network 130 and / or any other suitable communication network. For example, the communication system 208 may include one or more transceivers, one or more communication chips and / or chipsets, etc. In more specific examples, the communication system 208 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software for establishing a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellular connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, memory 210 may include any suitable storage device capable of storing instructions, values, etc., which may be used by processor 202 to, for example, generate non-fungible tokens, present digital assets using display 204, communicate with server 120 via communication system 208, and the like. Memory 210 may include any suitable volatile memory, non-volatile memory, storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, memory 210 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more flash drives, one or more hard disks, one or more solid-state drives, one or more optical drives, and the like. In some embodiments, memory 210 may be encoded with a computer program for controlling the operation of computing device 110. For example, in such an embodiment, processor 202 may execute at least a portion of the computer program to receive input from a graphical user interface for customizing an article of footwear, store an image of the digital asset in memory based on the user's customization, generate a non-fungible token based on the digital asset, and mint the non-fungible token to a blockchain network comprised of computing device 110 and / or server 120. As another example, the processor 202 may execute at least a portion of a computer program to implement the system 100 for generating an NFT corresponding to a paired digital and physical footwear item. As yet another example, the processor 202 may execute the following in conjunction with Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 At least a portion of processes 500, 600, and 900 are described.

[0046] In some embodiments, server 120 may include a processor 212, a display 214, one or more inputs 216, one or more communication systems 218, and / or memory 220. In some embodiments, processor 212 may be any suitable hardware processor or combination of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc. In some embodiments, display 214 may include any suitable display device, such as a computer monitor, a touch screen, a television, etc. In some embodiments, input 216 may include any suitable input device and / or sensor that can be used to receive user input, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the communication system 218 may include any suitable hardware, firmware, and / or software for communicating information via the communication network 130 and / or any other suitable communication network. For example, the communication system 218 may include one or more transceivers, one or more communication chips and / or chipsets, etc. In more specific examples, the communication system 218 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software for establishing a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellular connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, memory 220 may include any suitable storage device capable of storing instructions, values, etc., which may be used, for example, by processor 212 to present content using display 214, communicate with one or more computing devices 110, and the like. Memory 220 may include any suitable volatile memory, non-volatile memory, storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, memory 220 may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, one or more flash drives, one or more hard disks, one or more solid-state drives, one or more optical drives, and the like. In some embodiments, a server program for controlling the operation of server 120 may be encoded on memory 220. For example, in such an embodiment, processor 212 may execute at least a portion of the server program to receive input from a GUI for customizing an article of footwear, store an image of a digital asset in memory (e.g., memory 220) based on the user's customization, generate an NFT based on the digital asset, and / or mint the NFT to a blockchain network comprised of computing devices 110 and / or server 120. As another example, the processor 212 may execute at least a portion of a server program, which may be a smart contract, to implement the system 100 for generating an NFT corresponding to a product or transaction. As yet another example, the processor 202 may execute the following in conjunction with Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 At least a portion of processes 500, 600, and 900 are described.

[0049] In some embodiments, server 140 may include a processor 222, a display 224, one or more inputs 226, one or more communication systems 228, and / or memory 230. In some embodiments, processor 222 may be any suitable hardware processor or combination of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc. In some embodiments, display 224 may include any suitable display device, such as a computer monitor, a touch screen, a television, etc. In some embodiments, input 226 may include any suitable input device and / or sensor for receiving user input, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the communication system 228 may include any suitable hardware, firmware, and / or software for communicating information via the communication network 130 and / or any other suitable communication network. For example, the communication system 228 may include one or more transceivers, one or more communication chips and / or chipsets, etc. In more specific examples, the communication system 228 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software for establishing a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a cellular connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the memory 230 may include any suitable storage device capable of storing instructions, values, etc., which may be used by, for example, the processor 222 to present content using the display 224, communicate with one or more computing devices 110, etc. The memory 230 may include any suitable volatile memory, non-volatile memory, storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, the memory 230 may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, one or more flash drives, one or more hard disks, one or more solid-state drives, one or more optical drives, etc. In some embodiments, a server program for controlling the operation of the server 140 may be encoded on the memory 230. As an example, the processor 222 may execute the following in conjunction with Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 At least a portion of processes 500, 600, and 900 are described.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 3 , shows an example blockchain network 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The blockchain network 300 may include one or more blockchain nodes, each of which may be in communication with each other (e.g., via a protocol similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The computing device 110 (e.g., similar to the communication network 130 of the communication network) Figure 1 and Figure 2computing device 110), or a server 120 (e.g., similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Server 120 of the blockchain network). The NFT can be stored in a blockchain ledger stored on one or more blockchain nodes (e.g., "minted" to a blockchain ledger stored in the blockchain network, thereby being stored in the memory of one or more blockchain nodes). For example, the properties of the NFT can be stored in memory on a local computing device (e.g., computing device 110) and can be copied to the memory of one or more blockchain nodes (e.g., a server such as server 120, and / or a computing device similar to computing device 110). The one or more blockchain nodes can be responsible for storing the data contained in the blockchain ledger. Each of the one or more blockchain nodes can store (e.g., in a memory such as memory 210 or 220) a copy of the blockchain ledger (e.g., a contract that tracks various transactions and modifications of NFTs that protect digital assets (such as sustainable digital assets)).

[0053] The NFT information stored on the blockchain may be minimal because there may be costs associated with storing information on the blockchain. Therefore, the metadata for the digital asset and the digital asset itself may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 230) or storage device of one or more servers 140. The URI may be stored with the NFT on any computing device 110, 120 and may include the address of the digital asset stored on one or more servers 140, so that information about the digital asset can be obtained from the URI stored on the NFT, and users of the blockchain network do not pay a disproportionate price for storing digital assets on the blockchain network.

[0054] Each of the one or more blockchain nodes can be a computing device located in one or more geographic locations, thereby creating a decentralized computing architecture. The blockchain network can be a public network (e.g., available to any user) or a private network (e.g., available to a specific group of users). For example, an organization can develop an application for storing NFTs corresponding to transactions of physical and / or digital products (e.g., sneakers, electronics, watches, glasses, helmets, sports equipment, or apparel). The application can be a mobile application, a desktop application, or a web-based applet that includes computer-readable instructions stored in, for example, memory 210 or 220 and is configured to be executed by, for example, processor 202 or 212 (see Figure 2 ) is executed. Any user who downloads the application onto a computing device can add their computing device to the blockchain network as a blockchain node. In some embodiments, the blockchain network can be private and therefore limited to only users who download the organization's application and are authorized to participate.

[0055] If the application is open to the public, the blockchain network may be a public network. However, if the organization restricts who has access to the application or restricts authentication to selected individuals who download the application and become blockchain nodes, the blockchain network is a private network, such as a permissioned network. Generally speaking, a permissioned network is a distributed ledger that is not publicly accessible and can only be accessed by users with specific permissions. Users can only perform specific operations authorized by a central owner or ledger administrator and are required to identify themselves through certificates or other digital means. In some embodiments, the blockchain network can be a known blockchain network (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and the permissioned network can be a subset or service associated with the known blockchain network.

