IBM Wins Blockchain IoT Patent for Autonomous Self-Servicing Devices Necessary to Their ADEPT System

Patent Awarded To IBM For Their Autonomous Self-Servicing Of Certain Devices, Which Are Necessary To ADEPT Environment

IBM, one of the biggest names in blockchain technology, recently applied for a new patent. This patent application was for a component in the network devices that permits autonomous self-servicing, which is part of the Autonomous Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Telemetry (ADEPT) environment. Originally, the patent application was filed in June 2016. However, the actual award of the patent did not happen until last week on September 18^th.

The proof-of-concept (PoC) for ADEPT was first introduced as part of the company in March 2016. Involving a partnership with Samsung, the new protocol involves blockchain technology as part of the distributed network of devices. In Samsung’s words, the protocol is “a sort of decentralized Internet of Things (IoT).”

To discuss the patent filing, IBM explained, “IoT controllers are often centralized […] [with] different IoT solution vendors [providing] proprietary solutions that follow similar centralized architectures.” This statement suggests that the new architecture will be the reason behind lowered costs and improved efficiency in the company’s operations.

IBM specifically claims that the new devices will make it easier to be efficient in their decentralized network. It helps to diagnose the problem and automatically solve it for many different situations in the industry, like “self-diagnosis, predict[ing] equipment failure and anticipat[ing] service needs.” Furthermore, the filing says that the protocol will connect the first ADEPT peer to connect with others, which is “based on peer consensus.” Then, the first peer determines, “needs based on receiving diagnostics inputs.”

The protocol will be part of the decentralized system, ensuring the devices participate in self-servicing, which is then “based on foundational IoT trusted transactions in a peer-to-peer and decentralized manner.” Once established, the functions that it applies to could include distributed file sharing, peer-to-peer messaging, and autonomous inter-device coordination. These uses are necessary to “negotiate service contracts between trading partners.”

IBM has been working to establish a diverse reputation and use-case for blockchain technology. In fact, last week, CoinTelegraph noted that IBM has added another patent application to their list, but this one would help them maintain adequate privacy and security for drones on their blockchain. Another report, which came out last month, said that IBM was competing with Alibaba for having the most patents to date. Right now, IBM has 89, while Alibaba has 90.