Distributed Ledger for Electronic Device Condition Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the condition of mobile phones are unreliable and subjective, leading to unfair resale value assessments for both customers and carriers.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated mobile application collects data from sensors in the electronic device and stores it on a tamper-proof distributed ledger, allowing for an objective and trustworthy determination of the device's condition, which is used to determine its resale value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection by technician is used to assess mobile phone condition, then the assessment process can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability and objectivity of the assessment deteriorates due to subjective judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection system with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors continuously collect objective data about device conditions (drops, moisture exposure, temperature, usage patterns) and automatically store this information in a distributed ledger, eliminating subjective technician judgment while maintaining assessment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger as an intermediary between the sensors and the assessment process. This intermediary stores sensor data immutably and provides it to both customers and carriers, serving as a neutral third party that ensures trustless, objective condition assessment without requiring manual inspection.
2Loss of time
If subjective condition assessment is used, then the assessment method remains simple and quick, but the fairness and trustworthiness of resale value determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having sensors continuously collect and store condition data in the distributed ledger before the resale transaction occurs. This advance data collection ensures that objective condition information is already available when the customer seeks to resell the device, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspections while ensuring fair, trustworthy valuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing both the customer and carrier with access to the same immutable condition data stored in the distributed ledger. This transparent feedback mechanism eliminates information asymmetry and builds trust, as both parties can independently verify the device condition without relying on subjective assessments.
3Ease of operation
If manual inspection with diagnostic tools is used, then basic functionality can be checked, but the ability to detect historical events affecting device integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual diagnostic tool inspection with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor and record device conditions. These sensors detect historical events such as drops, moisture exposure, and temperature extremes, capturing information that would be impossible to obtain through manual inspection, while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for determining a current condition of an electronic device configured to communicate over a wireless network. For example, the method can include collecting units of condition data of the electronic device. In some instances, each unit of condition data is generated by a sensor of the electronic device that performs an ongoing measurement of a parameter of the electronic device or detects an occurrence of an event that affects the condition of the electronic device. The electronic device provides the units of condition data over a network to a manager node. The units of condition data are then stored in a distributed ledger. The network node can determine a current condition of the electronic device based on the units of condition data stored in the distributed ledger.