[0056] A blockchain network may be an open but encrypted peer-to-peer network in which asset transaction records are linked into a distributed, immutable ledger of interconnected blocks through cryptographic hash functions. Each blockchain node may contain a ledger consisting of a block, which includes one or more digital asset transactions, accompanied by confirmation information indicating the validity of each transaction, which is evaluated by peer verification devices (e.g., other blockchain nodes in the blockchain network). The encrypted, decentralized computing architecture allows for the authentication of transacted assets while preventing the duplication of ownership of cryptographically protected ("encrypted") digital assets registered on the blockchain network. Decentralized asset management can be achieved by encrypting proprietary asset files, breaking the encrypted code into multiple segments, and sending these segments to many different blockchain nodes in the blockchain network (e.g., Figure 3 This is achieved through a network of blockchain nodes. A verified owner may be given a private key that indicates the location of the digital asset within the network and how to reassemble or "decrypt" the file. To function as a distributed ledger, a single blockchain can be managed by a host administrator and distributed to multiple peers who all adhere to a common protocol for inter-node communication and transaction verification.

[0057] Sustainability NFTs (i.e., NFTs representing ownership of sustainable digital assets) can be stored on a blockchain network. Sustainability NFTs may include or reference metadata corresponding to the sustainability attributes of a product or transaction (e.g., carbon emissions, recyclability, transportation distance, fuel consumption, manufacturing facility information, etc.), as well as a token ID. The token ID can be a 32-bit, 64-bit, or 128-bit alphanumeric code divided into multiple individual segments. For example, the alphanumeric code can be divided into 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 segments. The NFT can include a URI that specifies the location of the digital asset's metadata. The metadata provided at the designated URL can provide a list or properties of the digital asset in JSON format, which is provided in accordance with contemporary standards such as Ethereum Request for Comment (ERC) 721 (non-fungible token standard) or ERC1155 (multi-token standard), as well as other relevant standards, and is tailored to the specific blockchain network and its applications. This metadata can be stored on one or more servers 140, which can be controlled by the manufacturer or retailer.

[0058] For example, taking a sustainability NFT as an example, the metadata provided at the URI address specified in the NFT and hosted on the server 140 may correspond to one or more attributes from the following group: the retailer of the product associated with the transaction, the carbon emissions generated in the transaction, the distance traveled by the product in the transaction, the carbon offsets purchased by the purchaser, the recyclability of the product purchased in the transaction, the proportion of products manufactured using recycled products, the number of recycling cycles for the recycled products, and the non-renewable and / or renewable energy sources (e.g., water, electricity, etc.) used to produce the product associated with the transaction. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other combinations of the above attributes.

[0059] It will be appreciated that the disclosed systems and techniques provide numerous advantageous technical benefits, including the construction and storage of a digital asset blockchain representing user-to-user transactions of virtual collectibles. Furthermore, unlike traditional, insecure digital files, blockchain technology enables the creation of unique, yet fully transferable, digital assets that are generally incapable of lossless duplication and therefore retain their value.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 4 , provides an implementation similar to Figure 3Schematic diagram of the functional structure of a decentralized computing system 400 of a blockchain network 408 of a blockchain network 300. As generally shown, a user 404 can operatively interact with a user device 110, which can include one or more of a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, desktop, standalone video game console, smart footwear / apparel, or other similar internet-enabled devices (e.g., a television, fitness equipment or device, or a vehicle, etc.). The user device 110 can be operatively configured to communicate with one or more immutable public databases (e.g., blockchain service / network 408—referred to as “blockchain network 408”), a virtual object generator 412, an online digital marketplace or platform 416, and / or a third-party integration service 420.

[0061] Generally speaking, blockchain network 408 may include at least one non-fungible token registered thereon, the token including information representing a digital asset. User 404, via user device 110, may own or hold a wallet including a private encryption key that allows the user device to read encrypted data associated with the token. The key may also enable user 404 to freely transfer ownership of the token.

[0062] A virtual object generator 412 may be provided to create a digital object or digital asset based on the information associated with the token. The virtual object generator 412 may employ a variety of styles and artistic rules so that the image associated with the resulting digital object is unique, yet recognizable according to a predefined outline, style, item, or person. In some embodiments, the virtual object generator 412 may create a virtual object based on auxiliary factors such as the age of the asset, tracking of the user's activities (through the user's device, mobile application, attendance at sporting events, etc.), or usage history through a third-party platform. The virtual object generator 412 and / or the blockchain network 408 may also communicate with a hosted digital marketplace 416, forum, social platform, etc.

[0063] The digital marketplace can represent multiple virtual objects in a manner that allows for organized trading (and / or sale / purchase) of virtual objects between parties. Upon completion of a sale or transfer, the digital marketplace 416 can update the blockchain network 408 with new ownership information and facilitate the transfer of new or existing keys to the new asset holder. In some embodiments, the marketplace 416 can also enable various social engagement features, such as voting or commenting on the represented virtual objects. Similarly, in some cases, the marketplace 416 can be configured to evaluate and score the scarcity of a particular virtual object based on the characteristics or sum of characteristics expressed by the virtual object, as well as consideration of any auxiliary factors. Such a scarcity score can enable the marketplace (and / or users participating in the marketplace) to better assess the value of the object.

[0064] Still refer to Figure 4 System 400 may also include a third-party integration service 420, which can enable the use of virtual objects in different contexts or manners. Third-party integration service 420 may operate as an API for an application provided on the user's device, or as a dedicated cloud-based service. In some embodiments, third-party integration service 420 may make virtual objects (e.g., represented by virtual object generator 412) and / or information available for external use. Examples of such uses may include skins for third-party video game characters, objects that can be used by third-party video game characters, digital artwork displays, physical 2D print generation, manufactured products (e.g., 3D print generation), etc. In some embodiments, information and / or scarcity ratings may be provided, and the characteristics or abilities of a user's video game character may be altered in a video game played on the user's device 110. A corporate host system 424 may communicate with blockchain network 408 for provisioning and / or initial creation of new digital assets and for storing or updating metadata associated with such assets. Furthermore, host system 424 may provide one or more rules to virtual object generator 412 to govern the manner and style of visually / artistically expressing genomic information from blockchain network 408.

[0065] refer to Figure 5 , according to aspects of the present disclosure, generally describes a method for generating NFT-protected digital assets on a blockchain ledger. Figure 5Some or all of the operations in the and algorithms described in further detail below may represent algorithms corresponding to processor-executable instructions that may be stored, for example, in primary or secondary remote memory and executed by, for example, a resident or remote controller, a central processing unit (CPU), control logic circuitry, or other modules or devices or networks of devices to perform any or all of the above or below functions associated with the disclosed concepts. It should be appreciated that the order of execution of the illustrated operational blocks may be changed, that additional blocks may be added, and that some of the blocks described may be modified, combined, or deleted.

[0066] Figure 5 The method 500 begins at terminal block 502, where a programmable controller or control module or similar suitable processor executes processor-executable instructions to invoke an initialization process of a protocol to generate encrypted digital assets for consumer products, such as computer-generated digital shoes and encrypted token keys. This routine can be invoked and executed in real time, continuously, systematically, occasionally, and / or periodically. Figure 5 In a representative embodiment of the method set forth in , the initialization process at block 502 may begin automatically each time a pair of shoes is manufactured, at various stages of the supply chain and manufacturing process, when a user 404 purchases a product or performs a transaction from a retailer, or whenever a user 404 turns on an access key. Alternatively, the initialization process may be manually activated by an employee at a POS terminal or by a retailer or manufacturer.

[0067] Other initialization processes can be initiated for different digital assets, which can represent assets other than physical products. For example, a digital asset can represent proof of attendance at an event. Thus, a digital asset can be generated upon confirmation of attendance at an event. Alternatively, a limited number of "proof of attendance" NFTs can be minted for an event, and these NFTs can be obtained by attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, or attendees can obtain the remaining NFTs by, for example, scanning a QR code. Digital assets can correspond to functional NFTs, providing functionality to the owner. For example, a digital asset can entitle the owner to access benefits or exclusive content, such as those described below with reference to Figure 6 Further discussed.

