Blockchain Charging System for Electronic Apparatuses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for charging electronic apparatuses, such as printers, lack a decentralized and transparent method for processing charges based on usage status, as they do not utilize blockchain technology.

Innovation Solution

A providing device with a communication unit connected to a blockchain network and a processing unit that generates transactions for registering charging processing programs as smart contracts, enabling automated charging processing by collecting, aggregating, and invoicing based on the status of use of electronic apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional centralized system is used for charging processing, then the system structure is simple, but transparency and security of charging data are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency and security of charging dataVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between the charging system and users. The blockchain network acts as a decentralized mediator that records and verifies charging transactions transparently and securely, eliminating the need for a single centralized authority while maintaining system reliability and data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional centralized mechanical charging system with a decentralized blockchain-based system. Instead of relying on centralized databases and manual verification processes, the system uses distributed ledger technology with cryptographic verification to achieve transparent and secure charging processing automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual charging processing is used, then system complexity is low, but productivity and accuracy of charging operations are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging processing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service charging processing through smart contracts deployed on the blockchain. The system automatically detects usage status of electronic apparatuses, calculates charges, and executes invoicing without manual intervention. The smart contracts autonomously verify transactions and update ledgers, significantly improving charging processing efficiency while maintaining system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs smart contracts that are pre-programmed with charging rules and logic before deployment. These contracts automatically execute charging operations based on predetermined conditions and usage data, eliminating the need for manual processing while ensuring consistent and accurate charging across all transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a decentralized blockchain system is implemented, then transparency and security are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency and securityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal blockchain infrastructure that serves multiple functions: transaction recording, verification, smart contract execution, and automated invoicing. This multi-functional platform reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while delivering comprehensive transparent and secure charging processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated charging processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging processing automationVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated charging system operates autonomously through smart contracts that automatically detect usage, calculate charges, and process invoicing without requiring user intervention or complex manual operations. Users simply need to connect their electronic apparatuses to the network, and the system handles all charging operations automatically, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11276092B2Providing device, processing system, and communication method

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A providing device includes: a communication unit communicating with a network using a blockchain; and a processing unit controlling the communication unit. The processing unit generates a transaction for registering, into the blockchain, a charging processing program for performing charging processing according to a status of use of an electronic apparatus that is a management target, and issues the generated transaction to the network via the communication unit.