Blockchain Voting for Software Service Lifetime Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is challenging to determine when to discontinue software services due to outdated software and hardware, which can lead to increased latency, security risks, and resource inefficiencies, while client interest is difficult to assess, making it hard to decide on service extensions or reimplementation.

Innovation Solution

A digital ledger network, such as a blockchain, is used for client voting on software service lifetimes through cryptocurrency transactions, where exceeding a predetermined threshold extends the service, and smart contracts manage renewal fees and feature upgrades or discontinuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If software services are continued to be provided for extended periods, then client interest and service stability are maintained, but system latency increases and security risks accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware service lifetimeVSAvoidsystem security and performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic service lifetime management through blockchain-based voting mechanisms. Services transition from static indefinite operation to dynamic expiration based on client votes. The system automatically adjusts service continuity based on real-time client interest, creating a living contract that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining security through automated termination of outdated services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes continuous feedback loops where client votes on service extension are recorded on the blockchain and automatically trigger service continuation or termination. This feedback mechanism ensures services are maintained only when clients actively desire them, preventing security risks from accumulating in abandoned services while maintaining stability for valued services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If outdated software services are discontinued, then security risks are reduced and resources are freed, but client interest and service continuity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem securityVSAvoidsoftware service lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary voting mechanisms before service discontinuation. Clients are given advance opportunity to vote on service extension, allowing them to express continued interest before automatic termination occurs. This preliminary action prevents unexpected service interruptions while ensuring outdated services are discontinued when no longer valued, balancing security needs with client interests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain-based voting system enables clients to self-manage service lifetimes without manual intervention. Clients automatically protect their valued services by voting for extension, while outdated services are self-terminated when votes are not received. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual security audits and service reviews, allowing the system to automatically maintain security while preserving client-valued services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual assessment of client interest is used to determine service extension, then service decisions can be made, but the process is complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice extension decision processVSAvoidclient interest data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual administrative processes with automated blockchain-based voting mechanisms. Instead of complex manual assessments involving multiple stakeholders reviewing client interest, the system uses cryptographic voting where clients directly express their interest through blockchain transactions. This mechanical substitution eliminates information loss by creating an immutable, transparent record of client preferences that automatically triggers service decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain voting mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects client interest data, records service lifetime decisions, triggers automated service extension or termination, and creates an immutable audit trail. This universal mechanism simplifies the entire service management process into a single unified system that handles data collection, decision-making, and execution without information loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230334499A1Managing software service lifetimes using voting via digital ledgers

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 RED HAT INC

AI summary

Smart contracts within digital ledger systems can be used in managing lifetimes of software services. For example, a computing system can receive, from client devices, cryptocurrency transactions. Each cryptocurrency transaction can be a vote regarding a lifetime of a software service. The computing system can publish the cryptocurrency transactions to a digital ledger. The computing system can determine that a number of cryptocurrency transactions exceeds a predetermined threshold. In response to determining that the number of cryptocurrency transactions exceeds a predetermined threshold, the digital ledger can retain the cryptocurrency transactions for use in extending the lifetime of the software service.