[0068] In some cases, computing device 110 is a user device, such as a portable electronic device, including a smartphone or other electronic device. Using user device 110, user 404 can launch a dedicated mobile software application (app) or web-based applet that collaborates with a server-level (backend or middleware) computer (e.g., a remote host system) to communicate with various peer devices on decentralized computing system 400. During a communication session with, for example, host system 424, user 404 can use corresponding features provided by the application to purchase a pair of shoes. User 404 enters personal information and a payment method to complete the transaction. After completing a verified payment, host system 424 receives a transaction confirmation, such as from an online store transaction module or an approved third-party electronic payment system, indicating that the verified transfer of the shoes to user 404 has been completed. As described above, the effective transfer of the shoes can be achieved through any available means, including in a physical store, through an online auction site, secondary market consumer-to-consumer transactions / sales, etc. In other embodiments, user 404 can perform other transactions or purchase other products (e.g., clothing, backpacks, hats, watches, athletic equipment, footwear, eyewear, etc.). In some embodiments, user 404 can directly purchase the digital asset represented by the NFT.

[0069] Next, method 500 proceeds to decision block 504 to determine whether user 404 has already obtained a cryptocurrency wallet or other similarly suitable digital blockchain account capable of operations such as uploading and maintaining the location and retrieval information of decentralized encrypted and stored digital assets. A cryptocurrency wallet typically stores public and private key pairs, but not the cryptocurrency itself; the cryptocurrency is decentralized and maintained on a publicly available blockchain ledger. Using these stored keys, the owner can digitally sign transactions and write them to the blockchain ledger. Platform-defined smart contracts associated with the wallet can facilitate the transfer of stored assets and create a verifiable audit trail. If user 404 has not yet obtained a digital blockchain wallet, method 500 proceeds to predefined process block 508 to establish a wallet. As a non-limiting example, user 404 may be prompted to access or automatically routed to any of a variety of publicly available websites that offer hardware wallets for cryptocurrency cold storage, such as ERC20-compatible Ethereum wallets offered by MyEtherWallet or Metamask, as well as other available sources or providers.

[0070] Once the system confirms at process block 504 that user 404 has a suitable digital blockchain wallet, method 500 may check at decision block 510 whether the wallet is linked to a personal user account. In some cases, user 404 may have already linked their wallet to their user account in a previous transaction, and therefore, method 500 may proceed to process block 516. In the event that user 404 has not linked their wallet, method 500 may automatically link or prompt user 404 to link the digital blockchain wallet to their personal user account, such as Figure 5 512. If a wallet is created at process block 508, such linking at process block 512 may occur automatically without checking at decision block 510 whether the wallet has already been linked. Linking the wallet to the personal account at process block 512 may require the remote host system 424 to retrieve a unique owner ID code associated with the purchaser (e.g., user 404) from an encrypted relational database (e.g., provided by cloud computing system 130). At this point, the unique physical golf club ID code associated with the purchased golf club can be linked to the user's personal account.

[0071] Upon determining that user 404 has obtained a digital blockchain wallet (i.e., block 504 = yes) and the wallet is linked to a personal user account (i.e., block 510 = yes), or after linking the user's blockchain wallet to their personal user account at block 512, method 500 proceeds to input / output block 516 to enable sustainable crypto-digital assets (e.g., sustainable digital assets associated with physical products, which may include clothing, shoes, golf clubs, golf products, sports equipment, etc., or the production and sale thereof). In some cases, when purchasing a product, a universally recognized UPID product code can be used to retrieve the product's sustainability information (e.g., from a relational database, a digital asset associated with the product, etc.), which can be further used to generate a digital asset and a corresponding sustainable NFT. In some cases, the UPID can be used to retrieve additional information about the physical product or enable additional blockchain functionality. For example, when purchasing a physical product (e.g., an article of clothing, a pair of shoes, a golf club, a golf bag, a golf ball, a basketball, a tennis racket, a baseball bat, or any other sporting equipment), the UPID associated with the physical product can be used to retrieve a collectible NFT, which is identified by an encrypted token key and is typically associated with a collectible digital product (e.g., a digital product corresponding to the physical product). In some embodiments, the UPID can be used to trigger functionality of the collectible NFT, such as compensation to a third party. A third party or retailer at a POS terminal, or a user 404 using their user device 110, can scan the UPID or UPC on the physical product (e.g., directly on the physical product or on the box or packaging in which the product is stored). Thus, at block 516, enabling the encrypted digital asset can be automatic, random, systematic, reward-based, or in any logically appropriate manner.

[0072] After receiving confirmation that the encrypted digital asset has been authorized at the input / output block 516, the method 500 generates an encrypted digital asset for one or more transaction products. This may include generating a unique encrypted asset code with a contract address (i.e., the address where the smart contract is deployed on the blockchain network), a token, and a public and private key pair, as shown in the predefined process block 520. The host system 424 can send the token with the public key and owner ID to the distributed blockchain ledger to record and peer-to-peer verify that the encrypted digital asset is transferred to the user 404 on the transaction block. The host system 424 can also store metadata for the digital asset and / or the digital asset itself, which can be accessed through the address provided in the NFT. The method 500 proceeds to the processing block 524 to link the encrypted digital asset with the unique owner ID code. The control logic may include executable instructions for assigning the encrypted asset code to the user 404 and storing the public key and the private key in the user's digital blockchain wallet.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, once the digital asset has been linked to the user, such as by being transferred to the user of the NFT that protects the digital asset, optional process box 540 can issue a digital notification, such as an email or push notification, to the user's smartphone 110 or other electronic device with all relevant information for accessing, transferring, and mixing the encrypted digital asset. Additionally or alternatively, the remote host system 424 can serve as a network server hosting a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that is operable to convert the data stored in the encryption key into a visual image that is displayed to the user 404 in optional process box 544. Operation and use of the digital asset can also be implemented through the user's digital blockchain wallet. As provided in optional process box 548, this can include publishing the encrypted digital asset to an online encrypted collectible market or platform.

[0074] Continue to refer Figure 5 In some embodiments, after the digital asset is enabled or initialized at block 516, method 500 may proceed to process block 528 to generate a visual representation or "digital art" of the encrypted digital asset. The visual representation may include a computer-generated image based on the attributes of the digital asset. It is also contemplated that one or more attributes of the virtual representation of the encrypted digital asset may be created in whole or in part via user 404. Alternatively, at process block 528, a machine learning function may be performed to generate image features via a neural network to generate digital art. After the digital art is completed, at block 536, the image may be uploaded to the host server 140 and the digital art may be included as part of the digital asset.

[0075] In some embodiments, NFTs and associated metadata can be used to verify or record various aspects of a transaction, including value-based metrics relevant to a specific transaction or a specific consumer. For example, a consumer or company may wish to purchase locally sourced products, products made from sustainable materials, products manufactured according to sustainable or fair practices, or products with a low carbon footprint. For a given transaction, a consumer may have a wide range of other values that can be measured, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced with respect to any such values. In some embodiments, an NFT can then be minted for a given transaction and provided to the consumer, including value-based metrics for the transaction. For example, a consumer may purchase a pair of shoes made from recycled materials and produced locally. Upon purchasing the shoes, the consumer may receive a non-fungible token containing a digital asset that describes the sustainability profile of the purchase. Recyclability may be an attribute included in the metadata of the digital asset, and another attribute may include a local origin rating. In some embodiments, the attributes including recyclability and local origin may be numeric and may be calculated according to a formula. In some embodiments, the attributes may be binary values, and, for example, the shoes may be described as locally or non-locally sourced. Additionally, the property may be selected from a list of acceptable values or some combination of the described properties.

[0076] NFTs according to the present disclosure may be minted with immutable properties that cannot be updated by the issuing entity (e.g., using a globally distributed storage such as the InterPlanetary File System). Alternatively, a consumer may purchase a single NFT that may include the cumulative sum of sustainability scores traded by the user. In this regard, the attributes of the digital asset associated with the NFT may be updated at each transaction, and the score for a given attribute of a given transaction may be added to the previous given total such that the digital asset includes a new score after each transaction. In some embodiments, an entity that reads or utilizes a value-based score for a given consumer may combine the scores of the NFTs in the consumer's wallet to calculate the user's cumulative score for a given attribute. In some embodiments, a consumer may combine (e.g., burn) separate sustainability NFTs to generate a new NFT having a digital asset that has the combined attributes of the digital assets of the combined NFTs.

[0077] According to some embodiments, a sustainability NFT can act as a "badge" for its owner. For example, a consumer may want to score high on recyclability to record and signal their value to other individuals or companies. The digital asset of a sustainability NFT may include an image that is generated to represent the properties of the NFT. For example, one property may determine the color of a portion of an image associated with the NFT, while another property may determine a visual element. Images can be automatically generated based on the properties of the digital asset. Consumers can display images associated with their NFTs in an online gallery or metaverse. As described above, a consumer can have multiple sustainability NFTs, each associated with a digital asset that includes the properties of a particular transaction, or a consumer can own a single NFT with a cumulative rating that represents the user's total rating for a given property. In the latter case, the image of the digital asset associated with the NFT can be updated to reflect updates to the digital asset of the NFT.

[0078] Individuals, consumers, and companies can purchase sustainability NFTs from other owners to obtain a desired score for a given attribute, thereby encouraging consumer and corporate behavior. For example, a first consumer who values recycling can purchase an NFT from a second consumer who performed an initial transaction to generate an NFT with recycling attributes. As a result, the first user's cumulative recycling score can be increased or improved. In situations where many consumers seek to increase their scores for a given attribute, NFTs with a desired score for that attribute can gain value, and therefore, consumers can be incentivized to trade and generate NFTs with desired attributes (e.g., recycling).

[0079] Ratings for individual digital assets associated with NFTs, or the cumulative ratings of NFTs in a consumer's wallet, can be used by applications or companies and can be used as input into online applications or workflows (e.g., video games, metaverses, online storefronts, online communities, etc.). For example, a consumer's cumulative rating can be used to predict whether to be admitted to a digital event, a specific sale, or a portion of a game. For example, before admitting a consumer to the community, an online community may require verification that the consumer meets a certain minimum rating for a certain attribute (e.g., local sourcing, recyclability, carbon emissions rating, etc.), and the community can therefore calculate the cumulative rating of the sustainability NFTs in the consumer's wallet before admitting the consumer. In some embodiments, certain discounts offered by a company may require the consumer to have a minimum rating for a certain attribute that the company may choose to prioritize. Furthermore, admission to events in the metaverse may require a rating for a certain attribute, or a combination of ratings for multiple attributes. A company can weight multiple attributes of a sustainability NFT to generate a company-specific rating for a consumer, thereby allowing the company to determine the benefits offered to the consumer. Furthermore, a given consumer's rating can help the company market to that consumer. Thus, a company can read the digital assets associated with NFTs in a given user’s wallet and may choose to sell certain products to that consumer based on that consumer’s cumulative rating (which may indicate the consumer’s given value).

[0080] The digital asset of a sustainability NFT may include an identifier of the minting entity (e.g., the manufacturer or retailer of a product associated with the product being sold). For example, multiple companies may mint sustainability NFTs, and the attributes of the digital asset associated with the sustainability NFT may include an identifier of the company. Thus, companies may accumulate ratings for minted NFTs that can be verified on the blockchain, and the company may promote the company's sustainability profile and the associated value represented by the profile to consumers, regulators, and other companies. In some cases, some companies may require another company to provide evidence of sustainable practices before entering into a contractual relationship with the company. Sustainability NFTs minted by a company may advantageously provide a way to measure the company's compliance with certain standards and entitle the company to market access, discounts, and contract qualifications that it might not otherwise be able to obtain.

[0081] Now refer to Figure 6, an exemplary process 550 for generating and transferring NFTs and related digital assets is shown. At box 552, scores are assigned to various attributes of the product. In some embodiments, the product can be a physical product, such as a hat, shoe, clothing, wearable electronic device, accessory, or food. In some embodiments, the product can include a piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf club, golf bag, golf ball, basketball, tennis racket, baseball bat, or any other sporting equipment. Alternatively, the product can be any article of manufacture that can be sold to a consumer. The score of the product can include indicators associated with the manufacture, transportation, or sale of the product. For example, a product can be composed at least in part of recycled materials, and the product can then be assigned a score that represents the percentage of recycled materials that the product is composed of, or the net weight of recycled materials included in the product.

[0082] In some embodiments, multiple scores can be assigned to multiple different attributes of a product. For example, a product can have a score indicating the amount of carbon emissions generated in the manufacture and transportation of the product. Another attribute of a product can include the total transportation distance of the product and its components. The score of a product can include a measurement of the sustainable energy (e.g., wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) used to manufacture and transport the product. Additionally or alternatively, the score can include information about the source of the product, including, for example, the country of origin of some or all of the material of the product, or the country in which the product is manufactured or assembled. In some cases, a score can be specified to represent the sustainable practices of facilities and suppliers in the product supply chain. In one example, the score can represent the recyclability of the product or its components.

[0083] Still refer to Figure 6At block 554, the product may be transferred to the consumer. This may be performed at a physical location (e.g., a brick-and-mortar store), or the transaction may be performed remotely (e.g., online), and transferring the product to the consumer may include shipping the product. In some embodiments, at block 554, the product has not yet been physically transferred to the consumer, but the consumer has completed the transaction to purchase the product. At block 556, a score may be assigned to the transaction performed at block 554. For example, the score for the transaction may include the scores of the products purchased or transferred by the consumer. In some cases, a consumer purchases multiple products in a single transaction. Therefore, in some embodiments, the score for the transaction may include the total score of the products purchased or transferred in the transaction. In some cases, the scores for the attributes of the products may be added together, and the resulting sum may be the score for the attributes of the transaction. For example, the first product may have been transported 100 miles to the location where the transaction occurred, while the second product may have been transported 50 miles to the location. Therefore, the transaction may have a score for an attribute representing distance traveled, and the score may be the distance traveled by the first product plus the distance traveled by the second product, with the resulting score for the transaction being 150 miles. In some embodiments, or for other attributes, combining the attributes of multiple products can include averaging or weighted averaging the attributes of the multiple products.In some embodiments, attributes can be combined according to any function that can be performed across multiple ratings.

[0084] Independent of the product score, various aspects of a transaction can influence the transaction's attributes. For example, at the point of sale, a consumer may choose to purchase a certain number of carbon credits to offset the emissions generated during the manufacturing, storage, or transportation of the purchased items. For example, at the point of sale, a consumer may choose to offset all or part of the emissions generated by the products sold in the transaction. Purchasing carbon offsets can fund environmental initiatives such as reforestation, clean energy production, carbon capture, or any other process that can offset carbon production. Therefore, if a consumer purchases carbon offsets, the transaction's total carbon emissions may be reduced, resulting in a carbon emissions score for the transaction that is less than the sum of the carbon emissions scores of the products purchased in the transaction. In some cases, including online sales, a consumer may request delivery of one or more products purchased in the transaction. Therefore, the distance traveled score for the transaction may include the distance traveled by each product included in the transaction and the distance the product will travel during delivery. In other embodiments, other aspects of the transaction may influence one or more scores associated with the transaction's attributes.

[0085] At block 558, process 550 may generate a score for the transaction determined at block 556. In some embodiments, the score may be assembled in a format easily usable by a computer programming language (e.g., JSON, YML, XML, HTML, etc.) and further conform to the standards of non-fungible tokens. The digital asset may be stored on a computer system (e.g., hosted by server 140 or 120) and may be accessed via a URL for viewing. The computer system may be controlled or operated by the seller (e.g., a retailer or manufacturer), which may allow the seller to modify the digital asset. For example, in some embodiments, rather than generating a digital asset for each transaction between a buyer and a seller, an existing digital asset containing a cumulative score for the buyer's transactions may be updated with the score from the transaction. Thus, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, a digital asset may be mutable and updateable by the seller. In some embodiments, a digital asset may be immutable, and a new digital asset may be generated for a given transaction. For example, the digital asset may be hosted by a third-party storage system that may deny access to updates to the digital asset (e.g., the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS)) unless the digital asset is minted or burned. The third-party storage system may provide a URL or URI by which the digital asset may be accessed.

[0086] Now refer to Figure 7, shows an exemplary data structure 570 of a digital asset according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, including a digital asset 572. Digital asset 572 may have an address 574 at which the digital asset can be accessed. For example, the illustrated address 574 is an InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) address, so digital asset 572 is immutable and distributed on globally redundant storage hosted by a third party. However, in some embodiments, the address (e.g., URL or URI) may be any network address that can be resolved by DNS or accessed via a web browser. The digital asset may include a json object 576, which may include multiple elements (e.g., a description element, a name element, etc.) that conform to the standards for digital assets associated with NFTs. json object 576 includes a property element 578. As shown, property element 578 includes an array of dictionaries 580, each of which defines a property 582 of digital asset 572 and an associated value or rating 584. In some cases, the value of a property may be a number. However, some properties may be assigned non-numeric values, which may include Boolean values (e.g., true or false) or alphanumeric values. In some embodiments, the seller may be included in the properties of digital asset 572. The illustrated digital asset 572 includes sustainability attributes for recycled materials, carbon emissions, energy consumption, transportation distance, carbon offsets, and local sourcing. However, digital assets according to the present disclosure may have additional indicators with associated scores that may include other sustainability indicators or other measurements associated with the transaction (e.g., price).

[0087] In some embodiments, digital asset 572 may include or reference a digital image object 586. Digital image object 586 may be accessed via a URL 588, which may be included in digital asset 572 as an element thereof (e.g., an "image" element). Digital image object 586 may include a digital image 590. Digital image 590 may be generated based, at least in part, on a score of the digital asset's attributes. Digital images may be algorithmically generated according to an artificial intelligence model, and the attributes of digital asset 572 may be input to the model and may control the visual elements of digital image 590. As non-limiting examples, the attribute "distance traveled" may correspond to the background tint of digital image 590, while "carbon emissions" may correspond to the transparency of a portion or element of digital image 590. In other embodiments, all digital images associated with a digital asset may be identical, in accordance with the present disclosure. In other embodiments, a digital asset may be generated without an associated digital image.

[0088] Re-reference Figure 6, at block 560, an NFT may be minted and associated with the digital asset generated at block 558. An NFT may be generated by inputting parameters into a smart contract to generate tokens on a given blockchain (e.g., Ethereum). In some embodiments, the smart contract may receive a score or attribute as input and may generate a digital asset based on the input score of the transaction (e.g., implementing block 558). In some embodiments, the smart contract receives a URI or URL of a digital asset as input and generates an NFT that includes the URL or URI. Figure 7 As shown, NFT 592 may include a smart contract address 594, which may be an alphanumeric string that specifies the smart contract on the blockchain that generated the NFT 592 and through which the NFT 592 may be transferred or updated. NFT 592 may also include a token ID 596, which may uniquely identify the NFT for a given smart contract. As shown, NFT 592 may also include an address 574 for the custodial digital asset 572. In other embodiments, the NFT may include more parameters.

[0089] Reference again Figure 6 At block 562, the NFT may be transferred to a consumer (e.g., the purchaser of the product at block 552). Transferring the NFT may require executing a cryptographic transaction that records the transfer of the NFT to the consumer by issuing the consumer a private key to be stored in the user's digital wallet, or by associating the NFT with a private key in the consumer's wallet. Once the NFT has been transferred to the consumer's wallet, other users of the blockchain or applications integrated therewith may query the consumer's wallet, identify the sustainable NFT owned by the consumer, and consume the properties of the digital asset associated with the NFT owned by the consumer.

[0090] Now refer to Figure 8, shows an example system 600 in which process 550 may be implemented. In the illustrated embodiment, a first blockchain 602 is shown in which inputs 604 may be recorded. Inputs 604 may be associated with the manufacture, transportation, and sale of product 606. For example, manufacturing input 604a is shown, which may record information related to the manufacture of one or more products 606a, 606b to blockchain 602. For example, the manufacturing input may record the type of energy used to manufacture product 606 or its components (e.g., fossil fuel, wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) to the blockchain. Furthermore, the manufacturing input may record the carbon emission level associated with the production of product 606 or the environmental rating of the facility where product 606 was manufactured. Transportation input 604b may record transportation information associated with product 606 to blockchain 602. In some embodiments, the transportation information may include distance indicating the distance traveled by product 606 or its components during the production of the product. Furthermore, transportation input 604b may include the environmental efficiency of the vehicle used to transport product 606, and may also include information related to total fuel consumption and carbon production associated with the transportation of product 606 or its components.

[0091] Blockchain 602 may also include a record from source input 604c, which may include information regarding the geographic origin of materials or components of product 606. For example, in some cases, consumers or businesses may prefer to purchase locally sourced products or products from jurisdictions with a certain degree of environmental protection or commitment. Therefore, input 604c may include a list of locations from which products or their components originate. Source input 604c may include the maximum distance from the point of sale or from the end consumer that a component of product 606 originates. In other embodiments, source input 604c may record the average distance from the point of sale from which the materials of product 606 originate.

[0092] As another example of an input that may be recorded on blockchain 602, a material input 604d may be provided, which may input materials used in the production of product 606. Input 604d may record the level of energy consumption or carbon emissions required to obtain the materials for product 606. Additionally, material input 604d may record the amount or percentage of certain materials present in product 606. For example, in some cases, consumers may prefer to purchase products that are produced using minimal fossil fuels, that do not contribute to deforestation, or that otherwise have a perceived negative environmental impact.

[0093] In some embodiments, recycling input 604e may also record information to blockchain 602. Recycling input 604e may include information regarding the proportion of recycled material present in product 606. Additionally or alternatively, recycling input 604e may record information regarding the recyclability of product 606 to blockchain 602. In other embodiments, additional inputs may be provided to record other parameters of private blockchain 602 related to the manufacture, transportation, and sale of one or more products 606.

[0094] In some embodiments, blockchain 602 can be accessed by multiple entities, and tokens on it can be transferred between companies, manufacturers, shippers, and other participants involved in selling products or along the product supply chain. In some embodiments, blockchain 602 can be used by multiple retailers and can standardize the measurement of environmental parameters across different entities or industries. For example, using blockchain 602 can allow companies to aggregate environmental information, including, for example, carbon emission levels, which can help companies comply with relevant industry standards, internal policies, or government regulations. In some embodiments, blockchain 602 can provide a marketplace through which companies can purchase carbon offsets to mitigate certain environmental impacts (e.g., carbon emissions). For example, some companies may engage in activities that include reforestation and can record these activities on blockchain 602, including the resulting negative carbon emission scores. Companies whose aggregated carbon emission scores do not meet a given standard can purchase these tokens on the blockchain, thereby lowering their aggregated carbon emission scores. In other embodiments, a database can be used instead of blockchain 602, and the metrics can be recorded as entries in a database table. In other embodiments, the input can be recorded in a file storage system, an object storage system, or as unstructured data in a cloud storage solution.

[0095] Data from blockchain 602 can be obtained at point-of-sale system 608, allowing point-of-sale system 608 to query information about products sold or transferred in a given transaction. In other embodiments, aggregated data for a given product 606 can be retrieved from blockchain 602 and stored in the seller's computer system or storage system, so that point-of-sale system 608 does not need to query the blockchain and perform aggregation on the data obtained therefrom during a given transaction. Thus, point-of-sale system 608 can perform a lookup for each product 606 to obtain the desired data points for the metrics associated with that product. Point-of-sale system 608 need not be a physical point-of-sale system (e.g., a cash register), but can include software running on a remote or locally hosted computing system. Point-of-sale system 608 can be an online point of sale, or transactions can be conducted at a physical (e.g., brick-and-mortar) store.

[0096] like Figure 8As shown, user 609 may initiate a transaction by interacting with point of sale system 608. The illustrated embodiment shows a transaction in which user 609 is purchasing shirt 606a and shoes 606b. It should be understood that a transaction may include only one product, two products, or more than two products. Additionally, the products of a given transaction may include any product and are not limited to items of clothing and footwear. As part of the transaction, the consumer may provide information that allows point of sale system 608 to identify and interact with a digital wallet 620 owned by the consumer. In some embodiments, a process generally similar to process 500 may be performed to verify or generate a digital wallet 620 of user 609 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 5 ). Figure 5 502, 504, 508, 512, and 510 as shown). Upon initiating the transaction, point of sale system 608 may execute a process (e.g., process 550) for transferring product 606 and generating an NFT associated with the transaction and transferring the NFT to user 609. User 609 may receive products 606a, 606b during the illustrated transaction (e.g., as shown in block 554 of process 550).

[0097] Still refer to Figure 8 , such as about Figure 6 As described in block 556 of process 550, point of sale system 608 may aggregate data associated with a transaction to sell or transfer product 606 to user 609. In the illustrated embodiment, point of sale system 608 aggregates attribute scores for products 606a and 606b by combining (e.g., summing or averaging) the attribute scores for products 606a and 606b and further determining these scores based on multiple aspects of the transaction.

[0098] Point of sale system 608 can provide the aggregated data as a payload to smart contract 610, which can execute code to generate a digital asset 614 associated with the transaction and further generate an NFT 618 on blockchain 616. As shown, digital asset 614 is hosted outside of blockchain 616 on server 612 (e.g., similar to or the same as server 140 or 120), which can be hosted by the seller or can be hosted by a third-party hosting service or storage system (e.g., on distributed storage such as IPFS). Blockchain 616 is shown as a public blockchain, but in some embodiments, a private blockchain can be used in accordance with the described system. NFT 618 can be substantially similar to Figure 7 The NFT 592 shown, and the digital asset 614 may be substantially similar to Figure 76. A digital asset 614 may include more or fewer attributes than those shown for digital asset 572, and may include some or all of the metrics described with respect to the record of input 604, or any metrics derived therefrom. A digital asset may also include attributes not described above as input 604. More specifically, according to the present disclosure, the attributes that may be included in a digital asset are not limited to those explicitly described. One skilled in the art will recognize that a digital asset according to the present disclosure may include any attribute that can be aggregated in the manner described.

[0099] Once generated, the NFT 618 can be transferred to the consumer. Figure 8 As shown, transferring ownership of NFT 618 is performed by associating ownership of NFT 618 with a private key 622 in a digital wallet 620 owned by the consumer. In some embodiments, private key 622 may be generated along with NFT 618 and may be transferred to the consumer's digital wallet 620. In other embodiments, private key 622 may already reside in digital wallet 620, and assigning ownership of NFT 618 may include associating NFT 618 with the existing key 622. Once ownership of NFT 618 is assigned to digital wallet 620, the transfer of NFT 618 to another wallet or other transactions involving NFT 618 may require a cryptographic signature using private key 622. Although the illustrated embodiment shows only a single NFT 618 associated with digital wallet 620, a consumer's digital wallet may be associated with ownership of multiple NFTs, including multiple NFTs generated according to the present disclosure. Thus, a digital wallet may additionally contain several cryptographic private keys, each associated with a separate NFT.

[0100] Ownership of NFTs according to embodiments of the present disclosure can provide benefits to consumers (e.g., user 609). In some cases, consumers may wish to accumulate sustainability NFTs to demonstrate their commitment to a given environmental value. For example, a consumer can demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon emissions by owning NFTs, which provide the consumer with an ideal carbon reduction score. The consumer can accumulate the desired score by executing transactions as described above and purchasing products with desired environmental attributes, or the consumer can purchase an NFT that includes the desired score from another consumer who has executed a transaction. In this way, consumers can incentivize desired environmental behavior because NFTs associated with digital assets that indicate the desired score for a given indicator can increase in value as consumers seek to purchase those NFTs to improve their overall score in those given indicators. As described above, an image associated with a traded NFT can provide a visual indication of the sustainability profile of the NFT and can be displayed in a profile picture, an online gallery, or a gallery in the metaverse. In some embodiments, a composite image can be generated for the sustainability NFTs in a user's wallet. For example, a third-party application (e.g., a game, a virtual environment, a digital gallery, etc.) can recognize the sustainable NFTs in a user's wallet and can perform a linking of the properties of these sustainable NFTs or a subset of these sustainable NFTs. A synthetic visual representation can be based on the linked properties and can be displayed in a digital environment (e.g., in a profile picture, in an online gallery, in a gallery in the metaverse, in a video game, etc.).

[0101] Additionally, a seller (e.g., a party operating point of sale system 608) or a third party may provide benefits to consumers based on the aggregated ratings of the sustainability NFTs owned by the consumer. For example, Figure 8 A first benefit set 626 and a second benefit set 630 are shown. Figure 8 Some non-limiting examples of benefits that can be provided to a user as part of the first benefit set 626 or the second benefit set 630 are shown. Example benefits that can be provided to a user may include: membership in a club or community 632a, 632b; in-game products or abilities 634a, 634b; access to an online portal or website 636a, 636b; discounts 638a, 638b; and tickets or admission to a physical or virtual event 640a, 640b. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of benefit sets can vary and may include one benefit set or more than two benefit sets.

[0102] like Figure 8As shown, each benefit set 626, 630 is associated with a corresponding benefit threshold 624, 628. The benefit thresholds 624, 628 can act as a gateway that can allow or deny a user access to the benefits in the corresponding benefit set based on multiple aspects of the digital assets associated with the NFT owned by the user. For example, in some cases, the benefits of benefit set 626 (e.g., any or all of benefits 632a, 634a, 636a, 638a, 640a) may be provided to users who meet the following conditions: the aggregate recycled material score of all digital assets owned by the user meets the standard (e.g., the recycled material score of all digital assets meets a given threshold sum, average, etc.). When user 609 attempts to access the first benefit set 626, the provider of the first benefit set can query the digital wallet 620 of user 609 and can retrieve the digital asset 614 associated with the sustainability NFT 618 owned by user 609. If the aggregate recycled material score of all digital assets 614 associated with the sustainability NFT 618 is less than the benefit threshold 624, the user 609 is denied access to the first benefit set 626 (e.g., Figure 8 ). Any party offering benefits based on a sustainability score can offer a benefit set, and a threshold for accessing benefits for that benefit set can be determined based on any attribute or combination of attributes of the digital asset associated with the sustainability NFT. In addition, benefits (e.g., benefits 632a, 634a, 636a, 638a, 640a) can be "pushed" to users based on their eligibility, and the users do not need to attempt to acquire these benefits in order to receive them. For example, a company can scan user wallets and notify (e.g., via text message, phone call, email, social media, etc.) users who meet the benefit threshold for a given benefit set that they are eligible to receive benefits.

[0103] like Figure 8As shown, user 609 is eligible to receive benefits from a second benefit set 630 (e.g., any or all of benefits 632b, 634b, 636b, 638b, and 640b) because the attributes of a digital asset 614 associated with a sustainability NFT 618 owned by user 609 satisfy a second benefit threshold 628. For example, second benefit threshold 628 may be based on a combination of attributes of digital asset 614. The second benefit threshold may require a local product threshold and a total carbon offset threshold associated with the digital asset. Thus, if the user's digital assets 614, when aggregated, have carbon offsets exceeding the carbon offset threshold, and the locally sourced attribute of digital assets 614 indicates that the product 606 associated with the transaction that generated digital assets 614 was locally sourced, then user 609 satisfies second benefit threshold 628 and may be granted access to benefits from the second benefit set 630. Conversely, if the user's digital assets, when aggregated, have carbon offsets exceeding the carbon offset threshold, but the digital assets indicate that the associated product was not locally sourced, then the user may be denied access to benefits from the second benefit set. Furthermore, providers of benefits may define thresholds based on any attribute or combination of attributes of the digital assets associated with the sustainability NFT, which may include individual thresholds for the attributes of those digital assets, equations where the attributes are variables that can be mathematically combined to produce a score, and the like.

[0104] In some cases, providing a user with access to benefits (e.g., benefits of the second benefit set 630) may include providing the user with a "digital ticket." A digital ticket may be any digital indication that can be read by one or more computer systems to indicate that the user is entitled to one or more benefits. In some examples, the digital ticket may be an attribute of a user account in one or more digital systems, and the system providing the benefits may query the attributes of the user account to determine whether the user is actually entitled to receive the benefits. In some cases, the digital ticket may be sent to the user by communication means (e.g., via text message, message on a social media platform, via email, via notification on an application, etc.). The message including the digital ticket may include a link to access the rights, or a code to be entered in one or more digital systems to receive the rights. In addition, the digital ticket may be a benefit NFT issued to the user, and the digital system providing the benefits may query the user's wallet and, after identifying the benefit NFT, provide the benefits to the user. In some cases, the digital ticket may include a visual output to the user (e.g., a quick response code ("QR code"), a barcode, or other visual output) that the user can provide to a person or a digital system to prove the user's entitlement to the benefit. In other examples, the digital ticket may be any digital indication that can be read by another computer, application, or digital system to prove the user's entitlement to the benefit.

[0105] Now refer to Figure 9 , an exemplary process 900 for providing benefits based on sustainable NFTs and digital assets associated therewith is shown. In some embodiments, process 900 can be performed on a computing device or server similar to servers 120, 140. At block 902, a consumer digital wallet (e.g., Figure 8 In some embodiments, the input includes input from a digital wallet (e.g., a digital wallet 620). In some embodiments, the input includes identification information for the digital wallet, which may allow a computing device to query various aspects of the digital wallet and the NFTs it owns. In some embodiments, the input is provided by a subject associated with the digital wallet (e.g., the owner of the digital wallet). In some embodiments, the input is received from another source, including from a list of digital wallets, a third-party system, a digital wallet database, etc.

[0106] At block 904, process 900 may list the sustainable NFT in the consumer digital wallet. Listing the sustainable NFTs may include listing all NFTs in the wallet and identifying the sustainable NFT based on the properties of the NFT. As part of listing the sustainable NFT, the method may also query the digital asset associated with the NFT to read information provided in the digital asset. At block 906, the authenticity of the sustainable NFT is verified. This may include verifying that the originator of the NFT is an approved originator or that the NFT was minted using an approved smart contract. In some embodiments, verifying the authenticity may include filtering the sustainable NFTs to identify NFTs originated by a certain company (e.g., a retailer). For example, a retailer may wish to provide benefits only based on NFTs associated with transactions performed at the retailer.

[0107] At block 908, the attributes of the digital assets associated with the authenticated NFTs may be used to generate a composite score for the subject associated with the digital wallet. In some examples, the score may be the sum of the values associated with the attributes of the digital assets. For example, the total shipping distance may be calculated as a composite score by summing the “shipping distance” attributes of all digital assets associated with sustainability NFTs in the digital wallet. In some examples, the composite score may be an average. For example, a “recycled material” attribute may indicate the percentage of products associated with a transaction that are comprised of recycled materials, and the percentage of each recycled material attribute of the digital assets may include an aggregated average of the percentages of recycled materials associated with all transactions represented by sustainability NFTs in the digital wallet. In some embodiments, the composite score may be determined or calculated based on a mathematical combination of one or more attributes of the digital assets associated with the sustainability NFTs in the user's wallet, and the formula for generating the composite score may be assigned by the company or entity providing the benefit.

[0108] At block 910, process 900 may determine whether the combined score determined at block 908 satisfies a benefit threshold. In some embodiments, satisfying the benefit threshold means that the combined score is greater than the benefit threshold. In other embodiments, the threshold benefit is satisfied (and therefore eligible for a benefit) when the user's combined score is below a threshold. For example, a digital asset of a sustainability NFT may include a "carbon emissions" attribute, and benefits may be obtained conditional on the user's cumulative carbon emissions score being below a given threshold. If the benefit threshold is not met, process 900 is completed, and no benefit is provided to the subject associated with the digital wallet.

[0109] Still refer to Figure 9 At block 912, upon determining that the combined score satisfies the benefit threshold, a benefit may be provided to the subject associated with the digital wallet. The benefit may include reference Figure 8 Any or all of the benefits described, or any other benefits that may be provided to the consumer. In some embodiments, the provision of a benefit requires the entity associated with the digital wallet to surrender ownership of one or more NFTs. For example, at block 912, the user's NFTs may be transferred to the entity providing the benefit, or alternatively may be burned before the benefit is provided to the user at block 914. The NFTs to be burned or transferred may be selected based on an NFT or combination of NFTs whose attributes of the associated digital assets meet the benefit threshold. For example, a company may wish to acquire NFTs to achieve the company's portfolio score (e.g., total carbon offsets, an ideal combination of recycled or recyclable materials, etc.). Once the benefit has been provided to the entity associated with the digital wallet, process 900 may be complete.

[0110] In some cases, parent sustainability NFTs may be combined to generate a single child sustainability NFT, and the digital asset associated with the child sustainability NFT may include a combination of the properties of the digital assets associated with the parent sustainability NFTs. For example, Figure 10An example of a breeding process is shown in which a first parent sustainability NFT 1002 and a second parent sustainability NFT 1004 are bred to produce a child sustainability NFT 1006. The first parent sustainability NFT 1002 is associated with a first digital asset 1008, the second parent sustainability NFT 1004 is associated with a second digital asset 1010, and the child sustainability NFT 1006 is associated with a third digital asset 1012. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the digital assets 1008, 1010, 1012 includes three attributes: "total mass," "recycled," and "recyclable." In other embodiments, the sustainability NFTs used in breeding can have any number of attributes. Furthermore, in other embodiments, more than two parent sustainability NFTs can be combined or bred to produce a child NFT. In some embodiments, the breeding operation can save a cumulative total of the sustainability attributes. For example, a parent NFT can be burned to breed a child NFT.

[0111] Smart contracts can be provided to manage the terms of operation of cultivating sustainable NFTs. For example, Figure 10 As shown, parent sustainability NFTs 1002, 1004 are provided to a smart contract 1014 to generate a child sustainability NFT 1006. Smart contract 1014 can define rules for combining NFTs, as well as rules for aggregating the properties of the digital assets associated therewith. For example, as shown, the value of the "recycled" property of digital asset 1012 associated with child sustainability NFT 1006 can be a simple sum of the "recycled" properties of digital assets 1008, 1010 associated with parent sustainability NFTs 1002, 1004. Smart contract 1014 can define different rules for calculating the property values of digital asset 1012 of child sustainability NFT 1006. For example, the "recycled" field shown for digital assets 1008, 1010, and 1012 can indicate the proportion of products sold in the transaction that generated the recycled digital asset. Thus, for digital asset 1008, a value of "1" for the "recyclable" attribute may indicate that the associated product is composed entirely of recyclable materials, while a value of "0" for the "recyclable" attribute of digital asset 1010 may indicate that the associated product is not recyclable. Thus, the "recyclable" attribute of digital asset 1012 associated with child sustainability NFT 1006 may indicate the proportion of the total mass of the product associated with parent sustainability NFTs 1002, 1004 that is recyclable (e.g., 29). In other embodiments, the attribute values of digital assets associated with parent sustainability NFTs may be combined according to any rules defined in a smart contract.

[0112] In some embodiments, the visual representation associated with sub-NFT 1006 may include an image generated based on attributes of sub-NFT 1006 (e.g., as referenced in FIG. Figure 5). In some embodiments, the visual representation of the child NFT 1006 may include visual elements from two or more parent NFTs 1002, 1004. For example, the visual representation of the child NFT (e.g., child NFT 1006) may include a background from the visual representation of the first parent NFT and symbols from the visual representation of the second NFT. In some embodiments, before a user cultivates a parent NFT 1002, 1004, a visual representation of the intended child NFT may be generated and visually displayed to the user, and the user may therefore decide whether to proceed with cultivating the parent NFT or decline to cultivate the parent NFT based in part on the generated visual representation of the intended child NFT.

[0113] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 The above aspects of the process may be performed or implemented in any order or sequence and are not limited to the order and sequence shown and described in the figures. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 Some of the above-described aspects of the process, where appropriate, may be performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel to reduce latency and processing time.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is by way of example only and that various changes may be made in the details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. The features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined and rearranged in various ways.

Claims

1. A method for managing digital assets, comprising: receiving input identifying a first digital wallet; identifying one or more non-fungible tokens associated with the first digital wallet, selecting one or more sustainability tokens from the one or more non-fungible tokens, each of the one or more sustainability tokens being associated with a corresponding sustainability digital asset; For each of the one or more sustainability tokens: Retrieve the corresponding sustainable digital asset’s uniform resource indicator from the distributed blockchain ledger, Retrieving one or more properties of the corresponding sustainable digital asset based on the uniform resource indicator; generating a composite sustainability score based on the one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens; comparing the composite sustainability score to the first benefit criterion; and When the comprehensive sustainability score satisfies the benefit criteria, a first benefit is provided to the owner of the first digital wallet.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein At least a first sustainability token of the one or more sustainability tokens corresponds to a first physical product.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first sustainability token is associated with a first transaction, the first transaction comprising transferring the first physical product to a first purchaser.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The attributes of the first sustainability token include sustainability attributes of a second physical product transferred to the first purchaser in the first transaction.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The attributes of the sustainability digital asset corresponding to the first sustainability token include at least a first sustainability attribute of the first physical product.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The first sustainability attribute indicates an amount of carbon emissions associated with the manufacture and transportation of the first physical product, and Wherein the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on the first sustainability attribute.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The attribute of at least one of the one or more sustainable digital assets includes a recycling attribute associated with a proportion of recycled material of one or more physical products associated with the at least one sustainable digital asset, and wherein the overall sustainability score is based at least in part on the recycling attribute.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The first interest criterion is a minimum recyclability criterion indicating a minimum proportion of recyclable material.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first benefit is permission to participate in a physical activity.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein The composite sustainability score is based at least in part on attributes of a second sustainability digital asset corresponding to the second sustainability token, and The method further comprises, in response to determining that the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criteria, recording an updated status of the second sustainability token to the distributed blockchain ledger.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The updated state of the second sustainability token includes a transfer of the second sustainability token.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The updating the state includes permanently removing the second sustainability token from the distributed blockchain ledger.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: In response to determining that the composite sustainability score satisfies the benefit criteria, a property of a sustainability digital asset corresponding to at least one of the one or more sustainability tokens is updated.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: generating a second composite sustainability score based on the one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens; and comparing the second composite sustainability score to a second benefit criterion; and When the second comprehensive sustainability score satisfies the second benefit criteria, a second benefit is provided to the owner of the first digital wallet.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein The one or more attributes include a first sustainability attribute and a second sustainability attribute, and Wherein the composite sustainability score is based at least in part on each of the first sustainability attribute and the second sustainability attribute.

16. A system comprising: A computer comprising at least one processor configured to: receiving input identifying a first digital wallet; identifying one or more non-fungible tokens associated with the first digital wallet; One or more sustainability tokens are selected from the one or more non-fungible tokens, each of the one or more sustainability tokens being associated with a corresponding sustainability digital asset, and for each of the one or more sustainability tokens: Retrieving the corresponding uniform resource indicator of the sustainable digital asset from the distributed blockchain ledger, and Retrieving one or more properties of the corresponding sustainable digital asset based on the uniform resource indicator; generating a composite sustainability score based on the one or more attributes of the sustainability digital asset associated with the one or more sustainability tokens; comparing the composite sustainability score to the first benefit criterion; and When the comprehensive sustainability score satisfies the benefit criteria, entitlement to a first benefit is provided to a subject associated with the first digital wallet.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein: The entitlement includes a digital ticket.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The processor is further configured to output the digital ticket to a display.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein: Providing the entitlement to the first benefit to the subject associated with the first digital wallet includes: Generating a digital asset corresponding to the rights qualification; Sending an instruction to a server associated with a distributed blockchain ledger to generate a token corresponding to the digital asset; and Sending an instruction to the server to transfer the token to the first digital wallet.

20. A method for generating a non-fungible token associated with a consumer transaction, the method comprising: retrieving one or more tokens associated with the first product from the first blockchain; determining a plurality of first product sustainability attributes from the digital assets associated with the one or more tokens; In a first transaction, the first product is transferred to a first purchaser; determining a deal sustainability attribute for the first deal, the deal sustainability attribute being based at least in part on the first product sustainability attribute; generating a transaction digital asset, wherein the transaction digital asset includes the transaction sustainability attribute; minting a first sustainable non-fungible token associated with the transaction digital asset on a second blockchain; and Transferring the first sustainable non-fungible token to the first purchaser.

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